Foldable board

Abstract

There is provided a foldable board comprising a resilient frame and a heat-resistant surface arranged within the frame.

Description

[0001] Foldable board

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The present invention relates to a foldable board. In particular, it relates to a foldable board which can be used as an ironing accessory or ironing board with a steamer or iron. The invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising the foldable board.

[0004] Background to the Disclosure

[0005] Ironing boards are generally very rigid, heavy and bulky objects. This is true for both horizontal ironing boards, intended for use with an iron, and vertical ironing boards, intended for use with a steamer. These boards are typically difficult to store, ship and package, and are generally unsuitable for carrying or stowing in luggage.

[0006] In some cases, boards meant for vertical steaming are made by a rigid support obtained by plastic injection, which requires tooling investments and consequent costs. Whilst such boards may provide a horizontal ironing function, this is often highly compromised by the quality of the plastic support, resulting in a board that does not allow proper horizontal ironing, and which is unnecessarily heavy, material consuming and undersized for vertical ironing.

[0007] Summary of the Disclosure

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foldable board comprising a resilient frame and preferably a heat-resistant surface arranged within the frame.

[0009] By providing a foldable board with a resilient frame, increased lightness, compactness and portability is afforded.

[0010] The frame may form a perimeter, and the surface may be arranged within the perimeter of the frame. The surface may additionally extend beyond the perimeter of the frame.

[0011] By providing a resilient frame, ease of deployment of the board is improved. By providing a heat- resistant surface arranged within the frame, improved protection to underlying surfaces is achieved. The heat-resistant surface may be resistant to temperatures of 80°C, 100°C, 120°C, 150°C, 200°C, 250°C or higher; for example the heat-resistant surface may be resistant to any temperature which an iron or steamer may reach at any point during its operating cycle.

[0012] The invention arises from a realisation that present ironing boards and ironing accessories cannot feasibly be folded and compressed to a small size. This reduces the ease of storage, shipping, packaging, and stowing in luggage when travelling. Accordingly, the invention arises from a need for a lightweight, easy to carry board that can easily be folded, stored and carried and is capable of supporting clothes and protecting surfaces when ironing or steaming clothes.

[0013] Preferably, the surface is held in tension by the resilient frame. Preferably, the surface may be held flat by the resilient frame. Preferably, the surface is attached to the frame in such a way and in such locations that it is held in tension across all or substantially all of its surface. This helps to provide a useful surface for placing garments for ironing or steaming.

[0014] Preferably, the foldable board is capable of being deployed between a folded and an unfolded configuration. This may improve compactness and allow easier shipping and transportation.

[0015] Preferably, at least a portion of the frame is under tension when the board is in the folded configuration, and / or the frame is biassed to return the board to its unfolded configuration. This may allow easier unfolding of the board.

[0016] Preferably, the surface is attached to the resilient frame adjacent its edges. More preferably, the edges of the surface are wrapped around the flexible resilient frame. Yet more preferably, the edges of the surface may be sewn around the resilient frame, and may be sewn to another part of the surface or to a section of the frame. This may allow a more secure, stable attachment of the surface to the frame, and allow the surface to fold together with the frame.

[0017] Preferably, the resilient frame is formed of metal, optionally steel or stainless steel, or plastic. This may provide a lightweight, strong and / or easy to manufacture frame.

[0018] Preferably, the surface is formed of a flexible material, more preferably a textile and / or more preferably a material that is resistant to humidity. This may allow improved lightness and foldability of the board, and may help protect underlying surfaces from humidity.

[0019] Preferably, the surface is formed of a plurality of layers, optionally wherein the layers include at least one of: a heat-resistant layer, a steam-proof layer, an insulating layer, a humidity-resistant layer, and a moisture-absorbing layer. This can provide a versatile range of useful properties to protect underlying surfaces and reduce the moisture on garments.

