CN112135940B - Garment steamer with hanger that can move in comparison to a fixed ironing board - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment steamer (100) for treating a garment, the garment steamer (100) comprising: a base (103); at least one rod (104) extending from the base (103); an ironing board (120) fixed in comparison to the at least one bar (104) for supporting the garment during treatment; and a hanger (110) for hanging the garment (20) during the treatment. The garment steamer (100) further comprises: a first coupling element (111) for allowing an operative left/right movement of the hanger (110) along a first horizontal axis (a1) in comparison to the ironing board (120). This solution provides the user with the ability to adjust the position of the garment with respect to the ironing board in a simple and versatile manner, allowing to steam and/or iron the entire area of garments of different sizes, widths, lengths and types without having to interchange the pieces on the garment steamer.

Description

Garment steamer with hanger that can move in comparison to a fixed ironing board

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of garment care.

Background

Removing wrinkles from garments that have been washed and dried often requires the use of an iron and other forms of support, such as an ironing board. The ironing board provides support for the garment to be smoothed during operation of the iron for wrinkle removal. The ironing board also provides a solid support for all parts of the garment to be finished and flattened, in order to eliminate wrinkles completely. However, the arrangement of the ironing board is very inconvenient and also takes up a lot of floor space.

Garment steamers are well known other types of appliances for removing wrinkles from garments. Garment steamers are known for steaming garments to remove creases from garments through the use of heat and moisture from steam. The garment steamer includes a steam generating unit and a steamer head.

FIG. 1 shows a prior art vertical garment steamer 10. The steamer head 11 is connected to a steam generating unit (not shown) by a flexible hose 12, and steam is delivered to the steamer head 11 through the flexible hose 12. The garment steamer head 11 includes a steam board or base board 13 with one or more steam vents to discharge steam onto the fabric being treated. During processing by the garment steamer 10, the garment 20 is hung on the hanger 14 and the user places the steamer head 11 over the garment 20 to remove creases.

Garment steamers provide a convenient way to remove wrinkles. However, the level of wrinkle removal performance is much lower compared to conventional ironing methods, since there is nothing to support the hanging garment.

To enhance the wrinkle removal effect, some garment steamers also provide an ironing board 15 that supports the garment 20. To accommodate garments of various sizes, garment steamers are provided with ironing boards 15 that are generally narrow in width (e.g., the width of a small size shirt). Thus, the ironing board is not able to provide sufficient support for larger size garments, such as large size shirts. The void area 21 is unsupported and the textile slips easily. Like the traditional ironing method, the horizontal plate is used for supporting the clothes in the process, and the stubborn wrinkles cannot be removed.

In order to keep the product packages within reasonable dimensions for transport, the ironing board provided is also limited in length. As such, the ironing board will also not be able to provide complete support for a long garment (such as a dress) or a large size garment (such as a shirt).

Patent EP2348947a1 discloses a device for refreshing a garment, the device comprising means for supporting the garment and comprising means for generating an air flow at the location where the garment is present when the garment is placed on the supporting means. The support means comprises two parts, both of which are adapted to support the garment, and which are arranged displaceably with respect to each other. In this way, an enhanced functionality of the device may be achieved compared to a device having a support means comprising only a single component.

EP1528143a2 discloses a process for operating a clothes drying and smoothing apparatus, which process comprises a flexible manikin which is internally impinged with an air flow generated by a fan, and an adjustable program input unit for adjusting a number of different operating programs. Further comprising an independent claim directed to a control unit for operating the drying and smoothing device.

WO2007/108578a1 discloses a garment steamer for de-wrinkling garments such as pants, jackets or the like, and a hanger suitable for a garment steamer. More particularly, WO2007/108578a1 discloses a garment steamer with a hanger provided with a rib having a key member at its lower portion.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment steamer for treating garments which avoids or mitigates the above-mentioned problems.

The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

To this end, the garment steamer according to the invention comprises:

-a base;

-at least one rod extending from the base;

-an ironing board, fixed in comparison to the at least one bar, for supporting the garment during treatment;

-a hanger for hanging the garment during the treatment;

-a first coupling element for allowing an operative left/right movement of the hanger along a first horizontal axis compared to the ironing board.

This solution provides the user with the ability to adjust the position of the garment with respect to the ironing board in a simple and versatile manner, allowing to steam and/or iron the entire area of garments of different sizes, widths, lengths and types without having to interchange the pieces on the garment steamer.

The hanger is movable relative to the ironing board to reach portions of the garment that would otherwise be unsupported by the ironing board.

