WO2010010405A1

WO2010010405A1 - Steamer device

Info

Publication number: WO2010010405A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/050921
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Baber; Carol Baber
Original assignee: Stephen Baber; Carol Baber
Priority date: 2008-07-25
Filing date: 2009-07-27
Publication date: 2010-01-28
Also published as: GB0813647D0

Abstract

Steamer device for applying steam to a skirt (12b) or a dress having a skirt in order to remove creases. The device comprises a base unit (1) comprising one or more vents (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) for delivering steam to inside the skirt. A support means (2) is provided for supporting the skirt (12b) above the base unit (1) so as to form a tent-like arrangement over the base unit (1). The one or more vents (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) are arranged such that, in use, they are positioned around the circumference of the bottom of the skirt (12b) and adjacent to the inner surface of the skirt material for delivering steam thereto.

Description

STEAMER DEVICE

[001] The present invention concerns a steamer device and, in particular, a steamer for removing creases from skirts and dresses.

[002] In this connection, it is known to use a steam iron or press for removing creases from clothes. Such devices are particularly effective for certain types of clothing, such as shirts, where different panels can be pressed flat separately. However, irons or presses are less effective or unsuitable when used with clothing items having larger quantities of fabric, multiple layers of fabric, pleats, or shaped sections. For example, with dresses having large skirts, such as a wedding dress, an iron or press is unsuitable because the shape of the skirt might be distorted by the ironing or pressing process, and the large amount of fabric would make the task too time consuming, and may itself introduce further creases.

[003] It has therefore been recognised that there is a need for an alternative approach for removing creases from dresses .

[004] In this respect, for this purpose, conventional steamer devices have been used which generate steam from a heating element and water tank unit and feed the steam out through a flexible hand-held wand. In use, an operator moves the wand over the outer fabric surface, applying steam thereto, which softens the fabric and removes creases. Although such devices allow creases to be removed from dresses and skirts, they are extremely time consuming to use because the steam is only directed to a small area at any one time, requiring a user to manually move the wand over the dress and manipulate the fabric. Furthermore, such devices can suffer from a problem of dripping condensed hot water onto the fabric surface.

[005] To address these issues, various other devices have been proposed which seek to automate the application of steam to the fabric surface and reduce the time burden for an operator.

[006] In this connection, one type of device that has been proposed involves the use of an inflatable balloon which is used to support the garment. One such device is disclosed in US 2,319,434. With this device, the balloon is inflated with steam from under the dress to fill out the fabric. The balloon material is permeable in order allow some of the steam to escape there through, thereby applying the steam to the dress or skirt fabric. However, there is a number of problems with such devices which has limited their use. Firstly, the balloon itself needs to conform closely to the dress, meaning that such devices are only suitable for particular dress sizes or shapes. If a too large or too small balloon is used, the dress may be stretched or creased. Furthermore, the balloon material tends to act as an insulator, cooling the steam and reducing the efficiency of the device.

[007] US 2,213,288 discloses another steamer device in which a garment is secured between a hanger and clamps. Steam is then fed up from a central column underneath the garment. Such a device is, however, relatively complex mechanically, and hence expensive. Furthermore, such a device has also been found to be ineffective because it is difficult to maintain the steam temperature underneath the garment. In this respect, as a consequence, there is a tendency for water to condense on the various mechanical components underneath the garment, which can soak into the garment fabric and damage it .

[008] Accordingly, the present invention seeks to overcome the above problems associated with the prior art.

[009] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a steamer device for applying steam to a skirt or a dress having a skirt, for removing creases therefrom, said device comprising:- a base unit comprising one or more vents for delivering steam to inside the skirt; support means for supporting the skirt above the base unit so as to form a tent-like arrangement over said base unit; wherein said one or more vents are arranged such that, in use, the vents are positioned around the circumference of the bottom of the skirt and adjacent to the inner surface of the skirt material for delivering steam thereto.

