CN113167012A

CN113167012A - Garment steamer comprising an ironing board and a telescopic lever assembly for pivoting the ironing board

Info

Publication number: CN113167012A
Application number: CN202080005203.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·C·吴; K·W·马; H·P·辛
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Fansongni Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-28
Filing date: 2020-11-27
Publication date: 2021-07-23
Also published as: EP3828334A1; KR102370032B1; PL3853406T3; EP3853406B1; RU2769310C1; WO2021105363A1; EP3853406A1; KR20210082536A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a garment steamer 100 for treating garments. The garment steamer 100 includes a base 101, a wand assembly 102 extending from the base 101. Rod assembly 102 includes an upper rod section U and a middle rod section M. The garment steamer 100 further comprises: a telescopic coupling for movably coupling the upper pole section U and the middle pole section M; an ironing board 103 for supporting the garment during treatment; a first pivot link P1 for coupling the ironing board 103 and the upper pole section U; a link arm 104 having a fixed length LN1 and arranged between the ironing board 103 and the mid-pole section M; a second pivoting link P2 for linking the first end C of the link arm 104 and the ironing plate 103; and a third pivot link P3 for coupling the second end a of the link arm 104 and the mid-pole section M.

Description

Garment steamer comprising an ironing board and a telescopic lever assembly for pivoting the ironing board

Technical Field

The invention relates to a garment steamer.

The invention can be used in the field of garment care.

Background

Vertical garment hangers having a pole assembly with an ironing board attached thereto are known. An ironing board is used to create a back support for the garment being steamed.

However, in those known apparatuses, the ironing board is attached vertically, which causes some inconvenience when the use is steaming a garment on the ironing board.

WO 2019/174363a1 discloses an ironing board assembly and an ironing machine.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to propose an improved 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 seat, a plurality of fixing holes and a plurality of fixing holes,

a rod assembly extending from the base, the rod assembly including an upper rod section and a middle rod section,

a telescopic coupling for movably coupling the upper and middle pole sections,

an ironing board for supporting the garment during treatment,

a first pivot coupling for coupling the ironing board and the upper pole section,

a link arm having a fixed length and arranged between the ironing plate and the mid-bar section,

a second pivot coupling for coupling the first end of the link arm and the ironing plate,

a third pivot coupling for coupling the second end of the link arm and the mid-rod section.

Since the arm element has a fixed length, rotation of the ironing board about the first pivotal coupling results in a change in height of the first pivotal coupling as long as the ironing board rotates. In other words, varying the height of the first pivotal coupling causes the ironing board to rotate to different angles. This change in height is absorbed by the telescopic coupling.

This solution provides a simple, direct, intuitive ironing board tilting experience, whereby the user can conveniently adjust the ironing board angle.

In particular, the ironing board may be tilted upwards to reach a horizontal position. This horizontal position of the ironing board brings the same high level of convenience of treating relatively long garments (such as trousers and dress shirts with long sleeves) with steam irons on conventional horizontal ironing boards, but here vertical garment hanging irons are treated.

Preferably, the garment steamer further comprises a locking mechanism to fix the position of the upper pole section relative to the middle pole section. This condition allows to securely lock the ironing board in a given tilted position.

A detailed explanation and other aspects of the present invention will be given below.

Drawings

Certain aspects of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described below and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner:

fig. 1A-1B-1C depict various three-dimensional views of a garment steamer having a board according to the invention, the board assuming different angular positions,

figures 2A-2B-2C depict two-dimensional side views of figures 1A-1B-1C,

figure 3 depicts a pin locking mechanism in a garment steamer according to the invention,

figure 3A depicts an enlarged view of the pin locking mechanism in a non-actuated position,

figure 3B depicts an enlarged view of the pin locking mechanism in the actuated position,

figure 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of the pin locking mechanism in a non-actuated position,

figure 4B depicts a cross-sectional view of the pin locking mechanism in an actuated position,

fig. 5A depicts a partial back view of a garment steamer having an ironing board according to the present invention, the ironing board extending vertically,

figure 5B depicts an enlarged view of figure 5A,

fig. 6A depicts a partial back view of a garment steamer having an ironing board according to the present invention, the ironing board being inclined at an angle of 30 degrees,

