Automatic ironing apparatus

This invention relates to an automated apparatus for smoothing articles. More specifically, the invention relates to an automated apparatus and method for smoothing articles that have been washed or are otherwise creased.

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.

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: means for supporting the article; a flexible steaming head for applying steam to said supported article comprising at least one steaming head; and means for shaping said flexible steaming head such that, in use, said flexible steaming head engages with a surface of said supported article thereby applying a force to said supported article.

Preferably a profile of the flexible steaming head is adjustable.

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 apparatus comprises means for displacing the position of the steaming head within the automated apparatus thereby to apply a force to 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.

Optionally the at least one steaming head comprises a flexible tube, and 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.

Optionally the apparatus comprises a plurality of moveable members arranged to shape the flexible steaming head, preferably 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 apparatus comprising means for positioning the rigid steaming heads so as to extend the profile of the flexible 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.

Also described herein is an automated apparatus for smoothing an article, the apparatus comprising: means for supporting the article; a flexible steaming head for applying steam to said supported article; and means for shaping said flexible steaming head such that, in use, said flexible steaming head engages with a surface of said supported article thereby applying a force to said supported article.

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

Preferably the flexible steaming head is elongate and the plurality of fluid outlets are arranged along a length thereof.

Optionally the plurality of fluid outlets are arranged to be moved independently of one another.

Preferably the flexible steaming head includes a flexible tube, and wherein the fluid outlets are arranged on an outer surface of said tube.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises a perforated reinforcing belt affixed to the flexible tube such that the perforations of the reinforcing belt are in register with the fluid outlets of said flexible tube.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises a plurality of moveable members arranged to shape the flexible steaming head, preferably to extend the profile of the flexible steaming head.

Preferably 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.

Preferably the moveable members are in the form of moveable rollers, preferably the moveable rollers are pivotally mounted. Preferably at least one piston is provided to displace the movable rollers so as to shape the flexible steaming head.

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

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

Preferably the shape of the flexible steaming head is determined by a measured tension parameter of 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.

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 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 the bottom of the supported article. Preferably 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 further comprising 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.

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:

Figure 1 shows an automated apparatus for treating articles;

Figure 2A shows a hanger for hanging an article to be treated;

Figure 2B shows the hanger in use with an article supported;

Figure 3A shows the apparatus arranged to retain an article;

Figure 3B shows the apparatus arranged to retain an article with a set of flaps deployed; Figure 4A shows a side view of the apparatus with a smoothing unit in a stowed position and stowed configuration;

Figure 4B shows a side view of the apparatus with the smoothing unit in a raised position and stowed configuration;

Figure 4C shows a side view of the apparatus with the smoothing unit in a raised position and in an intermediate configuration;

Figure 4D shows a side view of the apparatus with the smoothing unit in a raised position and in an in use configuration;

Figure 5A shows a front perspective view of a steaming assembly;

Figure 5B shows a top-down view of the steaming assembly in an initial configuration. Figure 5C shows a top-down view of the steaming assembly in a deployed configuration. Figure 6A shows a front perspective view of a flexible steaming head;

Figure 6B shows a front view of the flexible steaming head;

Figure 6C shows a top-down view of the flexible steaming head;

Figure 7A shows a detailed front perspective view of the smoothing unit with the steaming assembly in a retracted position;

Figure 7B shows a detailed front perspective view of the smoothing unit with the steaming assembly in an extended position.

Figures 8A shows a front perspective view of the smoothing unit in an in use configuration;

Figure 8B shows a top-down view of the smoothing unit in an in use configuration.

Figure 8C shows a side view of the smoothing unit in an in use configuration. Figure 8D shows front view of the smoothing unit in an in use configuration.

Figure 9A shows a front perspective view of the apparatus with the steaming assembly in an initial configuration;

Figure 9B shows a front perspective view of the apparatus post deployment of the steaming assembly;

Figure 10A shows a rear perspective view of the apparatus prior to deployment of the steaming assembly;

Figure 10B shows a rear perspective view of the apparatus post deployment of the steaming assembly;

Figure 1 1 A shows a modified hanger for hanging articles to be treated;

Figure 1 1 B shows a modified hanger for hanging articles to be treated in use with an article supported;

Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the apparatus incorporating air blowers.

