WO1998048093A1

WO1998048093A1 - Apparatus and method for reducing fabric shrinkage

Info

Publication number: WO1998048093A1
Application number: PCT/AU1998/000285
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucia Elisabeth Boling
Original assignee: Lucia Elisabeth Boling
Priority date: 1997-04-22
Filing date: 1998-04-22
Publication date: 1998-10-29
Also published as: AUPO633797A0

Abstract

The application provides an apparatus (10, 20, 30, 70) for resisting or reversing the effects of shrinkage in a fabric or garment, including a bracing means (12, 32, 72, 74, 90) and one or more attachment means (24, 28, 48, 82) for removably attaching the fabric or garment to the bracing means; and a method for resisting or reversing the effects of shrinkage in a fabric or garment, including the steps of (a) applying a vapour or liquid to wet the fabric or garment, (b) locating the fabric or garment on a bracing means and attaching an attachment means to hold the fabric or garment against the bracing means, (c) allowing the fabric or garment to dry wilst the fabric or garment is held against the bracing means, and (d) releasing the attachment means and removing the fabric or garment when dry from the bracing means.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REDUCING FABRIC SHRINKAGE

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing or resisting shrinkage of fabric or garments, particularly shrinkage of fabric or garments comprising natural fibres such as wool. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for resisting or preventing fabric or garment shrinkage or restoring shrunken fabric or garments to the original pre-shrinkage size and shape. Even more particularly the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for resisting or preventing shrinkage or restoring shrunken wool knit fabric or garments .

Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to woollen knitted garments, particularly pullovers and jumpers, it is noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to knitted woollen garments but rather the scope is more extensive to include garments generally made by knitting and other techniques including weaving. The scope of the present invention also extends to fabrics, that is, material which has not been made into a garment. While shrinkage is primarily associated with woollen fabric and garments, the scope of the invention extends to fabric and garments comprising any matter prone to shrinkage. This will include many types of natural fibres and mixed fibres, such as synthetic/natural fibre (for example wool/polyester fibres) and natural fibre mixes (for example wool/fur mixes comprising rabbit fur or mink fur). The apparatus and method of the invention is not limited to the described arrangement or embodiment but rather the scope is more extensive so as to include other arrangements of the of the apparatus and applications other than those specifically described.

During processing, fabrics, fibres or yarns are stretched and distorted and subjected to strain. Shrinkage occurs when the strain is released and the fabric, fibre or yarn returns to its pre-processed conformation. Shrinkage is a general word applied to the reduction in length and/or width and/or volume of fabric, fibre or yarn and is usually caused by certain treatments such as some forms of washing, certain drying processes and some dry-cleaning methods.

Wool is one example of a natural fibre which is particularly susceptible to shrinkage. The outer surface of wool fibres are covered with numerous minute, pointed scales attached only at their bases. When the fibres are subjected to certain types of processing they interlock; shrinkage occurs when the interlocking of scales on adjacent wool fibres is released.

There are many different types of shrinkage. For example, consolidation shrinkage is said to occur due to gentle mechanical action of tumble drying or a coin operated dry-cleaning. Progressive shrinkage is said to take place when there is shrinkage in the first and each successive laundering or dry-cleaning operation.

Relaxation shrinkage is said to occur when the length or width of material is changed by the relieving of strain resulting from any of the various stages of processing and normally present in fibres, yarns or fabrics. Felting shrinkage relates to the property of wool fibres and some fur fibres to interlock with each other to form a compact material when they are moistened, worked and rubbed together under pressure. Felting is caused by the effect of scales on the fibre surfaces that make fibres move preferentially in the direction from tip to root when heat and pressure are applied.

Many chemical and mechanical methods have been developed to reduce the problems associated with shrinkage or to limit or prevent shrinkage.

