CN116419997A

CN116419997A - Garment steamer with ironing board

Info

Publication number: CN116419997A
Application number: CN202180075738.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 林如萍; S·C·吴; E·H·H·苏丹
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Fansongni Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-10
Filing date: 2021-09-07
Publication date: 2023-07-11
Also published as: EP3967804A1; KR20230062870A; EP4217532A1; WO2022053468A1; AU2021342305A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a garment steamer (100) for treating garments. The garment steamer includes an ironing board (102) that forms a planar surface. The ironing board is made of a plastic material. The lever assembly (104A, 104B) supports the ironing board via a pivot coupling (108) arranged between the ironing board and the lever assembly. The ironing board comprises a first portion (110) and a second portion (112) separable from each other. The first portion (110) and the second portion (112) extend in opposite directions relative to the pivot coupling. The reinforcing means made of a metallic material is arranged on only one of the first portion or the second portion. The stiffening means thus stiffens the first or second portion.

Description

Garment steamer with ironing board

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a garment steamer with a tiltable ironing board comprising a first part and a second part which are separable from each other.

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

Background

Garment steamers are known for steaming garments to remove wrinkles by using heat and moisture in the steam. One type of garment steamer, known as a vertical garment steamer, includes a base unit that houses a water reservoir and a steam generating unit. The steamer head is connected to the base unit by a flexible hose through which steam is delivered to the steamer head. Garment steamer heads are provided with a steam plate, also known as a sole plate (sole plate), having one or more steam holes to discharge steam onto the fabric being treated. The garment is hung on a hanger and the user positions the steamer head over the hung garment to remove wrinkles. The removal of wrinkles is also referred to herein as "wrinkle removal".

Such upright garment hangers may include garment support features and/or accessories, such as garment support plates or pads, for enhancing, and in particular accelerating, the de-wrinkling process. Further, the user may choose to treat the garment at one or more angles other than an upright orientation in which the garment is suspended vertically from the garment hanger of the garment steamer. Because of the user's ironing experience, particularly for pants or official long-sleeved shirts, the user often desires a horizontal orientation.

It is desirable that the garment support plate be long enough to be able to apply steam to the garment surface area in one steam stroke. This is to further improve the wrinkle removal performance of the garment steamer.

However, longer support plates can present challenges. The de-wrinkling performance of a garment steamer may be compromised by the tendency of the longer plate to buckle or bow when pressed by a user during steaming/ironing in a horizontal orientation. Such bending or bowing may increase the risk of introducing wrinkles during steaming. Such bending or bowing may also result in the user perceiving the garment steamer as having poor quality.

US 2019/376228A1 discloses a device for steaming a garment comprising an ironing board.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to propose an improved garment steamer for treating garments which avoids or alleviates the above-mentioned problems.

The invention is defined by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

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

an ironing board forming a flat surface, the ironing board being made of a plastic material,

a lever assembly for supporting the ironing board via a pivot coupling, the pivot coupling being arranged between the ironing board and the lever assembly,

wherein the ironing board comprises a first portion and a second portion separable from each other, the first portion and the second portion extending in opposite directions relative to the pivot coupling, and

-reinforcing means made of metallic material, arranged on only one of the first or second portions, for reinforcing the rigidity of the first or second portions.

The ironing board is made of a plastic material, such that the ironing board benefits from being relatively light weight and is directly manufactured, for example, by an injection molding process.

A pivot coupling arranged between the ironing board and the lever assembly enables the ironing board to tilt about the axis of rotation. The ironing board extends in opposite directions with respect to the pivot coupling. In other words, the ironing board extends along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the rotation axis.

For example, the pivot coupling enables the ironing board to be oriented or tilted from a vertical orientation in which the ironing board extends parallel to the pole assembly to a horizontal orientation in which the ironing board extends perpendicular to the pole assembly.