According to the invention, the hanger is configured to move along a horizontal axis (left/right) with respect to the ironing board. A single size ironing board may be used to iron many different sizes of garments. The area of the garment being treated is always supported by the ironing board. Different hanging areas of the hung garment may be in contact with the ironing board at different times for providing support during steaming and ironing. Different sizes of garments can use the same garment steamer without having to change the hanger or ironing board.

Preferably, the garment steamer according to the invention further comprises a second coupling element for allowing the hanger to be operatively moved up/down along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal axis.

This allows the lower region of the garment being hung on the hanger to be in contact with the ironing board even though the ironing board is shorter than the garment, so no void area remains in the lower region of the garment and most or all of the garment area can be supported by the ironing board. This allows for efficient steaming and/or ironing to be provided on garments of various sizes and types.

These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a prior art garment steamer.

Figure 2A illustrates an overall view of a garment steamer according to some embodiments of the invention.

Figures 2B to 2C illustrate the lateral movement of the hanger on the ironing board according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a portion of a garment steamer according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a first coupling element incorporated into a fastening element in a garment steamer, and an enlarged detail of an engagement mechanism, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a front view of the first coupling element and the fixing element shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the engagement mechanism between the first coupling element and the fixation element.

Fig. 7 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a fixing element in a garment steamer according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a portion of a garment steamer according to some embodiments of the invention.

Figures 9A-9B illustrate vertical movement of a garment provided by a hanger relative to an ironing board according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 10 and 11 illustrate cross-sections of an engagement and locking mechanism for providing vertical movement and positional locking of a hanger for two different positions according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 12 shows a front view of a cross section of the hanger joined to the fixing element, and details of the joint between the bottom part and the top part.

Fig. 13, 14-15 show different details of an alternative locking mechanism (pinhole mechanism) of a hanger according to some embodiments of the invention.

Figures 16 to 17 show two alternative embodiments of a garment steamer according to embodiments of the invention.

The drawings are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.

Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements.

Detailed Description

Fig. 2A shows an overall view of a garment steamer 100, in particular a stand garment steamer, according to an embodiment of the invention. The garment steamer 100 includes:

-a base 103;

at least one rod 104 extending from the base 103;

an ironing board 120, fixed in comparison to the at least one bar 104, for supporting the garment during the treatment;

-a hanger 110 for hanging the garment during the treatment;

a first coupling element 111 for allowing the hanger 110 to operatively move left/right along a first horizontal axis a1 in comparison to the ironing board 120.

The garment steamer 100 is preferably a stand-up garment steamer.

During the treatment of the garment, the ironing board 120 is fixed in comparison to the at least one pole 104, which means that the ironing board 120 does not move relative to the at least one pole 104.

The base 103 comprises means for steam generation, such as a steam chamber supplied with water from a water tank.

Preferably, the base 103 is connected to a hose 102 for delivering steam, and the end of the hose 102 comprises the steamer head 101. The steamer head 101 can be held in place by a sleeve cuff when not in use, for example the steamer head 101 can be removably attached to a hanger 110.

Preferably, the ironing board 120 is made of a lightweight material resistant to steam temperatures, such as a laminate, a frame containing woven strips or wires, a wooden board, or even a cloth (cotton, hemp and/or synthetic) that is spread out and held under tension, as long as it can provide support for at least steaming.

The ironing board 120 extends along a predetermined axis away from the hanger 110 such that the ironing board provides support for a garment suspended from the hanger during steaming and/or ironing. For example, the plate extends along an axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis a1, allowing the garment to hang freely.

Preferably, the ironing board 120 is detachable from the at least one pole 104. To this end, at least one clamping mechanism (not shown) may be arranged between the back side of the ironing board 120 and the front side of the at least one pole 104. Alternatively, the ironing board 120 is hooked/suspended on the at least one bar 104 (or to a part fixed with respect to the at least one bar 104).

Preferably, the ironing board 120 is a modular board, comprising modules 121, 122, which can be assembled, for example forming a single coplanar surface or two coplanar surfaces separated by a small gap. Such modular ironing board 120 can be easily stored and transported. The assembly may be performed by mounting the modules 121, 122 to the garment steamer pole 104, for example by clamping or by any other suitable attachment means. Clamping allows for easy assembly and disassembly. However, the present invention is not limited to separable and/or modular plates and may provide a single plate that is secured to the base 103.

Fig. 2B to 2C show two exemplary configurations of a garment steamer according to the invention, comprising a hanger 110 coupled to a first coupling element 111 (only partially visible) extending along a first horizontal axis a1, which is fixed in different positions with respect to an ironing board 120.

The movement of the hanger 110 relative to the ironing board 120 is a movement along the first axis a1 (thus, moving left or right along the axis a 1).