Figure 13A shows a front view of an alternative example of a steaming head to that shown in Figure 6;

Figure 13B shows a side view of the rigid steaming head shown in Figure 13A;

Figure 13C shows a cross-sectional side view of the rigid steaming head shown in Figure 13A;

Figure 13D shows the circulation of steam through the rigid steaming head shown in Figure 13A;

Figure 14A shows a perspective view of an alternative example of the steaming assembly shown in Figure 5, where the alternative steaming assembly is in a retracted configuration;

Figure 14B shows a front on view of the steaming assembly of Figure 14A;

Figure 15A shows a perspective view of the steaming assembly of Figure 14A in an extended configuration; and

Figure 15B shows a front on view of the steaming assembly of Figure 14A in an extended configuration.

An exemplary embodiment of an automated apparatus 100 for smoothing an article 106 (of clothing) is shown in Figure 1 . For convenience, the article 106 used herein to describe the apparatus 100 is a shirt, though the apparatus 100 can of course be used to smooth other articles and similar fabrics. The apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 defining a treatment chamber 104, in which a shirt 106 (i.e. an‘article’) is supported by a hanger 1 10. Although not shown, doors are provided on at least one side of the housing 102 so as to allow the treatment chamber 104 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 1 10 has a hook portion that in turn is used to support the hanger 1 10 from a support rail 108 provided in the apparatus 100. The support rail 108 may be able to rotate about an orthogonal axis for storage purposes within the apparatus 100.

The hanger 1 10 is shown in more detail in Figures 2A and 2B. As will be appreciated, this example of a hanger 1 10 is particularly suitable for hanging a shirt 106, as shirts are the exemplary articles being described herein. As can be seen in Figure 2A, the hanger 1 10 has a hook portion 1 12 and two leg portions 1 14 (e.g.‘elongate members’) that extend downwardly from either side of the hanger 1 10. A shirt 106 is shown hanging on the hanger 1 10 in Figure 2B, similar to what is shown in Figure 1 . The two leg portions 1 14 pass down through the shirt 106 and extend below the bottom of the shirt 106.

As can be seen in Figure 3A, when the hanger 1 10 is supported in the apparatus 100, the legs 1 14 extend down towards the base of the housing 102. In Figure 3A, the legs 1 14 are unrestrained and free to move such that the shirt 106 can easily be inserted into and removed from the treatment chamber 104 simply by pushing or unhooking the hanger 1 10 from the support rail 108.

Figure 3B shows the supported article 106 during treatment. The legs 1 14 are now restrained, in this example between two hinged portions (e.g.‘flaps’) 1 16, disposed in the base of the housing 102. The flaps 1 16, which are operable to move between a flat configuration, in which the legs 1 14 are unrestrained, and an upright configuration, whereby the legs 1 14 of the hanger 1 10 are clamped between the flaps 1 16, such that they are thereby restrained. The flaps 1 16 may be moved by an actuator (not shown) provided in the base of the housing 102. The flaps 1 16 may be controlled to move automatically to restrain the legs 1 14 of the hanger 1 10 when the doors (not shown) of the apparatus are closed, for example. Alternatively, the flaps 1 16 could be moved into position manually, of course. Figures 4A to 4D are vertical cross sectional views through the side of the apparatus 100 (with the article 106 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 120. The smoothing unit 120 comprises a brush assembly 126, a steaming assembly 122 and a horizontal actuator 124. Preferably, the steaming assembly 122 is arranged to push against a suspended article 106 to make it taut during the application of steam. The steaming assembly 122 is arranged within the smoothing unit 120 at a downward angle with respect to the horizontal plane as shown in Figure 4.

The smoothing unit 120 is mounted to a vertical track 1 18, arranged such that the smoothing unit 120 may be driven to different vertical positions within the apparatus 100.

Figure 4A shows the smoothing unit 120 positioned in the base of the apparatus 100 in a stowed position and stowed configuration.

Figure 4B shows the smoothing unit 120 in a raised position and stowed configuration.

Figure 4C shows the smoothing unit 120 in a raised position and intermediary configuration. In this configuration the steaming assembly 122 is in an extended position, it is displaced horizontally away from the vertical rail 1 18 away and towards the brush assembly 126.