The ironing board comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may be separable from each other. When the first and second portions are separated from each other, storage and transport of the garment steamer is facilitated. Fewer packages are also required when supplying a garment steamer because of the smaller form factor associated with supplying the first and second portions separate from each other.

Attaching the first and second portions together, for example by snap-fitting the first and second portions to each other, enables the ironing board to be elongated. Such an elongated ironing board is ideal for steaming/ironing garments, for example, when the ironing board is tilted to a horizontal orientation via a pivot coupling.

The reinforcing means is made of a metallic material. The stiffening means is arranged on only one of the first and second portions. This minimizes the weight increase of the garment steamer, for example in relation to the case where both the first and second parts of the ironing board are reinforced with metallic material.

The stiffening means stiffen the respective portion, in other words the first or second portion on which the stiffening means are arranged.

In this way, bending or bowing of the ironing board is inhibited, in particular when the first and second portions are attached to each other and the ironing board is tilted to a horizontal orientation via the pivot coupling. By inhibiting bending of the ironing board, the risk of introducing wrinkles during steaming/ironing using the garment steamer may be reduced.

Preferably, the reinforcing means is made of stainless steel or aluminium.

Stainless steel benefits from being strong and rigid, as well as relatively corrosion resistant, particularly under humid conditions during use of the garment steamer.

Aluminum benefits from being relatively strong and lightweight.

Preferably, the stiffening means takes the form of at least one rod.

In one embodiment, the at least one lever extends in an opposite direction relative to the pivot coupling. In other words, the at least one bar extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ironing board.

Preferably, the at least one bar has a cross section taken in one of the following shapes:

the shape of a circle is a circle,

a rectangular shape is used for the purpose of the present invention,

the shape of a T-shape,

the shape of a U-shape,

the shape of the "I" is such that,

-an L-shape.

The at least one rod may for example be in the form of a solid shaft or a hollow rod.

Preferably, at least one rod is a hollow rod. The hollow rod helps reduce the weight of the garment steamer relative to a rod in the form of a solid shaft, for example, of similar dimensions.

The hollow rod preferably has a circular cross section with an outer diameter of 5mm to 20mm and/or a wall thickness of 0.5mm to 3 mm.

Such a size of the hollow stem may provide the desired reinforcement while minimizing the weight increase of the garment steamer.

Preferably, the stiffening means is arranged at the back of the first or second part.

The stiffening means thus stiffen the corresponding portion of the ironing plate, but are disposed rearwardly from the flat surface on which the fabric is steamed.

Preferably, the stiffening means is moulded with the first or second part.

This avoids the need for additional fasteners/fastening steps during manufacture to help hold the reinforcing apparatus in place.

By molding the reinforcing means with the first or second portion, a final assembly is formed in which the reinforcing means is fully embedded in (i.e. not separated from) the first or second portion, which in turn allows for further stiffening of the rigidity.

The first portion has a first length and the second portion has a second length. Preferably, the first length is longer than the second length and the stiffening means is arranged on the first portion.

The first length being longer than the second length means that the first portion is mainly responsible for extending the ironing board. Such extension is often required when steaming/ironing trousers or a formal long-sleeved shirt, for example. The stiffening means inhibit flexing or bending of the longer first part when the first part is pressed by a user during ironing or steaming.

Preferably, the second portion has an end which forms a hanger for the garment.

In addition to facilitating hanging of the garment on the second portion, the end may also be used to increase the rigidity of the second portion. This may help to compensate for stiffening means, for example, stiffening the first part but not the second part.

In one example, the stiffening means comprises a single bar extending along the longitudinal axis of the ironing board.

In an alternative example, the stiffening means comprise two bars extending parallel and symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the ironing board.

In another example, the stiffening means comprises two bars forming a V-shape.

The V-shaped recessed area is preferably directed towards the pivot coupling.

In a further example, the stiffening means forms a frame arranged along the periphery of the first or second portion.