[0020] When folded, the board may take any closed-loop shape, particularly one that has no sharp corners and / or has no discontinuity. Preferably, when folded, the board has a rounded shape, more preferably the rounded shape is a generally circular or oval shape, most preferably wherein the frame of the board forms a plurality of loops when folded. This may allow the board to be easily deployed between its folded and unfolded configuration. This may also allow easier storage. Preferably, the foldable board has a non-circular shape, more preferably a generally rectangular shape, yet more preferably a rounded rectangular shape, when unfolded. This may allow easy draping and placing of garments onto the board. This may also allow easier folding of the board.

[0021] Preferably, the foldable board includes a cut-out in the surface. Preferably, the cut out is sufficiently large to enable the frame to be handled by means of the cut-out. This may allow easier handling and / or folding of the board.

[0022] Preferably, the cut-out exposes a portion of the frame. More preferably, the exposed portion of the frame is coated with a non-slip coating and / or reinforced. This may reduce deformation of the board when used. This may also provide improved grip for placing garments onto the board and / or handling the board.

[0023] Preferably, a plurality of cut-outs is provided in the surface, more preferably at opposing parts of the board. This may allow improved handling of the board, as well as placement of accessories into or onto at least one of the cut-outs.

[0024] Preferably, the foldable board further comprises a handle, said handle more preferably being attached to the frame and / or more preferably enabling the board to be carried and / or hung up. This may allow easier handling and support of the board.

[0025] Preferably, the handle is a strap, preferably including or comprising a fastening element. Alternatively, the handle may be any other flexible element. This may allow a simple, versatile construction of the handle.

[0026] Optionally, the handle includes a hook-shaped end. Optionally, the handle is made from a rigid component, preferably with a hook-shaped end. Optionally, the handle is made from a strap or other flexible element comprising a hook at the end opposite the frame.

[0027] Optionally, the handle comprises a number of different fastening elements or hook elements. This may allow the board to be suspended from different items. For example, a strap with fastening element can be used to attach the board to bar shaped elements, such as clothes rails, whilst the hook shaped element can be used to suspend the board from solid objects, such as door frames.

[0028] Preferably, the foldable board comprises means, more preferably in the form of a hook or band attached to the frame, for securing the board in a folded position. This may allow easy storage and stowage of the board and prevent the board from unfolding when not desired.

[0029] Preferably, the means for securing the board takes the form of the aforementioned handle. This may allow a simple construction with fewer elements of the board. Preferably, the frame comprises at least one section of adjustable length. This may allow the board to be used with a variety of garments, and allow the board to be used with larger garments without increasing the bulkiness or difficulty of storage of the board.

[0030] Preferably, the board is so shaped and arranged that a garment can be draped over it. This may allow easy positioning of the garment over the frame and free up a user’s hands.

[0031] Preferably, the foldable board is a foldable ironing board. This may allow a versatile, lightweight ironing board that can be stored in a compact size.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a foldable board, and an iron or a steamer.

[0033] By providing a kit of parts comprising a foldable board with an iron and / or a steamer, increased utility to a user is provided. This utility may be further increased if the iron and / or steamer has improved interoperability with the foldable board, for example through formations allowing placement of the iron and / or steamer onto the board.

[0034] Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

[0035] Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and / or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and / or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

[0036] It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and / or supplied and / or used independently.

[0037] The invention extends to methods, system and apparatus substantially as herein described and / or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0038] The invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and / or illustrated herein.

[0039] In this specification the word 'or' can be interpreted in the exclusive or inclusive sense unless stated otherwise.

[0040] Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly. Whilst the invention has been described in the field of domestic ironing and steaming appliances, it can also be implemented in any field of use where a foldable board with a resilient frame and a heat-resistant surface is required, either on an industrial scale and / or in small amounts.