The movement of the pylon is a horizontal sliding movement, which allows for easy transition from one configuration to another, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the movement is limited to a plane parallel to the plane defined by the ironing board, for example a vertical plane.

This movement allows the side of the garment 20 suspended from the hanger 110 to contact the ironing board 120, so no void area remains, and most or all of the garment area may be supported by the ironing board 120 during steaming or ironing, for example, at temporally successive times.

This can be provided even if the ironing board 120 is narrower than the garment 20 on the hanger, the width B of the ironing board 120 being defined along the first axis.

The same arrangement can be used to steam or iron garments of different widths, from very small sizes to very large sizes (e.g. shoulder width, chest circumference, waist circumference or hip circumference) relative to the width of the garment. Thus, as a particular embodiment, an ironing board narrower than the hanger may be used.

As shown in fig. 2B, a garment 20 to be treated or ironed (e.g., a shirt) is worn on the hanger 110 and the ironing board 120, and the user moves the hanger to the left. The garment 20 thus moves supported by the hanger 110, so that at least part of the right side (top part) of the garment 20 is fully supported by the ironing board 120 during ironing. The selected lateral position remains until the next movement because no additional force is applied. After completing the ironing of the right side of the garment 20 or at least the top portion of the garment 20, the user moves the hanger in the opposite direction, as shown in fig. 2C. Also, the garment moves with the hanger so that at least part of the left side (top part) of the garment 20 is supported for ironing.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a compact device may be provided. For example, the plate width may be 85% or less, such as 70% or less, such as 60% or less, such as around 50% of the width of the pylon measured along the first axis.

If desired, the lateral movement can be divided into two or more parts, for example, the right-hand, middle and left-hand parts of the garment can then be ironed, each time moving the hanger relative to the ironing board, in order to correctly position the garment relative to the ironing board for ironing or steaming the respective relevant part of the garment.

In some embodiments, the movement of the hanger 110 on the ironing board 120 is limited so that the ironing board does not protrude from under the hanger, thus reducing the risk of the garment from becoming entangled, wrinkled, or damaged. This can be achieved by adding a stop.

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of a garment steamer arranged to provide movement of a hanger relative to an ironing board according to an embodiment of the invention.

The first coupling element 111 extends along a first axis a1, and the first coupling element 111 can provide movement of the hanger along this axis compared to the ironing board.

In particular, this figure shows, in an exploded view, a hanger 110, a first coupling element 111 comprising a movable element 111a and a fixed element 111b, and an ironing plate 120. The fixed element 111b may be an elongated frame extending along a predetermined axis (e.g., horizontal axis a1) on which the hanger 110 may move laterally in a plane. For example, sliding or rolling along its longitudinal axis between two opposite sides of the fixed element 111 b. This allows to easily adjust the position of the garment with respect to the ironing board 120 during the treatment of the garment, such as a steaming and/or ironing operation, the ironing board 120 being fixed on the fixing element 111 b.

In this embodiment, the ironing board 120 is fixed in comparison to the at least one bar 104 by being hooked/hung onto the fixing element 111 b. To this end, for example, a pair of hooking mechanisms can be used, formed by a male element 115a projecting from the top of the ironing plate 120 cooperating with a female element 115b projecting from the fixing element 111 b.

In some embodiments of the invention, the pylon and the movable element are integrally formed as a single piece.

Preferably, as shown, the first coupling element 111 is arranged between the pylon 110 and the at least one stem 104. To this end, the movable element 111a is attached to the pylon 110 and the fixed element 111b is attached to the at least one rod 104.

Alternatively (not shown), the first coupling element 111 is arranged between the hanger 110 and the ironing board 120. To this end, the movable element 111a is attached to the hanger 110, and the fixed element 111b is attached to the top portion of the ironing board 120. In this case, the ironing board 120 is fixed in comparison to the at least one bar 104 by direct attachment to the at least one bar 104, for example by using at least one clamping mechanism.

However, this is not limiting for the present invention, and in an alternative embodiment, the fixing element 111b may be attached to the front or rear side of the ironing board 120 in its upper portion.

When the fixing element 111b is attached to the ironing board 120, the fixing element 111b is preferably integrally formed with the ironing board. For example, any cooperating elements (such as a guidance and railing system) may be provided on the hanger 110 and the ironing board 120, and thus movement of the hanger 110 relative to the ironing board 120 may be provided. For example, a garment steamer may include rails, flanged wheels, sliding clips, etc. for engaging the edge of the ironing board 120 so that the hanger can move horizontally from left to right on the edge of the ironing board relative to the ironing board. In this case, the edge of the ironing board 120 acts as a fixing element 111b of some embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the movable element 111a and the fixed element 111b are adapted such that the hanger 110 always completely overlaps the ironing plate 120 along the first horizontal axis a 1.