[0010] In this way, the skirt hangs naturally over the base unit, much as it would if it were being worn, thereby forming a conical tent-like space over the base unit. The steam is delivered into this space and is at its hottest directly adjacent to the bottom inside surface of the skirt. This is important because this part of the skirt fabric can be the most difficult to remove creases from, as there is relatively less fabric weight at the bottom of the skirt to pull creases out. From here, due to the incline of the skirt, the steam rises up the inside surface of the skirt fabric, retaining the hottest steam directly adjacent to the fabric, thereby optimising crease removal. Furthermore, as the steam continues to rise, it is effectively funnelled by the conical drape of the skirt, reducing the volume it occupies. This helps to compensate for the cooling of the steam which occurs once it leaves the steam delivery vents, ensuring that creases are removed from the entire length of the skirt. - A -

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides a device which can effectively remove creases from a skirt or dress in an efficient and semi-automated, non-labour intensive way. That is, once the skirt or dress is fitted to the device, steam can be applied thereto without requiring a user to be present. Furthermore, the device is mechanically simple, and hence inexpensive and reliable. Moreover, the natural drape of the fabric is retained, ensuring that the intended shape of the fabric is maintained. Further still, because steam is delivered proximal to the fabric to be treated, the volume of steam needed to remove the creases is minimised, making the steamer more efficient and economical.

[0012] Conveniently, the vents are arranged in a ring. In this way, steam is evenly distributed around the entire circumference of the skirt.

[0013] Conveniently, the vents are arranged in a plurality of concentric rings. In a preferred embodiment, valve means are provided for selecting which of the plurality of concentric rings of vents to deliver steam through depending on the size of the skirt to be steamed. In this way, skirts of different shapes and sizes can be accommodated whilst ensuring steam is delivered closely proximal to the bottom inner surface of the skirt.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the device further comprises size adjustment means for adjusting the position of said vents according to the size of the skirt to be steamed. As such, skirts of different shapes and sizes can be accommodated whilst ensuring steam is delivered proximal to the bottom inner surface of the skirt.

[0015] Conveniently, the support means is arranged for supporting the skirt from the skirt's waist such that the skirt drapes freely therefrom. In this way, the skirt or dress can be retained by the device in a similar way to as it would be if it were worn, thereby ensuring it is steamed in a natural shape.

[0016] Conveniently, said vents for delivering steam comprise nozzles for directing the steam. Conveniently, the nozzles are configured for directing the steam substantially vertically. It has been found that this configuration results in less water condensing inside the skirt, which otherwise could damage the fabric.

[0017] Conveniently, the support means comprises a bust section for supporting the bodice of the dress. In this way, the overall shape of the dress is maintained.

[0018] Conveniently, the bust section is detachable. This allows replacement of the bust section with different sized sections for fitting different dresses. In addition, it permits the use of specific bust sections for different purposes. For example, the device may be used as part of a shop display so as to display the dress at the same time as removing creases therefrom. Accordingly, specific display mannequin bust sections may be attached for this purpose.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bust section further comprises steam vents for delivering steam to the bodice of the dress. In this way, creases can also be removed from this part of the dress, at the same time it is supported to ensure its shape is retained.

[0020] Conveniently, the base unit further comprises retention means for retaining the bottom of the skirt adjacent to the vents. [0021] In a preferred embodiment, the retention means comprises one or more rails for location between the bottom of the skirt and said vents. In this way, the skirt fabric is prevented from covering the steam vents. Furthermore, the skirt is held in position, without having to clamp the fabric, as the inward fall of the skirt is held back by the rails. This keeps the bottom of the skirt adjacent to the vents whilst avoiding damage or further creasing of this part of the skirt.

[0022] Conveniently, the base unit further comprises water collection channels for collecting condensed water formed from the steam. In this way, excess water can be removed and prevented from welling on the base unit.

[0023] Conveniently, there is provided a support arm for connection between the support means and the base unit.