[0041] The disclosure extends to methods and / or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 shows the foldable board in an unfolded configuration;

[0044] Figure 2 shows the process of folding the board;

[0045] Figure 3 shows the foldable board in a folded configuration;

[0046] Figure 4 shows the foldable board hanging from a support; and Figure 5 shows a garment hanging from the board. embodiments

[0047] Figure 1 shows a foldable board 100. The board 100 generally comprises a resilient frame 102, which forms the perimeter of the board, and a flexible heat-resistant surface 104 attached to the frame. The board has an unfolded, generally rectangular configuration 101 shown in Figure 1 , where the frame 102 of the board 100 forms a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0048] The frame 102 of the board 100 is resilient in that it is capable of being bent out of shape such that the board can be folded, but when bent the frame exerts a restoring force that acts to return the board 100 into its original shape if the bent frame is released by the user. The method of folding the board is shown in Figure 2, wherein the frame of the board is twisted, typically by applying contrary rotational forces at each end of the board, such that the frame forms a number of loops which fold together, typically overlapping one another. This allows the board to be deployed between its folded configuration 103, shown in Figure 3, and its unfolded configuration, shown in Figure 1. The folded configuration has a rounded shape, which is preferably a generally circular or oval shape. The folded configuration forms a smaller footprint than the unfolded configuration 101 , allowing easier storage, stowage and transport. The flexible surface 104 of the board folds together with the frame to be contained in the smaller footprint of the folded configuration 103.

[0049] Referring again to Figure 1 , the board also comprises a first cut-out 106 and a second cut-out 108 in the surface 104. These are made in the surface of the board in an area adjacent to the frame, and thus expose sections of the frame. Section 110 of the frame is exposed by the first cut-out 106 and section 112 of the frame by the second cut-out 108. The cut-outs are preferably on opposite ends of the frame, at the short sides of the rectangle made by the frame (representing the top and bottom of the board).

[0050] A handle 114 is attached at the top of the board to the section 110 of the frame exposed by the first cut-out 106. This handle takes the form of a looped strap comprising a fastening 116 for securing the distal end of the strap to the proximal end once the strap has been wrapped around a suitable securing point; the strap is typically used to support the board by hanging in a vertical orientation. The handle may also be used as a means for securing the board in its folded configuration, the handle being wrapped diametrically around the board as shown in Figure 3.

[0051] The board is capable of being used as an ironing accessory, including an ironing board. As shown in Figure 4, the board may be hung in a vertical orientation from a support 118 by the handle 114, and a garment 120 may then be held against the board or draped around the board, as shown in Figure 5. The board may also be used horizontally and a garment 120 placed onto the horizontal board.

[0052] For use of the board 100 as an ironing accessory, the board 100 is resistant to heat and / or humidity, such that the material of the frame and surface is not damaged by heat and steam from an iron or a steamer. The surface 104 of the board 100 may suitably be made of a flexible material that is able to withstand a temperature of 80°C without deforming, melting, or otherwise degrading. Preferably, the surface of the board 100 can withstand a temperature of 100°C, more preferably 120°C, more preferably 150°C, more preferably 200°C, and most preferably 250°C, without becoming damaged or deformed. For example, the surface of the board may be able to withstand the temperature of an iron (or steamer) at any point of its operating cycle. This includes the stable operating temperature of the iron, but also any other temperature it may reach during its cycle, including where the iron may temporarily reach a higher temperature when first heating up. The surface of the board 100 may suitably be able to withstand steam and high humidity without becoming damaged or deformed. In addition to withstanding humidity and high temperatures itself, the surface 104 of the board may also provide protection to any underlying surfaces, protecting these from humidity, heat and / or water damage.

[0053] In addition to being heat and humidity resistant, the surface 104 of the board is flexible, allowing the surface 104 to fold together with the frame 102. The surface 104 is preferably formed of a heat-resistant textile material. This may comprise a single layer of textile material or a plurality of layers of textile material. The surface may comprise a plurality of layers with different material properties. These may provide and / or enhance the surface’s heat and humidity resistant properties, as well as providing further protection to any underlying surfaces - for example, the layers may include a heat-resistant layer to prevent heat damage, a steam-proof layer for humidity protection to underlying surfaces, an insulating layer to reduce heat transfer to underlying surfaces, and / or a moisture absorbing layer to avoid damage to underlying surfaces and reduce absorption of excess moisture by the garment. The multiple layers of the surface may be attached (e.g. glued) together, may be in contact with one another, or the surface may comprise gaps between the layers.