figure 6B depicts an enlarged view of figure 6A,

fig. 7A depicts a partial back view of a garment steamer having an ironing board according to the present invention, the ironing board extending horizontally,

figure 7B depicts an enlarged view of figure 7A,

figure 8 depicts an exploded three-dimensional view of a garment steamer according to the invention,

figure 9A depicts a garment steamer arrangement according to the invention,

figure 9B depicts an enlarged view of figure 9A,

figure 10 depicts a garment steamer according to the invention with a holding mechanism according to a first embodiment,

figures 11A-11B depict the clamping mechanism of figure 10 in a locked position and an open position respectively,

figure 12 depicts a garment steamer according to the invention with a holding mechanism according to a second embodiment,

figures 13A-13B depict cross-sectional views of a garment steamer as depicted in figure 12,

figure 14 depicts an alternative embodiment of a garment steamer as depicted in figure 12,

figures 15A-15B depict a modified embodiment of a garment steamer according to the invention,

fig. 16 depicts an alternative embodiment of fig. 9B.

Detailed Description

fig. 2A-2B-2C depict two-dimensional side views of fig. 1A-1B-1C, respectively.

The garment steamer 100 is used to process garments (not shown).

The garment steamer 100 includes a base 101.

The garment steamer 100 also includes a wand assembly 102 extending from the base 101.

Rod assembly 102 also includes an upper rod section U and a middle rod section M.

The garment steamer 100 also includes a telescoping coupling for movably coupling the upper pole section U and the middle pole section M.

The garment steamer 100 also includes an ironing board 103 for supporting the garment during treatment.

The term "telescopic coupling" in this context may mean that the concentric tubular portions of the upper pole section U and the middle pole section M may slide one within the other, thereby shortening or extending the pole assembly 102.

The garment steamer 100 also includes a first pivotal coupling P1 for coupling the ironing board 103 and the upper pole section U. The first pivot link P1 allows rotation about the horizontal axis a 1.

The garment steamer 100 further comprises a link arm 104 having a fixed length LN1 and arranged between the ironing board 103 and the mid-pole section M.

The garment steamer 100 further comprises a second pivotal coupling P2 for coupling the first end C of the link arm 104 and the ironing board 103. The second pivot link P2 allows rotation about the horizontal axis a 2.

The garment steamer 100 also includes a third pivotal coupling P3 for coupling the second end a of the link arm 104 and the midsection M. The third pivot link P3 allows rotation about the horizontal axis A3.

Preferably, the fixed length LN1 is in the range [60, 480] mm.

Preferably, the first end C of the link arm 104 is arranged at a distance LN2 from the first pivot link P1, which distance LN2 is in the range [50, 350] mm.

The fixed length LN1 is in principle larger than LN 2. For example LN1 ═ 202mm and LN2 ═ 160 mm.

The base 101 preferably contains a garment generator (not shown) and/or a water tank. The steam generator receives water from the water tank to generate steam. Hose line 114 is connected to base 101 to carry steam or water to steam head 115. The steam head 115 is intended to apply steam over a garment being treated using the ironing board 103 as a rear support.

The upper pole section U is mainly used to control the angle of the ironing board, due to the telescopic coupling between the upper pole section U and the middle pole section M, constrained by the link arm 104.

Preferably, the rod assembly 102 further comprises a lower rod section L arranged between the base 101 and the mid-rod section M. The lower rod section L is fixed compared to the base 101. Another telescopic coupling is arranged therebetween for movably coupling the lower and middle rod sections L, M.

The mid-pole section M is mainly used to control the height of the ironing board due to the further telescopic coupling between the mid-pole section M and the lower pole section L.

The ironing board 103 is pivoted to the top end of the upper lever section U at point B and to the connecting link arm 104 at point C.

Preferably, the garment steamer includes a user-actuatable mechanism to secure the upper pole section U and the middle pole section M in a given relative position.

Preferably, the user-actuatable mechanism comprises a pin locking mechanism 106, which pin locking mechanism 106 is arranged at an upper portion of the mid-rod section M for locking the upper rod section U in said relative position.