[0024] Preferably, the support arm is height adjustable for adjusting the height at which the support means supports the skirt above the base unit. In this way, different skirt lengths can be accommodated, whilst maintaining a natural drape of the skirt fabric.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the support arm is telescopic .

[0026] Conveniently, said support arm has a cross sectional diameter along its length substantially the same as the cross sectional diameter of the waist of the skirt. In this way, the support arm occupies a large proportion of the internal area inside the skirt. This reduces the volume of steam required and, as less volume is provided, helps to maintain the steam at a higher temperature. Furthermore, this is achieved without affecting the natural drape of the dress.

[0027] In one embodiment, the support arm further comprises steam vents for delivering steam. This can help to ensure a constant steam temperature throughout the area under the skirt .

[0028] In one embodiment there is provided a wand connectable to the base unit and for delivering steam to the exterior of the skirt or dress. In this way, a user can apply steam manually to particularly difficult areas of the dress or skirt, or to a train attached to the dress.

[0029] Conveniently, said base unit further comprises a steam production means. In this way, the device provides a self contained unit, which does not require connection to an external steam source. Furthermore, the weight of the water tank and steam heating elements associated with the steam production means acts as a counterbalance to keep the device stable.

[0030] In one embodiment, the steam production means further comprises an additive reservoir for supplying additives to be released in the steam. In this way, additives, such as fresheners, perfumes, deodorisers, anti-microbial agents, insecticide agents, or the like, can be applied through the steam to the skirt or dress fabric.

[0031] In one embodiment, the base unit further comprises a cold air delivery means for supplying cold air to said vents.

In this way, following the application of the steam to the skirt or dress, and hence the removal of the creases, cold air can be applied to the fabric to cool it. This acts to re-stiffen the steam softened fabric so that the skirt or dress does not re-crease as it is removed from the device. This also speeds up the treatment process, as it allows the skirt or dress to be removed quickly and replaced, without having to wait for the skirt or dress to be naturally air cooled.

[0032] In an embodiment, the base unit further comprises a steam generator control means for controlling the temperature and/or moisture content of the steam outlet through said one or more vents. This allows different treatments to be applied. For example, a hot dry steam may be more suitable than a cooler wet steam in certain circumstances.

[0033] In an embodiment the steam generator control means is programmable for providing a predetermined steaming cycle. This allows treatment cycles to be automated to optimise the steaming process. For example, it may be advantageous to begin a steaming cycle with a period of wet steam, then increase the steam temperature for a period of dryer hotter steam, and then end the cycle with a period of cool air.

[0034] Conveniently, the predetermined steaming cycle comprises at least two of a period of wet steam, a period of dry steam and a period of cold air.

[0035] In an embodiment, the device further comprises a steam collection roof for collecting exhausted steam released through the skirt. This avoids large amounts of steam escaping into the surrounding environment.

[0036] Conveniently, the steam collection roof is mountable above base unit.

[0037] Conveniently, said steam collection roof is configured for collecting steam and directing it laterally inward towards the centre of the device. In this way, the steam is collected above the skirt and is directed to a central location above the bust. This avoids condensed water dripping onto the skirt after steaming.

[0038] Preferably, water from the collected steam is returned to the steam production means for generating steam.

[0039] In an embodiment, said base unit further comprises one or more steam delivery channels for delivering steam to said one or more vents.

[0040] In an embodiment, said base unit further comprises a directing baffle for directing steam to said one or more vents, wherein one or more of said steam delivery channels are formed between said directing baffle and a main body of said base unit.

[0041] Illustrative examples of steamer devices of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

Figure 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an overhead plan view of the base unit shown in Figure 1 with the bust section removed; Figure 3 shows a further front view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 once a dress has been fitted to the device, with the dress skirt shown in cross section;

Figure 4 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a front view of a third embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a front view of the bottom section of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a front view of a steamer device according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The steamer device includes a base unit 1 and support arm 2 holding a bust section 3 above the base unit. The support arm 2 is formed as a number of telescopic sections which allows the height of the bust section 3 above the base unit 1 to be adjusted.