[0054] The surface may be made of a number of other suitable materials. It could be made from a synthetic material such as nylon or polyester, or a natural material such as cotton, linen or a woodbased fibre such as lyocell or viscose. It may be a woven net material made from any of these materials.

[0055] In addition to being resilient, the frame 102 of the board 100 is also capable of withstanding similarly high temperatures and high humidity. The frame 102 is preferably made from metal or plastic. The metal may be steel, such as stainless steel. The steel may also be painted or powder coated. The plastic may be polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyoxymethylene (POM), or any other suitable material. Preferably, the frame of the board is also durable and lightweight. The frame may suitably offer resistance to bending, such that it springs back to its original configuration when released, and is capable of being deployed in its unfolded configuration without collapsing, whilst still remaining easily twistable and foldable by a user.

[0056] In addition to being easy to carry around and store in a domestic or personal setting, the construction of the foldable board also enables easier manufacture and shipping. For example, typical ironing boards often comprise a rigid support obtained by plastic injection, which requires significant tooling investments and associated costs. The plastic support is often of a low quality that results in a board that does not allow proper horizontal ironing, and which is unnecessarily heavy, material consuming and undersized for vertical ironing.

[0057] In contrast, the manufacture of the present foldable board requires fewer or no plastic tooling, reducing plastic use, increasing sustainability and reducing costs. The lightweight, compact shape of the board allows economical transport of the board from its point of manufacture.

[0058] Referring again to Figure 1 , further details of the foldable board are now described. The cut-outs 106 and 108 are positioned such that the board 100 can be handled by the cut-outs. When the board is being folded, the user may hold the cut-outs to fold the board, since they are positioned at opposite ends of the board and provide a good grip for holding the board.

[0059] The first cut-out 106 is positioned at the top of the board 100 and exposes a portion of the frame 110. This portion 110 of the frame may be reinforced, for example with a metal or plastic element on the frame. This prevents the board from collapsing or sagging under the weight of a garment 120 if the garment is draped around the board. This portion 110 of the frame may also be coated with a non-slip surface, such as a rubber coating, to prevent the garment from sliding off the board. The portion 110 of the frame may have both reinforcement and a non-slip surface.

[0060] The second cut-out 108 is located at the bottom of the board. It is also located adjacent to the frame, such that a portion of the frame is exposed. In addition to ease of handling, the second cut-out 108 also provides an opening which may be used to hold a steamer or other device used when ironing, especially for steamers which have hooks or other appendages for storage. The portion 112 of the frame may exposed by cut-out 108 also have similar reinforcement and / or nonslip surface. The portions 110 and / or 118 of the frame may comprise shaped holds to allow easier gripping of the board by the user when the board is being folded, which may be formed of a nonslip and easy to grip material. The edge of the surface adjacent to the cut-out may be sewn to prevent fraying.

[0061] The surface 104 is arranged within the perimeter formed by the frame 102 of the board such that the edges of the surface 104 extend to the frame 102 of the board. The surface 104 is thus attached to the entire perimeter of the board 100 formed by the frame 102, except at the first cutout 106 and second cut-out 108. In the unfolded configuration 101 of the board, the surface 104 is kept in tension by the frame 102. The surface 104 is flat in the unfolded configuration 101.

[0062] The surface 104 is attached to the frame 102 by enclosing the frame 102 with the edges of the surface 104 and sewing the edges of the fabric around the frame 102, such that the surface 104 is securely wrapped around the frame 102. However, the surface can also be glued to the frame or welded around the frame. If a plastic frame and a synthetic fabric is used, the surface can be directly welded to the frame. The frame may also comprise an edge comprising apertures for the surface to be sewn onto the frame.