Figure 4D shows the smoothing unit 120 in a raised position and in an in use configuration. In this configuration the brush assembly 126 is in an engaged position, the brush assembly 126 is in close proximity to the extended steaming assembly 122.

Figures 5A-C show, in detail, the steaming assembly 122 that forms part of the smoothing unit 120.

The steaming assembly 122 shown in Figures 5A-C comprises a flexible steaming head 160 shown in more detail in Figure 6A-C; and a means for shaping the flexible steaming head 160 in the form of a set of moveable rollers 136 described in more detail below.

Figure 6A shows a front perspective view of the flexible steaming head 160. A flexible tube 142 provides a means for dispensing fluid. The flexible tube 142, 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 134 arranged in an array along a section of the flexible tube 142, facing outwardly away from the centre of the ellipse formed by the flexible tube 142, provide a means for the expulsion of fluid from the flexible tube 142. Fluid outlets 134 are arranged to face the supported article 106 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 130 allows fluid for example steam to be introduced to the lumen of the flexible tube 142.

A perforated reinforcing belt 128 is affixed to the surface of the flexible tube 142. The perforated reinforcing belt 128 faces outwardly from the centre of the ellipse formed by the flexible tube 142 and covers at least a portion of this surface.

The perforated reinforcing belt 128 provides structural support to the flexible tube 142. The perforated reinforcing belt 128 comprises a plurality of perforations 132 that are provided in register with the fluid outlets 134 of flexible tube 142 to allow for the expulsion of fluid from the lumen of the flexible tube 142. The perforated reinforcing belt 128 may be constructed from a flexible metal for example spring tempered stainless steel.

The diameter of the perforations 132 of the perforated reinforcing belt 128 have a diameter that is larger than that of the fluid outlets 134.

Typically the profile of the flexible steaming head is adjustable to engage the supported article 106.

Figure 5A shows a front perspective view of the steaming assembly 122. A set of moveable members in the form of pivotally mounted moveable rollers 136 are arranged to shape the flexible steaming head 160. The moveable rollers 136 contact and move along the inner diameter of the ellipse formed by the outer surface of the flexible tube 142. A third moveable member (not shown), in contact with the flexible steaming head 160 and arranged to be driven outwardly and inwardly, to and from, the centre of ellipse shown in Figure 5, which works in cooperation with the moveable rollers 136 to shape the flexible steaming head 160.

The positions of the moveable rollers 136 are controlled by pistons 138. The moveable rollers 136 shape the flexible tube 142 and perforated reinforcing belt 128. The elliptical shape of the flexible steaming head 160 is altered by the positioning of the moveable rollers 136. More specifically as the pistons 138 extends the position of the moveable rollers 136 changes, causing the profile of the flexible steaming head 160 to change. Typically the profile of the flexible steaming head 160 is extended (as shown Figure 5C) or reduced (as shown in Figure 5B) by the positioning of the moveable rollers 136. In addition the moveable rollers 136 ensure that the flexible steaming head 160 remains taut as its profile is altered.

Other methods are envisaged by which the position of the moveable rollers 136 may be altered. The moveable rollers 136 are preferably shaped to cooperate with the flexible tube 142 and perforated reinforcing belt 128, such that flexible tube 142 does not kink or become compressed as the position of moveable rollers 136 is changed.

In addition, other methods are also envisaged by which the flexible steaming head 160 may be shaped, for example by other mechanical means.

A load cell 140 positioned behind the flexible tube 142 provides a means of determining a measured tension parameter associated with the force applied to the article 106 by the flexible tube 142 and/or perforated reinforcing belt 128. 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 122 and/or movable rollers may be used to determine the force being applied to the article.

Figure 7A shows the smoothing unit 120 in more detail. The smoothing unit 120 comprises the horizontal actuator 124, brush assembly 126 and steaming assembly 122. The horizontal actuator 124 and brush assembly 126 are mounted to the steaming assembly 122 as shown in Figures 5A-C.

The horizontal actuator 124 facilitates the movement of the steaming assembly 122 such that the steaming assembly 122 may be moved toward or away from the supported article 106 in apparatus 100. The movement provides a means by which the flexible steaming head 160 of the steaming assembly 122 may be brought into contact with an article 106 supported within the smoothing apparatus.