For example, the pin locking mechanism comprises a movable pin arranged on the mid-bar section M and cooperating with at least one hole arranged at a different height along the upper bar section U.

Preferably, the upper pole section U includes a first upper pole section U1 and a second upper pole section U2 that extend vertically and parallel to each other.

Preferably, the midpole section M comprises a first midpole section M1 and a second midpole section M2 extending vertically and parallel to each other.

Figure 3 depicts a pin locking mechanism 106 in a garment steamer according to the invention.

The pin locking mechanism 106 includes:

a first pin locking mechanism 106a arranged at an upper portion of the first mid-bar section M1 for locking the first upper bar section U1 in the relative position,

a second pin locking mechanism 106b arranged at an upper portion of the second mid-bar section M2 for locking the second upper bar section U2 in the relative position.

The pin locking mechanism 106 extends horizontally between the first midbar section M1 and the second midbar section M2.

The pin locking mechanism 106 includes a user actuatable spring loaded button 107 to simultaneously actuate the first pin locking mechanism 106a and the second pin locking mechanism 106 b.

FIG. 3A depicts an enlarged view of the pin locking mechanism in a non-actuated position.

FIG. 3B depicts an enlarged view of the pin locking mechanism in the actuated position.

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of the pin locking mechanism in a non-actuated position.

FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional view of the pin locking mechanism in an actuated position.

For example, the spring-loaded button 107 is connected to the two

shaft elements

113a, 113b via two

sliders

116a, 116 b.

Preferably, the third pivot link P3 and the pin locking mechanism 106 are arranged to have the same longitudinal axis A3.

The pin locking mechanism 106 includes at least one pin (109a, 109b) that mates with a plurality of holes (H1, H2, H3) arranged at different heights along the first upper bar section U1 and the second upper bar section U2.

Matching at least one pin with a given hole results in locking the ironing board at different inclinations.

Preferably, the plurality of holes (H1, H2, H3) comprises a first hole H1, a second hole H2 and a third hole H3 arranged at different heights along the upper pole section U so as to incline the ironing board by about 0, 30 or 90 degrees, respectively, with respect to the vertical.

For example, as illustrated in fig. 5B, if LN1 ═ 202mm, and LN2 ═ 160 mm:

the distance d1 between point B and the first hole H1 is 356mm,

the distance d2 between point B and the second hole H2 is 281mm,

the distance d3 between point B and the third hole H3 is 85 mm.

When a match with a hole occurs, the at least one pin (109a, 109b) and the plurality of holes (H1, H2, H3) create audible and/or tactile information for the user.

The pin locking mechanism 106 comprises a tube in which two

shaft members

113a, 113b are slidably received. Each shaft includes a pin near one end of the rod that mates with a hole along the length of the upper rod section (U1, U2) to lock it in various positions. To reduce friction between the pin and the hole, a plastic cover made of a low friction material (e.g., POM) is preferably provided over the pin. The cover is fastened to the pin by means of screws. The opposite end of the shaft (away from the telescoping rod) is attached to the slide. The button 107 has a ramp at its bottom end in sliding contact with corresponding ramps on the two

sliders

116a, 116b, which when pressed causes the sliders to slide horizontally and in turn pull the shaft to disengage the pin from a given hole arranged on the upper stem section. The spring is arranged between the sliders by being attached to the end of the shaft to return it to the locked position (i.e. a given pin at the end of the shaft engages with one hole on the upper rod section).

Figure 1A shows the ironing board 103 in an upright position (i.e. 0 degrees compared to the vertical), with the upper lever section U1 fully extended, and the pin locking mechanism on the middle lever section M locking the upper lever section U in its extended position.

Figure 1B shows the ironing board 103 inclined at an angle (e.g. 30 degrees compared to the vertical) by lowering the upper pole section U. The upper pole section U can be lowered/retracted by pressing the button 107 of the pin locking mechanism to unlock it and later lock it in the lower position when the button is released.

Figure 1C shows the ironing board 103 in a horizontal position (i.e. 90 degrees compared to the vertical) when the upper pole section U is further lowered in the same way by pressing the button 107 to unlock it and later locked in place by releasing the button.

