Automated ironing equipment

Abstract

An automated ironing device (100) comprising a flexible steam head (500) for applying steam to a supported item, the flexible steam head comprising means for shaping the flexible steam head in at least two dimensions. A method of operating the device for flattening a garment, the method comprising closing at least one opening in the garment thereby restricting the flow of gas through the at least one opening, and introducing gas into the interior of the garment thereby flattening the garment; wherein closing at least one of the openings to be closed comprises engaging the flexible steam head with a surface of the garment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated apparatus for straightening articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automated apparatus and method for straightening articles that have been washed or otherwise wrinkled. Background Art

[0002] After washing, articles of clothing and similar fabrics often dry with creases, which can ruin their appearance. Fortunately, these wrinkles can be removed through a process of smoothing or pressing. Conventional methods for removing wrinkles and creases include ironing and steaming.

[0003] Such conventional methods can be time consuming and require effort and a degree of skill on the part of the person performing the method.

[0004] Attempts to automate the removal of wrinkles and creases have been proposed, including devices in which a roller arrangement is moved over hanging garments to smooth out the creases and wrinkles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide an improved apparatus and method for straightening articles of (clothing).

[0006] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims.These and other aspects and embodiments of the present invention are also described herein.

[0007] Process

[0008] According to one aspect described herein, there is provided a method of smoothing a garment, the method comprising: closing at least one opening in the garment thereby restricting the flow of gas through the at least one opening; and introducing gas into the interior of the garment thereby (optionally, stretching the garment and) smoothing the garment.

[0009] By closing openings in a garment and introducing gas into the garment interior, a new flattening method can be provided that is particularly suitable for hanging shirts. Flattening the shirt in a hanging position can save space and improve the user experience (because less handling may be required). In addition, the new flattening method can provide for flattening certain parts of a garment that are difficult to handle by other means due to the presence of a hanger. As will be understood, the gas is not introduced through the fabric of the garment. The gas is introduced directly into the garment interior so that the gas contacts the (inner) fabric of the garment (rather than any intermediate structure) - this can provide improved flattening of larger parts of the shirt. These openings are openings through which a part of the human body extends when the garment is worn. Closing preferably includes restricting (i.e. reducing) the airflow through the openings, preferably by providing a physical barrier to the airflow, more preferably causing hoop stress to be generated in the garment and / or causing the garment to bulge outwards; but more preferably allowing the air to escape the garment through the fabric of the garment.

[0010] According to one aspect described herein, there is provided a method of flattening a garment, the method comprising introducing gas into the interior of the garment to inflate the garment, thereby (optionally stretching the garment and) flattening the garment.

[0011] Preferably, the method further comprises inflating (ie expanding) the garment by introducing gas into the interior of the garment. The inflation may stretch the garment, which may assist in the flattening process.

[0012] Preferably, introducing gas into the interior of the garment comprises introducing gas via at least one opening in the garment. Preferably, the at least one opening through which the gas is introduced is at least one opening different from the closed opening. This may provide a convenient way to introduce the gas.

[0013] Preferably, the method further comprises closing all openings in the garment except for at least one opening for introducing gas. The garment is inflated by introducing air into the interior of the garment through the remaining unclosed openings. This can provide more reliable inflation.

[0014] The garment is preferably an upper body garment, and the gas is preferably introduced via the collar of the garment. Optionally, a gas blower is positioned near the collar and / or extends into the collar to introduce the gas. This can provide a convenient way to introduce the gas, as the collar is located toward the top of the hanger (which is relatively easily accessible in the device). Introducing the gas via the collar can also allow the gas to be evenly distributed throughout the garment.

[0015] Closing the at least one opening preferably includes applying at least one fastener to the corresponding at least one opening. Examples of openings that can be closed by the clip include the hem of a garment and the cuff of a garment. The clip is configured to significantly reduce the flow of gas through the opening. For example, the width of the clip can be configured to extend across a majority of the width of the opening.

[0016] Preferably, the method further comprises tensioning the at least one fastener to apply stress to the garment, preferably wherein the stress is a longitudinal stress. The stress may stretch the garment, which may assist in the flattening process.

[0017] Each fastener preferably comprises an elastic and / or retractable cord; more preferably extending between the fastener and a base for the fastener. The fastener may be a fastener as described herein, particularly in the following statements.

[0018] Closing at least one opening preferably comprises engaging a member with a surface of the garment. Optionally, the opening to be closed is the hem of the garment. The member may extend across the body of the shirt to reduce airflow from the upper body of the garment to the lower body.

[0019] Preferably, the method further comprises moving the member so as to adjust the portion of the garment into which the gas is introduced. In particular, the volume of the body inflated by the gas can be adjusted, which can facilitate the flattening process.

[0020] The member is preferably a steam head. The steam head can be conveniently applied to other leveling operations. Applying steam via the steam head can further reduce airflow by achieving an improved seal. The steam head can be a flexible and / or movable steam head as described herein (particularly in the following statements).

[0021] Preferably, the method further comprises steaming the garment by moving a steam head along the surface of the garment.This is preferably a processing step within a wider flattening process.

[0022] Preferably, the method further comprises moving the steam head while introducing gas into the garment; preferably thereby inflating the garment; more preferably inflating the garment over a large area of ​​the garment; thereby completing the flattening. This is preferably a processing step within a wider flattening process.

[0023] Preferably, the method further comprises introducing gas into the interior of the garment via a plurality of different flow paths; wherein the different flow paths direct the gas to different portions of the garment. This can allow the garment to be smoothed more evenly. The different flow paths are preferably all provided via the same at least one opening. For a garment with sleeves, a first flow path preferably directs the gas into the upper body of the garment; a second flow path preferably directs the gas into the first sleeve; and a third flow path preferably directs the gas into the second sleeve.

[0024] Preferably, the method further comprises introducing air and steam into the interior of the garment. As part of the smoothing process, the air and steam are preferably introduced at different times. Preferably, the method further comprises performing the following sequential steps: introducing steam via the second and third flow paths (thereby introducing steam into the top portion of the garment using alternating flow paths closed by the member); or alternatively, introducing steam via the first flow path; introducing air via the first flow path (thereby drying the top portion of the garment); and optionally, for steaming and drying the sleeves / cuffs of the garment, introducing steam via the second flow path; introducing air via the second flow path; introducing steam via the third flow path; and introducing air via the third flow path. Preferably, the second and third flow paths are separated into separate air and steam flow paths. Steaming the garment by moving a steam head along the surface of the garment is preferably performed as a subsequent step, which can allow the main body portion to be treated after the sleeves / cuffs (thereby avoiding creases in the garment caused by pressing the steam head to close / reduce airflow at openings in the body). Moving the steam head while introducing gas into the garment is preferably performed as a subsequent step, which may serve to "complete" the smoothing process and provide a final smoothing. Preferably, the method further comprises blowing gas from below the garment to dry the garment (the lower portion of the garment).

[0025] Preferably, the method further comprises supporting the garment on a hanger; optionally within a processing chamber. The processing chamber is preferably sealed by a door during use. The processing chamber further comprises means for transporting hangers into and out of the processing chamber.

[0026] The hanger preferably includes at least one fluid conduit for directing gas so as to introduce the gas into the interior of the garment. The hanger is preferably configured to be engageable with a blower to direct the gas into the interior of the garment. The hanger preferably includes at least two elongated members depending downwardly from the main body; preferably depending downwardly from opposite ends of the hanger to form a frame for supporting the garment. The hanger may be a hanger as described herein (particularly in the following statements). The hanger may form part of a support frame and may be detachable from the support frame. The support frame may be a support frame as described herein.

[0027] Preferably, the method further comprises, for garments having a placket, closing the placket. The placket can be closed using a placket closure as described herein (particularly in the following statements).

[0028] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided an automated apparatus for leveling an article adapted for use with the method of any one of the preceding claims.

[0029] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided an automated apparatus for flattening an article, the apparatus comprising: a device for closing at least one opening in a garment thereby restricting the flow of gas through the at least one opening; and a device for introducing air into the interior of the garment thereby (optionally, stretching the garment and) flattening the garment.

[0030] An automated apparatus for smoothing a garment may comprise at least one fastener for closing at least one opening in the garment thereby restricting the flow of gas through the at least one opening and may also comprise at least one blower for introducing gas into the interior of the garment thereby (optionally, stretching the garment and) smoothing the garment.

[0031] Preferably, the at least one blower is arranged to introduce gas into the interior of the garment to inflate the garment. Said inflation may stretch the garment, which may assist in the flattening process.

[0032] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of fasteners for closing all openings in the garment except for the at least one opening for introducing gas.

[0033] The at least one fastener may be tensioned to apply stress to the garment, preferably wherein the stress is a longitudinal stress. The stress may stretch the garment, which may aid in the flattening process.

[0034] The apparatus may further include a component configured to adjust the portion of the garment into which gas is introduced. In particular, the volume of the body inflated by gas can be adjusted, thereby facilitating the smoothing process. The component is preferably a steam head. The steam head can be conveniently applied to other smoothing operations. Applying steam via the steam head can further reduce airflow through the garment by achieving an improved seal. The steam head may be a flexible and / or movable steam head as described herein.

[0035] The steam head may be configured to steam the garment by moving along the surface of the garment. This is preferably a processing step within a wider smoothing process.

[0036] The steam head may be configured to move while the blower introduces gas into the garment. This is preferably a processing step within a wider smoothing process.

[0037] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of different flow paths for introducing gas into the interior of the garment; wherein the different flow paths direct the gas to different parts of the garment. This can allow the garment to be smoothed more evenly. Preferably, the different flow paths are all provided via the same at least one opening. For a garment with sleeves, the first flow path preferably directs the gas into the upper body of the garment; the second flow path preferably directs the gas into the first sleeve; and the third flow path preferably directs the gas into the second sleeve.

[0038] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a steam source for introducing steam into the interior of the garment.Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a (further) blower arranged to blow air out from under the garment.

[0039] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises hangers for supporting garments, optionally within the processing chamber. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a processing chamber. The processing chamber is preferably sealed by a door during use. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a door for the processing chamber. The processing chamber further comprises means for transporting hangers into and out of the processing chamber.

[0040] The hanger preferably includes at least one fluid conduit for directing gas so as to introduce the gas into the interior of the garment. The hanger is preferably configured to be engageable with a blower to direct the gas into the interior of the garment. The hanger preferably includes at least two elongated members depending downwardly from the body, preferably depending downwardly from opposite ends of the hanger, thereby forming a frame for supporting the garment.

[0041] The automated leveling apparatus may comprise a conveying device as described herein, in particular in the following statements.

[0042] The automated flattening apparatus and method generally provide a flattening system having the following basic processing steps: steaming and aerating the upper portion of the garment (the "top body"), treating it with a flexible steam head (by pressing or ironing), and then aerating it (by applying air) to provide a flat finished product.

[0043] Coat hanger

[0044] According to another aspect described herein, a garment hanger is provided that includes at least one fluid conduit for directing fluid to an interior of a supported garment.

[0045] This may provide a convenient mechanism for introducing air into the interior of the garment.

[0046] The at least one fluid conduit preferably directs fluid from outside the supported garment; more preferably directs fluid from near a hook of a clothing hanger. Preferably, the at least one fluid conduit directs air and / or steam for smoothing the supported garment.

[0047] Preferably, at least one fluid conduit extends through the garment hanger. Preferably, the garment hanger comprises a plurality of fluid conduits; more preferably, wherein the fluid conduits are distinct and unconnected.

[0048] The first fluid conduit is preferably arranged to direct the fluid centrally relative to the garment hanger; more preferably, such that the fluid is directed through the collar of the supported garment. The first fluid conduit is preferably formed by: a surface of the garment hanger; and a member serving as a guide for the fluid flow; more preferably, wherein the member is arranged substantially parallel to the surface.

[0049] The second and third fluid conduits are preferably arranged to direct fluid to respective ends of the garment hanger. The second and third fluid conduits are preferably arranged to direct fluid downwardly to respective sleeves of the supported garment. The second and third fluid conduits preferably extend through the arms of the garment hanger.

[0050] The fourth and fifth fluid conduits are preferably arranged to direct fluid via an outer tube extending out of the hanger.The fourth and fifth fluid conduits are preferably arranged to direct fluid to cuffs and / or sleeves of a supported garment.

[0051] The clothing hanger preferably includes a body having arms forming a generally triangular shape; and a hook extending from the center of the body. The width of the arms is preferably adjustable, more preferably via a rack and pinion mechanism. The hook preferably has a generally square or rectangular shape. Alternatively, the hook may be circular. Preferably, the clothing hanger further includes at least two elongated members depending downwardly from the body, preferably depending downwardly from opposite ends of the clothing hanger, thereby forming a frame for supporting garments.

[0052] Preferably, the garment hanger further comprises at least one fastener (or clip) adapted to be attached to the supported garment, and more preferably, wherein the fastener is attached to the elongated member via an elastic and / or retractable cord, thereby tightening the supported garment. The at least one fastener is preferably attached to at least one opening of the garment during use; preferably to the hem or at least one cuff. The at least one fastener is preferably configured to reduce air flow through the opening. The at least one fastener may be at least one fastener as described herein.

[0053] The hanger may be suitable for use with the leveling method and / or automated leveling apparatus as described herein.

[0054] Placket closure

[0055] According to another aspect described herein, a fly closure for closing a fly of a garment is provided that includes a rib configured to extend along a length of an opening defining the fly.

[0056] This can provide improved support during the leveling operation while avoiding artifacts caused by conventional closing flaps. In addition, the time spent closing the flap can be reduced (compared to using conventional flap closing devices).

[0057] The closure is preferably a temporary closure configured for use with conventional garments having a placket and an existing placket closure mechanism, such as buttons.The closure is for use in flat garments.

[0058] The closure preferably comprises a plurality of formations for receiving and holding the placket, the formations being mounted on the ribs. Each formation preferably receives and holds one placket.

[0059] According to another aspect described herein, a fly closure for closing a fly of a garment is provided that includes a first formation for receiving and retaining a first fly; and a second formation for receiving and retaining a second fly.

[0060] By receiving the fly separately, easier insertion can be provided.

[0061] Preferably, the closure further comprises a rib on which the first formation and the second formation are mounted; preferably, wherein the rib is configured to extend along the length of the fly.

[0062] Each formation preferably receives and holds the placket by gripping. Each formation is preferably biased to provide grip. The placket is preferably gripped between the formation and the rib. The rib preferably extends along the interior of the placket, and the formation preferably protrudes outside the placket. The closure is preferably arranged so that outward movement of the rib causes a tighter grip on the placket. The first formation and the second formation are preferably arranged as a pair of formations at the same height along the rib.

[0063] The formation preferably includes a curved portion, wherein, in use, the sides of the fly are gripped between the curved portion and the rib, such that the outer portion of the curved portion presents a surface that guides the sides of the fly into engagement between the curved portion and the rib. Preferably, at least a portion of the curved portion, preferably the inner portion, is textured to enhance grip on the sides of the fly. The surface of the rib preferably includes a layer of high-friction material. The rib is preferably flexible.

[0064] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided a fly closure for closing a fly of a garment comprising a retention formation and a rib; wherein, in use, the fly is grasped between the retention formation and the rib.

[0065] The fly closure can be adapted for use with a hanger, a support frame, and / or an automated smoothing device as described herein. In particular, the fly closure can be configured to be attachable to a hanger, a support frame, and / or an automated smoothing device for use.

[0066] Combination trouser / shirt hanger

[0067] According to another aspect described herein, a support frame for an automated apparatus for smoothing garments is provided that includes a detachable and reattachable garment hanger.

[0068] According to another aspect described herein, a support frame for an automated apparatus for smoothing garments is provided, comprising at least two elongated members; a base connecting the at least two elongated members; and at least one fastener adapted for attachment to a supported item.

[0069] This may provide improved stability and provide the option of supporting the frame at its base (which may allow the use of detachable clothing hangers).

[0070] Preferably, the support frame further comprises a hanger for removably attaching to the at least two elongate members.The hanger may be a hanger as described herein.

[0071] The at least two elongated members preferably extend from the base. The at least two elongated members are preferably configured to be movable within the base to allow adjustment of the distance between the at least two elongated members. The at least two elongated members are preferably configured to be movable within the base via a (rack and pinion) mechanism, the (rack and pinion) mechanism being configured to maintain symmetry between the at least two elongated members about a centerline of the base. The profile of the detachable hanger may be expandable such that, when the detachable hanger is attached to the support frame, changing the distance between the elongated members changes the profile of the detachable hanger.

[0072] Each of the at least two elongate members preferably includes a protruding portion at an end of the member remote from the base portion extending generally perpendicularly to the remainder of the member.

[0073] The at least one fastener is preferably attached to the at least two elongated members and / or the base via an elastic and / or retractable cord. Preferably, two fasteners are provided near the base. The two fasteners are preferably disposed near ends of the at least two elongated members distal from the base. The fasteners are preferably removable and / or repositionable.

[0074] clip

[0075] According to another aspect described herein, a fastener is provided; comprising a clip for closing an opening of a garment; means for attaching to a frame member; and an elastic and / or retractable cord extending between the clip and the means.

[0076] The fastener is preferably repositionable about the support frame and is configured to tighten the garment while closing the opening of the garment. The fastener may be a fastener as described elsewhere herein.

[0077] Flexible steam head

[0078] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided a flexible steam head for applying steam to a supported item in an automated ironing machine (i.e., an automated straightening device, optionally as described herein), the flexible steam head being configurable (optionally, from a flat shape for ironing a portion of a garment, such as a shirt) into a triangular shape for straightening a portion of a garment, such as a trouser leg. The flexible steam head may include means for shaping the flexible steam head in at least two dimensions; preferably, wherein one of the dimensions allows the flexible steam head to be configured into a triangular shape (or vice versa).

[0079] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided a flexible steam head for applying steam to a supported item in an automated ironing machine, the flexible steam head comprising: at least one steam head; and means for shaping the flexible steam head in at least two dimensions such that, in use, the flexible steam head engages a surface of the supported item to apply a force to the supported item. The flexible steam head can provide an improved apparatus for applying steam to garments, particularly garments having portions of different shapes, such as trousers.