[0063] Returning to the handle 114, this is attached to the frame at the top of the board. The handle may be used for holding and carrying the board, and for hanging the board vertically, for example from a coat hanger or a door frame. The handle 114 is made of a flexible material, such as a textile material or a silicone material. The fastening 116 shown is a snap fastener, but may be a variety of other fastenings, such as a hook-and-loop fastening (for example, Velcro) or a button. The handle 114 is also used as a fastening means to hold the board 100 securely in its folded configuration, as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, the handle may be a loop (without a fastening). Instead of handle 114 comprising both a means for support and a means for securing the board, the means for securing the board in its folded configuration may be provided as a separate band or hook, and a handle may be provided separately.

[0064] Alternatively, the handle may comprise a hook-shaped end opposite the frame. This may be in the form of a rigid component with a hook shaped end, or a strap or other flexible element containing a hook at the end opposite the frame. A handle with a hook-shaped end may be provided instead of or in addition to the aforementioned handle with fastening element. A handle may be provided with a number of different fastening elements or hook elements, allowing the board to be suspended from different items. For example, the strap with fastening element can be used to attach the board to bar shaped elements, such as clothes rails, whilst the hook shaped element can be used to suspend it from solid objects, such as door frames.

[0065] Figure 2 shows in more detail the process of folding the board. The board 100 in the unfolded configuration 101 is shown on the left. To fold the board, one end of the board (comprising first cut-out 106) is brought together with the other end of the board (comprising second cut-out 108). The ends of the board may be twisted up to 180 degrees relative to each other in the process. This causes the resilient frame 102 to bend. The corners of the frame (which are rounded in the unfolded configuration 101) curve further, taking on taking an elliptical shape. As the ends of the board 100 are further brought closer together, the frame of the board 100 forms two overlapping loops of equal size. Alternatively, frame of the board may be configured such that a section of the frame between the top and bottom of the frame forms one or more additional loops as the frame is folded. This forms the frame into three or more overlapping loops in the folded configuration. Whilst Figure 2 shows the board as having a circular shape when folded, the folded board may be of any closed shape that does not have sharp corners or discontinuities, such as an oval or an ellipse.

[0066] The loops of the folded board are positioned over another, such that the frame of the board forms a circular shape in its folded configuration 103, as shown in Figure 3. During this process, the frame 102 is continuously under tension, such that it seeks to return to its original shape. Therefore, if a user releases the board at any point, the board will unfold and return to the unfolded configuration 100. The handle 114 can be used to secure the board in the folded configuration 103. Figure 3 shows the board 100 in its folded configuration 103. The frame 102 of the board is folded such that the board 100 occupies a smaller area than in the unfolded configuration, allowing the board 100 to be stored. Sections of the frame overlap each other to form overlapping loops. The surface 106 of the board 100 folds together with the frame, such that it is contained within the smaller circular footprint of the folded board 103. The first cut-out 106 and second cutout 108 of the board 100 can be seen in the figure, together with the exposed (and reinforced and / or anti-slip) section 110 of the frame.

[0067] As previously mentioned, the frame of the board 100 is resilient, so folding the board 100 puts tension on the frame. Therefore, the frame of the board 100 will seek to unfold. To prevent unfolding when stored, the handle 114 is used as a means of securing the board 100 in the folded configuration. The handle 114 can be brought to wrap around the board, such that it holds the loops of the folded board secure. The fastening 116 is released to allow this. The length of the handle 114 is then wrapped around the folded board, and may again be secured by the fastening 116, or by a different fastening (which may also be a hook-and-loop, button or snap fastening). If a separate means for securing the board in its folded configuration is provided (in the form of a band or strap), it can be used to secure the board in the folded configuration in a similar way.

[0068] To return the board 100 to its unfolded configuration 101 , a user needs to release the fastening 116 and thence the strap 114. The tension in the frame of the board 100 then acts by itself to unfold the board 100 to its original shape 101. The user may assist this process by pulling the loops of the folded configuration apart. Therefore, once a user releases the strap 114 and / or begins pulling apart the loops of the folded configuration, the board 100 will unfold and “pop up” automatically.