In other words, the left side of the plate and the right side of the plate are always located between the two ends of the hanger. The hanger can only be moved to the end of the hanger and the sides of the plate are flush/collinear. The hanger cannot move beyond this point so that the top corner of the panel will not create wrinkles in the garment being treated.

This means that the movement between the movable element 111a and the fixed element 111b is limited to avoid that the top edge of the ironing board 120 is uncovered by the hanger.

For example, the dimensions of the movable element 111a and the fixed element 111B can be customized and positioned according to the width W of the hanger and the width B of the ironing board, so that the hanger always overlaps the ironing board along the first axis. Alternatively, a stopper (not shown) may be disposed, for example, on the fixed element 111b, to restrict the movement of the movable element 111 a.

The pylon may be movably attachable or attached to a fixed element (e.g., to a fixed frame). The fixing element and the ironing board have a fixed position. The fixing element is fixed or can be fixed to the ironing board. The fixation element may be elongated and may extend along the same first axis a1 as the first coupling element 111. The fixed element and the hanger attached to or integral with the movable element are configured such that the hanger 110 is movable, e.g., slidably movable, on the ironing board 120 to allow adjustment of the lateral position of the garment relative to the ironing board. The sliding movement is preferred over other lateral movement methods (such as e.g. attachment, movement and subsequent detachment, or by articulated arms etc.) because the sliding movement can be performed by a compact device and the sliding movement can be provided quickly and without risk of causing wrinkles in the garment.

It should be noted that while FIG. 3 depicts a garment steamer having two vertical rods 104, the above explanation is equally applicable to a garment steamer having only one rod.

The garment steamer may include any suitable mechanical arrangement or arrangements for providing movement of the hanger 110 along the first horizontal axis a1 in comparison to the ironing board 120, such as sliding, rolling and/or engaging elements.

For example, the hanger 110 in fig. 3 may include an element such as a bottom portion 112 (e.g., a hanger body) that may be fixed to a movable element 111a (e.g., a movable frame).

In a particular embodiment, the bottom portion 112 is attached to the movable element 111 a. Attachment may be accomplished by screws, by adapting the plug and socket structure, by snaps, and the like. In turn, the movable element 111a is movably attached to the fixed element 111b, so that the bottom portion 112 together with the first coupling element 111 is movable on the fixed element along the transverse axis a1 (e.g. in a horizontal axis with respect to the fixed element, e.g. left/right).

In some embodiments, the movable element and/or the stationary element comprise a protrusion, for example a protrusion with a smooth surface, for providing a limited (e.g. reduced) frictional coupling.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first coupling element comprises a surface for reducing friction and a rolling element.

For example, in some embodiments, the movable element further comprises a bearing surface or rolling element, and the fixed element comprises a respective rolling element or bearing surface cooperating with a rolling element. One advantage of such an embodiment of the invention is that the friction between the fixed element and the pylon, in particular between the movable element attached to or integrally formed with the fixed element, is reduced.

May include a rail and a protrusion connectable to the rail. The mechanical arrangement may be included in the fixed element 111b (e.g., at least one engagement element 131, such as a snap or tab), and/or in the movable element 110a (e.g., the slot 117, e.g., a plurality of slots). These are merely exemplary embodiments and any other elements for receiving engaging elements or elements (such as grooves, protrusions, seams, etc.) may be used. Alternatively, the engagement element may be included in the movable element and the slot may be included in the fixed element.

Fig. 4 shows the first coupling element 111 with the movable element 111a engaged with the fixed element 111 b. The fixing element 111b may include a sleeve 132 for attachment to the at least one garment steamer pole 104. The slot 117 of the movable element 111a may have a stop at the edge so that the hanger does not slide off the fixed element. The enlarged portion 401 in the figure shows an enlarged portion of the snap lock system that provides a movable fixation so that the movable element 111a does not slip off the fixed element 111b nor fall off the fixed element 111b, but is still movable (i.e. slidable). The engaging element 131 of the fixed element 111b shown in fig. 3 engages inside the slot 117 of the movable element 111a, in this particular case the slot of the movable element 111 a. The fixation elements may comprise four engagement elements 131 (two on each side), e.g. four snaps, or any other suitable number or configuration, such as elongated snap tabs.

Fig. 5 shows a front view of fig. 4, wherein the movable element 111a is engaged with the fixed element 111b by contact and engagement between the slot 117 (slot on the movable element) and the engagement element 131 (catch on the fixed element).