[0080] The profile of the flexible steam head is preferably adjustable to conform to the width of the supported item. The flexible steam head is also preferably adjustable to change the depth profile of the flexible steam head. Adjusting the depth profile of the flexible steam head advantageously allows the flexible steam head to treat garments of varying shapes, particularly while maintaining the applied force when treating differently shaped portions of a garment. The depth profile can be adjusted to configure the flexible steam head into a triangular shape.

[0081] The flexible steam head preferably comprises a left rigid steam head, a right rigid steam head and a central rigid steam head which are adjustable to change the profile and / or depth profile of the flexible steam head. Preferably, the depth profile is adjusted by pivoting the left steam head and / or the right steam head.

[0082] Preferably, the flexible steam head further comprises means for positioning the rigid steam head so as to extend the profile and / or depth profile of the flexible steam head. The means for positioning the rigid steam head so as to extend the depth profile may comprise one or more pistons connected to the rigid steam head at a non-pivoting end and / or a motor with gears attached to a pivoting end of the rigid steam head.

[0083] The flexible steam head further comprises means for detecting tension in the supported item, preferably comprising a force sensor arranged to detect tension in the supported garment. The flexible steam head is further preferably arranged such that a profile and / or depth profile of the flexible steam head is determined by the measured tension parameter of the supported item.

[0084] Conveying device for automated ironing equipment

[0085] According to another aspect described herein, there is provided an automated apparatus for leveling articles, the apparatus comprising: a processing chamber; means for conveying a support frame into the processing chamber (i.e., an entry rail); and means for conveying the support frame out of the processing chamber by supporting the frame from below (i.e., an exit rail). The support frame may comprise a hanger, preferably wherein an auxiliary hanger is detachable and reattachable to the remainder of the frame, and / or wherein the frame is supported by the means for conveying the support frame into the processing chamber via the hanger. The apparatus may also comprise means for supporting the support frame in the processing chamber.

[0086] According to another aspect described herein, a conveying device for conveying garments supported by a support system through an automated ironing apparatus is provided, the conveying device comprising: an entry rail for receiving the support system loaded with garments and for conveying the support system into a processing chamber of the automated ironing apparatus; a central rail for fixing the support system during the processing process, receiving the support system from the entry rail, and conveying the support system to the exit rail; and an exit rail for receiving the support system loaded with processed garments from the central rail and conveying the support system from the processing chamber of the automated ironing apparatus to the outside of the automated ironing apparatus.

[0087] Preferably, the conveying device has a storage section inside the automated ironing device, into which empty frames can be moved and / or from which stored empty frames can be retrieved via the central rail and / or the exit rail.

[0088] The transport device also includes a display rail connected to the central rail and / or the exit rail, which can be configured to receive empty frames of the support system stored in the automated ironing device, and optionally transport the empty frames from the interior of the automated ironing device to the outside of the automated ironing device for collection by a user.

[0089] The invention extends to methods, systems and apparatus substantially as described herein and / or as shown with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] The present invention also provides a computer program or computer program product for performing any of the methods described herein and / or for implementing any of the device features described herein; and a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a program for performing any of the methods described herein and / or for implementing any of the device features described herein.

[0091] The present invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program or computer program product for performing any of the methods described herein and / or for implementing any of the device features described herein, a method of transmitting the signal, and a computer product having an operating system supporting a computer program for performing any of the methods described herein and / or for implementing any of the device features described herein.

[0092] Any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be applied to other aspects of the present invention in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. As used herein, means-plus-function features may alternatively be expressed in terms of their corresponding structures, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

[0093] Furthermore, features implemented in hardware can generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any references herein to software and hardware features should be interpreted accordingly.

[0094] As used herein, the term "article" preferably refers to an article being / to be flattened, preferably a fabric article, more preferably an article of clothing. As used herein, the term "garment" preferably refers to an article of clothing. As will be understood, not all articles to be flattened are garments (e.g., bed sheets).

[0095] As used herein, the term "smoothing" preferably means removing wrinkles and is preferably to be understood as synonymous with the term "ironing".

[0096] As used herein, the term "clothing hanger" (or simply "hanger") preferably refers to a device for supporting garments by hanging; more preferably a device having a triangular shape that approximates a person's shoulders.

[0097] As used herein, the term "placket" preferably refers to fabric on either side of an opening in an upper portion of a garment; more preferably, wherein the opening extends all the way through the garment so as to divide the garment in two halves.

[0098] It should also be understood that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the present invention may be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] Some practical embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0100] Figure 1 An automated ironing apparatus for treating articles is shown;

[0101] Figure 2A A hanger for supporting a garment to be processed is shown;

[0102] Figure 2B Shown is a support with a garment in use Figure 2A hangers;

[0103] Figure 3A Shown Figure 2A A perspective view of an air guide on the front of a clothes hanger;

[0104] Figure 3B Shown Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of an internal air duct of a clothes hanger;

[0105] Figure 3C Shown Figure 2A A rear perspective view of a steam distribution system for a clothes hanger;

[0106] Figure 3D Shown through Figure 2A The gas flow path of the hanger and the items being supported, Figure 3D The illustration shows a cross section of a portion of the sleeve of the article;

[0107] Figure 3E Shown Figure 3A A close-up view of the corner of a clothes hanger;

[0108] FIG4A shows a clamping system for hanging pants for processing;

[0109] FIG4B shows a clamping system for hanging smart pants for processing;

[0110] Figure 4C shows a top-down view of a gripping system for hanging smart pants for processing;

[0111] Figure 5A shows a front view of a rigid steam head for treating garments;

[0112] Figure 5B Shown Figure 5A A side view of the rigid steam head is shown;

[0113] Figure 5C Shown Figure 5A A side cross-sectional view of the rigid steam head is shown;

[0114] Figure 5D Shows the steam passing through Figure 5A The cycle of the rigid steam head shown;

[0115] Figure 6A showing a perspective view of the steam assembly in a retracted configuration;

[0116] Figure 6B Shown Figure 6A A front view of a steam assembly;

[0117] Figure 7A Shows the extended configuration Figure 6A A perspective view of a steam assembly;

[0118] Figure 7B Shows the extended configuration Figure 6A A front view of a steam assembly;

[0119] Figure 8A A front view of the steam assembly is shown;

[0120] Figure 8B Shown Figure 8A a steam assembly wherein the left rigid steam head and the right rigid steam head expand outward and translate inward;

[0121] Figure 8C Shown Figure 8A A steam assembly wherein the left rigid steam head and the right rigid steam head expand outward and translate;

[0122] Figure 9A Shown in a configuration for treating the waist region of a pair of trousers Figure 8A Steam components;

[0123] Figure 9B Shown in a configuration for treating the crotch area of ​​a pair of trousers Figure 8A Steam components;

[0124] Figure 9C Shown in a configuration for treating the thigh area of ​​a pair of trousers Figure 8A Steam components;

[0125] Figure 9D Shown in a configuration for treating the calf area of ​​a pair of trousers Figure 8A Steam components;

[0126] Figure 10 A method for treating a shirt using an automatic ironing device is shown;

[0127] Figure 11A The fly closure is shown;

[0128] Figure 11B Shown Figure 11A a cross section of the placket closure;

[0129] Figure 11C Shown in use Figure 11A a cross section of the placket closure;

[0130] Figure 11D Shown is a hanger or support system for an automated ironing device. Figure 11A The placket closing device;

[0131] Figure 11E A fly closure device is shown in use, securing the fly of a garment supported by a hanger or support system for an automated ironing apparatus;

[0132] Figure 12A Shown with clothing in use Figure 11A The placket closing device;

[0133] Figure 12B Shown in use with a garment receiving treatment from a flexible steam head Figure 11A The placket closing device;

[0134] Figure 12C Shown in use with a garment receiving treatment from a flexible steam head Figure 11A A side view of the placket closing device;

[0135] Figure 13A A support system for supporting articles having a disassembled, detachable hanger and frame for use with an automated ironing apparatus is shown;

[0136] Figure 13B Shown Figure 13A a support system wherein a removable hanger is attached to the frame;

[0137] FIG. 13C shows Figure 13A a support system wherein a removable hanger is attached to the frame and a set of removable clips are attached to the frame;

[0138] FIG. 13D shows the Figure 13A A support system similar to the support system in the photo, where removable hangers are attached to the frame;

[0139] Figure 14A Shown is a pair of trousers supported in use Figure 13A Support system;

[0140] FIG. 14B shows a pair of smart pants supported in use. Figure 13A Support system;

[0141] FIG. 14C shows the support shirt in use. Figure 13A Support system;

[0142] FIG15A shows a conveyor system for an automated ironing device;

[0143] FIG15B shows a schematic diagram of an automated ironing device having the conveying system of FIG15A; and

[0144] 16A-F show the automated ironing device of FIG. 15B in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0145] Figure 1 An example of an automated apparatus 100 for smoothing an item (of clothing) 106 is shown in FIG.

[0146] For convenience, the article 106 used herein to describe the apparatus 100 is a shirt, although the apparatus 100 can certainly be used to smooth other articles and similar fabrics.

[0147] The apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 that defines a processing chamber 104 in which shirts 106 (ie, “articles”) are supported by hangers 110 .

[0148] The support rails 108 are positioned at the top of the housing, extending from the outside of the housing through the inside of the housing and out the back of the housing. The support rails extend through the top of the processing / handling chamber.

[0149] The hanger 110 has a hook portion for supporting the hanger 110 from the support rail 108. The support rail has a means for transporting the supported hanger across the length of the support rail so that the hanger and associated supported item / garment are positioned within the processing chamber 104.

[0150] Hanger 110 also includes a left leg portion 112 and a right leg portion 114 extending downwardly from hanger 110. As will be described later, these left and right leg portions extend from the ends of the hanger (i.e., the outer portions of the hanger's "shoulder"). During processing, the legs of hanger 110 can be secured within the processing / handling chamber via a flap 116. The flap 116 extends from the base of the processing chamber to capture the legs of the hanger. Alternatively, as will be described later, the legs can be connected via the base.

[0151] A blower 152 is positioned at the top of the processing / handling chamber to blow air, preferably heated air, toward the hangers and supported items.

[0152] Described equipment also comprises at least one vertical guide rail being attached to the interior of housing.In this example, two vertical guide rails are positioned on opposite sides of processing chamber.

[0153] A steam assembly (not shown) for applying steam and pressure to supported items is connected to and suspended between the vertical rails.

[0154] An actuator positioned on the steam assembly allows the steam assembly to be moved toward and away from the suspended items.The steam assembly is discussed in more detail below.

[0155] A motor on the vertical rail allows the steam assembly to be moved vertically along the vertical rail in the process chamber.

[0156] Although not shown, a door is provided on at least one side of the housing 102 to allow the processing chamber 104 to be opened to allow items to be loaded into the processing chamber and closed so that when the door is closed, the processing chamber is enclosed by the housing 102 and the closed door.

[0157] The door may be arranged to open horizontally or vertically, and is preferably arranged as a roller shutter door that rolls up when opened to save space.

[0158] As described above, the housing 102 is provided with at least one door (not shown) to allow the articles 106 to be placed in the processing chamber 104, and then the housing 102 is closed for processing and then opened to allow the flattened articles 106 to be removed.

[0159] The door may help retain heat and vapors contained within the apparatus 100 and inhibit any potential contaminants from entering the processing chamber 104 during processing.

[0160] The housing 102 may have doors on both sides of the housing 102 to allow items to be introduced through one door and removed through the other door, thereby acting as an entry door and an exit door.

[0161] It may be beneficial to provide a conveying arrangement that allows multiple articles to be prepared for processing and then processed, leveled, and then removed sequentially by moving into the processing chamber 104 without user input, so that the process is fully automated.

[0162] Of course, each item should be processed individually within the processing chamber 104.

[0163] The apparatus 100 further comprises a steam source connected to a plurality of steam outlets and means for providing steam to the hanger 110 and the steam assembly.

[0164] Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a processor for controlling components of the apparatus, such as the levelling assembly, the blower, the steam outlet, the vertical track motor, the support rails, which may be connected to and controlled by the processor.

[0165] The processor is connected to the user interface and receives input from the user interface.The user interface may be located on the apparatus 100 or may be located on a user device.

[0166] The processor is pre-programmed with many different processing routines, and the user selects the processing routine by operating the user interface.

[0167] When the processor receives instructions from the user via the user interface, the processor executes the selected processing routine by controlling components of the device 100 and providing instructions to the components of the device 100 .

[0168] The various components of the apparatus and processing routines will now be described in detail.

[0169] Coat hanger

[0170] Figure 2A An example hanger 200 that may be used with the apparatus 100 is shown in FIG.

[0171] Figure 2BThe same hanger 200 is shown supporting an article 206, in this case a shirt. The hanger 200 will now be described in detail with reference to the article 206 being supported.

[0172] Hanger 200 has a center portion 210 that extends upward (as conventional). Two arm portions 212 and 214 are connected to the center portion. The two arm portions extend in opposite directions from the center portion. For ease of reference, the two arm portions will be referred to as left arm portion 212 and right arm portion 214. The left arm portion and the right arm portion are tilted downward from the horizontal line, thereby forming a shape close to the shoulders of the person (for installing the clothes of the upper body, such as a shirt). The angle at which the arm portion is tilted is the same for the left arm portion and the right arm portion. The outline of the arm portion and the center portion 210 together define the width of the hanger 200. The hanger 200 has a roughly triangular shape formed by the angle of the two arm portions 212, 214 and the horizontal line.

[0173] The generally triangular shape allows the article 206 to be supported by the hanger, particularly a shirt or an article that is substantially similar in shape to a shirt.

[0174] The hook portion 218 is connected to the central portion 210 of the hanger and extends from the central portion 210 of the hanger. The hook portion 218 extends from the hanger in an upward direction and forms a hook shape above the central portion 210 of the hanger. The hook shape can be "square" (i.e., it does not include rounded corners) to prevent the hanger from swinging when attached to a suitably shaped support rail 108, or in an alternative embodiment, the hook can be round. When the hook is attached to the support rail 108, an anti-rotation structural feature can be added to the hook to limit the movement of the hook (particularly for the case where a round hook is used). The hook portion 218 can also include an indexing device for manipulating the position of the hanger 200 on the support rail 108, and the indexing device can cooperate with the indexing device on the support rail 108.

[0175] The right leg portion 224 is an elongated member extending in a downward direction from the right arm portion 214. The right leg portion 224 is connected to the right arm portion 214 at a position close to the end of the right arm 214 away from the central portion 210.

[0176] The left leg portion 222 is an elongated member extending in a downward direction from the left arm portion 212. The left leg portion 222 is connected to the left arm portion 212 at a position close to the end of the left arm 212 away from the central portion 210.

[0177] During processing of the supported article / garment 206 , the left and right leg portions are secured in place within the processing chamber of the automated ironing apparatus by a shutter 116 extending from the base of the automated ironing apparatus 100 .

[0178] The hanger includes at least one fastener to tighten the article 206 and close the opening in the article 206; in this example, the hanger's fasteners are left and right cuff clips 232 and 234 and a hem clip 236.

[0179] A right cuff clip 234 is attached to the bottom of the right leg portion 224 of the hanger 200 via an elastic cord. The right cuff clip 234 can be attached to the cuff of the right sleeve of the article 206 supported by the hanger 200 to seal or partially seal the right sleeve and apply a downward force to the sleeve of the supported article via the elastic cord. The downward force creates tension along the length of the sleeve.

[0180] A left cuff clip 232 is attached to the bottom of the left leg portion 222 via an elastic cord. The left cuff clip 232 can be attached to the cuff of the left sleeve of the article 206 supported by the hanger to seal or partially seal the left sleeve and apply a downward force to the sleeve of the supported article via the elastic cord. The downward force applies tension along the length of the sleeve.

[0181] Hem clip 236 is attached to left leg portion 222 and right leg portion 224 via elastic cords. Hem clip 236 is positioned between the base of right leg portion 224 and the base of left leg portion 222. Hem clip 236 can be attached to the bottom of shirt 206 supported by hanger 200. When attached to the bottom of shirt 206 supported by hanger 200, hem clip 236 joins the front and back of shirt 206 together, sealing or partially sealing the bottom of the shirt. Furthermore, when hem clip 236 is attached to the supported shirt 206, downward tension is applied to the supported shirt 206 by the elastic cords attaching hem clip 236 to right leg portion 224 and left leg portion 222.

[0182] As will be appreciated, the use of elastic cords may allow the various clips to be positioned differently depending on the size and shape of the item being supported. Positioning of the clips is typically performed by the user either during or after mounting the item on the hanger.

[0183] As will be appreciated, the use of clips partially seals all openings in the article through which a portion of the user's body extends during use (i.e., cuffs and hem). The effect of the partial seal may be to reduce airflow through the openings. The use of clips also provides for tautness in the article.

[0184] The hanger includes a plurality of ventilation paths (ie, fluid conduits) for directing air and / or steam to portions or regions of the supported articles. The structural details of these ventilation paths will now be discussed. Figure 3A 、 3B and 3C show the ventilation path of the hanger in detail.

[0185] For ease of reference, the sides of the hanger will be referred to as the front and back.

[0186] Figure 3A An air guide 240 is shown mounted on the front of the hanger, in the center portion 210 of the hanger. The air guide 240 forms a fluid conduit, more specifically, a gas conduit, on the hanger. The air guide 240 substantially occupies the entire center portion of the hanger and is formed with a flat "shield" facing outward from the center portion. The air guide 240 is a flat member extending from the center portion. The flat member is positioned at a distance from the front of the hanger, and the gap between the hanger and the flat member forms an air inlet 242 leading to a channel through which air flows. A connecting feature connects the flat member to the front of the hanger, and the connecting feature has the shape of an inverted triangle (i.e., pointing downward), so that the two inclined surfaces of the connecting feature guide the air downward out of the outlet 244 and into the shirt.

[0187] Front air guide 240 may be used to direct air directly downwardly into a first interior portion of a supported garment.

[0188] Figure 3B 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hanger showing an internal air duct 250 forming another ventilation path. The internal air duct 250 includes a right section 254 and a left section 252 extending through the arm portions 212, 214 of the hanger. Therefore, the arm portions 212, 214 are hollow.