The brush assembly 126 mounted to the steaming assembly 122 comprises a plurality of brushes 146. The brushes 146 are arranged to be translated relative to the steaming assembly 122 from the extended position shown in Figure 7A and 7B into an engaged position shown in Figures 8A-D by a motor 144. In the engaged position the brushes cooperate with the flexible steaming head to smooth the supported article 106 during the smoothing process.

The brushes 146 are additionally configured to deflect about the vertical axis and arranged such that whilst the smoothing unit 120 is treating an article 106 they may be deflected by the profile of the flexible steaming head 160.

Figure 7B shows the steaming assembly 122 of the smoothing unit 120 in an extended position.

Figure 8A shows the smoothing unit 120 in the“in use” configuration. This configuration is also shown in Figure 4D.

In this configuration, the brushes 146 are in an engaged position and the steaming assembly 122 is in an extended position.

In Figure 8B the brushes 146 have been moved so as to be brought into close proximity to the flexible steaming head 160.

The side view of the smoothing unit 120 shown in Figure 8C shows the flexible steaming head set at a downward angle, preferably 16 degrees from the horizontal. The downward angle has been found to help generate and maintain tension in the supported article 106 during treatment.

Figures 9A and Figure 9B show examples of the smoothing apparatus 100 in use.

As shown in Figure 9A and 9B, an article 106 is supported between the flexible steaming head 160 of the steaming assembly 122 and the brushes 146 of the brush assembly 126. A motor (not shown) provided in the base of the housing 102 is arranged to drive a belt drive (not shown), or a similar arrangement, to move the smoothing unit 120 up and down within the housing 102. The smoothing unit 120 is arranged to move along a vertical track 1 18 provided at either side of the housing 102. A counter-balance weight (such as a plate, or similar) may also be arranged to move with the smoothing unit 120 to balance out the weight of the smoothing unit 120 in the housing 102. The smoothing unit 120 is affixed to the vertical track 1 18 via the mounting bracket 150.

In use, an article 106 is loaded into the treatment chamber 104 and is arranged to be supported by hanger 1 10.

Before treatment of the article 106 begins the smoothing unit 120 is moved into a desirable vertical position such as that shown in Figure 9A.

Once the smoothing unit 120 is a desirable vertical position, for example at the top of the supported article 106 to be treated, the steaming assembly 122 is moved into an extended configuration by the horizontal actuator 124 such that the flexible steaming head 160 contacts and applies a force to the supported article 106. The brushes 146 of the brush assembly 126 are engaged to contact the surface of the article 106 opposite to the surface of the supported article 106 contacted by flexible steaming head 160.

The force sensor 140 of the steaming assembly 122 measures the force exerted onto the flexible steaming head 160 by the supported article 106. This measured force is directly correlated to the tension in the article 106.

To achieve a desirable tension in the article 106, the measured force may be used to determine a desirable position of the steaming assembly 122, one in which the tension of the article 106 is within a desirable range. The horizontal position of the steaming assembly 122 is controlled by the horizontal actuator 124.

Once the steaming assembly 122 is in a desirable position the moveable rollers 136 are moved, so as to extend the profile of the flexible steaming head 160.

For example, the moveable rollers 136 may be moved from an initial position (as shown in Figure 5B) to the deployed position (as shown in Figure 5C) so as to the shape the flexible steaming head 160 and apply tension to the supported article 106.

As the piston 138 repositions the moveable rollers 136 from the initial position to the deployed position, the profile of the flexible steaming head 160 is extended across the width of the article 106.

The change in shape of the flexible steaming head 160 alters the tension of the supported article 106. Data from a force sensor (not shown) may be used to determine the shape of the flexible steaming head 160 such that the tension applied to the article 106 falls within a desirable range.

In the deployed position, the moveable rollers 136 are in close proximity to the legs of the hanger 1 10. This advantageously ensures that the material of the article 106 at these points is taut. The moveable rollers 136 in the deployed position therefore reduce or eliminate the adverse effect the presence of the legs 1 14 may have on the smoothing process.

Typically the shape of the flexible steaming head 160 is set before treatment begins. During treatment, the positions of the moveable rollers remain unchanged such that the shape of the flexible steaming head 160 typically remains unchanged.