A section with a certain magnification factor according to the axis AA marked in fig. 5 is shown in fig. 6. This section shows another view of the first coupling element, showing the engagement between the movable element 111a and the fixed element 111b by means of the engagement element 131 and the slot 117 (snap and slot). The fixed member 111b includes a rounded surface 133 for reducing friction with a contact surface of the movable member 111 a. The coupling between the movable element 111a and the fixed element 111b may be provided by a point-like contact or a linear contact, for example a point-like or linear contact surface between the movable element and the fixed element, for example between the edges of the slot 117 that may slide along the engagement element 131 (e.g. a point-like or linear protrusion), and/or between the inner contact surface of the movable element 111a and the circular or linear protrusion, as the surface 133 in the fixed frame, having a circular surface.

Any other suitable arrangement may be used. The bearing surface and the rolling element (such as a bar, a rolling ball, etc.) may be cooperatively mounted on the assembly for providing the sliding movement, e.g., the bearing surface may be included in the fixed element 111b and the rolling element may be included in the hanger 110 (e.g., on the movable element 111a thereof), or vice versa.

In particular, in fig. 7a fixing element 140 with an engaging element 141 is shown, wherein a roller 142 is used instead of or in addition to a "circular" surface to reduce friction at the sliding contact surface in the first coupling element. As an example 4 rollers 142 are shown (two in front and two in back), but this could be more, e.g. 6 or 8.

As shown in fig. 3, the use of a movable element 111a that is attachable or attached, even fixed, to the bottom part 112 allows to always keep the movable element movably attached to the fixed element, while the bottom part 112 can be detached from the first coupling element 111 and easily interchanged into different hangers (for example narrower or wider hangers, for example for fitting different types or sizes of clothing). However, the use of a separate first coupling element is optional.

In the example shown in fig. 8, the bottom portion 150 is integrated with the movable element. This reduces the number of components and therefore provides a more compact device. In this case, the bottom part should comprise an engaging element (such as a slot) to be movably attached to the ironing board or to a fixing element of the ironing board. For example, the bottom portion 150 may include a slot 151 for engaging with an engagement element 131 (e.g., a tab) of the fixation element.

Preferably, as shown in fig. 3, the garment steamer 100 according to the invention further comprises a second coupling element 114 for allowing the hanger 110 to operatively move up and down along a second axis a2 substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal axis a 1. The second axis a2 is therefore substantially vertical.

As shown in fig. 9A-9B, the garment steamer enables relative vertical movement of the garment 20 between the hanger 110 and the ironing board 120 (or a fixed element 111B attached to the ironing board 120) for adjusting the height of the garment being treated on the hanger and allowing a lower region of the garment to contact the ironing board. For example, the hanger may be removed from the stationary element by means of a receiving element (such as a rail or extension included in a garment steamer).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the hanger further comprises a bottom portion and a sub-hanger or top portion at the top of the bottom portion, wherein the top portion is configured to move up/down (i.e., up and down) along a vertical axis a2 relative to the hanger, so when the hanger is in the extended configuration, another portion of the suspended garment can be placed in front of the ironing board, for example, a lower portion of the garment can be placed in front of the ironing board, wherein the top portion is positioned at a predetermined height away from the ironing board.

Fig. 3 shows an exemplary mechanical extension arrangement such that a portion of the pylon 110 extends away from the fixing element 111 b.

In this particular embodiment, the pylon also comprises a second coupling element 114, which second coupling element 114 may comprise a receiving element 114b (e.g. a guide rail) and a movable element 114a (e.g. a bar).

For example, the movable element 111a may comprise a receiving element 114b and the top portion 113 (e.g. a sub-hanger, a part of the hanger 110) may comprise a guiding bar 114a adapted to engage with the receiving element 114b, so that the bar 114a is movable in the receiving element 114b, thus providing the hanger, or at least the top portion 113 of the hanger, with a movement along an axis a2 perpendicular to the transversal axis a1 (away from and towards the ironing board 120 or the fixed element 111b), for example on a vertical axis (upwards and downwards).

As the second coupling element 114 is arranged on the hanger 110, the first coupling element 111 providing horizontal movement also enables the hanger 110 to move vertically, thus enabling a compact apparatus with both horizontal and vertical movement.

The invention is not limited to a top part of the receiving element being joined to the first coupling element.

For example, as shown in fig. 8, the bottom portion 150 may include an outer rim 152 for engaging a bar 155 of the top portion 153. Instead of including the receiving element 114b in the movable element 111a as in fig. 3, the bottom part may comprise a guide rail or a receiving element (only the outer rim 152 for receiving the rod is shown).