[0189] Central portion 210 ( Figure 3B The central portion 210 is similarly hollow to allow for passage of first and second inlets 256, 258 (not shown) disposed at the upper corners of the central portion 210. Figure 3A The front and back panels (seen in FIG) receive air into the central portion 210. The central portion of the hanger can be made up of two pieces that are mirror images of each other. The front and back panels together complete the shape of the inlets 256 and 258, as well as providing a connection point for connecting the left and right arm sections.

[0190] The right section 254 has a right outlet 255 for exhausting air received by the interior air duct 250. The right outlet 255 is located at the end of the right arm portion 214 of the hanger. Similarly, the left section 252 has a left outlet 257 for exhausting air received by the interior air duct 250. The left outlet 257 is located at the end of the left arm portion 212 of the hanger 200. The outlet 255 of the right section and the outlet 257 of the left section of the interior air duct 250 are directed downward, away from the hanger 200.

[0191] In use, the inner air duct 250 can be used to direct air to the right and left sleeves of the supported garment. As will be appreciated, the inlet of the air guide 240 and the inlet of the inner air duct 250 are located at different positions along the width of the hanger, but both are near the top of the hanger. This can provide improved handling because appropriately positioned blowers can be provided at different points along the guide rail 108 so that the ventilation paths can be used sequentially.

[0192] The hanger 220 also includes a steam distribution system that provides an additional ventilation path (ie, fluid conduit).

[0193] Figure 3C The rear portion of the hanger is shown, showing the hanger's steam distribution system 260. A left steam inlet 262 and a right steam inlet 264 for receiving steam are positioned on the rear center portion 210 of the hanger 200 (i.e., on the other side of the air guide 240). The inlets 262, 264 are provided on respective left and right arm portions 212, 214 mounted back-to-back on the center portion 210.

[0194] The right steam inlet 264 is fluidly connected to a right steam outlet 266 located on the central portion 210 of the hanger 200. The steam outlet 266 is fluidly connected to a section of tubing (not shown) that extends along the rear of the right arm portion 214 of the hanger.

[0195] The left steam inlet 262 is fluidly connected to a steam outlet 268 located on the central portion 210 of the hanger. The left steam outlet 268 is connected to a section of tubing 272 (eg, a tube 272) extending along the rear portion of the left arm portion 212 of the hanger. Figure 3E shown) fluidly connected.

[0196] The right section of pipe has a steam outlet (not shown) for discharging steam from the right pipe.

[0197] The steam outlet of the right tube is positioned near the end of the right arm portion 214 and points downward. The right tube and the steam outlet of the right tube extend along the right leg portion of the hanger, such that the steam outlet of the right tube is positioned midway along the right leg portion, for example, approximately 70 mm from the right arm of the hanger. The steam outlet is positioned so as to discharge steam along the sleeve of the installed garment.

[0198] The left section of pipe 272 has a steam outlet 274 positioned near the end of the left arm portion 214 and pointing in a downward direction (e.g., Figure 3E (as shown) for discharging steam from the left tube. The left tube and its steam outlet extend along the left leg portion of the hanger, such that the left tube steam outlet is positioned midway along the left leg portion, for example, approximately 70 mm from the left arm of the hanger. The left steam outlet is positioned so as to discharge steam along the sleeve of the mounted garment.

[0199] The tube may be rigid and / or attached to a hanger so that it remains in place.

[0200] Steam received at the right steam inlet 264 is discharged into the right tube at the right steam outlet 266 and moves along the tube of the right arm portion 214, away from the central portion 210 and to the end of the right arm portion 214, at which point the steam is discharged from the steam outlet (not shown) of the right tube.

[0201] Similarly, steam received at the left steam inlet 262 is discharged into the left tube at the left steam outlet 268 and moves along the left tube along the left arm portion 212, away from the central portion 210 and to the end of the left arm portion 212, at which point the steam is discharged from the steam outlet (not shown) of the left tube.

[0202] Thus, the hanger 200 not only supports the items 206 in the apparatus 100, but also directs steam and air into the hung items 206 via the ventilation pathway.

[0203] In addition, the hanger 200 also provides a hook 218, which serves as a device for attaching the hanger 200 and the supported item 206 to the support rail 108 of the device 100, so that the hanger 200 and the supported item 106 can be transported and / or indexed by the support rail 108 to a position along the support rail 108, such as a processing position in a processing chamber of the device.

[0204] The hanger 200 used in the apparatus 100 during the treatment process will now be described.

[0205] The operations described herein focus on the participation of the hanger 200 in the process. The processes described herein with reference to the hanger may be used concurrently with, before, or after processes described later with reference to other parts of the apparatus.

[0206] In use, articles 206 are loaded onto the hanger 200, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B In this example, the item is a shirt.

[0207] Shirt 206 is loaded onto hanger 200 such that central portion 210 of hanger 200 protrudes from the collar of the shirt and left and right arm portions 212 and 214 of hanger 200 extend along the inside of the left and right shoulder portions of shirt 206 .

[0208] Shirt 206 is loaded onto hanger 200 such that the front of hanger 200 is adjacent to the interior front of the shirt and the back of the hanger is adjacent to the interior back of the shirt.

[0209] The outlet 244 of the air guide 210 of the hanger 200 is thus positioned to direct air received at the air inlet 242 of the front air guide 240 downwardly toward the collar of the shirt and into the shirt 206 .

[0210] The right air outlet 255 of the interior air duct 250 is positioned inside the shirt 200 to direct air received at the right air inlet 256 down the interior of the right arm portion 214 of the hanger into the right sleeve of the shirt along the right section 254 inside the right arm portion of the hanger.

[0211] The left air outlet 257 of the inner air duct air guide 250 is positioned inside the shirt 206 to guide air received at the left air inlet 258 down the inside of the left arm portion 212 of the hanger into the left sleeve of the shirt 206 along the left section 252 inside the left arm portion of the hanger.

[0212] Similarly, the steam outlets of the left and right tubes are positioned in the shirt to discharge steam received from the left and right steam outlets 268 and 266 into the left and right sleeves of the shirt 206 .

[0213] Once loaded onto the hanger 200, the front of the shirt is secured closed (i.e., the placket of the shirt is closed), for example, by fastening the buttons of the shirt.

[0214] When the hanger 200 is secured to the support rail 108 by the hook portion 218, the shirt 206 is supported by the left arm portion 212 and the right arm portion 214 of the hanger. The left leg portion 222 and the right leg portion 224 extend downwardly within the interior of the shirt 206.

[0215] The user attaches right cuff clip 234 to the cuff of the right sleeve of supported shirt 206. Right cuff clip 234 is attached to the right cuff of shirt 206, for example, to seal or partially seal the end of the shirt's right sleeve. Furthermore, the attached right cuff clip 234 pulls the right sleeve downward. This pulling force is generated by stretching the elastic cord that attaches right cuff clip 234 to right leg portion 224 of hanger 200. The downward force applied to the right sleeve by right cuff clip 234 pulls the sleeve taut, thereby creating tension in the sleeve.

[0216] In a similar manner, the user attaches left cuff clip 232 to the cuff of the left sleeve of supported shirt 206. Left cuff clip 232 is attached to the left cuff of shirt 206 by the user, for example, to seal or partially seal the end of the left sleeve of the shirt. Furthermore, the attached left cuff clip 232 pulls the left sleeve downward. This pulling force is generated by stretching the elastic cord that attaches left cuff clip 232 to left leg portion 222 of hanger 200. The downward force applied to the left sleeve by left cuff clip 232 pulls the left sleeve taut, thereby generating tension in the left sleeve.

[0217] The final clip, hem clip 236, is attached by the user to the bottom hem of the supported shirt 206. Hem clip 236 is attached by the user to the bottom hem of shirt 206, thereby joining the front and back materials of shirt 206 together, for example, to seal or partially seal the bottom of shirt 206. Furthermore, the attached hem clip 236 pulls the bottom hem of shirt 206 in a downward direction. This pulling force is generated by stretching the elastic cords that attach hem clip 206 to right and left leg portions 224, 222 of hanger 200. The downward force applied to the bottom hem of the shirt by hem clip 236 pulls the main body of the shirt taut, thereby creating tension in the material of the main body of shirt 206.

[0218] The hanger and supported item are loaded onto the support rail 108 of the apparatus 100. The hanger is secured to the support rail 108 using a hook portion 218 that mechanically engages the support rail 108 to secure the hanger to the support rail 108.

[0219] During operation, the hangers 200 and supported articles 206 are transported through a set of open entry doors and along support rails 108 to a processing position within the processing chamber of the apparatus 100. Once the articles are within the processing chamber, the entry doors are closed, sealing the processing chamber of the apparatus 100.

[0220] There may be multiple processing locations inside the processing chamber that utilize different ventilation paths of the hanger 200 .

[0221] During processing, the support rails 108 index or transport the hangers 200 to these different processing locations for processing.

[0222] For example, a first treatment position can be defined by aligning the air inlet 242 of the air guide 240 with the air path of the blower 152 positioned in the treatment chamber. Once the hanger 200 and the supported item 206 are in this position, the blower 152 activates a specific treatment cycle, turning on and blowing air. The air blown by the blower 152 during the treatment cycle is received by the air inlet 242 of the first air guide 240 and directed by the air guide 240 through the air outlet 244 of the front air guide 240 and into the collar of the supported shirt 200.

[0223] Hem clips 236, which seal the bottom of the shirt, restrict the air directed to the main body of the shirt by front air guides 240 from exiting the bottom of shirt 206, thereby inflating shirt main body 206. Thus, the air directed in this manner inflates shirt 206 and optionally dries shirt 206, thereby facilitating the smoothing of shirt 206.

[0224] As described above, this operation of the hanger 200 and blower 152 may be used simultaneously with, before, or after treating the shirt using the steam device and / or the steam outlet of the device.

[0225] During processing, the hanger 200 is moved to a second processing position by the support rails 108. In the second processing position, the left and right air inlets 258, 256 of the interior air duct 250 are aligned with the air path of the blower 152 of the apparatus 100. Once the hanger 200 and supported article 206 are in this position, the blower 152 activates a specific processing cycle, turns on, and blows air.

[0226] Different blowers 152 can be activated at different times to prevent airflow to the left and right air inlets 258, 256 from interfering with each other. During the treatment cycle, air blown by blower 152 enters left air inlet 258 and is directed downward along the left arm portion 212 of hanger 200, passing through left air outlet 257 positioned above the left sleeve of article 206. Left cuff clip 232 partially seals the left sleeve and restricts air directed into the left sleeve by rear air guide 250 from exiting the sleeve through the cuff, thereby inflating the left sleeve. During the treatment cycle, air blown by blower 152 and received by right air inlet 256 is directed downward along the right arm portion 214 of hanger 200 and passing through right air outlet 255 positioned above the right sleeve of shirt 206. Right cuff clip 234 partially seals the right sleeve and restricts airflow directed into the right sleeve by rear air guide 250 from exiting the right sleeve through the cuff, thereby inflating the right sleeve. In this manner, the sleeves of shirt 206 may be inflated and / or dried by the air from the blower.

[0227] The inflation of the sleeves and body of the shirt applies radial forces to the sleeve and body material, which in turn exerts outward pressure from the inside of the sleeves and body and creates hoop stresses in the sleeve and body fabric. This causes the sleeve and body material to become taut, thereby aiding the flattening process of the shirt.

[0228] In particular, the radial expansion of the sleeves and body, and the hoop stress generated in them by the trapped air, help smooth out creases that run along the length of the sleeves. At least some of the air escapes the garment through pores in the fabric of the sleeves. Closing the cuffs and hem forces more air to escape through the shirt material itself, thereby helping to smooth out the shirt. As will be appreciated, by introducing air into the interior of the garment and restricting airflow through the openings of the garment, an improved smoothing process can be provided.

[0229] In addition, the tension in the sleeve created by the downward force applied by the right cuff clip 234 and the left cuff clip 232 helps to remove creases along the path around the sleeve perimeter. The force of the air down the sleeve and the pressure caused by the restricted opening may also contribute to this downward force.

[0230] Furthermore, as will be described later, a steam head or heads of the automated ironing device may be engaged with the shirt during the treatment process. The steam head is pushed into the shirt from the rear at a vertical position generally aligned with the sleeve opening, thereby forming a partial seal with the sleeve opening that restricts air movement upward and outward from the sleeve being treated.

[0231] Figure 3D Shown in this processing position Figure 2B Directional arrow 270 indicates the path of air from the blower of apparatus 100 through the internal air duct 250 of hanger 200.

[0232] exist Figure 3D In the example airflow shown, to treat the left and right sleeves, air from the blower of the apparatus 100 enters the interior air duct 250 through the hanger's left and right air inlets 258, 256. The air travels down the hanger's interior, through the left and right sections 252, 254, and out through the right and left air outlets 255, 257 into the right and left sleeves of the shirt.

[0233] Figure 3D Illustration 280 shows a cross-section of a portion of a sleeve having a border 282 . Figure 3D The dotted lines on the sleeves of the shirt indicate the points where the cross sections were taken.

[0234] Illustration 280 shows forces depicted by force arrows 284 extending outward from the center of the sleeve cross-section to boundary 282. These forces are generated by air accumulation in the sleeve and exert radial pressure on the sleeve material. Illustration 280 also shows that air can escape through the pores of the shirt sleeve during processing, as shown by airflow arrows 284 extending from the center of the sleeve beyond the boundary 282 of the sleeve.

[0235] The interior air duct 250 of the hanger 200 has been described with reference to Figure 3D It will be appreciated that the steam distribution system 260 described below will have a similar flow path for the steam treatment of sleeves. Additionally, the steaming of sleeves will produce the same flow path on the sleeves as described above. Figure 3D The forces are similar to the forces shown in the illustration.

[0236] The third treatment position of the hanger 200 aligns or connects the right steam inlet 264 and / or the left steam inlet 262 of the central portion 210 with one or more steam outlets of the device 100. During treatment, the left steam inlet 262 and the right steam inlet 264 receive steam from the steam outlet of the device 100. Once the hanger 200 and the supported item 206 are in this third treatment position, the steam outlet of the device 100 activates a specific treatment cycle, turning the steam supply to the right steam inlet 264 and the left steam inlet 262 of the hanger on and off. The treatment cycle can provide steam to the right steam inlet and the left steam inlet at the same time or at different times during the treatment cycle. The duration of steam provided to the right steam inlet and the left steam inlet can be different or the same.

[0237] Steam provided by the steam outlet of the device and received by the right steam inlet 264 flows down the right tube of the steam distribution system and is discharged into the right sleeve of the supported shirt 200.

[0238] The right cuff clip 234 partially seals the right cuff and restricts steam discharged into the right cuff from the steam outlet of the right tube from exiting the right cuff through the cuff, thereby inflating and steaming the right cuff (as previously described for air).

[0239] The steam escapes through the pores in the fabric of the shirt's sleeve. Steam provided by the device's steam outlet and received by the left steam inlet 262 flows down the left duct of the steam distribution system 260 and is discharged into the left sleeve of the supported shirt.

[0240] The left cuff clip partially seals the left sleeve and restricts steam discharged from the steam outlet of the left tube into the left sleeve from leaving the left sleeve through the cuff, thereby inflating the left sleeve and treating it with steam. The steam escapes through pores in the fabric of the sleeve of the shirt.

[0241] The supported shirt 206 can be moved to the treatment position and the shirt 206 can be treated in any order, for example, steam can be applied to the right sleeve of the shirt, and then the hanger 200 can be moved so that hot air can be applied to the right sleeve to dry the right sleeve. Thereafter, the hanger 200 can be moved to the treatment position so that steam can be applied to the left sleeve, and then the hanger can be moved to the treatment position so that hot air can be applied to the left sleeve.

[0242] Other processing positions may use ventilation paths in combination - for example, a single position may align the steam outlet of the device 100 with the steam inlet of the central portion 210 of the hanger 200, and in the same position the front air guide may be aligned with the blower of the device, or for example a single position may be provided in which all ventilation paths are aligned with the device and can be utilized.

[0243] There may also be treatment positions where the ventilation path of the hanger is not utilized, and the shirt or portion of the shirt is treated directly by the blower 152 and / or steam outlet of the apparatus 100. For example, the hanger may be positioned in the apparatus so that the steam outlet and / or blower of the apparatus direct steam and air directly into the collar of the shirt, without passing through the front air guide 240 of the hanger 200.

[0244] Upon completion of processing of shirt 206, which may involve multiple processing positions and processing cycles, the door on the opposite side of the apparatus 100 from which hanger 200 entered is opened, and hanger 200 is conveyed by and along support rails 108 to the exterior of apparatus 100, ready for removal by the user from support rails 108. Both the entry and exit doors of apparatus 100 are closed, leaving the processing chamber empty and ready to repeat the above process with the next hanger 200 and associated supported item on support rails 108. The user removes the hanger from the apparatus's support rails and retrieves the now-processed shirt from the hanger by releasing the clips and removing the shirt from the hanger.

[0245] Optionally, the hanger includes a rack and pinion mechanism 216 located in the central portion 210 of the hanger and connected to the left arm portion 212 and the right arm portion 214 .

[0246] The rack and pinion mechanism 216 is operable to change the profile of the left arm portion 212 and / or the right arm portion 214 of the hanger 200, and thus the rack and pinion mechanism is operable to change the width of the hanger 200, thereby adjusting the hanger 200 so that the hanger 200 can support items of different sizes.

[0247] Specifically, in use, the width of the hanger 200 can be adjusted using the rack and pinion mechanism 216 so that the left and right outlets 255, 257 of the internal fluid conduit 250 are positioned over the left and right sleeves of the supported shirt 206. This can allow the hanger to accommodate garments of different sizes.

[0248] The rack and pinion mechanism 216 includes a dial 216A located on the top of the central portion 210 to allow the user to adjust the width of the hanger. The dial 216A is attached to a shaft 216B that extends through the central portion 210 to a pinion 216C disposed near the bottom surface of the interior of the central portion 210. The pinion 216C engages a rack disposed on the interior of the arms 212, 214 (which are movable relative to the central portion 210) to allow the width of the hanger to be adjusted.

[0249] The rack and pinion mechanism is also used to adjust the distance between the left and right legs of the hanger. Thus, in use, the distance between the left and right legs can be adjusted so that the left and right legs are immediately adjacent to the interior surface of a supported garment, such as the side seams of a shirt, so that when tension is applied to the garment during handling, the fabric of the garment is pulled taut across the left and right legs of the hanger - and the tension applied only needs to be low to hold the shirt taut.