During treatment, as the shirt 106 bows under the pressure of flexible steaming head 160 pushing against it (see Figure 9B), its material is stretched out and/or pulled tighter, while steam is gently applied to the shirt 106 (e.g. passed through it) thereby providing an ironing effect. The smoothing unit 120, in the in use configuration, can then be moved vertically up and/or down the shirt 106 with the steaming assembly 122 extended inwardly, the brushes 146 are engaged and the moveable rollers 136 are in the deployed position.

As the smoothing unit 120 is moved vertically up and/or down the shirt 106 steam is applied to the shirt 106 from the fluid outlets 134 of flexible steaming head 160. The steam heats the shirt, dampening it at the same time, which thereby removes creases and wrinkles more permanently, effectively smoothing the shirt 106.

The brushes 146 in contact with the article 106 provide a smoothing effect and ensure that the article 106 remains taut in the locality of the flexible steaming head 160.

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 120 is moved vertically during the smoothing process, the measured data from the force sensor 140 is used to determine if the measured tension parameter of the article 106 is within a desired range. If the tension falls outside of this range the horizontal actuator 124 may move the steaming assembly 122, away from or towards, the supported article 106, altering the tension in the article 106, until the determined tension falls within the desirable range. Other means of determining a measured tension parameter are also possible.

Figure 10A and Figure 10B show a rear view of the smoothing apparatus 100 in use.

Figure 10A shows the article 106 supported between the brushes 146 of brush assembly 126 and the steaming assembly 122. The brushes 146 are in an extended position and the steaming assembly 122 is in a retracted position. Figure 10B shows the smoothing unit in the“in use configuration”. The brushes 146 of the brush assembly 126 are in an engaged position and the steaming assembly 122 is deployed towards the article 106. The flexible steaming head 160 (not visible) is in contact with the article 106 causing a section of the article 106 to bow outwardly.

The article 106 of Figure 10B has been stretched taut by the steaming assembly 122.

During the smoothing process, the brushes 146 are brought into contact with the back of the article 106 by the motor of the brush assembly 126. The brushes 146 are positioned opposite to the fluid outlets 134, such that the fluid outlets 134 and brushes 146 work in a cooperative manner to smooth the article 106.

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 160 and operable to deliver steam to the flexible steaming head 160 upon demand.

Figures 1 1 A and 1 1 B show a modified hanger 1 10 in which two fasteners (e.g.‘clips’) 144 are attached to the legs 1 14 of the hanger 1 10 by an elasticated and/or retractable cord 156 for securing to the bottom of the shirt 106 thereby to retain it so that it does not open and/or rise up during the smoothing process. The two clips 154 are arranged, respectively, to secure one each to the front and rear of the shirt 106. The clips 154 are manually applied to the shirt 106 prior to treatment.

A sensor (not shown) may be used during the smoothing process to detect when the smoothing unit 120 is in vertical alignment with the clips 154. Once in the vertical alignment with the clips 154 the smoothing unit may then complete the treatment of the article 106, in this manner the smoothing unit 122 ends treatment of article 106 when it reaches the bottom of the supported article 106.

With either of the hanger 1 10 arrangements, the front of the shirt 106 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 142 are provided. As mentioned above, the housing 102 is provided with at least one door (not shown) to allow article 106 to be placed in the treatment chamber 104 and the housing 102 is then closed for treatment, and then opened afterwards to allow the smoothed article 106 to be removed. The door may help to keep the heat and steam contained within the apparatus 100 and inhibits any potential contaminant entering the treatment chamber 104 during treatment.

The housing 102 may have doors on both sides of the housing 102 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 104, 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 104.

In Figure 12, an example of the apparatus 100 is shown including two air blowers 152 arranged to blow, preferably heated, air into the shirt 106 though its neck to at least partially inflate the shirt 106. The air blowers 152 may be angled to blow air into the shirt 106 from different angles so as to blow air into both the body of the shirt 106 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 152 may be controlled to operate alternately. For example, each air blower 152 may be controlled to operate for around 10 seconds, in turn. In this way, interruption of the flow of air directed into the article 106 can be reduced during treatment of an article 106. The air blowers 152 may be controlled to blow air into the shirt 106 once the smoothing unit 120 has been retracted, whereby to dry the shirt 106, or they may be controlled to blow air into a portion of the shirt 106 above steaming assembly 122, which act to provide a seal, so as to inflate the shirt 106 to improve removal of creases and/or wrinkles.