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

Drawings

Specific aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter in connection with the drawings, wherein identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner:

figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a garment steamer according to one example,

figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the ironing board of the garment steamer shown in figure 1 in a disassembled state,

figure 3 depicts a portion of an exemplary ironing board,

figure 4 depicts a rod assembly according to one example,

FIG. 5 depicts various exemplary cross-sectional shapes of a metal stem for reinforcing a portion of an ironing board, an

Fig. 6A to 6D respectively show exemplary stiffening means for stiffening a portion of the ironing board.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 illustrates a garment steamer 100 according to one example. The garment steamer 100 includes an ironing board 102. The ironing board 102 forms or includes a planar surface upon which garment (not visible in the figures) may be steamed or ironed using the garment steamer 100.

The ironing board 102 is made of a plastic material. This benefits the ironing board 102 from being relatively lightweight. This also makes the manufacture of the ironing board 102 relatively simple, for example by injection moulding.

Preferably, the ironing board 102 is made of an engineering thermoplastic, such as polycarbonate. In addition to being relatively lightweight, the engineering thermoplastic may be easily shaped or molded to form the ironing board 102.

The suitability of polycarbonate as a plastic material for ironing boards stems from its relatively light weight, sturdiness, rigidity, hardness and toughness, especially at the high temperatures to which it is exposed during steaming/ironing.

The ironing board 102 is supported by the

pole assemblies

104A, 104B. In the non-limiting example shown in fig. 1, the

lever assemblies

104A, 104B include a first lever 104A and a second lever 104B.

The first and

second rods

104A, 104B of the

rod assemblies

104A, 104B extend vertically upward from the base unit 106.

Although not visible in the figures, the base unit 106 houses a water reservoir and a steam generating unit. Garment steamer heads (also not visible in the figures) are connected to the base unit 106 by flexible hoses through which steam is delivered to the garment steamer heads. Garment steamer heads are provided with a steam plate, also known as a soleplate (sole plate), having one or more steam holes to discharge steam onto fabric or garment being treated using garment steamer 100.

In the example shown in fig. 1, the garment steamer 100 includes a holder or stand 107, and the steamer head is placed on the holder or stand 107 when the user is not holding the steamer head. As shown in fig. 1, a retainer or bracket 107 is also supported by the

rod assemblies

104A, 104B.

The pivot coupling 108 is disposed between the ironing board 102 and the

pole assemblies

104A, 104B. The pivot coupling 108 enables the ironing board to tilt about the rotation axis A1.

The pivot coupling 108 enables, for example, the ironing board 102 to tilt from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation as shown in fig. 1.

The ironing board 102 extends, for example, parallel to the first and

second bars

104A, 104B of the

bar assembly

104A, 104B in a vertical orientation. In the horizontal orientation shown in fig. 1, the ironing board 102 extends perpendicular to the first and

second bars

104A, 104B of the

bar assemblies

104A, 104B.

As is apparent from fig. 1, the ironing board 102 extends in opposite direction with respect to the pivot coupling 108. In other words, the ironing plate extends along a longitudinal axis A2 perpendicular to the rotation axis A1.

As shown in fig. 1, the longitudinal axis A2 extends along the center of the ironing board 102.

The ironing board 102 comprises a first portion 110 and a second portion 112. The first portion 110 and the second portion 112 may be separated from each other. Figure 1 shows the ironing board 102 in an assembled state, wherein the first and

second parts

110, 112 are attached to each other.

Figure 2 shows the ironing board 102 in a disassembled state, wherein the first and

second portions

110, 112 are separated from each other. This facilitates storage and transportation of the garment steamer 100. When the garment steamer 100 is supplied, less packaging is also required due to the smaller form factor associated with supplying the first and

second portions

110, 112 separately from each other.

In the non-limiting example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the first attachment member 114A and the second attachment member 114B extend from the back of the ironing board 102. The first hole in the first attachment member 114A is aligned with the first aperture in the first rod 104A. Similarly, the second hole in the second attachment member 114B is aligned with the second aperture in the second rod 104B. One or more pins extending through the first bore and the first aperture and through the second bore and the second aperture along the rotational axis can then define the pivot coupling 108.