For example, clothing manufacturers often insist that woollen or worsted goods be supplied to them "London shrunk" . After the textile has left the textile plant it is subjected to a shrinking process, used on wool fabrics, that originated in England. The fabric is immersed in hot water, immediately taken from this bath, then immersed in cold water. Then the cloth is allowed to dry without any tension and is pressed with care to avoid stretching. The operation is carried out to remove any residual relaxation shrinkage remaining in the goods so that there will be no further shrinkage of the fabric after cutting and sewing or in service. The process does not prevent felting shrinkage.

In order to resist felting shrinkage, wool in fibre, yarn or fabric form is often treated with chlorine to partially destroy the scales on the fibre. The chlorine is applied in solution, as a vapour or as a powder. One of the problems associated with this process is that many people are allergic or sensitive to chlorine and may be irritated by residual chlorine in the garment.

Another process for stopping shrinkage is known as the SANFORIZED™ process which is commonly applied to woven cottons and blends. The process uses compressive shrinkage to provide fabrics with a residual shrinkage of not more than one percent despite repeated laundering according to a standard wash test. (SANFORIZED is a trademark of the Sanforized Company, a division of Cluett, Peabody & Co, Inc.) One of the problems associated with this process is that the fabric may develop a "sanforising mark" or "blanket mark" which is a fabric defect that may occur during compressive shrinkage in which a portion of the fabric becomes crimped, wavy or rippled.

Resin may also be applied to fabric in a finishing process which stiffens or weights the fabric to improve wrinkle resistance and dimensional stability, including resistance to shrinking.

Despite the widespread use of anti-shrinkage treatments it is still common for fabrics and garments to shrink. Usually fabrics and garments are supplied with washing instructions but consumers often forget or ignore the washing instructions. Furthermore, no matter how carefully consumers follow the cleaning instructions supplied with a new garment, there is still potential for woollen garmencs to shrink.

The consumer will usually respond to this problem by replacing the garment or fabric. In the case of knitted woollen garments, they may unpull the knitting and use the yarn to knit another garment.

While a shrunken yarn may be returned to its unshrunk condition by reprocessing, it has not hitherto been possible to return shrunken fabric or a shrunken garment to its preshrunk configuration.

According therefore to a first broad aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for resisting or reversing the effects of shrinkage in a fabric or garment, including: a bracing means, and one or more attachment means for removably attaching the fabric or garment to the bracing means.

In one embodiment the present invention provides an apparatus for resisting or reversing the effects of shrinkage in a fabric or garment, including: a bracing means having a plurality of small openings, and attachment means consisting of pins which are removably insertable into said openings, wherein in use the pins are inserted through the wetted fabric or garment and are removably held in the openings such that the inner or outerside of the fabric or garment is held against the bracing means until the fabric or garment is dry.

In another embodiment said pins are fixed in said openings, and in use said fabric or garment is placed against said bracing so that said pins pierce said fabric or garment and thereby hold said fabric or garment against shrinkage until the fabric or garment is dry.

In another embodiment the attachment means includes clips which removably hold the fabric or garment against the bracing means.

In yet another embodiment the attachment means includes both pins and clips.

In one embodiment said attachment means comprises one or more clamps, each of said clamps including clamp attachment means to removably attach said clamp to said bracing means.

Preferably said bracing means includes a substantially flat board provided with a plurality of holes to receive said clamp attachment means.

Preferably said clamp attachment means comprises one or more bosses .

In a second broad aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for resisting or reversing the effects of shrinkage in a fabric or garment including: a bracing means including a frame; and attachment means, said attachment means for holding portions of said fabric or garment against said frame and against said shrinkage .

Preferably said frame approximates the shape of said fabric or garment. Preferably said frame includes adjustable members whereby said members may be adjusted in use so that said frame conforms more closely to said shape of said fabric or garment.

Preferably said frame is inflatable or includes inflatable portions.

Preferably said attachments means are clamps, or alternatively ties.

In another broad aspect the present invention provides a method for resisting or reversing the effects of shrinkage in a fabric or garment using the abovementioned apparatus, the method including the steps of:

(a) applying a vapour or liquid to wet the fabric or garment, (b) locating the fabric or garment on a bracing means and attaching an attachment means to hold the fabric or garment against the bracing means,

(c) allowing the fabric or garment to dry whilst the fabric or garment is held against the bracing means, and

(d) releasing the attachment means and removing the fabric or garment when dry from the bracing means.