The air blowers 152 may be arranged to blow, preferably hot, air into the shirt 106 once the steaming assembly 122 has applied the steam. Air may be blown into a portion of the shirt 106 above the smoothing unit 120 while it is still moving, or after it has completed its full range of movement. The air blowers 152 may be arranged to blow air into the shirt 106 prior to the smoothing unit 120 being deployed to help to remove any creases or wrinkles, including any in the arms of the shirt 106 (or any other protuberances). One or more air blowers may be arranged to blow air into the shirt 106 from underneath the shirt 106, for example so as to inflate the arms (e.g. the ‘protuberances’) of the shirt 106.

Figure 13 shows an alternative steaming head to that shown in Figure 6 and described above. Figure 13A shows a front view of the rigid steaming head 200, Figure 13B shows a side view of the rigid steaming head 200 and Figure 13C shows a cross-sectional side view of the rigid steaming head 200.

At least one of the rigid steaming heads 200 may be arranged to form a flexible steaming head.

The rigid steaming head 200 comprises an interior cavity 250, a steaming section 290 which releases fluid, for example steam or water vapour, from the interior cavity 250; and a pressing section 280 which is heated by fluid contained in the interior cavity 250 and may be arranged to press or smooth an article.

The steaming section 290 and pressing section 280 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 200 of Figure 13 is substantially rectangular or elongated oblong in shape. The rigid steaming head 200 is curved wherein the degree of curvature of the steamer head 200 is selected to optimise the smoothing of an article.

The steaming section 290 of the rigid steaming head is in fluid and thermal contact with the interior cavity 250 of the steaming head 200. The pressing section 280 is in thermal contact with the interior cavity 250 and may also be in fluid contact with the interior cavity 250.

An array of fluid outlets 220 is provided in the steaming section 290, the array of fluid outlets 220 extend across the width of the front side of the steaming section 290. The front side being the side of the rigid steaming head 200 that is arranged within the apparatus 100 to face the article 106 to be smoothed. The rear side of the rigid steaming head 200 is the side of the steaming head that is arranged in the apparatus 100 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 220 of the rigid steaming head 200 provide fluid communication between the interior cavity 250 and the exterior of the rigid steamer head 200 and in particular the exterior region in close proximity to the front face of the steaming section 290 of the rigid steaming head 200.

The pressing section 280 shown in Figure 13, comprises a pressing plate 210 extending across the front face of the pressing section 280. The pressing plate 210 is in thermal and fluid contact with the interior cavity 250 of the rigid steaming head 200.

The pressing plate 210 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 Figure 13 the fluid outlets 220 of the steaming section are set back, in the rearward direction, from the front face of the pressing plate 210. 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 210 in the embodiment shown in Figure 13 creates an exterior cavity 270 in front of the fluid outlets 220 which is partially enclosed by the pressing section 280 and the steaming section 290.

The steaming section 290 may also further comprise a lip 230 which is offset from the fluid outlets 220 in the front direction and arranged to partially enclose the exterior cavity 270.

Steam released from the interior cavity 250 through the fluid outlets 220 of the steaming section collects in the exterior cavity 270 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 250 of the steaming head 200 extends substantially across the length and width of the steamer head extending through both the steaming section 290 and pressing sections 280.

The interior cavity 250 transports fluid, for example steam, to both the pressing section 280 and the steaming section 290 of the rigid steamer head 200. The interior cavity 250 is arranged to form a substantially circular path within the steamer head 200 so as to allow circulation of steam through the pressing section 280 and into the steaming section 290 of the rigid steaming head 200.

The fluid outlets 220 of the steaming section 290 allow fluid communication between the interior cavity 250 and the exterior of the steamer head and in particular exterior cavity 270. The pressing plate 210 of the pressing section partially encloses part of the interior cavity 250.

An aperture or fixture 260 is provided in the interior cavity 250 of the steaming head to allow fluid, which may be pressurised, to be introduced into the interior cavity 250.