More generally, the garment steamer 100 preferably has a mechanism for selecting the tilt angle of the ironing board 102 and locking the ironing board 102 in the selected position.

In some examples, the mechanism enables selection of one or more tilt angles. For example, the mechanism is configured to allow a user to select a vertical orientation, a horizontal orientation, and/or one or more intermediate orientations between the vertical orientation and the horizontal orientation.

In a non-limiting example, the garment steamer 100 has a lever (not visible in the figures) arranged to enable unlocking of the mechanism, enabling the angle of inclination of the ironing board 102 to be adjusted, and locking the mechanism once the angle of inclination is selected.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the ironing board 102 is designed to be attached to the

pole assemblies

104A, 104B via the second portion 112. Thus, the second portion 112 is supported by the

lever assembly

104A, 104B independent of the first portion 110 being attached to the second portion 112 or the first portion 110 being detached from the second portion 112.

This means that in this particular example, the first and

second attachment members

114A, 114B extend from the back of the second portion 112.

In one embodiment, the second portion 112 has an end 116 that forms a hanger for clothing.

As shown in fig. 2, the second portion 112 widens from the point of attachment with the first portion 110 toward the tip 116. The widening of the second portion 112 at the end 116 complements the shape of the shoulder portion of, for example, a shirt or jacket to facilitate hanging such clothing over the second portion 112. The tip 116 may also be used to increase the rigidity of the second portion 112, as will be described in more detail below.

The tip 116 preferably corresponds to the widest portion of the ironing board 102.

For example, the first portion 110 may have the same width as the second portion 112 at the point of attachment to the second portion 112. In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the first portion 110 tapers to the narrowest width of the ironing board 102 at the end of the first portion 110 remote from the second portion 112. This helps to improve the compactness of the first portion 110 and to give the first portion 110 and the assembled ironing board 102 a sleek appearance as a whole.

The ironing board 102 of the garment steamer 100 can be extended by attaching the first portion 110 to the second portion 112. Such an extension of the ironing board 102 may enable the application of steam to the garment surface area in one steaming stroke, thereby enhancing the de-wrinkling performance of the garment steamer 100.

Preferably, the first and

second portions

110, 112 are attachable to and detachable from each other via a snap fit joint. This increases the speed and ease with which the first and

second portions

110, 112 can be attached and detached from each other.

In the example shown in fig. 2,

male members

118A, 118B, 118C extend from the first portion 110 and fit into and engage corresponding

complementary recesses

120A, 120B, 120C in the second portion 112. Alternative designs are contemplated, such as

male members

118A, 118B, 118C extending from the second portion 112, and recesses 120A, 120B, 120C provided in the first portion 110.

More generally, the garment steamer 100 includes a reinforcing device 124 made of a metallic material.

Any suitable metallic material, such as a metal or metal alloy, may be used to form the reinforcement device 124.

Preferably, the reinforcement means 124 is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel benefits from being strong and rigid, as well as relatively corrosion resistant, particularly under humid conditions during use of the garment steamer 100.

The stiffening means 124 is arranged on only one of the first portion 110 or the second portion 112. This minimizes the weight increase of the garment steamer 100, for example, relative to the case where both the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 of the ironing board 102 are reinforced with metallic material.

Reinforcing the first portion 110 or the second portion 112 with the reinforcing means 124 helps to inhibit bending or bowing of the ironing board 102, particularly when the first and

second portions

110, 112 are attached to one another and the ironing board 102 is in the horizontal orientation shown in fig. 1. By inhibiting bending of the ironing board 102, the risk of introducing wrinkles during steaming/ironing using the garment steamer 100 may be reduced. The perceived build quality of garment steamer 100 is also improved.