In general if the method is to be used to resist shrinkage step (b) will precede step (a) .

The fabric or garment may be made wet by the application of a vapour or liquid in any form. For example the fabric or garment may be made wet by immersion or soaking in water or aqueous solution. Alternatively the fabric or garment may be wetted by application of a spray or mist of water, aqueous solution or other chemical or solution, as for example during dry- cleaning.

The bracing means may for example be of any convenient shape or conformation. The bracing means may comprise one or more flat surfaces or alternatively a framework which is at least as large as the fabric or garment. Typically, where the bracing means comprises a flat surface, the attachment means comprise pins which hold the fabric or garment flat on the bracing means. Where the bracing means is to be used for a garment, the bracing means may comprise a flat surface or a framework, in the general shape of the garment.

Typically where the bracing means comprises a framework in the shape of the garment, the framework can be inserted inside the garment. Furthermore, if the garment is wet when attached to the framework the framework facilitates drying of the garment by slightly separating the front and back of the garment, thus improving airflow. Airflow around the garment may be further improved by hanging up the framework.

Preferably the bracing means is of a suitable size for use with the intended fabric or garment, or can be adapted for use with fabrics and garments of various sizes. Where the bracing means comprises a flat surface, against which all fabric or garment is held, typically the flat surface will be of a size or width such that most if not all sizes of garments can be applied to the surface. Alternatively, the bracing means is modular so that the size may be increased or decreased by adding or removing modules.

The bracing means may also be expandable automatically by mechanical, hydraulic or other suitable means. For example, the bracing means may be able to be expanded after the fabric or garment is applied to the bracing means. In one embodiment this is facilitated by providing an inflatable bracing means, which may be inflated either before or after the fabric or garment is applied to the bracing means. Typically, where the effects of shrinkage are to be reversed, a shrunken fabric or garment is located on the bracing means and attachment means applied to attach the garment or fabric to the bracing means. The fabric or garment is then wetted by application of liquid or vapour as for example, during a washing or dry-cleaning process. While the fabric or garment is wet or in the process of being wetted, the bracing means slowly expands until the fabric or garment reaches the desired size. The fabric or garment is allowed to dry while the bracing means is in the expanded conformation. Once the fabric or garment is dry, the attachment means is released and the fabric or garment is removed from the bracing means. In a particularly preferred embodiment the expandable bracing means comprises an expandable framework which is inserted inside a shrunken garment and the garment is wetted by application of vapour.

Alternatively the bracing means may be able to be made into different shapes and sizes. For example, the bracing means may be a framework comprising elements which can be rearranged, modified or removed to change the shape and size of the bracing means. Typically some of the elements telescope and retaining means such as cotter pins or the like can be used to hold the elements in a particular position or at a particular extension. Typically some of the elements are removable or replaceable with elements of different shape or length.

The bracing means may be constructed of any convenient material which will not rust on contact with the wet fabric or garment or otherwise cause discolouration or marking. Typically the bracing means will be made of any rust proof material such as wood, stainless steel, plastic or synthetic or natural rubber.

Where the attachment means for holding the fabric or garment in place on the bracing means comprises pins, the pins are typically small enough in size that they do not damage the yarns or disturb the texture of the fabric or garment. But the exact dimension used will depend on the characteristics of the fabric or garment. For example, a thick, loosely knitted cable stitch jumper or pullover can be secured with relatively large pins while a finely woven fabric will require small diameter pins. Typically the pins comprise a shaft of about 15 to 25 mm in length and between 0.5 and 2 mm diameter. One end of the shaft is preferably tapered to a point while the other end terminates in an enlarged or bulbous head of between about 3 and 6 mm diameter, the head size being sufficiently large that the pin head will not easily pass through the fabric or garment. The pins can be made of any suitable material which will not rust on contact with the wet garment or fabric or otherwise cause discolouration of the fabric or garment. Typically the pins are made of rust proof material such as stainless steel, plastic or wood.