[0069] Figure 4 shows the board 100 in its unfolded configuration 101 hanging vertically from a support 118 via the handle 114. The support 118 may be a coat hanger on a door, a coat hanger beam in a wardrobe, or any other support. The fastening 116 may be unfastened to position the strap 114 over the beam, then re-fastened to hold the board. The strap 114 may comprise a non-slip surface to prevent movement of the strap against the support.

[0070] A garment 120 may then be placed over the board, as in Figure 5, which shows a garment 120 supported by the unfolded board, which is hanging vertically from the support 118. This holds the garment 120 for a user to pass an iron and / or steamer along the surface of the garment. Using the board in such a manner provides protection from heat and humidity for any underlying surfaces behind the board, as well as supporting the garment 120 (if the garment 120 is draped around the board). This can free up the user’s hands, as the user is not required to hold the garment. Dependent on the size of the board and garment, the board may stretch out the garment 120 and assist in effective ironing or steaming. If the exposed section 110 of the frame is reinforced, this can provide additional strength and prevent the frame from deforming under the weight of the garment. Additionally, if the exposed section 110 has a non-slip surface, this can assist in preventing the garment from slipping down the board.

[0071] The garment 120 in Figure 5 is a button-down shirt, but of course many garments may be used with the board. A shirt and any other garment with fastenings may be unbuttoned, draped around the board, then buttoned again, or the board may be slid into the opening formed at the lower end of the shirt without unbuttoning the shirt. This may also be performed for items of clothing without buttons or fastenings, such as T-shirts. The shirt may also be loosely draped around the board, without buttoning the shirt up. Any other similar garments may be placed onto the board in a similar way. Other items which may not allow the board to fit inside can be draped around or over the board (where any reinforcement and / or coating of the exposed portion 110 of the frame may assist in keeping these garments on the board). A garment herein refers to a wearable item of clothing made from a textile. The board may also be used with any other item suitable for ironing or steaming, textile or otherwise, for example towels, bedding or flags. The board 100 may also be used in a horizontal configuration, where the board is placed horizontally on an underlying surface. In this configuration, the garment may also be draped around the board, or simply placed onto the board. This configuration also provides heat and humidity protection to underlying surfaces, as well as a flat and substantially rigid surface for placing and ironing / steaming the garment 120.

[0072] The board 100 may be provided in a number of dimensions, corresponding to usual garment sizes. The board is straightforward to manufacture in a number of shapes and sizes, requiring only simple modifications. For example, for smaller garments (such as those which have XS-M sizes), the board may have a width of 50-60cm, whilst for larger garments (such as those of L- XXL sizes), the board may have a width of 60-70cm. Other widths of the board are possible, for example under 50cm, 70-80cm or more than 80cm. To allow the second cut-out 108 to be accessed (for handling and / or holding accessories on the cut-out), the board should be longer than the garment. This may mean a length of 80cm for smaller garments, or 90cm for larger garments. A single length of the board may be used for both larger and smaller garments (for example, 90cm for all configurations of the board). Other lengths of the board are possible, for example under 70cm, 70-80cm, 90-100cm or over 100cm.

[0073] Alternatives and modifications

[0074] It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, the board may be provided as just a frame, without a surface that is positioned within the frame. A removable surface may also be provided, which may be capable of being separated from the frame. For example, it may comprise fastenings such as hook-and- loop fastenings that secure the board onto the frame. These fastenings may either hold one part of the surface to another such that the surface securely wraps around the frame, or may directly fasten the surface to the frame through the fastenings. A number of different exchangeable surfaces may also be provided, allowing the board to be adapted to different garment types.

[0076] In the embodiments above, the board is shown to comprise a larger first cut-out 106 and a smaller second cut-out 108. However, these may be of any size (same size, first cut-out larger, etc.). Additional cut-outs may be present, or one or both of the cut-outs may not be present.