[0043] The base unit 1 is a circular platform, with the support arm 3 forming a central column onto which the bust section 3 is detachably connected. As such, the bust section can be replaced, if necessary, to accommodate different dress styles or sizes, or for different purposes (e.g. for a shop display) .

[0044] On the upper surface of the base unit 1, there is provided a plurality of apertures forming steam vents 4 arranged into three concentric rings, with vents 4a appearing on the outer ring, vents 4b appearing on the middle ring, and vents 4c appearing on the inner ring. Figure 2 shows a above plan view of this arrangement, with the bust section 3 removed for clarity. The vents 4 form nozzles through which steam from the base unit 1 is delivered. The vents 4 are arranged to point substantially vertically as this has been found to result in less condensation of the steam around the nozzle area.

[0045] Associated with each of the rings of vents 4 (4a, 4b, 4c) is a water collection channel 7 and a retention rail 6, which are also formed in a ring arrangement. The water collection channel 7 is used to collect any condensed water resulting from the steam and feed it back into the water supply tank (not shown) inside the base unit. The retention rails 6 are used to keep the skirt or dress in position, as will be described in further detail below. [0046] The base unit 1 itself includes a steam generator (not shown) having a water supply tank and a heating element. The water tank is sufficiently large to allows for 3-4 hours of continuous steaming, and the weight of this water, together with the heating element and other elements within the base unit 1 help to stabilise the device.

[0047] Steam generated by the steam generator is fed to the vents 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, steam feeding apertures 5 are provided to feed some steam into the central column of support arm 2 where it can escape through steam vents 9, or steam vents 10 provided on bust section 3.

[0048] The base unit 1 further comprises a valve system (not shown) which allows vents 4a, 4b, 4c, and steam feeding apertures 5 to be selectively closed and opened so that the release of steam can be controlled. A similar valve system is provided on bust section 3 to control the release of steam out through steam vents 10.

[0049] Further provided is outlet 8 which permits the connection of an external steam outlet wand (not shown) . When connected, some of the steam produced by the steam generator is fed through outlet 8 to provide steam to the wand, which can be used by a user to manually apply steam to a dress. This is useful in instances where a dress has a intricate section which may require manual application of steam, or for the train of a dress.

[0050] Figure 3 shows the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 once a dress 12 has been fitted to the steamer device. The skirt 12b of the dress is shown in cross section for clarity. As will be understood, the present invention is particularly suitable for wedding dresses, or the like, which have large skirts, such as that shown. [0051] As can be seen, the dress 12 is placed over the device and its bodice 12a is fitted to the bust section 3 in a similar way to if the device were a display mannequin. As such, the bodice 12a of the dress is fitted around the bust section 3 and the skirt 12b of the dress is suspended over the base unit 1. Accordingly, the skirt 12b drapes over the base unit 1 forming a conical tent-like arrangement, with a space provided under the skirt 12b between its fabric and the base unit 1, with the support arm 2 forming a central column .

[0052] In this connection, the height of the bust section 3 is adjusted by varying support arm 2 depending on the length of the skirt in order to achieve a natural drape similar to that which would be achieved if the dress were being worn. At this point, depending on the diameter of the skirt, the bottom of the skirt can be positioned to fall on the most appropriated sized one of the retention rails 6. That is, a narrow skirt would fall to the inner retention rail, whereas a very wide skirt would fall to the outer retention rail. The retention rails 6 act to hold the skirt in position and prevent the bottom of the skirt from falling into the steam vents 4 or water channels 7, particularly once the fabric of the skirt 12b is softened by the steam. The retention rails 6 locate the bottom of the skirt 12b next to the associated ring of vents. In this example in Figure 3, the skirt fits next to the middle retention rail, such that it is kept adjacent to vents 4b. In such a case, the valve system is used to close vents 4a to prevent unnecessary loss of steam through this vent. Vent 4c can be optionally opened to allow for a more even distribution of steam.