The aperture 260 for providing steam to the interior cavity 250 of the steamer head 200 is provided in the centre of the rear face of the pressing section. Steam or other fluid, introduced into the interior cavity 250 thereby flows through the pressing section 280 to the extremities of the steaming head and at the extremities, due to the circular nature of the interior cavity 250, the steam flows through into the steaming section 290 and back toward the centre of the rigid steaming head 200, as shown in Figure 13D wherein the arrows show the flow of fluid through the interior cavity 250.

As the steam travels through the steaming section 290 it is expelled through the fluid outlets 220 into the exterior cavity 270. Other arrangements of the interior cavity 250 which transport fluid to the pressing section 280 and steaming section 290 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 220 described above may be provided on a steaming assembly 500 so as to form a flexible steaming head 300 as shown in Figure 14.

Figure 14 shows an alternative steaming assembly 300 to the steaming assembly 122 shown in Figure 5 and described above.

When describing the steaming assembly 500 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 100 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 310, 320 and 330, 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 500 shown in Figure 14 will now be described in detail.

The steaming assembly 500 shown in Figure 14 comprises a flexible steaming head 300 that comprises three rigid steamer heads 310, 320, and 330 as described above and shown in Figure 13, a motor 350 and a force sensor 360.

The flexible steaming head 300 comprises a central steaming head 320, a right steaming head 330 and a left steaming head 310 for applying steam to and smoothing an article.

The left and right steaming heads 310,330 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 320 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 300 may be moved independently of one another, and relative to one another by the motor 350 of the steaming assembly 500.

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. Figure 14 shows the steaming assembly 500 in which the rigid steaming heads are in the retracted configuration and Figure 15 shows the steaming assembly 500 with the rigid steaming heads in the extended configuration.

Movement of the rigid steaming heads between these configurations is controlled by a motor 350 positioned on the steaming assembly 500.

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 Figure 14 and Figure 15 the right 330 and left 310 rigid steaming heads are driven by the motor 350, the central steaming head 320 is not driven by the motor 350.

In the retracted configuration shown in Figure 14, the left 310 and right 330 rigid steaming heads are positioned in close proximity to one another and the central steamer head 320 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 310 and right 330 steaming heads and the central steamer head 320. In the extended configuration the left 310 and right 330 steaming heads are positioned at a distance, substantially along the y-axis, away from one another.

The left 310 and right 330 steaming heads are moved away from one another along the circumference of the circle C1. The position of the central steaming head 320 of the steaming assembly 300 in the extended configuration remains unchanged from the retracted configuration.

Whilst the central steaming head 320 remains vertically offset from the left and right steaming heads 310,330, the degree of overlap of the left and right steaming heads 310, 330 with the central steaming head 320 in the y-axis is substantially reduced and the profile of the flexible steaming head 300 is increased in the y-axis direction.

A plurality of force sensors 360 are provided on the steaming assembly 300, the force sensors 360 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 360 is used in determining the position of the rigid steaming head(s) and\or the position of the steaming assembly 500.

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 500 in the x-axis direction.

The rigid steaming heads 200 may comprise a shoulder section 340 that extends the profile of the rigid steamer head 200 in the vertical z direction. The height of the shoulder section 340 is chosen so as to ensure that tension exerted by the rigid steaming heads of the flexible steaming head 300 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 200, but in particular in when the steaming heads 200 are in the extended configuration shown in Figure 15B. The end of the steamer head 200 and the shoulder section 340 may be further curved at a curvature that differs from the rest of the steaming head 200, this curvature may be selected so as to ensure tension is achieved across the article. This can be seen in Figures 14 and 15 wherein the end of the left steamer head 310 and the end of the right steaming head 330 are curved.

The operation of the flexible steaming head and steaming assembly 500 will now be described in more detail.

The steaming assembly 500 may be mounted into a smoothing unit similar to that described previously.

The smoothing unit comprises the steaming assembly 500 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 126 shown in 7 and Figure 8 and described in detail above.

In a similar manner to the example described above, the smoothing unit may be mounted on a vertical track 1 18 within the apparatus 100 and configured such that the smoothing unit may be driven to different vertical positions in the apparatus and along the vertical track 1 18.