[0250] Trouser clips

[0251] Figure 4 shows an additional or alternative clamping system to that described above and shown in Figure 2. The clamping system of Figure 4A is used to secure an article 306 for processing in the apparatus, particularly a pair of pants or other articles of substantially similar shape to pants.

[0252] The clamping system may be used in the hanger described above, with the hanger system described later in this application, and generally with any system for supporting items for processing by the automated ironing apparatus 100 .

[0253] FIG4A shows a pair of trousers 306 supported by hanger 200. The leg sections of hanger 200 are inserted into the legs of the trousers. Leg sections 212 and 214 enter the trousers through the waist holes of the trousers and extend from the bottom of the right and left trouser legs. By adjusting the rack and pinion mechanism 216, the leg sections of hanger 200 are spaced apart to tighten the trousers 306.

[0254] The clamping system includes two hem clips, a right hem clip 320 and a left hem clip 340 for clamping the left and right hems, respectively. The right hem clip is attached to the base of the left leg portion via an elastic cord, while the left hem clip is attached to the base of the right leg portion via an elastic cord. In other words, the clips cross each other diagonally to properly tighten the pants. In addition, the clamping system has at least one waist clip. In this example, the clamping system has two waist clips 360 and 380, which are fixed to the hanger and extend downward from the hanger, for example, from the right, center, or left portion of the hanger. The waist clips can include elastic cords or, alternatively, can be rigid clips (which can be pivotable).

[0255] In use, a pair of trousers 306 can be hung in the hanger by the clamping system. In this case, the trousers are hung so that the front and back of the trousers extend across the hanger 200 between the leg portions 222 and 224 of the hanger. The left leg portion 222 of the hanger is positioned inside the left leg of the trousers 306, and the right leg portion 224 of the hanger is positioned inside the right leg of the trousers.

[0256] Two waist clips 360 and 380 are attached to the waist of the pants 306, thereby securing the front and back of the pants together. The waist clips 360 and 380 allow the pants to move horizontally laterally within the plane of the leg portion, as well as movement of the pants material in and out of that plane. However, the waist clips restrict movement of the pants 306 in the vertical direction.

[0257] Two hem clips 320 and 340 are each attached to the bottom hem of the inseam of a trouser leg. The hem clips 320 and 340 pull the bottom hem of the corresponding trouser leg downward and toward the center of the article 306 with the help of an elastic cord.

[0258] When attached to supported trousers 306, the two hem clips 320 and 340 allow movement of the trousers in lateral and vertical directions. However, the hem clips 320 and 340 restrict movement of the trousers 306 into and out of the plane defined by the leg portions of the hanger.

[0259] In this way, a pair of trousers 306 may be suspended by the clamping system in a position ready for processing by an ironing apparatus, and in particular an automated ironing apparatus as described in this application.

[0260] An alternative or additional clamping system is shown in Figure 4B. The clamping system of Figure 4B is used to secure articles for processing in the apparatus, such as certain trousers where it is desired to have a crease ironed into each of the trouser legs, such as dress trousers having ironed creases extending along the front and back of the trouser legs.

[0261] The clamping system may be used in the hanger 200 described above, with the hanger systems described later in this application, and generally with any system for supporting items for processing by an automated ironing apparatus.

[0262] The clipping system of FIG4B includes two hem clips 320 and 340, respectively attached to the base of the left leg portion 222 and the base of the right leg portion 224 of the hanger 200. The clipping system also includes at least one waist clip, which is attached to the hanger 200 via an elastic cord and extends downward from the hanger 200. In this example, a waist clip 330 is used. Furthermore, the clipping system includes at least two side clips 350 and 370, one of which is attached to one of the hanger's legs, while the other is attached to the other leg. Each side clip is attached to a corresponding leg via an elastic cord.

[0263] In use, a pair of pants 306 can be hung on a hanger via the clamping system. Before being hung via the clamping system, the pants for processing are folded in half so that the left and right legs overlap—that is, there are pleats along the front and back of each leg that correspond to the desired crease. Pants 306 are then hung on the hanger via the clamping system in this folded position. The pants are suspended between the left and right leg portions 222, 224 of the hanger 200 and are substantially in the plane of the left and right leg portions 222, 224 of the hanger 200. Waist clips 330 are attached to the waist of the folded pants, thereby securing the folded sides of the pants together. Side clips 350 and 370 are attached to the sides of the pants, where the side clips hold the overlapping, folded sides of the pants together and further assist in hanging the pants for processing.

[0264] like Figure 4C As shown, two additional side clips 352 and 372 may also be used. One of the additional side clips 352 is attached to one of the leg portions of the hanger (the left leg portion), and the other additional side clip 372 is attached to the other leg portion of the hanger (the right leg portion). Side clips 350 and 370 and additional side clips 352 and 372 are attached to the leg portions at a vertical position similar to the vertical position of the waist of the hanging pants 306. In use, the four side clips are attached to the sides of the folded pants at the waist area of ​​the pants.

[0265] The side clips are clipped onto the trousers, each side clip securing the individual pleats of the trousers together at the waist area. Figure 4C The attached side clips are illustrated in a top-down view. In this case, due to the way the pants are folded, there are four pleats at the waist that are held together by the clips.

[0266] Figure 4C A top view of hanging trousers with four side clips attached is shown. Hem clips 320 and 340 are clipped to the leg openings of the folded trousers—that is, to the right and left bottom ends of the folded, hung trousers. Each hem clip secures the bottom of the left and right trouser legs together. The hem clips pull downward and outward on the folded trousers toward the bottom of the left and right leg portions 222 and 224 of the hanger 200 via corresponding elastic cords that attach them to the hanger's leg portions.

[0267] In this manner, a folded pair of trousers 306 can be hung by the clamping system in a position ready for processing by an ironing apparatus, in particular an automated ironing apparatus as described in the present application.

[0268] The hanging method can advantageously allow an ironing device to simultaneously iron aesthetically desirable creases into the front and back of the legs of the hung trousers while processing the trousers.

[0269] Steam head

[0270] The steam head can be used to iron a support article, wherein the steam head is applied from the rear (i.e. from Figure 1 outside the page in the ) and the item.

[0271] Figure 5A shows a front view of a rigid steam head 400 that may be used in the apparatus 100 to level the item 106, Figure 5B A side view of the rigid steam head 400 is shown, Figure 5C A side cross-sectional view of the rigid steam head 400 is shown.

[0272] At least one of the rigid steam heads 400 can be arranged to form a flexible steam head. The rigid steam head 400 includes an interior cavity 450, a steam section 490 that releases a fluid, such as steam or water vapor, from the interior cavity 450; and a pressing section 480 that is heated by the fluid contained in the interior cavity 450 and can be arranged to press or flatten an item.

[0273] The steam section 490 and the pressing section 480 are configured to apply steam to the material of the article in order to relax the fibers of the material and to press the material into a wrinkle-free shape.

[0274] Figure 5A The shape of the rigid steam head 400 is substantially rectangular or elongated oval. The rigid steam head 400 is curved, wherein the degree of curvature of the steam head 400 is selected to optimize the flattening of the item.

[0275] The steam section 490 of the rigid steam head is in fluid and thermal contact with the interior cavity 450 of the steam head 400. The pressing section 480 is in thermal contact with the interior cavity 450 and may also be in fluid contact with the interior cavity 450. An array of fluid outlets 420 is provided in the steam section 490, wherein the array of fluid outlets 420 extends across the width of the front side of the steam section 490.

[0276] The front side is the side of the rigid steam head 400 arranged in the apparatus 100 to face the item 106 to be flattened. The rear side of the rigid steam head 400 is the side of the steam head arranged in the apparatus 100 to face away from the item 106 to be flattened.

[0277] Similarly, forward and backward directions may be defined, where movement toward the item to be flattened / processed 106 is the forward direction and movement away from the item to be flattened / processed 106 is the backward direction.

[0278] The fluid outlet 420 of the rigid steam head 400 provides fluid communication between the interior cavity 450 and the exterior of the rigid steam head 400 , particularly an exterior area proximate the front face of the steam section 490 of the rigid steam head 400 .

[0279] Figures 5A to 5D The ironing section 480 shown in FIG. 4 includes an ironing plate 410 extending across the front face of the ironing section 480. The ironing plate 410 is in thermal and fluid contact with the interior cavity 450 of the rigid steam head 400. The ironing plate 410 is made of a thermally conductive and rigid material, such as a metal such as stainless steel. Another consideration in selecting the material for the ironing plate may be the degree of oxidation or corrosion the material may experience in a humid environment.

[0280] exist Figures 5A to 5D In the example shown in FIG, the fluid outlet 420 of the steam section is disposed rearwardly from the front face of the press plate 410. In other examples, the steam section may be substantially aligned with the front face of the press plate, i.e., the fluid outlet may not be disposed rearwardly from the front face of the press plate.

[0281] exist Figures 5A to 5D In the example shown, the offset of the fluid outlet and the front face of the pressing plate 410 forms an outer cavity 470 in front of the fluid outlet 420. The outer cavity 470 is partially enclosed by the pressing section 480 and the steam section 490. The steam section 490 may further include a lip 430 that is offset in a forward direction from the fluid outlet 420 and is arranged to partially enclose the outer cavity 470.

[0282] Steam released from the inner cavity 450 through the steam section's fluid outlet 420 is collected in the outer cavity 470 to produce a volume of substantially uniform steam across the width and front of the steam section 490 of the rigid steam head 400 .

[0283] The internal cavity 450 of the steam head 400 extends substantially across the length and width of the steam head, which extends through both the steam section 490 and the pressing section 480. The internal cavity 450 carries fluid, such as steam, to both the pressing section 480 and the steam section 490 of the rigid steam head 400. The internal cavity 450 is arranged to form a substantially circular path within the steam head 400 to allow circulation of steam through the pressing section 480 and into the steam section 490 of the rigid steam head 400.

[0284] The fluid outlet 420 of the steam section 490 allows fluid communication between the interior cavity 450 and the exterior of the steam head, in particular the exterior cavity 470. A portion of the interior cavity 450 is partially enclosed by the pressing plate 410 of the pressing section.

[0285] A hole or fixed structure 460 is provided in the internal cavity 450 of the steam head to allow a fluid, which may be pressurized, to be introduced into the internal cavity 450 .

[0286] A hole 460 for providing steam to the interior cavity 450 of the steam head 400 is provided at the center of the rear portion of the pressing section. Steam or other fluid introduced into the interior cavity 450 thereby flows through the pressing section 480 to the end of the steam head, and at the end, due to the circular nature of the interior cavity 450, the steam flows through the steam section 490 and returns to the center of the rigid steam head 400, as shown in FIG13D , where the arrows represent the flow of fluid through the interior cavity 450.

[0287] As the steam travels through the steam section 490, it is exhausted through the fluid outlet 420 into the exterior cavity 470. Other arrangements for delivering fluid to the interior cavity 450 of the pressing section 480 and the steam section 490 are possible; for example, the sections may be independently supplied with steam, and the interior cavity may include one or more interior cavities.

[0288] At least one of the rigid steam heads 400 may be provided on the steam assembly 570 to form a Figure 6A Flexible steam head 500 is shown.

[0289] When describing the steam assembly 570, it is useful to do so in terms of three orthogonal axes x (longitudinal), y (transverse), and z (vertical), and circles C1 and C2 that lie in the x and y planes and are offset from each other in the perpendicular z direction. In use, when the steam assembly 570 is installed in the apparatus 100, the x-axis depicts movement toward or away from the item, the y-axis depicts movement across the item, and the z-axis depicts movement in the vertical direction. The curvature of circles C1 and C2 matches the curvature of the rigid steam heads 510, 520, and 530, e.g., if the rigid steam head moves along the circumference of C1 or C2, the profile of the steam head will depict circle C1 or C2.

[0290] The structure of the steam assembly 570 shown in FIG. 6 will now be described in detail.

[0291] The steam assembly 570 shown in FIG. 6 includes a flexible steam head 500 including the three rigid steam heads 510 , 520 , and 530 , a motor 550 , and a force sensor 560 as described above and shown in FIG. 6 .

[0292] The flexible steam head 500 includes a central steam head 520, a right steam head 530, and a left steam head 510 for applying steam to items and flattening the items.

[0293] The left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530 are arranged on the circumference of circle C1, and the curvature of the rigid steam head is consistent with the curvature of C1. The central steam head 520 is vertically offset from the left steam head and the right steam head along the z-axis and is arranged on the circumference of circle C2, and the curvature of the rigid steam head is consistent with the curvature of circle C2.

[0294] The rigid steam heads of the flexible steam head 500 may be moved independently of one another and may be moved relative to one another by the motor 550 of the steam assembly 570 .

[0295] The rigid steam head can be moved along the circumference of C1 or C2. The curvature of C1 and C2 can be sufficiently small so that the movement of the rigid steam head along C1 and C2 is substantially similar to the movement of the steam head along the y-axis, i.e., in a direction parallel to the item to be flattened. Movement of the rigid steam head along the y-axis is also contemplated.

[0296] Typically, the rigid steam heads 510, 520 and 530 move from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration and vice versa. Figure 6 shows the steam assembly 570 with the rigid steam head in the retracted configuration and Figure 7 shows the steam assembly 570 with the rigid steam head in the extended configuration.

[0297] Movement of the rigid steam head between these configurations is controlled by a motor 550 positioned on the steam assembly 570 .

[0298] The movement of the rigid steam head between the retracted and extended configurations may be performed in a continuous or stepped manner, and the steam head may be stopped or selectively positioned at any intermediate position between the two configurations.

[0299] For the configuration of the rigid steam heads shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , the right rigid steam head 530 and the left rigid steam head 510 are driven by the motor 550 , and the central steam head 520 is not driven by the motor 550 .

[0300] In the retracted configuration shown in FIG. 6 , the left and right rigid steam heads 510 , 530 are positioned in close proximity to one another, and the central steam head 520 is offset from the left and right steam heads along the vertical z-axis.

[0301] In the retracted configuration, there is significant overlap on the y-axis between the left and right steam heads 510 , 530 and the central steam head 520 .

[0302] In the expanded configuration, the left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530 are positioned a distance apart from each other substantially along the y-axis.

[0303] The left and right steam heads 510, 530 move away from each other along the circumference of circle C1. The position of the central steam head 520 of the steam assembly 570 in the extended configuration remains unchanged from the retracted configuration.

[0304] While the central steam head 520 remains vertically offset from the left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530, the degree of overlap between the left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530 and the central steam head 520 on the y-axis is greatly reduced, and the profile of the flexible steam head 500 in the y-axis direction is increased.

[0305] A plurality of force sensors 560 are provided on the steam assembly 570 , which measure the force applied to the front face of the steam head and may include a computing device provided on the steam assembly or provided external to the steam assembly.

[0306] In use, the force is applied by the article to the front face of the one or more rigid steam heads, the force applied to the one or more steam heads being dependent on the tension in the article.

[0307] The forces measured by the plurality of force sensors 560 are used to determine the position of the rigid steam head and / or the position of the steam assembly 500 .

[0308] In particular, the force measurements can be used to determine the desired position of the rigid steam head in the x- and y-axis directions, as well as the position of the steam assembly 500 in the x-axis direction.

[0309] The rigid steam heads 510 and 530 may include a shoulder section 540 that extends the profile of the rigid steam heads 510 and 530 in the vertical z-direction. The height of the shoulder section 540 is selected to ensure that the tension exerted on the article by the rigid steam head of the flexible steam head 500 is achieved over the entire height, i.e., the z-direction profile, of the flexible steam head in all positions of the steam heads 510 and 530, but particularly when the steam heads are in the extended configuration shown in FIG.

[0310] The ends of the steam head 400 and shoulder section 540 may be further curved with a different curvature than the rest of the steam head 400, which curvature may be selected to ensure tension is achieved across the entire article. This can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, where the ends of the left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530 are curved.

[0311] The operation of the flexible steam head and steam assembly 570 will now be described in more detail.

[0312] The steam assembly 570 may be mounted into the leveling unit.

[0313] The leveling unit includes a steam assembly 570 and a horizontal actuator, the steam assembly being mounted on the horizontal actuator and being configured such that the horizontal actuator can translate the steam assembly along the x-axis.

[0314] In particular, the horizontal actuator facilitates movement of the steamer assembly towards or away from the item to be leveled, ie, movement in forward and rearward directions along the x-axis.

[0315] The leveling unit is mounted on vertical tracks 118 within the apparatus 100 and is configured such that the leveling unit can be driven to different vertical positions in the apparatus and along the vertical tracks 118 .

[0316] However, in this example, the flattening unit is mounted on vertical rails 118 so that the front faces of the steam heads 510, 520 and 530 are arranged to lie in the y, z plane parallel to the item 106 to be flattened during use, thereby maximizing the area of ​​the front face of the rigid steam head 500 that can be used to flatten and steam items.

[0317] The fluid inlets 560 of the rigid steam heads 510, 520, and 530 are connected to a fluid reservoir of a device capable of providing fluid to the steam heads at a variable flow rate, variable pressure, and variable temperature.

[0318] A computerized control unit and / or processor housed in the apparatus 100 controls the movement of the flattening unit and its various parts.

[0319] For example, the control unit controls vertical movement of the leveling unit along the track, translation in the x-direction by the horizontal actuator of the steam assembly, and movement of the steam heads 510, 520, 530 along C1 and C2 or along the y-axis.

[0320] Furthermore, the computerized control unit receives and processes information from the plurality of force sensors 560 and also controls the flow, temperature, and pressure of the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the steam headers 510 , 520 , 530 .

[0321] The force information received and processed by the control unit is used to determine a desired position of the smoothing unit and / or the steam head, and / or to control the flow, temperature and pressure of the fluid provided from the fluid reservoir to the steam head.

[0322] The control unit may also use pre-programmed routines to direct movement of the smoothing unit and steam head and control of the flow, temperature and / or pressure of the fluid provided to the steam head.

[0323] For example, different items of clothing may have different preferred routines, particularly with respect to the temperature and pressure of the fluid, and also with respect to the pressure applied by the steam head to the item.