[0053] As can be seen, the support arm 2 has a diameter substantially similar to that of the waist of the bust section 3. This configuration means that the support arm 2 occupies a substantial proportion of the volume underneath the skirt 12b once it is fitted. This, consequently, means that less steam is required to fill the space provided underneath the skirt 12b, meaning that the steam can be kept hotter and maintain a more uniform temperature.

[0054] When steam is generated from base unit 1, the steam is released from vents 4b substantially adjacent to the inner surface of the bottom of the skirt 12b, as is shown by the arrows in Figure 3. Consequently, the steam contacts the inner surface of skirt 12b when it is at its hottest. Water channels 7 are used to collect any condensing water forming on retention rails 6. As the steam rises, it is passed upwards along the inner surface of the skirt 12b thereby removing creases. Furthermore, the conical shape created by the skirt 12b causes the rising steam to be funnelled towards the centre of the skirt. This reduction in volume helps to compensate for the cooling of the steam once it leaves the vents 4b. Accordingly, steam convection currents underneath the skirt are established, with steam flowing up the inside surface of the skirt, as shown by the arrows in Figure 3.

[0055] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, steam feeding apertures 5 deliver some of the steam produced by the steam generator in base unit 1 into the support arm 2, where it can be released by steam vents 9. This predominantly acts to warm the surface of the support arm 2, thereby limiting condensation of the steam released through vents 4b. In addition, the steam released from this section helps to maintain a more consistent steam temperature throughout the space underneath the skirt.

[0056] Steam is also provided through steam vents 10 provided on the bust section 3, so as to remove creases from the bodice 12a of the dress. A valve is provided to control the release of steam from this section so that an appropriate amount of steam is applied to avoid the bodice 12a becoming overly damp.

[0057] In this embodiment, the base unit 1 further comprises an additives reservoir into which additives such as fresheners, perfumes, deodorisers, anti-microbial agents, insecticide agents, or the like, can be released into the steam and thereby applied to the skirt.

[0058] The base unit 1 further comprises a cold air fan (not shown) for forcing cold air through the vents 4, 9 and 10. This is used to cool the dress fabric after the steaming process has been completed in order to re-stiffen the fabric so that the dress does not re-crease as it is removed from the device.

[0059] Wheels (not shown) are also provided on base unit 1 to allow the device to be easily moved.

[0060] A second illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 2. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and operates in substantially the same way. Therefore, for conciseness, the same reference numerals have been used for like features.

[0061] This second embodiment represents a lighter-weight, more portable version of the steamer device according to the present invention. In this case, the base unit 1 does not contain an integrated steam generator, but instead the steam required for operation is supplied to connector 11 by an external, standard steam generator unit (not shown) . Further, in this embodiment, the support arm 2 is formed as a more simple telescopic arm without steam nozzles. This provides for a much simpler and lighter construction, making this embodiment more suitable for temporary, off-site set up and operation.

[0062] Accordingly, the relative light weight of this device allows it to be transported to a required location, for example, in the case of a wedding dress, the bride's dressing room, where it can be assembled and the dress, fitted

10 thereto. The external steam generator can then be connected to the base unit via connector 11, and turned on to feed steam into the base unit 1 where it is distributed through vents 4. In this way, creases can be removed from the dress immediately prior to it being worn.

15

[0063] As will be recognised, the present invention therefore provides a system for removing creases from dresses which is labour saving, safe on delicate garments, and is effective on difficult to iron shapes. Furthermore, the

20 construction of the present invention allows it to be used as part of a shop display, thereby saving space. Moreover, the present invention allows additives to be applied to the dress through the steam, which could be used to remove dust or allergens, or even apply fragrances to the fabric. In this

25 respect, the present invention may therefore be used for not only modern wedding dresses and the like, but also for the preservation of historical clothing, or for personal hygiene reasons .