In this example however, the smoothing unit is mounted on the vertical track 1 18 such that the front faces of the steaming heads 200 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 200 that may be used to smooth and steam the article. The apparatus 100 may comprise a fluid reservoir which may be located in the base of the apparatus 100. The fluid inlets 260 of the rigid steaming heads 310,320,330 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 100 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 310,320,330 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 360 and also controls the flow, temperature and pressure of the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the steamer heads 310,320,330.

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 500 and smoothing unit will now be described in use when mounted in apparatus 100.

In use, the steaming assembly 300 and smoothing unit function in similar manner to example described above.

An article 106 is secured inside apparatus 100 prior to treatment of an article. A user starts the smoothing operation of the apparatus. The doors of the apparatus 100 close and the smoothing unit is driven to a vertical start position along the vertical track 1 18. The smoothing unit is mounted on the vertical track such that the front faces of the steamer heads face the article 106 to be smoothed.

Typically, the smoothing operation begins with the smoothing assembly positioned at the top of the vertical track 1 18 with the rigid steaming heads 310,320,330 of the flexible steaming head in the retracted configuration shown in Figure 14B.

Once in the desired vertical position the horizontal actuator moves the steaming assembly 300 toward the article to be smoothed along the x-axis.

As a result of the movement the steaming assembly toward the article 106 the front faces of the pressing plates of the rigid steaming heads of the flexible steaming head 300 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 360 of the rigid steaming heads.

The force measurement is representative of the tension applied to the article 1 18 by the rigid steaming heads 310, 320, 330.

The position of the steaming assembly 500 is determined by the force measurement of the force sensors 360. Different positions of the steaming assembly 500 apply different magnitudes of force to the article 106. The position of the steaming assembly 500 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 310,320,330 of the flexible steaming head are moved from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration shown in Figure 15B.

The left 310 and right 330 steaming heads are moved across the article from a central position to an extended position along the circumference of C1.

As the left 310 and right 330 steaming heads move across the article 106 from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration the steaming heads 310, 320, 330 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 106 and thereby creating and maintaining tension across the full width of the article.

During treatment, as the article 106 bows under the pressure of the rigid steaming heads 310, 320, 330 pushing against it, the material of the article is stretched out and/or pulled tighter, while steam is gently applied to the article 106 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 340 of the left 310 and right 330 steaming heads help maintain the tension across the article 106 over the full height of the steamer heads 310,320,330. With the steaming heads in an extended configuration, and the steaming assembly 300 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 106.

Steam is provided to the rigid steaming heads 310,320,330 from the fluid reservoir through the steam input 260 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 250 of the rigid steaming heads and circulates through the smoothing section 280 into the steaming section 290 of the rigid steaming heads where it is expelled through the array of fluid outlets 220 and into the exterior cavity 270 at least partially enclosed by the pressing plate 210 of the pressing section 280 and the steaming section 290.

Steam expelled through the fluid outlets 220 collects in the exterior cavity 270 of each of the rigid steaming heads and produces a thin cushion of uniform steam across the width of article 106.

As steam flows through the pressing section 280 the pressing plates 210 of the rigid steaming heads are heated through direct contact with the steam causing, through thermal conduction, the outer surface of the pressing plate 210 that is in contact with article 106 to be heated and become hot. The temperature that the pressing plate 210 is heated to would typically be in a range of 80°C to 100°C. Although it will be appreciated that the pressing plate 210 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 300 across the article applying steam to the article 106 via the steaming section 290 and smoothing the steamed parts of the article using the pressing plate 210 of the pressing section 280 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 300 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 106 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 106, 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 310 and right 330 steaming heads may be adjusted by the motors 350 based on measurements of force from the force sensors thereby adjusting the profile of the flexible steaming head 300 so as to maintain tension across the article.

In addition, as the smoothing unit progresses vertically across the article the flexible steaming head 300 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 106 by the motor of the brush assembly 126. The brushes 146, may be positioned opposite to the pressing plate 210, such that the pressing plate 210 and brushes work in a cooperative manner to smooth the article 106.

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 300 and operable to deliver steam to the flexible steaming head 300 upon demand.

Whilst the flexible steaming head shown in Figure 14 and 16 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 260 of the rigid steaming head 200 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 250 within the rigid steaming head 200 are possible for example the interior cavity may zig - zag through the pressing section 280 so as to improve thermal transfer of heat to the pressing plate 210.

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. It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims. Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.