[0077] It has been discussed that different sizes of the board may be provided for supporting garments of differing sizes. It is also possible to provide a board of adjustable size. This may be provided through a telescopic segment of the frame, in which one section of the frame is able to insert into and slide within another section of the frame. These telescopic segments of adjustable length may be provided on two opposite sides of the board (for example, the shorter sides forming the top and bottom of the board) or on all four sides (for a rectangular board). The adjustable segments may be freely sliding (with an appropriate level of friction between the inner and outer sections of the frame to allow the size of the frame to be easily adjusted but to remain at a set length when not operated). Alternatively, a fastening mechanism may be provided for fixing the frame at a number of lengths, for example in the form of multiple spring-loaded catches which fit into holes in the telescopic segment of the frame. The telescopic elements may be located in the sections 110 and 118 of the frame exposed by the cut-outs 106 and 108, to allow user access for adjustment and to prevent snagging on the material of the surface 104.

[0078] In alternative embodiments, the board may have any of a number of shapes, which may correspond to other shapes of garments. For example, it may have sides which taper inwards or outwards, or may be of a trapezoidal shape (for use with skirts), or may comprise multiple extending members to support trousers. It may also be any other shape in its folded configuration, for example an elliptical shape or a rectangle with rounded corners. The board may have a greater length (130cm or more) for full-length garments, such as dresses.

[0079] Further hooks and appendages may be provided for fastening the board to other objects. For example, hooks for securing the board onto a surface, or that allow steamers and other items to be attached to the board.

[0080] The specific features, storage and driving configurations, and relative dimensions described herein and shown in Figures 1 to 5 are provided as specific examples only and other combinations of the features described may be combined or substituted.

[0081] Equally, the basic shape, number, or size of any apertures, protrusions, or formations may be changed.

[0082] It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

[0083] Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A foldable board comprising a resilient frame and a heat-resistant surface arranged within the frame.

2. A foldable board according to claim 1 , wherein the surface is held in tension by the resilient frame.

3. A foldable board according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface is held flat by the resilient frame.

4. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, wherein the board is capable of being deployed between a folded and an unfolded configuration.

5. A foldable board according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the frame is under tension when the board is in the folded configuration, and / or wherein the frame is biassed to return the board to its unfolded configuration.

6. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface is attached to the resilient frame adjacent its edges.

7. A foldable board according to claim 6, wherein edges of the surface are wrapped around the resilient frame.

8. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient frame is formed of metal, optionally steel or stainless steel, or plastic.

9. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface is formed of a flexible material, preferably a textile and / or preferably a material that is resistant to humidity.

10. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface is formed of a plurality of layers, optionally wherein the layers include at least one of: a heat-resistant layer, a steam- proof layer, an insulating layer, a humidity-resistant layer, and a moisture-absorbing layer.

11. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, wherein, when folded, the board has a rounded shape, preferably wherein the rounded shape is a generally circular or oval shape, more preferably wherein the frame of the board forms a plurality of loops when folded.

12. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, wherein the board has a non-circular shape, preferably a generally rectangular shape, more preferably a rounded rectangular shape, when unfolded.

13. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, including a cut-out in the surface.

14. A foldable board according to claim 13, wherein the cut out is sufficiently large to enable the frame to be handled by means of the cut-out.

15. A foldable board according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the cut-out exposes a portion of the frame.

16. A foldable board according to claim 15, wherein the exposed portion of the frame is coated with a non-slip coating and / or is reinforced.

17. A foldable board according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein a plurality of cut-outs is provided in the surface, preferably at opposing parts of the board.

18. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, further comprising a handle, said handle preferably being attached to the frame and / or preferably enabling the board to be carried and / or hung up.

19. A foldable board according to claim 18, wherein the handle is a strap including a fastening element.

20. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, further comprising means, preferably in the form of a hook or band attached to the frame, for securing the board in a folded position.

21. A foldable board according to claim 20 as dependent on claim 18 or 19, wherein the means for securing the board takes the form of the handle of claim 18 or 19.

22. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises at least one section of adjustable length.

23. A foldable board according to any preceding claim, wherein the board is so shaped and arranged that a garment can be draped over it.

24. A foldable board according to any preceding claim being a foldable ironing board.

25. A kit of parts comprising a foldable board according to any preceding claim, and an iron and / or a steamer.

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