As shown in fig. 2, the first portion 110 has a first length L1 and the second portion 112 has a second length L2. In this example, the first length L1 is longer than the second length L2.

In this example, the second length L2, which is shorter than the first length L1, may be partially attributable to the laundry hanging purpose of the first portion 110. The garment hanger does not necessarily require an especially long second portion 112.

The first portion 110 is mainly responsible for the extension of the ironing board 102 when steaming/ironing of, for example, a trousers or a formal long-sleeved shirt is required.

Thus, as shown in fig. 1, the first portion 110 provides a relatively large overhang when the ironing board 102 is arranged horizontally for ironing. The first portion 110 may tend to deflect or bend when pressed by a user during ironing, particularly when the ironing board 102 is in a horizontal orientation.

Thus, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the first portion 110 is reinforced by the reinforcing means 124, while the second portion 112 is not.

Thus, the lower rigidity of the first portion 110 due at least in part to the first length L1 being greater than the second length L2 is compensated for by the stiffening means 124 stiffening the first portion 110.

In this way, bending of the first portion 110 is suppressed and, correspondingly, the risk of introducing wrinkles during steaming/ironing using the garment steamer 100 is reduced. The more rigid construction of the first portion 110 and the assembled ironing board 102 as a whole may also improve the perceived quality of the garment steamer 100.

Alternatively or in addition to the first length L1 being longer than the second length L2, the maximum thickness T2 of the second portion 112 may be greater than the maximum thickness T1 of the first portion. The thinner first portion 110 helps to improve the compactness of the first portion 110.

The stiffening means 124 stiffening the first portion 110 also helps to compensate for the lower stiffness of the first portion 110 relative to the second portion 112 caused by the thickness difference between the first and

second portions

110, 112.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the higher maximum thickness T2 of the second portion 112 is due to the thickness of the tip 116. Thus, the tip 116 imparts rigidity to the second portion 112.

More generally, the maximum thickness T2 of the second portion 112 being greater than the maximum thickness T1 of the first portion 110 helps to compensate for the absence of stiffening means in the second portion 112.

In one embodiment, the stiffening device 124 is disposed on the back of the first portion 110 or the second portion 112. The back of the first portion 110 or the second portion 112 corresponds to the side of the ironing board 102 opposite to the side with the flat surface.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the back 122 of the first portion 110 of the ironing board 102. In this example, the stiffening means 124A, 124B are arranged at the back 122 of the first part 110.

Preferably, the stiffening means 124 takes the form of at least one rod (124A, 124B).

In one embodiment, at least one

lever

124A, 124B extends in an opposite direction relative to the pivot coupling 108. In other words, the at least one

stem

124A, 124B extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 of the ironing board 102.

In the example shown in fig. 3, the stiffening means 124 comprises two

bars

124A, 124B or is defined by two

bars

124A, 124B, which two

bars

124A, 124B extend parallel and symmetrically to each other along the longitudinal axis A2 of the ironing board 102.

More generally, the at least one

rod

124A, 124B may be in the form of a solid shaft or a hollow rod, for example.

Preferably, each of the at least one

rods

124A, 124B is in the form of a hollow rod, such as a hollow stainless steel tube. This is to reduce the weight of the garment steamer 100, for example, where the solid shaft is of similar size relative to the rod(s).

Preferably, the

hollow rods

124A, 124B have a circular cross-section, although alternative cross-sectional shapes are contemplated, as will be explained in more detail with reference to fig. 5.

In one embodiment, the hollow rod has a circular cross-section with an outer diameter of 5mm-20mm, e.g. 8mm, and a wall thickness of 0.5mm-3mm, e.g. 0.8mm. The outer diameter is determined by 2 x (wall thickness) + (diameter of hollow portion of circular cross section). Such a size of the hollow stem may provide the desired reinforcement while minimizing the weight increase of the garment steamer 100.