The present invention is not limited to hangers that include a top portion. For example, in some embodiments, the garment steamer may comprise a movable element 111a of the first coupling element 111, the movable element 111a comprising a receiving element, and an engaging element (e.g. a rod) formed at the bottom of the hanger for engaging with the receiving element of the movable element 111a of the first coupling element 111. This will allow the entire bottom of the lifting hanger to be moved away from the first coupling element and thus away from the ironing board.

Fig. 9A-9B show two configurations of the garment steamer (retracted in fig. 9A, extended in fig. 9B).

In particular, the top portion 113 is shown in a retracted and raised position. The movement of the hanger 110 relative to the ironing board 120 (e.g., away from the ironing board 120 as shown) is a vertical movement and allows for the transition from one configuration to another and vice versa.

In some embodiments, this movement is limited to a plane defined by the ironing board, for example a vertical plane. This movement lifts the garment, for example, along the vertical axis a 2. The top portion allows lifting of the garment while it is still worn on the hanger 110 and in position for steaming or ironing, for example without wrinkling the garment. This movement allows the lower region of the garment 20 suspended from the hanger to be in contact with the ironing board even though the ironing board 120 is shorter than the garment 20 on the hanger, so no void area remains in the lower region and most or all of the area of the garment can be supported by the ironing board 120.

This allows for efficient steaming and/or ironing to be provided for a wide range of sizes and types of garments. For example, the same arrangement may be used for vests, T-shirts, sweaters, jackets, coats, or dresses and for body heights of different sizes. The vertical adjustment allows to adapt the position of the garment so that the entire length can be supported by the ironing board.

As shown in fig. 9A, a garment 20 to be ironed (e.g., a shirt) is worn on the hanger 110 and the ironing board 120 such that at least a top area of the garment 20 is fully supported by the ironing board 120 during ironing. After finishing ironing the top surface, as shown in fig. 9B, the user moves the hanger 110 (particularly, the top portion 113 included in the hanger 110) upward. Likewise, the garment moves with the hanger such that the bottom area of the garment 20 is supported for ironing. Thus, a short ironing board can be used for many garment types and garment sizes, allowing for a compact apparatus.

In some embodiments of the invention, the extended position of the hanger in fig. 9B may be locked so that the user does not need to hold the garment against gravity when handling the garment.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of the locking mechanism 600 in detail. A locking mechanism 600 is formed in the receiving element 114b for releasably securing the position of the top portion 113 at a predetermined selected height from the ironing board 120. Fig. 10 shows a cross section of the guide bar 114a (also shown as part of the top portion 113 of fig. 3) retracting the receiving element 114b (also shown as part of the first coupling element 111, in particular part of the movable element 111a of fig. 3). The locking mechanism includes a locking bar 601, for example on the receiving element 114b, and one or more locking projections 602, for example on the guide bar 114 a. The locking lever 601 may include one or more biasing elements 603 (e.g., torsion springs), which biasing elements 603 may be unlocked by actuating an actuator 604 (e.g., a button) attached to the biasing elements. The torsion spring urges the locking bar towards the locking projection on the bar 114a to prevent the top portion from falling back into the retracted position. The locking lever 601 may rotate under the force of a torsion spring to unlock from the locking protrusion 602 when the actuator 604 is depressed. In some embodiments, the locking is unidirectional, as in a ratchet, allowing the rod 114a to move upward without actuation of the actuator 604.

Fig. 11 shows the same locking mechanism as fig. 10, but in an extended position, in which the top portion 113 is lifted. The lifting height (and thus the distance between the top part and the ironing board) can be locked by engaging the locking lever 601 of the receiving element 114b with the locking protrusion 602 of the guide bar 114a in the extended position.

Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be included in the track, bar, bottom portion, or the like. This particular mechanism provides a reliable lock with a compact mechanism, but any other suitable locking mechanism (such as a movable pin and engagement aperture, friction lock, threads, etc.) may be used.

It is noted that as shown in fig. 8, 10 and 11, a hook 118 may be added to the hanger. For example, a hook 118 may be added to the top portion to also benefit from the vertical displacement capability. The hook 118 allows the user to use his own hanger to hang the garment on a component on the hook, such as for steaming a garment that is too small to be placed on the bottom portion. The hanger according to embodiments of the present invention still provides support for steaming and free movement.

Fig. 12 shows a portion of a garment steamer according to an embodiment of the invention, the garment steamer comprising a hanger 110 and a stationary element 111b (overlapped by a movable element 111a), showing a cross-section of a front view of the garment steamer. In particular, the enlarged portion shows a stopper 116, which stopper 116 prevents the guide bar 114a from being completely pulled out from the hanger 110.