[0324] A combination of pre-programmed routines and active control is also possible. The control unit / processor may receive instructions from a user via a user interface. The computerized control unit may of course be used in conjunction with other flexible steam heads.

[0325] Lateral movement of the steam head

[0326] exist Figure 8A -C shows an example steam head, which is similar to the above example and Figure 6A -B Compared with the example shown in 7A-B, the left rigid steam head and the right rigid steam head of the steam assembly have additional movement directions. Figure 8A -C shows the additional range of motion available with a rigid steam head.

[0327] In addition to being translatable along C1 and / or along the y-axis, the left and right rigid steam heads 510, 530 of the steam assembly 570 can also pivot outward from the center of the steam assembly - thereby changing the depth profile of the flexible steam heads.

[0328] When the flexible steam head 500 is in the retracted configuration described above, the central plane of the steam assembly 570 may be defined as the xz plane that bisects the midpoint between the left rigid steam head 510 and the right rigid steam head 530 .

[0329] In more detail, the left and right steam heads 510 and 530 are attached to the motion rails or scissor mechanism of the steam assembly 570 via pivotable connections to pivot points 710 and 720 .

[0330] The rotation angle is the angle between the front face of the rigid steam head and the yz plane, ie when the rigid steam head is located in the yz plane in the retracted configuration, the rotation angle is zero.

[0331] The rotatable connection structure connecting the left rigid steam head 510 to the frame is positioned toward the end of the left steam head in a direction away from the center plane of the steam head 570 along the y-axis, thereby allowing the non-pivoting end of the left rigid steam head to open outward toward the supported item, thereby increasing the rotation angle of the left rigid steam head. The left steam head can be rotated from the yz plane toward the xz plane, and vice versa. A piston positioned on the steam assembly 570 is connected to the left steam head to control the movement of the non-pivoting end of the left steam head 510 about the pivot point 710 from the yz plane toward the xz plane, and vice versa. Alternatively, a motor with gears positioned at the pivot point of the left rigid steam head can be used to control the movement of the steam head about the pivot.

[0332] Similarly, the pivot point of the right steam head to the steam assembly is positioned away from the center of the steam assembly toward the end of the right steam head, thereby providing rotational movement of the non-pivoting end of the right steam head, that is, the non-pivoting end is the end closest to the center plane along the y-axis direction, to open outward from the center of the steam assembly toward the supported item. The right steam head 530 can rotate from the yz plane to the xz plane.

[0333] A piston positioned on the steam assembly 570 is connected to the right rigid steam head 530 to control the movement of the non-pivoting end of the right steam head from the yz plane to the xz plane, and vice versa, about the rotation point. Alternatively, a geared motor positioned at the pivot point of the right rigid steam head can be used to control the movement of the steam head about the pivot point. The profiles of the left and right rigid steam heads define the rotation angle relative to the y-axis.

[0334] The movement of the left and right steam heads from the yz plane toward the xz plane and vice versa advantageously allows supported items of different shapes to be treated by the flexible steam head. In particular, such movement is advantageous for the treatment of trousers or similarly shaped items - wherein the left and right steam heads are rotated so that their angled treatment positions between the yz and xz planes are effective for treating the crotch area of ​​trousers.

[0335] The pivot points of the left steam head and the right steam head can be translated along the moving guide rail of the steam assembly extending in the y-axis direction of the steam assembly, so that when the non-pivoting ends of the left rigid steam head and the right rigid steam head are actuated from the yz plane to the xz plane, the pivot points are translated along the moving guide rail toward the central plane of the steam assembly.

[0336] This movement of the left and right steam heads can alternatively or additionally be achieved by using a scissor mechanism to which the left and right steam heads are attached and to which the steam assembly can actuate / control. When the non-pivoting end of the left steam head 510 or the right steam head 530 is actuated toward the yz plane, the pivot points 710 and 730, and therefore the pivoting ends of the side steam heads, translate along the motion rails in the y-axis direction away from the central plane of the steam assembly 570.

[0337] The translation of the pivot points 710 and 730 along the motion rails allows the left and right rigid steam heads 510 and 530 to access areas of the supported article that might not otherwise be accessible. For example, the translation of the pivot points can be used to form the left and right steam heads into a triangular shape suitable for treating the crotch area of ​​trousers and capable of generating the tension required for treatment in the crotch area.

[0338] Independent of actuation of the non-pivoting ends toward or away from the xz plane, translation of the left and right steam heads 510, 530 along the y-axis can be achieved by movement of the pivot points of the left and right steam heads along the motion rails. The left and right steam heads 510, 530 are attached to the motion rails via pivot points 710 and 730, and the motion rails are attached to the steam assembly 570.

[0339] It should be understood that the steam assembly 570 of FIG. 8 retains the functionality of the steam assembly 570 of FIGs. 4, 5, and 6 described in detail above.

[0340] Furthermore, the steam assembly 570 of FIG. 8 may be used in an apparatus in a similar manner as the steam assembly 570 of FIG. 5 , 6 , or 7 .

[0341] For example, the steam assembly 570 can be mounted to the leveling unit and installed into the apparatus 100 in a similar manner as described above.

[0342] Steam head treatment pants

[0343] Now we will describe in detail Figure 8A - Operation of the steam assembly 570 shown in C and described above in the apparatus.

[0344] exist Figure 9A In the example process shown in FIG. 8 and described below, the supported article 806 for processing is a pair of pants. The following processing method can also be applied to other types of articles, especially those with shapes similar to pants.

[0345] Pants 806 are fixed inside the device 100. The pants are fixed inside the device by a hanger (not shown) so that the pants are kept taut and the front or back of the pants are facing and substantially parallel to the flexible steam head of the flattening unit. The pants can be fixed by the clamping scheme described above.

[0346] Pants can be loaded onto hangers in a manner similar to that described elsewhere in this application.

[0347] In this example, the pants are clipped onto the hanger at the waist. Two pants clips are attached to the bottom of the inseam of the left and right pants legs, pulling the pants down toward the center of the hanger. The two leg portions of the hanger extend downward from the interior of the pants.

[0348] In this way, the trousers can be tightened and fixed in the device, ready for treatment by the flattening device and flexible steam head. Hangers with similar features to these and suitable for use with trousers and shirts are described in detail elsewhere in this application.

[0349] During processing, the leg portions of the hanger are secured by shutters extending from the base of the processing chamber of the automated ironing apparatus.

[0350] The user starts the smoothing operation of the device. The door of the device 100 is closed, thereby enclosing the pants in the treatment chamber.

[0351] The leveling unit is driven along the vertical track 118 to a vertical starting position.

[0352] The leveling unit is mounted on vertical tracks so that the front face of the rigid steam head faces the item 106 to be leveled.

[0353] For the purposes of this example, the treatment of the pants is divided into four different treatment areas: the waist area 810 of the pants being supported ( Figure 9A ), crotch area 820 ( Figure 9B ), thigh area 830( Figure 9C ) and calf area 840( Figure 9D The shape of the flexible steam head 500 is modified so that it is different for each treatment area. That is, for each different treatment area of ​​the pants, the left rigid steam head 510 and the right rigid steam head 530 of the flexible steam head 500 are moved to different positions. In each different treatment position, the valve 116 of the device 100 can be deployed to fix the leg portion of the hanger for treatment, or the support system supporting the item can be fixed in place by another mechanism.

[0354] As described above, the steam assembly 570 begins the treatment process in the retracted configuration at the waist region 810 of the pants 806. In this example, the vertical starting position of the flattening unit aligns the flexible steam head 500 with the waist region 810 of the pants 806 being supported.

[0355] At the start of the leveling process, the rigid steam heads 510, 520, 530 of the flexible steam head 500 are in a retracted configuration. The left and right rigid steam heads 510, 530 are positioned in close proximity to each other, and the central steam head 520 is offset from the left and right steam heads along the vertical z-axis.

[0356] The profiles of the left steam head 510, the right steam head 530, and the central steam head 520 all lie on the same yz plane, such that there is significant overlap on the y-axis between the left and right steam heads 510, 530 and the central steam head 520. Once in the desired vertical position, the horizontal actuator moves the steam assembly 570 along the x-axis toward the pants 806 to be flattened.

[0357] Due to the movement of the steam assembly 570 toward the trousers 806 , the front faces of the ironing plates of the rigid steam heads 510 , 520 and 530 of the flexible steam head 500 contact the waist region 810 or a portion of the waist region of the trousers 806 .

[0358] The contact of the rigid steam heads 510, 520, and 530 with the waist region of the trousers causes a force dependent on the tension of the waist section of the trousers to be exerted on the front face of the rigid steam heads, and the force measurement is recorded on the rigid steam head's force sensor 560. The force measurement represents the tension applied to the trousers by the rigid steam heads 510, 520, 530.

[0359] The force measurement of force sensor 560 is one of the factors used to determine the position of the steam assembly - the force measurement is of particular importance for the position of the steam assembly along the x-axis.

[0360] Different positions of the steam assembly 570 apply different amounts of force to the article 806. Both the vertical and longitudinal positions of the steam assembly 570 can be varied to achieve a desired tension on the pants. The desired tension can depend on many factors, such as the material of the article, the size of the article, or user-selected parameters.

[0361] Once the steamer assembly 570 is in the desired position along the x-axis, the flattening unit moves along the vertical track and advances the steamer assembly in a downward direction across the waist region of the pants.

[0362] During processing, as the steam assembly 570 advances vertically across the pants 806, steam is introduced from the apparatus 100 into the internal cavity 550 of the rigid steam head and circulates through the flattening section 580 into the steam section 590 of the rigid steam head, where the steam is discharged through the array of fluid outlets 520 and into the external cavity 570 of the rigid steam head which is at least partially enclosed by the pressing plate 510 of the pressing section 580 and the steam section 590.

[0363] Steam exhausted through the fluid outlet 520 of the rigid steam head collects in the outer cavity 570 of each of the rigid steam heads 510 , 520 , and 530 and creates a thin pad of uniform steam across the width of the pants 806 .

[0364] As steam flows through the pressing section 580, the pressing plate 510 of the rigid steam head is heated by direct contact with the steam, thereby heating the outer surface of the pressing plate 510 in contact with the trousers 806 through heat conduction. The temperature to which the pressing plate 510 is heated is typically in the range of 80°C to 100°C. However, it should be understood that the pressing plate 510 can also operate outside of this temperature range. In one example, a heating element can be incorporated into the rigid steam head to increase the temperature range.

[0365] In this manner, the flexible steam head 500 applies steam to the material of the pants 806 to relax the fibers, and the flexible steam head presses the material of the pants into a wrinkle-free shape using the hot pressing plates of the rigid steam head.

[0366] As the flattening unit advances across the item 806, the shape of the steam assembly 570, and in particular the shape of the flexible steam head 500, is changed to achieve better handling of the item, for example, the shape and / or contour of the steam assembly 570 can be changed so that the arrangement of the flexible steam head 500 conforms to the shape of the item 806 or changes in the shape of the supported item 806.

[0367] In this example, where the supported article 806 is a pair of pants, as the steamer assembly 570 is advanced across the article in a vertical direction, the shape of the portion of the pants that contacts the steamer assembly will change.

[0368] The flattening assembly advances the steam assembly down the pants waist region 810. The flexible steam head 500 applies pressure to create tension in the supported article, steaming and applying heat to the pants waist region.

[0369] As the steam assembly 570 advances through the flattening assembly onto the crotch region 820 of the pants 806, the shape of the flexible steam head 500 is altered to accommodate the changing shape of the article 806 so that the desired tension can be achieved and / or maintained.

[0370] When the flexible steam head 500 is aligned with the crotch area, the shape of the flexible steam head becomes as follows: Figure 9B The roughly triangular shape shown. The piston attached to the left steam head 510 is extended to rotate the non-fixed end of the left steam head 510 from the yz plane to the xz plane. The non-fixed end of the left steam head rotates about the pivot point 710 toward the trousers 806. The extension of the piston attached to the left steam head 510 causes the pivot point 710 and the fixed end of the left steam head 510 to translate in the y-axis direction along the motion guide rail toward the central plane of the steam assembly 570. The piston attached to the right rigid steam head 530 is also extended, causing the non-fixed end of the right rigid steam head 530 to rotate from the yz plane to the xz plane. Alternatively, in the case of using a motor with gears at the pivot point, the motor with gears can be used to rotate the left rigid steam head and / or the right rigid steam head separately in the manner described above.

[0371] The expansion of the piston attached to the right steam head causes the pivot point 720 and the fixed end of the right steam head to translate along the motion rail in the y-axis direction toward the central plane of the steam assembly 570. The left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530 thereby protrude from the steam assembly toward the trousers 806 and form a generally triangular shape.

[0372] The front faces of the left and right rigid steam heads 510, 530 face outward from the triangle toward the crotch region 820 of the pants 806. The shape formed by the left and right rigid steam heads 510, 530 allows the left and right rigid steam heads to be positioned into the crotch region 820 of the pants by a flattening device to create the required / desired tension.

[0373] The translation of the pivot points 710 and 730 of the left and right rigid steam heads and the rotation angles of the left and right steam heads enable different triangular shapes to be achieved.

[0374] The force measurements from the force sensor of the flexible steam assembly 500 can be used to determine: the position of the flexible steam head 500 along the x-axis; the position of the fixed ends of the left rigid steam head and the right rigid steam head; and the rotation angles of the left rigid steam head and the right rigid steam head to achieve the desired tension in the supported pants 806.

[0375] The flexible steam head 500 is advanced vertically across the crotch region 820 of the supported pants 806, with the left and right rigid steam heads 510, 530 being in the generally triangular shape described above.

[0376] As the flexible steam head 500 advances in this manner, the flexible steam head 500 applies steam, heat, and tension to the pants 806 via the left rigid steam head 510 , the right rigid steam head 530 , and the central rigid steam head 520 to treat the pants 806 .

[0377] After treating the crotch region 820, the flexible steam head 500 is advanced vertically downward to the thigh region 830 of the supported pants 806. The shape of the thigh region 830 of the supported pants is different from the shape of the crotch region 820 of the supported pants.

[0378] As the shape of the supported pants 806 changes, the tension applied to the supported pants by the flexible steam head 500 changes. In order to maintain the desired tension in the supported pants 806, the shape of the flexible steam head 500 is changed to a wider triangle, such as Figure 9C As shown, the left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530 are configured to process the left leg and the right leg respectively.

[0379] In this example, the pivot point 720 of the right rigid steam head 530 is translated along the y-axis away from the central plane of the flexible steam head. The rotation angle of the right steam head remains unchanged. Similarly, the pivot point 710 of the left rigid steam head 510 is translated along the y-axis away from the central plane of the flexible steam head. The rotation angle of the left steam head remains unchanged.

[0380] In this way, the left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530 move away from each other along the y-axis to form different triangular shapes - increasing the width of the triangle formed by the left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530 with each other and the width of the triangle formed with the central steam head, thereby allowing the flexible steam head to maintain a desired tension in the supported pants.

[0381] As with the treatment of the crotch region 820, force measurements from the force sensor of the flexible steam assembly determine: the position of the flexible steam head along the x-axis; the position of the fixed ends of the left rigid steam head and the right rigid steam head; and the rotation angles of the left rigid steam head and the right rigid steam head so as to achieve the desired tension in the supported pants during treatment of the thigh region.

[0382] The flexible steam head 500 is advanced vertically across the thigh region 830 of the supported trousers 806 in a downward direction, wherein the left rigid steam head 510 and the right rigid steam head 530 are in the generally triangular shape described above. The shape and positioning of the flexible steam head can be adjusted during processing to ensure that the desired tension in the article is maintained.

[0383] As the flexible steam head 500 advances in this manner, the flexible steam head 500 applies steam, heat, and tension via the left rigid steam head 510 , the right rigid steam head 530 , and the center rigid steam head 520 to treat the pants 806 .

[0384] After treating the thigh region 830 of the supported pants, the flexible steam head 500 moves vertically to the calf region of the supported pants. The shape of the calf region 840 of the supported pants 806 is different from the shape of the thigh region 830 of the supported pants. As the shape of the supported pants changes, the tension applied to the supported pants by the flexible steam head changes, such as Figure 9D shown.

[0385] To maintain tension applied to the supported trousers, force measurements obtained by the force sensor of the flexible steam assembly are used to determine the position of the flexible steam head along the x-axis; the positions of the fixed ends of the left and right rigid steam heads; and the rotation angles of the left and right rigid steam heads. The flexible steam assembly and / or the flexible steam head are moved to the position determined by the force measurements to maintain and / or achieve the desired tension.

[0386] In this example, the flexible steam assembly 500 maintains a shape similar to that used in the treatment of the thigh region of the supported pants.

[0387] In a similar manner, based on force measurements from the force sensor, the pivot points of the left and right rigid steam heads move along the y-axis during handling to maintain tension in the supported pants. Furthermore, the rotation angles of the left and right steam heads are also adjusted based on force measurements from the force sensor to ensure the desired tension is achieved in the calf area of ​​the pants. Because the pants leg is clamped to the hanger at the bottom of the leg as the flexible steam head advances toward the bottom of the calf area, the tension in the item increases due to the force applied by the clamp.

[0388] To compensate for the increased tension and thereby maintain the desired tension in the calf region 840, the flexible steam head 500 changes shape as it advances over the calf region.

[0389] In particular, when the flexible steam head approaches the bottom of the calf area, the left and right rigid steam heads are rotated toward the yz plane by retracting the attached pistons, thereby reducing the rotation angle of the left and right rigid steam heads. As a result, the left and right rigid steam heads 510 and 530 do not extend as far into the supported pants and apply less force to the calf area 840, thereby reducing the tension applied to the pants.

[0390] As the flexible steam head 500 advances in this manner, the flexible steam head 500 processes the pants 806, applying steam, heat, and tension via the left, right, and center rigid steam heads.

[0391] After treating the calf region 840 of the supported pants, the flexible steam head 500 is returned to the retracted configuration and actuated away from the supported article.

[0392] In this example, the flexible steam head 500 provides a second treatment to the supported item 806 .

[0393] To begin the second treatment, the flexible steam assembly 500 is moved in an upward direction along the vertical track to a point where the flexible steam head 500 is aligned with the waist region 810 of the supported pants 806 .