Fig. 2A-2B-2C illustrate the interaction of the pivot points A, B and C as the upper pole section U moves up or down for different angular orientations of the ironing board 103. It should be noted that pivot point a is always maintained at the same height as compared to base 101.

Rotating the ironing board 103 from the vertical to the inclined/horizontal orientation works as follows:

with the ironing board in the upright position, the pin locking mechanism locks the upper lever section U in its expanded position.

The user holds the ironing board 103 in one hand and presses the button 107 of the pin locking mechanism in the other hand of the user to activate the slider to retract the shaft (pin at the end of the shaft) to unlock the upper pole section U.

The upper rod section U is now free to move downwardly, thereby displacing the first hole H1 away from the shaft (the pin at the end of the shaft).

When the user releases the button, the spring causes the pin at the end of the shaft to contact the outer surface of the upper rod section U.

As the upper lever section U continues to move downwardly, the pin at the end of the shaft is inserted into the next hole (e.g., second hole H2) of the upper lever section U, causing the ironing board 103 to be locked in the inclined orientation.

By repeating steps 2 to 5, the ironing board 103 can be tilted up to a horizontal orientation by moving the upper lever section U down to the lowest position and locking the pin at the end of the shaft into the third hole H3 hole on the upper lever section U.

Rotating the ironing board from the inclined/horizontal orientation to the vertical orientation works as follows:

the user holds the ironing board 103 in one hand and presses the button 107 of the pin locking mechanism in the other hand to activate the two sliders to retract the two sides of the shaft (the pin at the end of the shaft) to unlock the upper pole section U.

The bottom end of the ironing plate 103 is pushed downwards, which in turn moves the upper pole section U upwards.

When the button 107 is released, the spring causes the pin at the end of the shaft to contact the outer surface of the upper rod section U.

As the upper rod section U continues to move upwardly, and the pin at the end of the shaft will be inserted into the next hole of the upper rod section U.

If previously in a horizontal orientation, the ironing will now be in a tilted orientation; if previously in a tilted orientation, the ironing will be in a vertical orientation.

Figure 5A depicts a partial back view of a garment steamer having an ironing board according to the present invention, the ironing board extending vertically. Figure 5B depicts an enlarged view of figure 5A,

note that in fig. 5B, the first hole H1 is indicated by transparency (broken line).

Figure 6A depicts a partial back view of a garment steamer having an ironing board inclined at an angle of 30 degrees from vertical according to the present invention. Fig. 6B depicts an enlarged view of fig. 6A.

Note that, in fig. 6B, the first hole H1 and the second hole H2 are represented by transparency (broken lines).

Figure 7A depicts a partial back view of a garment steamer having an ironing board according to the present invention, the ironing board extending horizontally. Fig. 7B depicts an enlarged view of fig. 7A.

Note that, in fig. 7B, the first hole H1, the second hole H2, and the third hole H3 are represented by transparency (broken lines).

Figure 8 depicts an exploded three-dimensional view of a garment steamer according to the invention.

Preferably, the ironing plate 103 comprises a first flat portion 103a and a second flat portion 103b, which are detachably assembled to each other. The first pivot link P1 is disposed on the first flat portion 103a and the second pivot link P2 is disposed on the second flat portion 103 b.

Each pivot link may include two pivot points linked together with the shaft for ease of assembly. Alternatively, each pivot coupling may be independently configured.

The lower half of the ironing board 103 comprises a second pivotal coupling P2 to the link arm 104. When assembled, the ironing board is locked to the top end of the upper pole section U at point B and is pivoted to the support arm at the lower half of the ironing board (point C).

Figure 9A depicts a garment steamer arrangement according to the present invention.

At the top end of the upper lever U, a cam lock is provided for fastening the top pivot at point B of the ironing board 103. Alternatively, instead of a cam lock, other means are possible, such as a snap-fit mechanism or a clamping mechanism.

The bottom end of the lower rod section L is attached to the steamer base 101 and locked in place with a cam lock provided (other means are also possible, such as a snap fit).

Another cam lock is provided at the top end of the lower lever section L for the purpose of locking the middle lever section M to the lower lever section L at different positions during adjustment of the overall height of the ironing board 103 to suit the size of the user.