The pins may be held in the openings in the bracing means by interference fit or the pins may be conformed so that they are positively held in the opening. For example the tapered end of each pin may comprise a screw thread which matches with a corresponding threaded portion of the walls defining each opening. Alternatively the pins may comprise a lug or other means for their removable retention in the openings.

Where the attachment means for holding the fabric or garment in place on the bracing means comprises clips, the clips are typically made of rust proof material such as stainless steel, plastic or wood. The clip may be of any convenient conformation and may be integral with the bracing means. For example the clip may comprise a piece of plastic piping of semi-circular or part circular cross section. Alternatively the clip may be similar in conformation to a bulldog clip.

Where the bracing means comprises openings into which pins may be inserted the openings may be located at any convenient position on the bracing means. In use, the bracing means is conformed such that some or all of the openings are located at or near the edge or periphery of the fabric or garment. Typically the openings are arranged in groups of two or more straight rows, each row offset with respect to the adjacent row(s) . The size, conformation and diameter of the openings may vary. Typically the straight rows are about 100 mm in length with a separation between adjacent openings of about 2 mm.

Typically it is intended to use the apparatus of the present invention to prevent shrinkage, the apparatus is first adjusted to match the size of the fabric or garment. The garment may then be washed in cold water, preferably with a good quality washing powder or liquid. If the fabric or garment is washed by hand it is preferably be rinsed well, the final rinsing water preferably comprising a few tablespoons of white vinegar. The rinsed fabric or garment may then be spin dried for 20 to 30 seconds in a washing machine set on the wool cycle. If the fabric or garment is washed using a washing machine, the washing machine is preferably set on the wool cycle and before the last rinse, a few tablespoons of diluted white vinegar may be placed in the washing machine. The rinsed garment or fabric may then spin dried for 20 to 30 seconds. The wet garment or fabric may then be attached to the bracing means using the attachment means and put in an airy place (but not in full sunlight) to dry completely. When dry the garment or fabric can be removed from the bracing means.

Where it is intended to return a shrunken fabric or garment to original size the bracing means is preferably initially adjusted to a size slightly larger than the shrunken fabric or garment. The fabric or garment may then be washed as described above, the washing causing expansion of the fabric or garment from its shrunken state. The washed, expanded garment may then be attached to the bracing means using the attached means and allowed to dry.

By way of example, a shrunken woollen pullover was washed according to the above method and applied to an apparatus of the present invention and the increase in size/dimensions of was measured on the pullover when laid flat. The measurement between the left and right shoulder seams increased 10% (from 49 cm to 55 cm), the measurement across the waist edge of the pullover increased 60% (from 35 cm to 55 cm) and the bust measurement increased 20% (from 48 to 56 cm) . This is an overall 25% increase in the size of the pullover.

In order that the invention may be more clearly ascertained, preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a second preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a view of a pullover drying frame according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a view of the drying frame of figure 3 folded for storage; Figure 5 is a view of the drying frame of figure

3 in use with a pullover;

Figure 6 is a view of a drying frame according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a view of the drying frame of figure 6 folded for storage;

Figure 8 is a view of a drying board according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a view of the drying frame of figure 8 in use with a pullover;

Figure 10 is a view of the drying frame of figure 8 folded for storage;

Figure 11 is a view of a washing or rinsing apparatus for use with the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a view of the washing or rinsing apparatus of figure 11 in use;

Figure 13 is a view of an inflatable garment frame according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 14 is a view of the frame of figure 13 in use with a pullover.

Figure 1 shows a bracing means according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention generally at 10, including a flat member 12 having nine 10 cm x 10 cm squares of 4 mm thickness, each square having multiple rows of openings 14. Each row comprises 28 circular openings of alternately 1 mm and 2 mm diameter, with a minimum of 2 mm between adjacent holes and each row offset with respect to the adjacent row(s) . The squares are supported on a frame (not shown) . The periphery of the flat member 12 is supported by edging 16 which forms legs 16a of approximately 18 mm height at each corner of the flat member. Opposite faces of the edging are provided with pegs 18a and complementary sized holes 18b. Where a particularly large garment or fabric is used, several bracing means may be attached together by fitting the pegs on one bracing means into the holes in another.

