US Patent 12110632 Automatic ironing apparatus

An automated ironing apparatus has a flexible steaming head for applying steam to a supported article. The flexible steaming head includes a device for shaping the flexible steaming head in at least two dimensions. A method of operating this apparatus for smoothing a garment includes a step of closing at least one opening in the garment, thereby to restrict gas flow through the at least one opening and introducing gas inside the garment thereby to smooth the garment. The step of closing at least one of the openings to be closed is effected by engaging the flexible steaming head with a surface of the garment.