A snap-fit mechanism 108 is provided at the top end of the mid-bar section M for removably mounting the pin locking mechanism 106 to the upper portion of the mid-bar section M.

Fig. 9B depicts an enlarged view of fig. 9A, with the snap-fit mechanism 108 enlarged.

The snap-fit mechanism 108 works as follows:

the user inserts the two protrusions PP into the cavity CC to mount the pin locking mechanism 106 to the upper portion of the mid-bar section M.

The user presses the two protrusions PP in the direction of each other and removes the protrusions from the cavity CC to disengage the pin locking mechanism 106 from the upper part of the centre rod section M.

The snap-fit mechanism 108 is used, for example, to set up a garment steamer for the first time of use.

Figure 10 depicts a garment steamer according to the invention with a holding mechanism according to a first embodiment.

In this first embodiment, instead of implementing a user-actuatable mechanism corresponding to the pin locking mechanism 106, the user-actuatable mechanism includes:

a first clamping mechanism 105a arranged at an upper portion of the first mid-bar section M1 for locking the first upper bar section U1 in a relative position,

a second clamping mechanism 105b arranged at an upper portion of the second middle bar section M2 for locking the second upper bar section U2 in the relative position.

11A-11B depict the clamping mechanism of FIG. 10 in a locked position and an open position, respectively.

Figure 12 depicts a garment steamer according to the invention with a holding mechanism according to a second embodiment.

This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment of fig. 10 in that a linking element 110 is arranged for linking the first 105a and second 105b gripping means.

When actuated by a user, the linking element 110 allows the first and second clamping mechanisms to have the same movement at the same time. This provides convenience to the user in locking the upper pole section U as compared to the mid-pole section M.

Preferably, a handle 111 is arranged along the linking element 110.

For example, as illustrated, the handle is arranged in the middle of the link element.

Fig. 13A-13B depict cross-sectional views of a garment steamer as depicted in fig. 12.

Preferably, the horizontal bar element 112 is arranged between the two mid-bar sections M1, M2. This improves the stability of rod assembly 102.

Preferably, the upper portion of the first mid-rod section (M1) and the upper portion of the second mid-rod section (M2) comprise a first plunger (PG1) and a second plunger (PG2) adapted to cooperate with a first plurality of cavities (C1) and a second plurality of cavities (C2) arranged at different heights along the first upper rod section (U1) and the second upper rod section (U2), respectively.

The first and second plungers and the first and second plurality of cavities are shaped such that an audible and/or tactile user feedback message is generated when a given plunger is mated with a given cavity.

It should be noted that only one cavity is shown on each upper rod section for clarity.

For example, a first plunger and a second plunger are disposed at the end of the horizontal rod element 112.

Fig. 14 depicts an alternative embodiment of a garment steamer as depicted in fig. 12.

In this embodiment, the

elements

105a, 105b, 110 and 111 are combined into one integral linking element 117, for example by using a plastic injection mould.

Fig. 15A-15B depict a modified embodiment of a garment steamer according to the invention, as depicted in any of the embodiments previously described.

In this embodiment, a first pair of rollers R1 are oppositely disposed on each side of the first midbar section M1. Similarly, a second pair of rollers (R2, not shown) is oppositely disposed on each side of the second midbar section M2.

Each pair of rollers ensures that the upper bar section (U1 or U2) can slide smoothly into the middle bar section (M1 or M2, respectively).

Fig. 16 depicts an alternative embodiment of fig. 9B.

In this embodiment, instead of using a mechanism 108 in the form of a pinch-up/pinch-down mechanism, a single latch 108b is implemented, which can be actuated by pressing horizontally at only one point, as illustrated by the arrow.

The above embodiments as described are only 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 the technical means of the present invention can be modified or equivalently substituted 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 should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

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

-a base (101),

-a rod assembly (102) extending from the base (101), the rod assembly (102) comprising an upper rod section (U) and a middle rod section (M),

-a telescopic coupling for movably coupling the upper rod section (U) and the middle rod section (M),

an ironing board (103) for supporting the garment during treatment,

a first pivoting coupling (P1) for coupling the ironing board (103) and the upper pole section (U),

-a link arm (104) of fixed length (LN1) and arranged between the ironing board (103) and the mid-bar section (M),

-a second pivoting coupling (P2) for coupling a first end (C) of the linking arm (104) and the ironing board (103),

-a third pivot coupling (P3) for coupling the second end (a) of the link arm (104) and the mid-bar section (M).