In use a fabric or garment such as a pullover is washed and while wet laid out flat on the bracing means. Two or three rows of pins are inserted through the waistband, the neckband, the shoulder seams and the wristbands. The pullover is then allowed to dry. The pullover retains the size it had when attached to the bracing means when wet.

Figure 2 shows a bracing means 20 according to further preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bracing means 20 includes a framework 22 having cylindrical pipes which form the general shape of a pullover. The cylindrical pipes can be adjusted to change the dimensions and size of the framework. For example the length of the sleeves could be changed by inserting further pipes. The cylindrical pipes fit one inside another and are held in place by cotter pins 24. Rubberised clips 26 and 28 may be used to secure the pullover to the bracing means by application to the waistband and sleeve cuffs of the pullover respectively. The bracing means 20 is slightly flattened at these points to facilitate application of the clips.

Typically the pullover is washed and the bracing means 20 is inserted inside the pullover while it is still wet from washing. The clips 26 and 28 are attached to the bracing means 20 adjacent the waistband and the cuffs of the pullover respectively. The pullover is then allowed to dry. The pullover retains the size it had when attached to the bracing means 20 when wet.

A pullover drying frame according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 30 in figure 3. The frame 30 includes a chassis 32 of high density foam, provided with vent holes 34 to aid the movement of air through a pullover fitted to the frame 30 and thereby increase drying speed.

Frame 30 is also provided with arms 36 and 38. Arms 36 and 38 are pivotally attached to chassis 32 at shoulders 36a and 38a, and include multi-point expanding pivot joints 40 and 42 respectively so that the arms 36 and 38 may be adjusted in height and angle, and so that the size of joints 40 and 42 can be altered according the wrist or sleeve size of the garment to be dried.

Frame 30 is also provided with spreaders 44 and 46, which may be adjusted according to the size of the garment being dry, and which are located in holes 34. Consequently, spreaders 44 and 46 may be pivoted about their upper ends 44a, 46a and/or their lower ends 44b, 46b.

A clamp 48 may be used to hold the lower end of a garment firmly against chassis 32, to prevent shrinkage in a vertical direction. Clamp 48 is tightened by means of locking nut 50 located in slot 52. Slot 52 extends vertically along chassis 32, so that clamp 48 may be adjusted vertically according to garment size. Referring to figure 4, frame 30 may readily be stored by first folding arms 36 and 38 against chassis 32, and locating spreaders 44 and 46 as closely as possible against chassis 32. Clamp 48 may be slid to approximately the centre of chassis 32 and rotated to extend vertically, so as not to extend beyond the sides of chassis 32.

Frame 32 is depicted in use (with a pullover 60) in figure 5. Pullover 60 is fitted over frame 30, and joints 40 and 42 adjusted according to the size of pullover 60, so that the wrist bands 62 and 64 are preventing from shrinking. Waist band 66 of pullover 60 is clamped against shrinkage by means of clamp 48.

A further embodiment of a drying frame according to the present invention is shown generally at 70 in figure 6. Frame 70 is similar to frame 30, but with a more compact main body 72, which may be laser cut plastic panels, injection molded plastic, or assembled from extruded aluminum sections. Spreaders 74 and 76 are attached to main body 72 by means of articulated arms 78a,b and 80a,b respectively. Clamp 82 (comprising tubular members 84 and 86) is also provided, to attach the lower end of a garment to be dried and prevent shrinking in a vertical direction.

Figure 7 is a view of frame 70 folded for storage. When folded, frame 70 has a particularly narrow profile owing to the compact main body 72.

Figure 8 is a view of a drying board 90 according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a pullover 92 shown in drying position. In this embodiment board 90 includes four panels 94, 96, 98 and 100, each of high density EVA foam. Panels 94, 96, 98 and 100 are attached by means of hinges (not shown) , and held in a rigid configuration by means of clasps 102.