[0394] Once in the vertical position, the flexible steam head 500 is actuated along the x-axis towards the supported trousers 806 and into contact with the waist region 810 of the trousers.

[0395] The flexible steam head 500 in the retracted configuration and the position of the flexible steam head 500 along the x-axis are based on force measurements from the force sensor of the flexible steam head and are selected to ensure that the item is under a desired tension.

[0396] Upon contact with the waist region 810 of the pants, the flexible steam head 500 changes from the retracted configuration to the expanded configuration.

[0397] The left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530 move from a central position to an extended position on the item. The positions of the left steam head 510 and the right steam head 530 can be based on the positions of the left vertical rod and the right vertical rod so that the width of the extended position is determined by a sensor (e.g., a force sensor).

[0398] As the left and right steam heads 510, 530 move from a retracted configuration to an expanded configuration on the article 806, the steam heads 510, 520, 530 create tension across the width of the article.

[0399] Once in the expanded position, the steam assembly is advanced vertically downward across the supported trousers.

[0400] The rotation angles of the right and left rigid steam heads are set to zero so that they remain parallel to the yz plane during the second treatment process. Since the crotch 820 and legs of the supported trousers have been treated during the first treatment, no further treatment is required during the second treatment. Alternatively, the rotation angles of the left and right steam heads may be changed during the second treatment.

[0401] As the flexible steam head 500 advances vertically across the supported pants, the flexible steam head 500 applies steam, heat, and tension via the left rigid steam head 510 , the right rigid steam head 530 , and the center rigid steam head 520 to treat the pants.

[0402] The second treatment is completed when the flexible steam head 500 has treated the entire article, ie when the flexible steam head 500 reaches the bottom of the trouser leg.

[0403] Upon completion of the second treatment, the steamer assembly is moved away from the supported item along the x-axis by a horizontal actuator and into a storage position within the apparatus.

[0404] The device exit door opens and the processed supported items are transported to the outside of the device through the support rails for collection by the user.

[0405] The above-described method of treating pants may be used with any automated ironing apparatus and hanger / support system and is not limited to those described in this application.

[0406] Processing - Combined hangers and equipment

[0407] Figure 10 A method of treating an item 906, in this case a shirt, using the apparatus 100 (including the steam head 570) and hanger 200 described previously is shown. Figure 10 The order in which steam and air are applied to different portions of shirt 906 during the treatment process is shown.

[0408] Shirt 906 is treated at different areas where different treatments are to be applied. To apply different treatments to shirt 906, shirt 906 is moved to different treatment locations within the treatment chamber of apparatus 100 during treatment.

[0409] At each processing position, the leg portions 222 and 224 of the hanger 110 may be secured within the processing chamber by a shutter 116. The shutter 116 extends from the base of the processing chamber to grasp the leg portions 222 and 224 of the hanger 200.

[0410] The regions that shirt 906 is decomposed into are: the top body of the shirt, the left sleeve, the right sleeve, the body of the shirt, and the bottom body of the shirt.

[0411] The steam assembly 570, the flattening unit and the hanger 200 will now be described in detail with particular reference to the above-mentioned Figure 10 The method described in .

[0412] Items for processing, in this example shirts 906 , are loaded onto hangers 200 and secured to support rails 108 in the manner described above.

[0413] The user activates the processing cycle using the user interface. The access door of the apparatus 100 opens and the hanger 200 and the supported shirt 903 are transported into the apparatus 100 by the support rails 108.

[0414] The access door of the apparatus 100 is closed, thereby enclosing the hanger 200 and supported article 906 within the processing chamber of the apparatus.

[0415] In this example, the process begins with the top body 910 of the shirt 906. Figure 10 6-9 , which illustrate the application of steam and air to a shirt 906 .

[0416] The hanger 200 and supported shirt 906 are moved by the support rails 108 to a first treatment position where the front air guide 240 of the hanger 200 is aligned with the output path of the steam outlet of the apparatus 100. The steam outlet of the apparatus is located in the treatment chamber.

[0417] The smoothing assembly moves to a vertical position where the flexible steam head 500 is aligned with the bottom of the top body portion 910 of the shirt 906. In this example, this position is vertically just below the shirt's armpit. This position is used to maintain high steam and air pressure, effectively treating the area of ​​the shirt above the flexible steam head. The flexible steam head 500 is in a retracted configuration.

[0418] Once in the desired vertical position, the horizontal actuator moves the steam assembly 500 along the x-axis toward the item to be flattened 906. As the steam assembly moves toward the item 906, the front face of the pressing plate of the rigid steam head of the flexible steam head 500 contacts the shirt 906.

[0419] The contact of the rigid steam heads 510, 520, and 530 with the shirt 906 causes a force to be applied to the front surfaces of the rigid steam heads 510, 520, and 530, and the force measurements are recorded on the rigid steam head force sensors 560. The force measurements represent the tension applied to the item 906 by the rigid steam heads 510, 520, and 530. The position of the steam assembly 570 is determined by the force measurements from the force sensors 560. Different positions of the steam assembly 500 apply different amounts of force to the item 906.

[0420] As will be appreciated, the position of the steamer assembly 500 can be varied to achieve a desired tension on the shirt 906. The desired tension can depend on many factors, such as the material of the item, the size of the item, or user-selected parameters.

[0421] Once in the desired position along the x-axis, the rigid steam heads 510 , 520 , 530 of the flexible steam head 500 are moved from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration shown in FIG. 7 .

[0422] The curvature of each rigid steam head and the movement of the rigid steam head along the circumference of circle C1 advantageously allows the flexible steam head 500 to bend the center of the article 906, thereby creating and maintaining tension across the width of the article.

[0423] During processing, as the article 906 bends under the pressure of the rigid steam heads 510, 520, 530 pushing against it, the material of the article is stretched and / or pulled tighter.

[0424] The shoulder sections 540 of the left and right steam heads 510 , 530 help maintain tension on the item 906 throughout the entire height of the steam heads 510 , 520 , 530 .

[0425] The force exerted on the shirt by the flexible steam head 500 creates a partial seal on the bottom of the top body of the shirt 906 that prevents or impedes the transfer of steam and / or air from the top body section 910 of the shirt 906 to the body section 940 of the shirt.

[0426] While the flexible steam head 500 applies tension to the bottom of the top body 910 of the shirt, steam is discharged from the steam outlet of the device 100. The hanger 200 and the supported item 906 are in the first treatment position and steam is discharged from the steam outlet of the device in such a manner that the steam is directed downwardly along the collar of the shirt 906 toward the left side of the interior of the shirt 906 by the front air guide 240 of the hanger 200. The steam from the steam outlet enters the top body of the shirt, and the partial seal created by the flexible steam head reduces the escape of steam from the bottom of the shirt.

[0427] The restricted movement of steam within shirt 906 causes the steam to accumulate in top body 910 of shirt 906. The accumulation of steam causes top body 910 of shirt 906 to inflate, and the steam applies outward pressure to the inner material of top body 910 of shirt, thereby creating tension in top body 910 of shirt 906. As previously described, this inflation helps remove creases through tension and heat, and can further assist in removing creases by allowing the steam to escape through pores in the fabric.

[0428] After a while, the steam from the steam outlet stops, and then the steam is discharged from the steam outlet of the device in such a way that the steam is guided along the collar of the shirt downwardly toward the right side of the inside of the top body of the shirt via the front air guide 240 of the hanger. This causes the top body of the shirt to be similarly inflated.

[0429] The positioning of the flexible steam head 500 may be adjusted appropriately to maintain or re-establish the partial seal provided by the flexible steam head.

[0430] Alternatively, steam can be introduced into the top body 910 of the shirt 906 via the steam outlets of the left and right tubes of the hanger 200. For example, in the first processing position, the steam outlet of the automated ironing device is aligned and connected to the steam inlet of the hanger 200. Steam is then introduced from the automated ironing device into the left and right sleeves of the shirt 906 via the steam outlets of the left and right tubes. Steam is discharged from the steam outlets of the left and right tubes, filling the sleeves with steam. Due to the seal provided by the flexible steam head 500 just below the armpits of the shirt, the steam from the sleeves overflows from the sleeves into the top body of the shirt. In this way, the top body of the shirt can be filled with steam.

[0431] The steam to the right steam outlet and the left steam outlet may be alternated in order to obtain an even steam charge in the top body of the shirt.

[0432] exist Figure 10 In the second processing position shown in Figures 8 and 9 , the right blower of the device 100 is aligned with the supported item, so that air from the blower enters the shirt's front air guide 240. The aeration process described above is then repeated, replacing steam with air. The air serves to dry the shirt and also contributes to smoothing. As will be appreciated, the blower in this device is already tilted downward (and to a certain extent, left or right, respectively)—the use of the front air guide maintains airflow down the shirt.

[0433] Then, the right blower stops, and then the left blower of the device 100 is activated and starts to exhaust hot air. The hot air exhausted by the left blower enters the supported shirt 906 through the collar via the front air guide 240 of the hanger and is directed toward the right hand side of the inside of the shirt 906. This can be done at Figure 10 The inflation process is repeated again. In this way, alternating the airflow allows each side of the shirt to be processed evenly.

[0434] Then process the left sleeve 920 and the right sleeve 930 of the shirt 906. The left sleeve is processed as follows Figure 10 As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the treatment of the right sleeve is as follows Figure 10 As shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0435] To treat the sleeves of the shirt, the hanger 200 and supported shirt 906 are moved to a third treatment position that aligns or connects the right steam inlet 264 on the central portion 210 of the hanger with one or more steam outlets of the apparatus 100. After the hanger 200 is moved to the third treatment position, a treatment cycle is activated—the connected steam outlets of the apparatus turn on and off the steam supply to the right steam inlet 264 of the hanger 200.

[0436] The steam provided by the steam outlet and received by the right steam inlet 264 is discharged by the right steam outlet 266 into the right tube of the steam distribution system 260 located at the rear of the hanger 200. The steam is discharged at the steam outlet of the right tube near the end of the right arm portion 254 of the hanger 200.

[0437] The steam outlet of the right tube discharges steam received at the right steam inlet 264 into the right sleeve 930 of the supported shirt 906 .

[0438] The right cuff clip of hanger 200 partially seals right sleeve 930 and restricts the steam discharged from the right sleeve outlet into right sleeve 930 from leaving the right sleeve through the cuff, so that right sleeve 930 is inflated and steamed. Steam escapes through the pores in the fabric of the sleeve of shirt 906.

[0439] After a period of time, the steam from the steam outlet of the device 100 stops - the steam treatment of the right sleeve is complete.

[0440] The hanger 200 and supported article 906 are then transported via the support rails 108 to a fourth processing position within the apparatus 100. This fourth processing position aligns the right air inlet 256 of the hanger 200's internal air duct 250 with one or more blowers within the apparatus 100's processing chamber. After the hanger 200 has moved to the fourth processing position, the processing cycle is activated—the apparatus's aligned blowers open and close the supply of hot air to the right air inlet 256 of the hanger 200's internal air duct guide. The previously described sleeve inflation process is then repeated, replacing steam with air. The hot air trapped in the inflated sleeve dries the left sleeve of the shirt, which was previously damp or wet from the steam treatment. The air itself also aids in smoothing the sleeve.

[0441] The left sleeve 920 of the shirt is then subjected to the same treatment, with steam and then heat being applied at the respective fifth and sixth treatment locations.

[0442] Treating the top body 910 of the shirt in this manner advantageously may allow for treatment of areas of the shirt that may have limited access to a flexible steam head due to the hanger 200 and that the steam head may not be able to effectively treat due to this limited access.

[0443] The order in which the shirt sections are treated can also provide several advantages. Treating the top body first and then the sleeves prevents inflation of the top body from introducing creases in the already treated sleeves, which would not be the case if the order were reversed.

[0444] Additionally, if the sleeves are processed after the main body of the shirt 940, which may introduce creases on the bottom of the top body, a steam head is used on the bottom of the top body to seal the main body of the shirt from the top body of the shirt 910. This sequence ensures that creases are not introduced into areas that have already been processed at a later stage in the process.

[0445] After the right sleeve 930 and the left sleeve 920 of the shirt are subjected to the steam and hot air treatment, the main body 940 of the shirt 906 is then further treated. Figure 10 The processing of the body of shirt 940 is shown in Figures 14 to 16 of FIG.

[0446] To process the body 940 of the shirt 906 , the hanger 200 and supported shirt 906 are moved by the support rails 108 of the apparatus 100 to a seventh processing position inside the processing chamber, where the blower of the apparatus is aligned with the front air guide 240 of the hanger 200 .

[0447] The flattening unit moves in a downward direction along the vertical track of the device, causing the flexible steam head 500 to advance across the shirt, applying steam to the body of the shirt 940 via the steam section 490, and flattening the steamed portion of the body 940 of the shirt using the ironing plate 410 of the ironing section 480 of the rigid steam head.

[0448] As the flexible steam head 500 advances in a vertical direction over the body of the shirt, so does the seal created by the flexible steam head 500 in the supported shirt 906.

[0449] The rate at which the flattening unit moves along the vertical track and the rate at which the flexible steam head 500 advances over the item can be selected prior to operation and can depend on user input or settings selected by the user prior to operation, and / or can be optimized to achieve the best flattening effect, as the effectiveness of flattening can depend on the rate of vertical movement.

[0450] The rate may also be changed during operation of the device's processor.

[0451] To account for tension variations that may occur during processing, as the flattening unit moves vertically during the flattening process, measurement data from the force sensor is used to determine whether a measured tension parameter of item 906 is within a desired range. If the tension falls outside of this range, the horizontal actuator can move the steam assembly and / or the rigid steam head to different positions, thereby varying the tension in shirt 906 until the determined tension falls within the desired range. Other ways of determining the measured tension parameter are also possible.

[0452] As the flattening unit advances across the item in a vertical direction, the position of the left and right steam heads 510, 530 can be adjusted by the motor 550 based on force measurements from the force sensor, thereby adjusting the profile of the flexible steam head 500 to maintain tension on the item.

[0453] Additionally, as the flattening unit is advanced vertically over the article, the flexible steam head 500 may also be moved toward or away from the article by the horizontal actuator in order to maintain a desired tension in the body 940 of the shirt.

[0454] Once the steam head 500 has treated substantially the entire body of the shirt, a further re-treatment step is performed in which the steam head moves toward the top of the body and then downward. As the flexible steam head 500 advances vertically over the body 940 of the shirt, the blower of the device is activated and hot air from the blower is directed into the shirt via the front air guide 240 of the hanger 200.

[0455] Air from the blower enters the main body 940 of the shirt, and the seal formed by the flexible steam head 500, which advances vertically over the main body of the shirt, prevents this air from escaping the bottom of the shirt. The restricted movement of air within the shirt 906 causes the air to accumulate in the main body 940 of the shirt, thereby creating aeration as previously described. Using hot air to aerate the shirt (including the lower portion of the main body of the shirt, unlike the process described previously) serves to dry the shirt.

[0456] The flow from the blower can be increased to compensate for the increase in volume.

[0457] The blowers blowing air into the front air guide 240 can be placed in an activation sequence so that the hot air blown by one of the blowers does not interfere with the path of the hot air blown by another of the blowers. For example, the blowers can alternately provide hot air directed to the left side of the shirt and hot air directed to the right side of the shirt.

[0458] Once the flexible steam head 500 has advanced vertically over the body of the shirt and is located at the bottom of the shirt, the flexible steam head 500 is moved away from the shirt along the x-axis, thereby disengaging from the shirt 906. The flexible steam head then returns to the retracted configuration.

[0459] The flattening unit is then returned to its storage location within the apparatus 100 .

[0460] The shirt 906 is then moved to a final processing position so that the bottom of the shirt is aligned with the hot air from the other blowers of the apparatus 100 located below the shirt.

[0461] The blower activates and applies hot air to the bottom area of ​​the shirt, ensuring that this section (which is not accessible via the hanger via the blower blowing out air) is dried before the process ends.

[0462] After the bottom area of ​​the shirt is dried, the process is complete and the exit door of the apparatus 100 opens and the hanger 200 and supported shirt 906 pass through and are transported along the support rails 108 to the exterior of the apparatus 100. The hanger and treated shirt are placed outside the processing chamber, ready for collection by the user. The hanger 200 and supported item 906 can remain in this collection position while the apparatus processes more items.

[0463] The machine is then reset to prepare to process the next item.It should be understood that the processing method described herein is one example of a processing procedure, and the steps and procedures described can be used in any order and / or performed simultaneously to process items.

[0464] As will be understood, the treatment locations may vary in practice, in particular in order to simplify and / or combine processing steps. For example, air may be delivered via the front air guide, while steam is delivered via the sleeve outlet.

[0465] Placket closure for sealing shirts

[0466] In the above example, the shirt is secured to the hanger by fastening the shirt's buttons.

[0467] While this is an effective method for securing shirts to hangers, it can result in undesirable artifacts due to the handling process. Specifically, when securing the shirt's buttons, the buttons create localized areas of tension that can leave damp and wrinkled spots on the shirt when treated by the flexible steam head.

[0468] Therefore, there is a need for an alternative solution for securing the placket of a shirt together for processing in such an apparatus.

[0469] One such solution is Figure 11A As shown in Figure 11A A portion of the fly closure 1001 is shown. Figure 11A Two of the components 1001 shown in FIG can be arranged to form a placket closure device 1000 for securing two plackets of a shirt 906. The two components can be manufactured separately and secured together, or they can be manufactured as a single piece depending on manufacturing requirements. Figure 11A The assembly shown in is designed to secure only one side of the fly.

[0470] Portions of the fly closure 1000 include a flexible backing (or “rib”) 1010 .

[0471] Arranged along the face of the flexible backsheet 1010 are a plurality of formations referred to as closing clips 1020 .

[0472] The flexible backsheet 1010 is made of a flexible material and, in this example, is substantially in the shape of a cuboid having a length, a width, and a height, and a centerline extending along the length of the cuboid at the midpoint of the width of the cuboid.

[0473] Optionally, a layer of high friction material 1014 is affixed to the surface of the top surface 1012 of the flexible backsheet.

[0474] The closing clip 1020 attached to the flexible back plate is Figure 11B The closure clip has an annular shape comprising an attachment section 1022 and a depending section 1024 , which are generally arranged at right angles to each other, and a curved portion, referred to as an underhang section 1030 , located between the depending section 1024 and the back plate 1010 .