30 [0064] Figure 5 shows a front view of a third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, except that this embodiment is further provided with a steam collection roof 13 which collects exhausted steam released through the skirt

35 12b. The steam collection roof 13 is formed as a concave panel which is supported above the bust section 3 via struts 15. The steam collection roof 13 and struts 15 are detachably mounted on the bust section 3, allowing them to be detached in order to allow for the removal of the dress.

[0065] The struts 15 support a plurality of slats which function to permit steam to pass into the central area above the bust section 3. The slats have an overlapping arrangement to prevent condensed water from dripping back onto the dress and to funnel the water towards the central channel 14. A suction fan is also provided for drawing steam into the central channel 14.

[0066] In use, steam exhausted through the skirt 12b rises vertically and is caught by the steam collection roof 13. The concave shape of the steam collection roof 13 acts to direct the rising steam inwardly to the area directly above the bust and the centre of the base unit 1. The suction fan assists this process and draws steam into the central channel 14. From here, the steam and any collected water funnelled by the slats can be collected to be reheated and recycled as more steam. In this way, the escape of large amounts from the device is avoided, which could otherwise lead to a hot and unpleasant working environment for a user.

[0067] Figure 6 shows a front view of the bottom section of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the base unit is provided with a steam directing baffle 16. The baffle 16 is suspended above the main body of base unit 1 on the support arm 2 such that a channel is formed between the baffle 16 and an upper surface of the main body of base unit 1. The baffle 16 has a circular footprint of a slightly smaller diameter than the body of base unit 1. In this way, a circular vent 4e is formed around the outer circumference of the baffle 16. Steam outlet apertures 4d are provided underneath the baffle 16.

[0068] In use, steam is outlet from the steam outlet apertures 4d. The steam is then forced outwardly by the baffle 16, through the steam channel formed between the baffle and the main body of base unit 1. At the outer periphery, the steam is released through the vent 4e, adjacent to the bottom, inner surface of the skirt 12b.

[0069] It will be understood that the illustrated embodiments described herein show applications of the invention only for the purposes of illustration. In practice the invention may be applied to many different configurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward to those skilled in the art to implement.

[0070] For example, it will be understood that although in the above examples a dress has been described, a skirt or other garment could also be treated by the present invention. In addition, although in the above examples, the term bodice has been used to describe the top or torso section of the dress, it will be understood that this includes dresses formed of single piece of material with the bodice and skirt formed integrally.

[0071] It will also be understood that various further modifications to the invention could be made. For example, a programmable control unit may be provided to control the application of the steam to the dress or skirt. Such a control unit may control the timing of the steam delivery. For example a countdown timer may be provided which allows the device to be left treating the dress for a fixed time while an operator, such as a shop owner, is attending to other things. The control unit may also control the opening of the valve system to determine which vents steam is delivered through. Furthermore, the control unit may control the temperature and moisture content of the steam outlet through the vents and may also provide programmable steaming cycles. For example, it may be advantageous to begin a steaming cycle with a period of wet steam, then increase the steam temperature for a period of dryer hotter steam, and then finish with a period of cool air to reduce the fabric temperature .

[0072] Furthermore, although in the above examples, different dress diameters are accommodated by selecting different concentric rings, alternative size adjustment mechanisms could be used. For example, a steam delivery tube could be provided as part of the base unit and arranged in an adjustable loop, with a larger diameter achieved by expanding the loop. The steam delivery tube could then provide the steam via a number of vents on its surface.

[0073] Moreover, in the above examples, the bust section has been replaceable. However, it will also be understood that the bust section may be integral with the support arm.

Furthermore, it is also envisaged that the bust section may include adjustment means for varying the size of the bust to accommodate different size and shaped bodices. Moreover, the bust section may also comprise arms for supporting the arms on a dress, and these arms may allow for steam to be applied directly to the arms of the dress.