Board 90 includes a plurality of holes 104. These holes aid the flow of air through board 90 and hence pullover 92, but also receive clamps 106, 108 and 110 for holding pullover 92 in place while drying.

Each clamp 106 is provided with at least two bosses or pins sized to fit holes 104 so that the clamps may be moved according to the size or shape of the fabric or garment to be dried. Such a boss 112 is visible for clamp 108 (shown removed from board 90 but positioned above suitable holes 104) . Each clamp has a spring loaded hinge 114, so that the clamp may be pivoted away from the garment being dried without removing the clamp from holes 104. Each clamp is also provided with pins 116 to pierce the garment being dried and thus hold the garment firmly in place against shrinkage.

Figure 9 is a further view of board 90 in use. It will be seen that garment may be firmly secured to board 90 by means of multiple clamps 118. The board 90 may also be used in a vertical orientation, by hanging board 90 by means of handles 120.

Board 90 may be folded for storage purposes, as depicted in figure 10, by releasing or removing clasps 102 and folding panels 94, 96, 98 and 100 against each other. Figure n is a view of a washing or rinsing apparatus 130 for use with the apparatus of the present invention. Washing or rinsing apparatus 130 comprises a chamber 132 for accommodating a drying frame, drying board or other bracing means according to the present invention. The apparatus 130 is attached to a supply of water and electrical power, and heats the water to form hot water and/or steam. The hot water and/or steam may be sprayed from holes 134 inside chamber 132. The apparatus 130 also includes a drainage outlet 135 to allow the removal of accumulated water after use.

In use (see figure 12), a fabric or garment 136 is located on a bracing means 138 according to the present invention and as described above (a drying frame in figure 12), and lowered into chamber 132. Hot water and/or steam is sprayed fabric or garment until sufficiently rinsed or washed by the action of the hot water and/or steam, and the bracing means 138 and fabric or garment 136 removed from the chamber 132. The fabric or garment 136 is then allowed to dry while on the bracing means 138 as described above, to prevent or reduce shrinkage.

An inflatable garment frame according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 140 in figure 13. The frame 140 includes a solid plastic hanger 142, welded to an inflatable vinyl body comprising three separate inflatable chambers 144, 146 and 148, each provided with a valve 150, 152 and 154 respectively, for inflation by the mouth or pump.

Each sleeve chamber 144 and 148 is provided with a sleeve tie (shown by way of example at 156), to hold the sleeve of a garment to be dried against shrinkage. Sleeve tie 156 comprises a piece of flexible fabric provided with small barbs (such as those used in Velcro ) , so that the sleeve tie 156 can be wrapped around the wrist band or sleeve of the garment to be dried, and affixed thereto, to prevent the sleeve from shrinking inwards towards the body of the garment. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve tie 156 is also provided with a small aperture to accommodate valve 150, so that frame 140 can be inflated or re-inflated after the garment to be dried is positioned on frame 140 with sleeve tie 156 (and its counterpart, not shown, for chamber 148) attached to the garment to be dried.

The inflatable nature of frame 140 also simplifies the removal of the garment after drying: the frame 140 can simply be deflated, and the garment readily removed.

A body tie 158 is also provided, similar to sleeve tie 156, to be fastened to the lower end or waist band of a garment to be dried. Body tie 158, however, consists of two pieces of fabric 160 and 162, which are held together by means of Velcro™, and which may thereby be adjusted to reach to differing heights up the frame 140, so that the frame 140 may thereby accommodate garments of different sizes.

Sleeve chambers 144 and 148 are grooved to facilitate the flow of air through and around the garment to be dried at, for example, 164 and 166. In addition, chamber 146 preferably includes a series of concave sections for a similar purpose or, in the embodiment illustrated in figure 13, a series of holes 168 to similarly promote air flow. In one embodiment the frame, chambers 144, 146 and 148 have a flocked finish to aid air flow and provide a more appealing aesthetic finish.