[0475] The attachment section 1022 is attached to the top surface 1012 of the flexible backsheet 1010 and is arranged vertically at right angles to the backsheet 1010. The top surface 1012 of the flexible backsheet is covered by a layer 1014 of high friction material.

[0476] Attached to the attachment section 1022 of the closure clip 1020 is a depending section 1024 .

[0477] The underhanging section 1030 of the closing clip 1020 is attached to the end of the overhanging section farthest from the attachment section 1022. The underhanging section 1030 depends and is supported by the overhanging section 1024. The underhanging section 1030 is curved and has an unattached end 1032.

[0478] When viewed from the side, the underhang section is located between the overhang section and the back plate and contacts the back plate at the midpoint of the curved shape defined by the underhang section.

[0479] The underhang section 1030 has spring properties such that it can be deflected toward the overhang section 1024 by an applied force and return to its original position when the force is no longer applied. Thus, the closing clip 1020 is able to clamp the fabric between the back panel 1010 and the underhang section 1030 (or more precisely, at the point where the underhang section contacts the back panel).

[0480] The closure clips 1020 are attached to the flexible backsheet 1010 along the edge of the top surface 1012 via attachment sections 1022. Two assemblies 1001 can be attached together to form a fly closure device. The assemblies 1001 are attached together so that the closure clips 1020 of the assemblies are arranged in pairs along the centerline of the attached flexible backsheet 1010. Each pair of closure clips 1020 is positioned on the backsheet at substantially the same position along the length of the centerline. The closure clips 1020 are oriented so that the overhanging sections 1024 of the closure clips 1020 extend outward from the center of the flexible backsheet 1010 toward the opposing long edges of the cuboid face.

[0481] This arrangement of closure clips 1020 on the flexible back panel 1010 forms two linear arrays of closure clips (left and right sets) mirrored on the centerline of the flexible back panel 1010. This arrangement may be well suited for receiving two fabric sheets on different sides (i.e., a shirt placket).

[0482] The depending section 1024 of the closure clip is separated from the surface of the back plate by the attachment section 1022 .

[0483] Thus, the overhanging section 1024 of the closure clip 1020 extends over the surface of the flexible backsheet 1010 .

[0484] As described above, a section of the outer surface of the underhang section 1030 is in contact with or in close proximity to the surface of the flexible backsheet 1010, particularly the high friction layer 1014. The closest point between the outer surface of the underhang section 1030 and the surface of the flexible backsheet 1010 defines the entry point 1028 for the closure clip 1020. The entry point is partially enclosed by the underhang section 1030 of the closure clip 1020 and the high friction surface 1014 of the flexible backsheet 1010.

[0485] In addition, the outer surface of the underhang section 1030 has a gripping section 1023 and a flat section 1026. The flat section 1026 is positioned on the outer surface of the underhang section 1030 between the entry point 1028 and the attachment point of the underhang section 1030 to the overhang section 1024. The gripping section 1023 is positioned on the outer surface of the underhang section 1030 between the entry point 1028 and the end of the underhang section.

[0486] Figure 11D and 11E A fly closure device 1000 is shown, comprising Figure 11A Two of the assemblies shown in FIG. 1 are used with a hanger 200 and a supported shirt 106 .

[0487] The flexible backsheet 1010 presents the user with a set of closure clips 1020 with an entry point 1028 on one side of the flexible backsheet 1010 , and a set of closure clips 1020 with an entry point 1028 on the opposite side of the flexible backsheet 1010 .

[0488] To secure the placket of the supported shirt 106 together, the user inserts the placket 1040 of the shirt into the entry point 1028 of the closure clip 1020 located on the flexible back panel 1010 . Figure 11B and Figure 11C An example of a fly inserted into a closing clip is shown in FIG.

[0489] When the placket 1040 of the shirt is inserted into the entry point 1028 of the closure clip 1020 , the material of the placket is guided to the entry point 1028 by the flat section 1026 of the underhang section 1030 .

[0490] The placket of the shirt is passed through the entry point 1028 of the closure clip 1020 , and the underhang section 1030 is deflected toward the overhang section 1024 and away from the top surface 1012 of the flexible backsheet 1010 .

[0491] The inherent spring characteristics of the underhung section 1030 create a downward force on the inserted section of the fly 1040 .

[0492] Furthermore, material that has passed through entry point 1028 is retained by gripping section 1026 of closure clip 1020. Gripping section 1026 of underhang section 1030 presents a high friction area that prevents movement and hinders rearward movement of the placket 1040 of the shirt through entry point 1028.

[0493] Another consequence of the shape of the clip, and in particular the underhang section 1030, is that if the inserted placket of a shirt is subjected to force when it is pulled from the clip 1020, the gripping surface 1032 will grab the material, causing the underhang section 1030 to flex and move toward the high friction surface of the back plate. Thus, the flexing of the underhang section 1030 causes the gripping section 1023 to be forced more forcefully into the inserted placket, making it more difficult to remove the placket from the clip 1020.

[0494] Thus, by inserting the placket of shirt 106 into the array of closure clips 1020 provided on flexible back panel 1010 , the front side of the shirt can be held together by placket closure device 1000 .

[0495] For example, a user inserts the right front placket 1050 of a shirt into the entry point 1028 of the right set of clip arrays of the placket closure device 1000. The material of the shirt inserted into the entry point 1028 of the right set of clips is gripped and held in place by the gripping section 1026 of the underhang section 1030 of the closure clip 1020, the spring force exerted by the underhang section 1030 on the material at the entry point 1028, and the grip of the high friction material layer on the surface of the top surface 1012 of the flexible backplate 1010.

[0496] With the right side of the front of the shirt secured by the right set of clips, the user then secures the left side 1060 of the shirt 106 in a similar manner.

[0497] As will be understood, the flexible back panel 1010 of the device is positioned and secured inside the shirt, enclosed by the now secured left and right plackets of the shirt. As will be described, the back panel 1010 assists in tightening the shirt during the flattening process.

[0498] Figure 12A -C shows an example of such use, where the fly closing device 1000 is used to secure the right and left fly of a shirt supported by a hanger 200 for processing inside an automated ironing machine such as the apparatus 100.

[0499] The fly closure device can be fixed to the frame of the support system for supporting items in the automated ironing device so that it can be pivoted at the bottom of the frame and detached at the top of the frame. Thus, a garment without buttons and not requiring a fly closure device can be pulled onto the hanger, the top can be detached and the fly closure device can be moved out of the way, the garment can then be pulled over, and the fly closure piece can be reattached at the top. The fly closure device is positioned on the exterior of the garment to avoid obstructing handling.

[0500] Alternatively, the fly closure device can be fixed at the bottom of the frame and detachable at the top of the frame and then folded down into the base section of the frame, or the fly closure device can be completely removed from the support system and stored on or outside the automated machine.

[0501] Figure 12A A shirt 106 is shown supported by a hanger 200 (not shown) in a similar manner as described above, but the placket of the shirt is not secured together using the shirt's buttons. Instead, a placket closure device 1000 secures the left and right plackets of the front of the shirt together, with the placket closure device 1000 tightening the left and right sides of the shirt on the hanger 200. The methods and apparatus for processing discussed with respect to other examples can be used to process the supported shirt.

[0502] Notably, the use of the fly closure device 1000 facilitates various aspects of these processes, particularly the application of tension on the shirt 106 by the flexible steam head 500 .

[0503] Figure 12B and 12C One example is shown of the flexible steam head 500 applying tension, steam, and heat to a shirt 106 supported by a hanger 200 (not shown), with the fly closure 1000 securing the front of the shirt together in the manner described above.

[0504] During treatment, the flexible steam head 500 contacts the back of the supported shirt 106 and applies pressure to the shirt. In this example, the flexible steam head also applies pressure to the flexible back plate 1010 enclosed within the supported shirt 106.

[0505] In some of the above treatment methods, the force applied by the flexible steam head 500 to the supported shirt 106 causes the shirt 106 to bend outward in a forward direction. The pressure applied by the flexible steam head 500 causes the flexible backing plate 1010 to flex, thereby forming a similar pressure around the contact point of the steam head 500 with the shirt 106. Figure 12C The concave shape shown. The flexing of the flexible backing plate 1010 distributes the pressure applied by the flexible steam head 500 across the shirt 106.

[0506] The flexing of the shirt 106 and the associated forces exert opposing forces on the placket of the shirt, forcing the placket apart—moving it outward from the center of the shirt 106. The placket closure device 1000 prevents the placket from moving in this manner. As the flexible backing plate 1010 is flexed by the flexible steam head 500, the forces exerted on the placket of the shirt by the closure clips 1020 and the flexible backing plate 1010 increase. As the flexible backing plate flexes, the pressure applied to the flexible backing plate by the flexible steam head forces the high-friction surface of the flexible backing plate toward the placket of the shirt, which is clamped by the closure clips, thereby preventing the material from leaving the closure and ensuring that the placket closure device maintains the placket of the supported shirt when the flexible steam head applies pressure to the supported shirt.

[0507] Therefore, when the flexible back sheet 12C is Figure 12C As shown, when the flexible steam head 500 is flexed, the closure clips 1020 arranged on the flexible backing plate 1010 grasp the placket of a shirt inserted into the entry point of the closure clips, thereby preventing the placket from being removed.

[0508] In this way, the placket closure device 1000 can secure the shirt for processing while distributing the force applied by the flexible steam head 500 across the shirt, thereby preventing undesirable artifacts caused by localization of the force applied by the flexible steam head 500, which may occur when other methods are used, such as when buttons are used to secure the shirt.

[0509] Combined pants-shirt hanger-detachable hanger

[0510] An alternative to the hanger 200 and the movement system of the automated ironing appliance 100 will now be described in the form of a support system for the automated ironing appliance.

[0511] It is advantageous both commercially and from a user experience perspective that the support system used in the automated ironing machine uses hangers similar to conventional hangers.

[0512] It would also be advantageous if the support system for supporting the items to be processed had an interchangeable or multifunctional clamping system that allowed items of different shapes to be suspended from the support system.

[0513] For example, it would be advantageous to have a support system that allows shirts, pants, and / or smart pants to be supported therein for treatment.

[0514] Such a support system Figure 13A -D, and in Figure 14A - The supporting article is shown in use in C. The support system will now be described in detail.

[0515] Figure 13AThe support system 1200 shown in FIG includes a detachable hanger 1210 and a frame 1220. The frame 1220 has a left vertical rod 1222 and a right vertical rod 1224. Figure 13A The detachable hanger 1210 shown in FIG is shown in a detached position.

[0516] A plurality of attachment points 1226 are located on the frame 1220 to which the detachable hangers 1210 are attached. The attachment points 1226 are located at the top of the vertical rods and extend toward each other. The attachment points extend substantially at right angles to the rods.

[0517] The frame 1220 also includes a base mechanism 1240 attached to the bottom of the left and right vertical rods 1222, 1224, and extending between the right and left vertical rods 1224, 1222. The base mechanism 1240 rigidly connects the right and left vertical rods 1224, 1222. Furthermore, the base mechanism 1240 is operable to adjust the distance between the left and right vertical rods 1222, 1224. As previously described, a fly closure can be attached to the base mechanism during use.

[0518] The base mechanism 1240 includes a rack and pinion mechanism that is capable of adjusting the distance between the left vertical rod 1222 and the right vertical rod 1224, and ensures that any adjustment to the distance between the left vertical rod 1222 and the right vertical rod 1224 is symmetrical about the midpoint of the distance between the left vertical rod and the right vertical rod.

[0519] Furthermore, the base mechanism 1240 includes an attachment mechanism for attaching and securing the frame 1200 to a conveyor rail of an automated ironing apparatus.

[0520] As will be appreciated, support system 1200 serves as an alternative to the aforementioned hanger, except that the presence of base 1240 allows the hanger to be detached from the rod. Support system 1200 also includes a set of clips for suspending and / or applying tension to items to be handled in support system 1200. Two retaining clips, left retaining clip 1262 and right retaining clip 1264, are attached to base mechanism 1240 of support system 1200.

[0521] Left and right securing clips 1262, 1264 are attached via respective elastic cords to respective points of support system 1200 near the connection between left or right vertical rod 1222, 1224 and base mechanism 1240, such as near the bottom of the associated rod. The clips may be extended via the elastic cords.

[0522] The set of clips also includes a plurality of removable clips that can be attached to the hanger and / or frame of the support system. Each removable clip can be attached via an attachment portion and has an elastic cord that allows the removable clip to extend from the attachment portion.

[0523] Detachable hanger 1210 is used to support items for handling. As is conventional, detachable hanger 1210 is generally triangular in shape, defined by a left arm portion 1212 and a right arm portion 1214 connected to a central portion 1216 of the hanger, and a base portion 1218 connecting the ends of the left and right arm portions 1212, 1214. Hanger 1210 has a hook portion 1211 formed in the shape of a hook. Hook portion 1211 extends from the central portion 1216 of the triangular hanger, where the left and right portions of hanger 1210 are connected. The left portion 1212, right portion 1214, and base portion 1218 of the hanger are tubular. Base portion 1218 is linear, with left portion 1212 and right portion 1214 having linear portions and curved portions. Left arm portion 1212 and right arm portion 1214 overlap base portion 1218. The base portion 1218 is connected to the ends of the left and right parts at the ends of the curved portions. The base portion 1218 is connected by inserting the ends of the base portion into the ends of the curved portions of the left and right parts.

[0524] The overlap of the right and left arm portions 1214, 1212 with the base portion 1218 of the hanger 1210 allows the width of the hanger to be changed by sliding the left and right portions outward, thereby reducing the overlap of the left and right arm portions with the base portion and extending the width and / or height of the hanger 1210. The curved portion of the left arm of the detachable hanger is attached to the frame via one or more attachment points located at the top of the left vertical rod. The curved portion of the right portion 1214 of the detachable hanger is attached to the frame via one or more attachment points 1226 located at the top of the right vertical rod 1224. The attachment points 1226 can be clips, allowing the hanger 1210 to be clipped into place on the frame.

[0525] As will be appreciated, the hanger may alternatively be a hanger comprising fluid conduits / ventilation pathways as previously described.Where a conventional hanger is used, a blower may be inserted into the garment in use to allow the method described above to be performed.

[0526] Figure 13B Shown attached to Figure 13A The support system 1200 includes a frame 1220 and a hanger 1210 .

[0527] Once attached to the frame 1220 via attachment points 1226 on the left vertical rod 1222 and the right vertical rod 1224, the width and / or height of the hanger 1210 can be changed by actuating the rack and pinion of the base mechanism 1240 - causing the left vertical rod 1222 and the right vertical rod 1224 of the frame 1220 to move (separately or together) and the left arm portion 1212 and the right arm portion 1214 of the hanger to move (separately or together) by virtue of their connection to the left vertical rod 1222 or the right vertical rod 1224 via attachment points 1226.

[0528] FIG. 13C shows Figure 13A and 13B 12. The support system 1200 of FIG. 1200 includes a left removable clip 1272 and a right removable clip 1274 attached to the left leg vertical rod 1222 and the right leg vertical rod 1224 of the frame 1220. The removable clips are attached via an attachment portion and extendable from the attachment portion via an elastic cord.

[0529] FIG. 13D shows a diagram similar to Figure 13A A photograph of an example support system 1200 shown in -C and described above.

[0530] Attachment points 1226 for the detachable hanger 1210 extend from the left and right vertical bars of the support system shown in FIG13D . The attachment points are attachment clips 1226 shaped to receive the left, right, and / or center portions of the detachable hanger and secure them to the frame. The detachable hanger 1210 is shown secured to the frame 1220 via the attachment clips 1226.

[0531] Additionally, the user can pull the left and right vertical rods 1222, 1224 apart to change the distance therebetween and alter the profile of the attached detachable hanger 1210.

[0532] The support system 1200 for supporting an item 106 for processing in an automated ironing apparatus, in use, will now be described.

[0533] Figure 14A -C shows a support system 1200 that supports a pair of pants for processing. The pants are hung or held in the support system 1200 by a clamping system. The method of hanging the pants is similar to the method described above. Figure 14A A method and apparatus for hanging pants 1302 using support system 1200 is shown.

[0534] In more detail, the user removes the detachable hanger 1210 from the frame 1220. After removing the detachable hanger 1210, the user places the right pant leg onto the right vertical rod 1224 of the frame and places the left pant leg of the pants 1302 onto the left vertical rod 1222 of the frame 1220. The pant legs are placed onto the rods from the bottom first, and the vertical rods 1222 and 1224 extend through the respective pant legs to extend the pants through the waist holes of the pants.

[0535] The user operates the rack and pinion on the base mechanism 1240 of the support system 1200 to adjust the distance between the left vertical rod 1222 and the right vertical rod 1224. The user adjusts the width of the rods to ensure that the right rod 1224 is positioned inside the right leg at the outer edge of the pant leg farthest from the center of the pants 1302 (the crotch area), and similarly ensures that the left vertical rod 1222 is positioned inside the left leg at the outer edge of the pant leg farthest from the center of the pants 1302 (the crotch area).

[0536] The right and left vertical rods thereby pull on the waist and leg regions of the pants 1302 so that the pants are substantially located within the plane of the right and left vertical rods 1224, 1222 and so that the pants 1302 are tightened across the gap between the left and right rods.

[0537] The user attaches the removable hanger 1210 to the attachment points 1226 located on the left vertical bar 1222 and the right vertical bar 1224 of the support system 1200 .

[0538] The user hangs pants 1302 in the support system 1200 by attaching removable top clips 1310 and 1311 to the top of the left and right vertical bars and / or attaching the top clips to the base section 1218 of the attached removable hanger 1210. The removable top clips are attached via an attachment portion and can extend from the attachment portion via an elastic cord.

[0539] The user inserts the waist of the pants 1302 into the attached top clips 1310 and 1311. Thus, the top clips 1310 and 1311 hold the front and back of the waist section of the pants 1302 together and suspend the pants 1302 in the support system 1200 with the waist of the pants near the top of the vertical rods and the bottom of the pants legs near the base mechanism of the support system.