Claims

1. A steamer device for applying steam to a skirt or a dress having a skirt, for removing creases therefrom, said device comprising: - a base unit comprising one or more vents for delivering steam to inside the skirt; support means for supporting the skirt above the base unit so as to form a tent-like arrangement over said base unit; wherein said one or more vents are arranged such that, in use, the vents are positioned around the circumference of the bottom of the skirt and adjacent to the inner surface of the skirt material for delivering steam thereto.

2. A steamer device according to any preceding claim wherein said vents are arranged in a ring.

3. A steamer device according to any preceding claim wherein said vents are arranged in a plurality of concentric rings.

4. A steamer device according to claim 3, further comprising valve means for selecting which of the plurality of concentric rings of vents to deliver steam through depending on the size of the skirt to be steamed.

5. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, further comprising size adjustment means for adjusting the position of said vents according to the size of the skirt to be steamed.

6. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, wherein said support means is arranged for supporting the skirt from the skirt's waist such that the skirt drapes freely therefrom.

7. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, wherein said vents for delivering steam comprise nozzles for 5 directing the steam.

8. A steamer device according to claim 7, wherein said nozzles are configured for directing the steam substantially vertically.

10

9. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, wherein said support means comprises a bust section for supporting the bodice of the dress.

15 10. A steamer device according to claim 9, wherein said bust section is detachable.

11. A steamer device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said bust section further comprises steam vents for

20 delivering steam to the bodice of the dress.

12. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base unit further comprises retention means for retaining the bottom of the skirt adjacent to the vents.

25

13. A steamer device according to claim 12, wherein the retention means comprises one or more rails for location between the bottom of the skirt and said vents.

30 14. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, wherein said base unit further comprises water collection channels for collecting condensed water formed from the steam.

35 15. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a support arm for connection between said support means and said base unit.

16. A steamer device according to claim 15, wherein said 5 support arm is height adjustable for adjusting the height at which the support means supports the skirt above the base unit .

17. A steamer device according to claim 16, wherein said 10 support arm is telescopic.

18. A steamer device according to any one of claims 15 to

17, wherein said support arm has a cross sectional diameter along its length substantially the same as the cross

15 sectional diameter of the waist of the skirt.

19. A steamer device according to any one of claims 15 to

18, wherein said support arm further comprises steam vents for delivering steam.

20

20. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a wand connectable to said base unit and for delivering steam to the exterior of the skirt or dress.

25 21. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, wherein said base unit further comprises a steam production means .

22. A steamer device according to claim 21, wherein said 30 steam production means further comprises an additive reservoir for supplying additives to be released in the steam.

23. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, 35 wherein said base unit further comprises a cold air delivery means for supplying cold air to said vents.

24. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, wherein said base unit further comprises a steam generator control means for controlling the temperature and/or moisture content of the steam outlet through said one or more vents.

25. A steamer device according to claim 24, wherein said steam generator control means is programmable for providing a predetermined steaming cycle.

26. A steamer device according to claim 25, wherein predetermined steaming cycle comprises at least two of a period of wet steam, a period of dry steam, and a period of cold air.

27. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a steam collection roof for collecting exhausted steam released through the skirt.

28. A steamer device according to claim 27, wherein said steam collection roof is mountable above base unit.

29. A steamer device according to claim 28, wherein said steam collection roof is configured for collecting steam and directing it laterally inward towards the centre of the device .

30. A steamer device according to claim 29, when dependent on claim 21, wherein water from the collected steam is returned to the steam production means for generating steam.

31. A steamer device according to any preceding claim, wherein said base unit further comprises one or more steam delivery channels for delivering steam to said one or more vents .

32. A steamer device according to claim 31, wherein said base unit further comprises a directing baffle for directing steam 5 to said one or more vents, wherein one or more of said steam delivery channels are formed between said directing baffle and a main body of said base unit.

10 33. A steamer device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.