Figure 14 is a view of frame 140 in use with pullover 170, and showing the means by which sleeve tie 156, sleeve tie 172 and body tie 158 are used to hold the extremities of pullover 170 in place, and hence impede shrinkage. Holes 168 (not shown in figure 14) allow the free of flow of air through the garment and hence evaporation of moisture 174.

While the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments it is to be understood that various modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention disclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims .

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. An apparatus for resisting or reversing the effects of shrinkage in a fabric or garment, including: a bracing means, and one or more attachment means for removably attaching the fabric or garment to the bracing means.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bracing means has a plurality of small openings, and said attachment means includes pins which are removably insertable into said openings, wherein in use said pins are inserted through said fabric or garment and are removably held in the openings such that an inner or outer side of the fabric or garment is held against the bracing means until the fabric or garment is dry.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pins are fixed in said openings, and in use said fabric or garment is placed against said bracing so that said pins pierce said fabric or garment and thereby hold said fabric or garment against shrinkage until the fabric or garment is dry.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said attachment means includes clips for removably holding said fabric or garment against the bracing means.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims said attachment means includes both pins and clips .

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said attachment means includes one or more clamps, each of said clamps including clamp attachment means to removably attach said clamp to said bracing means.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said bracing means includes a substantially flat board provided with a plurality of holes to removably attach said clamp to said bracing means.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said bracing means includes a substantially flat board provided with a plurality of holes to receive said clamp attachment means.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said clamp attachment means comprises one or more bosses.

10. An apparatus for resisting or reversing the effects of shrinkage in a fabric or garment including: a bracing means including a frame; and attachment means, said attachment means for holding portions of said fabric or garment against said frame and against said shrinkage.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said frame approximates the shape of said fabric or garment.

12. An apparatus as claimed in either claim 10 or 11, wherein said frame includes adjustable members whereby said members may be adjusted in use so that said frame conforms more closely to said shape of said fabric or garment.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to

12, wherein said frame is inflatable or includes inflatable portions.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein said attachments means are clamps.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to

13, wherein said attachments means are ties.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said bracing means comprises one or more flat surfaces .

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said attachment means comprises pins for holding the fabric or garment flat on the bracing means.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said bracing means comprises a framework which is at least as large as the fabric or garment.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein said framework approximates the shape of said fabric or garment .

20. An apparatus as claimed in either claim 18 or 19, wherein said framework can be inserted inside the garment .

21. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein, if the fabric or garment is wet when attached to said framework, said framework is formed to separate the front and back of the fabric or garment to facilitate drying of the fabric or garment.

22. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bracing means is provided with hanging means so that said apparatus may be hung up to promote airflow around said fabric or garment.

23. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracing means is adjustable in size to be adapted in size according to said fabric or garment .

24. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bracing means is modular so that its size may be increased or decreased by adding or removing modules.

25. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bracing means is expandable automatically by mechanical, hydraulic or other suitable means.

26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein said bracing means is expandable after the fabric or garment is applied to the bracing means.

27. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bracing means is constructed of wood, stainless steel, plastic or synthetic or natural rubber.

28. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including wetting means for wetting said fabric by the application of a vapour or liquid in any form.

29. An apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein said wetting means includes a water and/or steam spray.

30. A method for resisting or reversing the effects of shrinkage in a fabric or garment, the method including the steps of: (a) applying a vapour or liquid to wet the fabric or garment,

(b) locating the fabric or garment on a bracing means and attaching an attachment means to hold the fabric or garment against the bracing means, (c) allowing the fabric or garment to dry whilst the fabric or garment is held against the bracing means, and

31. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein step (b) precedes step (a) .

32. A method as claimed in either claim 30 or 31, wherein step (a) includes wetting said fabric by the application of liquid in any form.

33. A method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said wetting is by means of immersion or soaking in water or aqueous solution.

34. A method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said wetting is by means of application of a spray or mist of hot or cold water, aqueous solution, steam, any other chemical or solution, or any mixture of these.