[0540] As shown in FIG14B , the user attaches left securing clip 1262 to the inner corner of the bottom of the right trouser leg and right securing clip 1264 to the inner corner of the left trouser leg. Attaching the securing clips to the inner corners of the trouser legs ensures that the trousers are tightened. Securing clips 1262 and 1264 pull the inner corners of the right and left trouser legs downward and outward. This ensures that trousers 1302, and particularly the trouser legs, are tightened while being suspended by support system 1200.

[0541] The pants 1302 are then hung between the right vertical bar 1224 and the left vertical bar 1222 in a position ready for processing by the automated ironing equipment.

[0542] Once processed by the automated ironing device and presented to the user, the user removes the pants 1302 from the support system by loosening the left and right retaining clips 1262, 1264, and if top clips 1310 and 1311 are attached to the base of the detachable hanger, the user detaches the detachable hanger 1210 from the attachment point 1226 - the processed pants are attached to the detachable hanger 1210 via the top clips 1310 and 1311 and are ready for storage in the user storage solution.

[0543] With the top clips 1310 and 1311 instead attached to the left and right vertical bars 1222 and 1224 of the hanger, the user simply releases the top clips and removes the treated pants 1302 from the support system 1200 .

[0544] FIG. 14B illustrates an alternative clamping system that may be used in support system 1200 to suspend a pair of trousers 1304 in such a manner as to handle trousers 1304 that require ironed creases on the front and back of the legs, such as suit trousers.

[0545] To hang pants 1304 in support system 1200, the user folds pants 1304 along the front and back creases present in the legs of the pants so that the left and right legs of the pants overlap each other for handling.

[0546] The user operates the rack and pinion on the base mechanism 1240 of the support system 1200 to adjust the distance between the left vertical rod and the right vertical rod, thereby ensuring that the folded pants are placed between the left vertical rod 1222 and the right vertical rod 1224 of the support system 1200.

[0547] The user removes the removable hanger 1210 from the support system and inserts a removable left clip 1313 that attaches it to the left vertical rod 1222 and a right clip 1314 that attaches it to the right vertical rod 1224. The removable side clips are attached to the vertical rods via attachment portions and are extendable from the attachment portions via elastic cords.

[0548] The user attaches side clips 1313 and 1314 to the waist of the folded pants 1304, holding the folded sections together.

[0549] The side clips 1313 and 1314 may be constrained so that the clips and the clipped pants 1304 cannot move in the vertical direction.

[0550] The user attaches the removable hanger 1210 to the attachment points 1226 located on the left vertical bar 1222 and the right vertical bar 1224 of the support system 1200 .

[0551] A top clip (not shown) may be attached to the base portion of the attached detachable hanger, which attaches to the folded pants at the waist and prevents movement of the pants in the vertical direction.

[0552] Once hung in the support system by side clips 1313 and 1314, the user attaches left securing clip 1262 to the left corner of the outer leg of the hanging trousers 1304 - thereby holding the left and right folded trouser legs together.

[0553] The user attaches the right retaining clip 1264 to the right corner of the outer leg of the hanging pants 1304 to hold the pants flat in the plane of the left vertical rod 1222 and the right vertical rod 1224 and to pull the pants 1304 tight, thereby pulling them tight and holding the left and right folded pants legs together.

[0554] Then, trousers 1304 are in a position ready to be processed by the automated ironing equipment. Then, trousers 1304 can be processed by the automated ironing equipment in a manner similar to that described in this application.

[0555] Once the pants 1304 have been processed by the automated ironing device and presented to the user, the user removes the pants 1304 from the support system 1200 by loosening the left and right retaining clips 1262, 1264, the side clips, and if using a top clip and attaching it to the base of the detachable hanger, the user detaches the detachable hanger 1210 from the attachment point - the processed pants 1304 are attached to the detachable hanger via the top clip. The user can then hang the processed pants directly in the user storage solution using the detachable hanger.

[0556] FIG. 14C shows another example of an article supported by support system 1200 for processing.

[0557] In this case, the item is shirt 1306. To load shirt 1306 onto support system 1200, the user removes detachable hanger 1210 and loads shirt 1306 onto the removed detachable hanger 1210.

[0558] The user then places the loaded shirt 1306 and the detachable hanger 1210 onto the right vertical rod 1224 and the left vertical rod 1222 of the support system 1200. The left vertical rod 1222 and the right vertical rod 1224 extend through the interior of the shirt 1306 along the sides of the shirt 1306.

[0559] Alternatively, the user can attach hanger 1210 to frame 1306 to form support system 1200, and then the user can load shirts onto the support system, for example, by wrapping the shirt around the hanger and frame.

[0560] The user uses the rack and pinion mechanism on the base mechanism 1240 of the support system 1200 to adjust the distance between the left vertical rod 1222 and the right vertical rod 1224 to ensure that the right and left vertical rods are in close proximity to the side seams of the supported shirt at the narrowest point of the shirt.

[0561] Adjustment of the width of the left and right vertical bars 1222 and 1224 also adjusts the width of the detachable hanger 1210 through movement of the left and right arm portions 1212 and 1214 of the hanger 1210 .

[0562] The user attaches the right securing clip to the end of the right sleeve (cuff) of the supported shirt and the left securing clip to the end of the left sleeve (cuff) of the shirt. The securing clips hold the materials of shirt 1306 together, thereby sealing or partially sealing the ends of the sleeves of shirt 1306 in preparation for processing.

[0563] The retaining clips 1262 and 1264 of the support system are used to anchor the sleeves of the shirt 1306 and seal the ends of the sleeves in the manner previously discussed.

[0564] Retention clips 1262 and 1264 and associated elastic cords pull the sleeves in a downward direction toward the base mechanism, thereby creating tension in the sleeves of shirt 1306 and pulling the sleeves tight.

[0565] The retaining clips 1262 and 1264 securing the shirt cuffs may include shaped vents to allow a blower of the automated ironing equipment to engage the retaining clips to inflate the sleeves of shirt 1306 during processing by blowing air through the vents in the retaining clips 1262 and 1264.

[0566] The user then secures the front of the shirt together by buttoning shirt 1306 or using placket closure device 1000, also described herein.

[0567] The shirt 1306 is now suspended between the right vertical bar 1224 and the left vertical bar 1222 of the support system 1200 in a position ready for processing by the automated ironing equipment.

[0568] The shirt may then be processed by an automated ironing apparatus in a manner similar to that described elsewhere in this application.

[0569] Once processed by the automated ironing apparatus and presented to the user, the user removes the shirt from the support system by releasing the retaining clips 1262 and 1264 from the shirt, lifting the hook portion of the hanger, thereby detaching the hanger from the attachment point of the support system, and removing the hanger and processed shirt from the support system.

[0570] The user can then hang the treated shirt 1306 directly in the user storage solution using the detachable hanger 1210.

[0571] It should be understood that the detachable hanger can be the hanger with ventilation path described previously. Alternatively, a different hanger (without ventilation path) can be used.

[0572] Overall Concept

[0573] The support system 1200 described above can be used with the automated ironing apparatus described above, and can also be used with the automated ironing apparatus shown in Figures 15A and 15B and in use as shown in Figure 16.

[0574] The automated ironing device 1400 of FIG. 15A is substantially similar to Figure 1 1400 and described elsewhere in this application, but the means for conveying supported items through the apparatus 1400 is different.

[0575] In particular, instead of the support rail 108 extending through the device, the ironing device 1400 of Figure 15A has an entry rail 1410 for receiving and transporting the support system 1200, a central rail 1420 for fixing the base 1240 of the support system 1200 and for transporting the loaded support system 1200 and the frame 1220 of the unloaded support system 1200, and an exit rail 1430 for presenting the support system 1200 with the processed items to the user and for transporting the loaded support system 1200 and the frame 1220 of the unloaded support system 1200.

[0576] An entry rail (also referred to as an input rail) 1410 of the ironing device 1400 extends from outside the treatment chamber into the treatment chamber and across the width of the top of the treatment chamber.

[0577] The entry rail 1410 has at least one mechanical connector to which hangers of the type described elsewhere in this application can be attached. The entry rail 1410 also has a means for transporting supported hangers over the length of the entry rail 1410. The hangers attached to the entry rail can move independently of one another, and sensors on the automated ironing device can be used to determine the position of the hangers. The position of the hangers can be communicated to a processor of the automated ironing device, and the processor can use this position information in executing processing.

[0578] The central rail 1420 is located in the base of the processing chamber of the automated ironing device 1400 and extends across the width of the bottom of the processing chamber.

[0579] Thus, the entry rail 1410 is positioned above and aligned with the center rail 1420 in the processing chamber. The spacing between the entry rail 1410 and the center rail 1420 in the processing chamber is large enough to accommodate the support system 1200.

[0580] The central rail 1420 has a plurality of mechanical connectors to which the base structure 1240 of the support system 1200 is attached, thereby providing a fixed point for the support system 1200, which allows the support system 1200 to remain rigid during processing. The central rail 1420 also includes a transport device that allows the support system 1200 to be transported across the entire central rail 1200. As shown in FIG15A , in the processing position, the support system 1200 is supported by both the entry rail and the central rail for improved support. After processing, the entry rail is disengaged from the support system, so that only the central rail supports the support system 1200.

[0581] The central rail 1420 is in communication with the exit rail 1430, so that the central rail 1420 can transfer the support system 1200 secured to the central rail 1420 to the exit rail 1430 via the base mechanism 1240. This allows the exit rail 1430 to take over the transport of the support system 1200. The exit rail 1430 extends from the base of the processing chamber to the outside of the processing chamber.

[0582] The exit rail 1430 has a plurality of mechanical connectors that accept the base mechanism 1240 of the support system 1200 from the center rail 1420 , thereby attaching the support system 1200 to the exit rail 1430 .

[0583] The exit rail 1430 also includes a transport mechanism that allows the support system 1200, and in particular the base mechanism 1240, to be received from the center rail 1420 and transported across the exit rail 1430. Because the exit rail 1430 fully supports the support system 1200 from below, the user can easily release the supported garment and remove the detachable hanger (with the garment still mounted thereon) for storage.

[0584] A display rail (or "frame display") 1440 shown in FIG. 15B in mechanical communication with the center rail and / or exit rail transports empty frames 1220 stored within the apparatus 1400 to the exterior of the apparatus for collection and loading by a user.

[0585] Figure 15B also (schematically) shows a number of other aspects of the automated ironing device 1400 not previously described - in particular the water tank 1450 (alternatively / additionally, the device 1400 can be connected to a mains water supply), a heating system 1460 for generating steam, rails 1472 on which the steam head 500 travels, and the condenser 1470.

[0586] The automated ironing device 1400 is shown in use in Figures 16A-F and will now be described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams shown in Figures 15A and 15B.

[0587] As shown in FIG. 16A , a user 1501 loads an item 1506 into the support system 1200 , which includes a detachable hanger 1210 and a frame 1220 , in the manner described in detail above.

[0588] The user 1501 then secures the loaded support system 1200 to the entry / input rail 1410 of the automated ironing device 1400, as shown in Figure 16B. The hook portion of the hanger 1200 engages the entry rail 1410 to secure the support system 1200 to the automated ironing device 1400. The support system 1200 is suspended from the hook portion of the detachable hanger 1210 on the entry rail 1410, as previously described.

[0589] In this manner, the user secures a support system 1200 or multiple support systems 1200, each loaded with items for processing, to the entry rail 1410 of the automated ironing device 1400.

[0590] Once the loaded support system 1200 has been secured to the entry rail 1410, the user 1501 initiates processing using a user interface connected to the processor of the automated ironing device 1400. The processor communicates with the components of the automated ironing device 1400 to execute the processing. In this example, when the user 1501 activates the processing, the entry door of the automated ironing device 1400 opens, and the entry rail 1410 of the automated ironing device 1400 conveys the support system 1200 and the associated supported items through the open entry door and into the processing chamber of the automated ironing device 1400.

[0591] Upon entering the processing chamber and / or before processing of the items 1506 begins, the entry door is closed and the base mechanism 1240 of the support system 1400 is connected to the center rail of the automated ironing device 1400 , thereby securing the support system 1200 to the center rail 1420 .

[0592] Thus, the support system 1200 is secured in the processing chamber by entering the rails 1410 (via the hook portion of the hanger 1210) and being secured to the central rail 1420 via the base mechanism 1240 of the support system 1200, thereby keeping the support system rigid for processing. This process is illustrated in FIG15A , which shows the movement of the support system 1200 through the automated ironing device 1400.

[0593] The support system 1200 and the supported items are moved to different processing positions in the processing chamber by an entry track 1410 and a center track 1420 controlled by a processor of the automated ironing device 1400. The supported items are processed by the steam head and blower in the processing system in a manner similar or identical to those described elsewhere in this application.

[0594] Once the supported items have been processed, the support system 1200 is released by the entry rail 1410. The support system 1200 and the processed items are held secure to the central rail 1420 by the support system's base mechanism 1240. The central rail 1420 transports the support system 1200 to the exit rail 1430 that extends outside of the processing chamber of the automated ironing apparatus.

[0595] The exit rail 1430 receives the base mechanism 1240 of the support system 1200 from the central rail 1420, the exit door of the processing chamber opens, and the exit rail 1420 transports the support system 1200 to the outside of the equipment along the exit rail 1420 through the opened exit door, where the user 1501 can remove the processed items from the support system 1200.

[0596] The next article for processing may then be moved through the automated ironing device 1400 for processing according to instructions from the processor, and the above process may be repeated until all articles for processing loaded and secured to the entry rail 1410 have been processed.

[0597] The processed item is ready for collection by the user 1501 from the exit track 1430 of the automated ironing device. FIG16C shows the user collecting the processed item 1506 from the exit track 1430 of the automated ironing device 1400.

[0598] Advantageously, the support system 1200 described herein allows the user to remove the detachable hanger 1210 and the treated article attached thereto. Thus, the user can immediately hang / store the treated article in, for example, a wardrobe upon detaching the hanger 1210 and the treated article from the support system.

[0599] The frame 1220 and base mechanism 1240 of the support system 1200 that remain attached to the exit rail 1430 after the user detaches the detachable hanger 1210 and processed item 1506 are transported back to the interior of the automated ironing device 1400 via the exit rail 1430 for storage.

[0600] Upon initialization of the automated ironing machine 1400, the automated ironing machine 1400 may move the frame 1200 from storage to a display rail 1440 external to the automated ironing device 1400, thereby presenting the empty frame 1220 to the user 1501. FIG16D illustrates the automated ironing device presenting the frame 1220 retrieved from storage to the user via the display rail 1440, with the user 1506 preparing the detachable hanger 1210 for attachment to the frame 1220.

[0601] 16E and 16F show the user 1501 removing the displayed frame 1220 from the display rails 1440 by attaching the detachable hanger 1210 to the frame 1220 and lifting the frame upward and away from the display rails 1440. The display rails are pivoted upward and toward the user. The user 1501 then prepares the support system 1200 to load unprocessed items onto the support system 1200.

[0602] This allows the above process to be repeated for other items that may need to be processed by the automated ironing device 1400. For example, by repeating the steps shown in Figures 16A-F and described above.

[0603] The above examples should be understood as illustrative examples. Other examples are also contemplated. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any example may be used alone or in combination with other features described, or in combination with one or more features of any other example, or in any combination of any other examples. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated ironing device, comprising: — a flexible steam head for applying steam to the supported items, - the flexible steam head comprises means for shaping the flexible steam head in at least two dimensions, and - the flexible steam head further comprising a force sensor arranged to detect tension in the supported item by measuring a force applied by the supported item to the front face of the flexible steam head.

2. The automated ironing device according to claim 1, - wherein one of the dimensions allows the flexible steam head to be configured in a triangular shape.

3. An automated ironing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The profile of the flexible steam head is adjustable to conform to the width of the items being supported.

4. The automated ironing device according to claim 3, wherein: The flexible steam head is adjustable to vary the depth profile of the flexible steam head.

5. The automated ironing device according to claim 4, wherein: The depth profile is adjustable to configure the flexible steam head into a triangular shape.

6. The automated ironing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, wherein: The flexible steam head includes a left rigid steam head, a right rigid steam head, and a central rigid steam head that are adjustable to change a profile and / or a depth profile of the flexible steam head.

7. The automated ironing device according to claim 6, wherein: The depth profile can be adjusted by pivoting the left rigid steam head and / or the right rigid steam head.

8. The automated ironing device according to claim 6, wherein: The flexible steam head comprises means for positioning the rigid steam head so as to extend the profile and / or depth profile of the flexible steam head.

9. The automated ironing device according to claim 8, wherein: The means for positioning the rigid steam head to extend the depth profile comprises: one or more pistons connected to the rigid steam head at a non-pivoting end; and / or a geared motor attached to a pivoting end of the rigid steam head.

10. The automated ironing device according to claim 3, wherein: The profile and / or depth profile of the flexible steam head is determined by the tension measured in the supported item.

11. The automated ironing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 7-10, wherein: The apparatus further comprises a member configured to enable adjustment of the portion of the garment into which the gas is introduced, wherein the member is the flexible steam head.

12. A method of operating an apparatus according to any preceding claim for smoothing a garment, the method comprising: - closing at least one opening in the garment, thereby restricting the flow of gas through the at least one opening; and - Introducing air into the interior of the garment to smooth it out; - wherein closing at least one of the openings to be closed comprises engaging a flexible steam head with a surface of the garment.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method also includes inflating the garment by introducing gas into the interior of the garment.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The method further comprises: - Moving the flexible steam head to adjust the volume of air introduced to the garment.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The method further comprises: - Moving the steam head while introducing gas into the garment to inflate the garment, thereby completing the flattening.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The garment is inflated over a large area of ​​the garment.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12, 13, and 16, wherein: The method further comprises: - Applying steam via a steam head to achieve an improved seal through the force exerted by the steam head on the garment, thereby further reducing airflow through the garment.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12, 13, and 16, wherein: The method further comprises: - Introducing gas into the interior of the garment via a plurality of different flow paths; wherein different flow paths direct the gas to different parts of the garment.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The method further comprises: - providing different flow paths via the same at least one opening.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12, 13, 16, and 19, wherein: The method also includes closing all openings in the garment except for the at least one opening for introducing the gas.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12, 13, 16, and 19, wherein: The method also includes introducing air and steam into the interior of the garment.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein As part of the leveling process, air and steam are introduced at various times.

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