Fig. 13, 14-15 show detailed views of a pin hole locking mechanism 700 having an actuator 701 and a rod 702, a pin block 703, and a receiving element 714 comprising holes 712 of different heights, the receiving element 714 receiving a pin 704 of the pin block 703 (fig. 14-15). The pin block 703 is shown in greater detail in fig. 14A as an enlarged portion 1300. These holes 712, as locking protrusions 602 of the previous embodiment, allow the top portion 713 to be positioned at different heights. The actuator 701 is connected to a rod 702 so that when the actuator is pushed vertically, as shown in figures 14 to 15, the rod 702 causes compression of a spring 705 which is connected to a pin 704 in a pin block 703 so that the pin 704 slides backwards. This rearward movement allows the pin 704 to slide out of one of the holes 712 and unlock from the hole on the receiving element 714. The position may then be changed. When the actuator is not pushed, the spring 705 extends, pushing the pin 704 into a hole 712 in the receiving element aligned with the pin, thereby locking the position of the top part 713. The system may be implemented to lock the position of the top portion of the hanger. In some embodiments, the position of the entire hanger, not just the top portion of the hanger, can be varied in the vertical axis using, for example, the locking mechanism. For example, the pylon may comprise a bar, a pin and an actuator, and the first coupling element may comprise a receiving element (e.g. a guide) in such a way that the pylon can be lifted and locked at a selected height, the height being determined by the distribution and number of holes in the guide.

A locking mechanism (e.g., on the fixing element or on the hanger) may also be included on the garment steamer to lock the lateral (horizontal) position of the hanger to avoid, for example, accidental displacement.

In some embodiments, the moveable element and/or the stationary element are made of a low friction plastic material, such as POM (acetal), nylon, PTFE, PPA, PPS, PBT, TPI, PC, PEI.

In some embodiments, a lubricant may be applied on the contact surface of at least the first coupling element or the fixation element. Preferably, a dry lubricant is used.

Exemplary, non-limiting dimensions are provided. For example, the width of the hanger may be 430mm and the width of the plate may be 290mm, although narrower plates may be used, for example a plate having a width of 50% of the width of the hanger.

As described above, garment steamers according to the present invention allow the lateral and/or vertical position of a garment being hung on a hanger to be varied to provide support for a wide range of sizes of garments and for a wide range of types of garments via horizontal (or lateral) position adjustment and via vertical position adjustment.

The invention provides comfortable and versatile steaming and ironing in a compact device. By mounting the hanger on a garment steamer comprising an ironing board, the garment steamer can be assembled in an easy and simple manner, wherein the hanger can be slid on the board and optionally lifted off the board.

For example, referring to fig. 2A and 3, a user may assemble components for obtaining a garment steamer. First, the user assembles the lever 104 to the base 103. In some embodiments, the fixation element 111b is already fixed or must be fixed on the rod 104. The hanger 110 with the movable member 111a is mounted on the fixed member 111 b. In an alternative embodiment, no separate fixing element is provided and the first coupling element 111 is directly coupled to the ironing board, for example to an outer edge of the ironing board. The user selects the number of panels 121, 122 of the ironing board 120 extending downward from the hanger 110 and fixes the panels 121, 122 so that the hanger 110 can move laterally on the ironing board 120. The panels 121, 122 are preferably arranged without leaving a large gap between the hanger 110 and the first panel 121 of the ironing board 120. The hose 102 and the garment steamer head 101 are connected to the base 103, thus providing a garment steamer 100.

Referring to fig. 2B-2C and 9A-9B, the garment 20 is suspended from the hanger 110, and the user can steam the garment by sequentially selecting a location for steaming/ironing, adjusting the lateral position of the hanger 110 relative to the ironing board 120, optionally also the vertical position of the hanger 110 relative to the ironing board 120, and providing good support thereto.

This provides a very flexible steaming/ironing in which a wide range of sizes and types of garments can be treated without the need for interchanging pieces. The invention also allows ironing by pressure, not only steaming. Thus, the invention provides a very flexible and versatile wrinkle removal.

The invention allows the use of a small (narrow) ironing board and still provides good support for a wide range of sizes of garments due to the lateral adjustment. This allows for a compact package and a compact garment steamer, thus saving on area usage and saving on manufacturing and shipping costs. The invention may also allow the use of a smaller ironing board surface for a variety of different types and sizes of garments due to the vertical adjustment. This also allows for small packaging and fewer pieces, thus further saving manufacturing and shipping costs.

Further, hook 118 (fig. 8, 10 and 11) allows the user to apply multiple types of different hangers, if desired, and still allow lateral and optionally vertical movement for sequentially covering many areas of the garment.

The present invention is not limited to the type of hanger shown in fig. 2B to 2C, fig. 3, fig. 8, fig. 9, fig. 12 or fig. 15.