2. The garment steamer of claim 1, further comprising a user-actuatable mechanism to secure the upper pole section (U) and the middle pole section (M) in a given relative position.

3. The garment steamer of claim 2, wherein:

the upper pole section (U) comprises a first upper pole section (U1) and a second upper pole section (U2) extending vertically and parallel to each other,

the mid-bar section (M) comprising a first mid-bar section (M1) and a second mid-bar section (M2) extending vertically and parallel to each other,

the user-actuatable mechanism comprises:

a first clamping mechanism (105a) arranged at an upper portion of the first mid-bar section (M1) for locking the first upper bar section (U1) in the relative position,

a second clamping mechanism (105b) arranged at an upper portion of the second mid-bar section (M2) for locking the second upper bar section (U2) in the relative position.

4. The garment steamer of claim 3, further comprising a linking element (110, 117) for linking the first clamping mechanism (105a) and the second clamping mechanism (105 b).

5. The garment steamer of claim 4, further comprising a handle (111) arranged along the linking element.

6. The garment steamer of claim 3, wherein the upper portion of the first midbar section (M1) and the upper portion of the second midbar section (M2) comprise a first plunger (PG1) and a second plunger (PG2), the first plunger (PG1) and the second plunger (PG2) being adapted to mate with a first plurality of cavities (C1) and a second plurality of cavities (C2) arranged at different heights along the first upper bar section (U1) and the second upper bar section (U2), respectively, the first plunger and the second plunger and the first plurality of cavities and the second plurality of cavities being shaped such that an audible and/or tactile user feedback information is produced when a given plunger mates with a given cavity.

7. Garment steamer according to claim 2, wherein the user-actuatable mechanism comprises a pin locking mechanism (106) arranged at an upper part of the middle bar section (M) for locking the upper bar section (U) in the relative position.

8. The garment steamer of claim 7, wherein:

the pin locking mechanism (106) comprises:

a first pin locking mechanism (106a) arranged at an upper portion of the first mid-bar section (M1) for locking the first upper bar section (U1) in the relative position,

a second pin locking mechanism (106b) arranged at an upper portion of the second mid-bar section (M2) for locking the second upper bar section (U2) in the relative position.

9. The garment steamer of claim 8, wherein the pin locking mechanism (106) extends horizontally between the first midbar section (M1) and the second midbar section (M2) and comprises a user-actuatable spring-loaded button (107) to actuate the first pin locking mechanism (106a) and the second pin locking mechanism (106b) simultaneously.

10. The garment steamer of claim 9, wherein the third pivotal coupling (P3) and the pin locking mechanism (106) are arranged to have the same longitudinal axis (A3).

11. The garment steamer of claim 9, wherein the pin locking mechanism (106) comprises at least one pin (109a, 109b) that mates with a plurality of holes (H1, H2, H3) arranged at different heights along the first upper bar section (U1) and the second upper bar section (U2).

12. The garment steamer of claim 11, wherein the plurality of apertures (H1, H2, H3) comprises a first aperture (H1), a second aperture (H2) and a third aperture (H3) arranged at different heights along the upper pole section (U) so as to incline the ironing board by about 0 degrees, 30 degrees or 90 degrees, respectively, compared to the vertical direction.

13. The garment steamer of claim 9, further comprising a snap-fit mechanism (108) for removably mounting the pin locking mechanism (106) to the upper portion of the midpole section (M).

14. The garment steamer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ironing board (103) comprises a first flat portion (103a) and a second flat portion (103b) detachably assembled to each other, the first pivot coupling (P1) being arranged on the first flat portion (103a) and the second pivot coupling (P2) being arranged on the second flat portion (103 b).

15. The garment steamer of any preceding claim, wherein the lever assembly (102) further comprises:

a lower rod section (L) arranged between the base (101) and the mid-rod section (M), the lower rod section (L) being fixed compared to the base (101);

a telescopic coupling for movably coupling the lower rod section (L) and the middle rod section (M).