Figures 16 and 17 show an embodiment of a garment steamer with two alternative hangers.

Fig. 16 shows a hanger 160 comprising a first coupling element 162 to which the hanger 160 is attached, the hanger 160 being movable on the ironing board 120 along a first axis a1, as explained with reference to fig. 4. In this example, the hanger body (having a similar function to the bottom part of the previous embodiment) is formed in a simple manner, for example from a bent thick elastic wire (e.g. a metal wire). Furthermore, the horizontal portion 161 of the hanger 160 may be used to support garments that are not or less suitable for use as a two-arm hanger, such as supporting pants and the like. In this particular example, the vertical movement is not provided by the sub-hanger, but the first coupling element and/or the hanger 160 may be configured to provide a vertical movement away from the ironing board 120 (e.g., an extendable piece (not shown) may be attached to the hanger and connect the hanger to the first coupling element) that is perpendicular to the elongated first axis a1 of the first coupling element 162.

In fig. 17, another example of a hanger 170 is shown, which hanger 170 may be attached to a first coupling element 171 to provide a lateral movement on the ironing board 120 as in fig. 2B-2C or fig. 16. For example, the attachment between the first coupling element 171 and the hanger 170 may be performed using the connection element 172. The hanger may also include a peg 173 or the like for holding garments that are not suitable or less suitable for use with a two-arm hanger.

The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and are not intended to limit the technical method of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications and equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical method of the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (15)

1. A garment steamer (100) for treating a garment (20), the garment steamer (100) comprising:

-a base (103);

-at least one rod (104) extending from the base (103);

-an ironing board (120) fixed in comparison to said at least one bar (104) for supporting said garment (20) during treatment;

-a hanger (110) for hanging the garment (20) during treatment;

-a first coupling element (111) for allowing an operative left/right movement of the hanger (110) along a first horizontal axis (a1) in comparison to the ironing board (120).

2. The garment steamer of claim 1, wherein the first coupling element (111) is arranged between the hanger (110) and the at least one rod (104).

3. Garment steamer according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling element (111) is arranged between the hanger (110) and the ironing board (120).

4. Garment steamer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the first horizontal axis (A1) the width (B) of the ironing board (120) is smaller than the width (W) of the hanger (110).

5. The garment steamer of claim 2, wherein the first coupling element (111) comprises a movable element (111a) and a fixed element (111b), wherein the movable element (111a) is movable relative to the fixed element (111b) along the first horizontal axis (a1), the movable element (111a) is attached to the hanger (110), and the fixed element (111b) is attached to the at least one rod (104).

6. Garment steamer according to claim 3, wherein the first coupling element (111) comprises a movable element (111a) and a fixed element (111b), wherein the movable element (111a) is movable relative to the fixed element (111b) along the first horizontal axis (A1), the movable element (111a) is attached to the hanger (110) and the fixed element (111b) is attached to the ironing board (120).

7. Garment steamer according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the movable element (111a) and the fixed element (111b) are adapted such that the hanger (110) always completely overlaps the ironing board (120) along the first horizontal axis (A1).

8. The garment steamer of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein:

i) the stationary element (111b) comprises an engagement element (131), the engagement element (131) being for movably coupling the movable element (111a) to the stationary element (111b), and wherein the movable element (111a) comprises a slot (117) for accommodating the engagement element (131), or

ii) the movable element (111a) comprises an engagement element (131), the engagement element (131) being for movably coupling the movable element (111a) to the stationary element (111b), and wherein the stationary element (111b) comprises a slot (117) for accommodating the engagement element (131).

9. The garment steamer of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the movable element (111a) and the stationary element (111b) are coupled by a point contact or a linear contact.

10. Garment steamer according to claim 9, wherein either of the movable element (111a) and the stationary element (111b) comprises a protrusion (133) for reducing friction with the contact surface of the movable element (111 a).

11. Garment steamer according to any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the movable element (111a) or the stationary element (111b) comprises a rolling element for reducing friction.

12. The garment steamer of any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the hanger (110) and the movable element (111a) are integrally formed as a single element.

13. Garment steamer according to claim 6, wherein the fixing element (111b) is integrally formed as a single element with the ironing board (120).

14. Garment steamer according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second coupling element (114) for enabling the hanger (110) to be operatively moved up/down along a second axis (A2) substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal axis (A1).

15. Garment steamer according to claim 14, wherein the hanger (110) comprises a top part (113) and a bottom part (112), the top part (113) being movable along the second axis (a2), the bottom part (112) being coupled to the first coupling element (111), wherein the second coupling element (114) is arranged between the top part (113) and the bottom part (112).

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