In one specific non-limiting example, the at least one rod is made of a hollow stainless steel tube having an outer diameter of 5mm to 20mm (e.g., 8 mm) and a wall thickness of 0.5mm to 3mm (e.g., 0.8 mm).

In one embodiment, the stiffening device 124 is molded with the first portion 110 or the second portion 112.

In the example shown in fig. 3, the stiffening means 124, in this case in the form of

bars

124A, 124B, are moulded together with the first portion 110 of the ironing board 102. In this way, the

rods

124A, 124B are embedded in the first portion 110.

This may be achieved, for example, by an "insert molding" technique. The technique involves placing the rod(s) 124A, 124B (e.g., each in the form of a hollow stainless steel tube as described above) into a mold for the first portion 110 prior to injecting the plastic material into the mold. The plastic material may be an engineering plastic, preferably polycarbonate, as described above.

As shown in the enlarged view provided in fig. 3, the molding process results in the first portion 110 including an integral sleeve 126A in which the stem 124A is received. The rod 124A is thus embedded in the first portion 110. In particular, the stem 124A in this example is embedded into the back 122 of the first portion 110 of the ironing board 102.

Fig. 4 shows a hollow stem 124A, such as a hollow stainless steel tube, prior to being molded into the first portion 110. To prevent plastic material from flowing into the hollow stainless steel tube, two plastic plugs 128A are used to seal the two open ends of the hollow rod 124A. Hollow rod 124A with plugs 128A at both ends may be considered

rod assemblies

124A, 128A. One end of the

lever assemblies

124A, 128A is shown in more detail in the enlarged view provided in fig. 4.

Preferably, plastic plug 128A is made of a plastic material having a similar or higher melting temperature than the plastic material used for first portion 110. The plastic stopper is made of, for example, acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) polymer.

The above description of the insert molding technique provided for the rod 124A also applies to other rod(s) of the reinforcement device 124, such as the rod 124B shown in fig. 3.

The insert molding process enables the at least one

rod

124A, 124B to be embedded into the first portion 110 without requiring additional fasteners for holding the at least one

rod

124A, 124B in place and without requiring additional process steps involving securing the at least one

rod

124A, 124B in place.

In alternative examples, the at least one

rod

124A, 124B (e.g., in the form of a hollow stainless steel tube) may be secured to the first portion 110 using a suitable securing method (such as heat staking, gluing, etc.).

Although at least one of the

rods

124A, 124B shown in fig. 3 and 4 has a circular cross-section, this is not intended to be limiting. Other rod designs are contemplated.

Fig. 5 shows

alternative rods

124T, 124U, 124S, 124I, 124L having non-circular cross-sectional shapes. The rod 124T has a T-shaped cross section, the rod 124U has a U-shaped cross section, the rod 124S has a rectangular cross section, the rod 124I has an I-shaped cross section, and the rod 124L has an L-shaped cross section.

Although the examples shown in fig. 3 and 4 relate to a stiffening device 124 comprising two

bars

124A, 124B or defined by two

bars

124A, 124B (the two

bars

124A, 124B extending parallel and symmetrically to each other along the longitudinal axis A2 of the ironing board 102), this is not intended to be limiting either. More or

fewer rods

124A, 124B and different arrangements of

rods

124A, 124B are contemplated.

Figure 6A shows a first portion 110 of the ironing board 102, which first portion 110 is reinforced by a reinforcing means 124 comprising four

bars

124A, 124B, 124C, 124D or defined by four

bars

124A, 124B, 124C, 124D. In this particular example, each of the four

rods

124A, 124B, 124C, 124D extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A2. In this case, the reinforcement device 124 is similar to that shown in fig. 3 and 4, except that

additional rods

124C and 124D are included that extend along a portion of the opposite edges of the first portion 110.

Figure 6B shows an example in which the stiffening means is in the form of a single bar 124A, which single bar 124A extends along the longitudinal axis A2 of the ironing board 102, in this case coinciding with the longitudinal axis A2 of the ironing board 102.

Fig. 6C shows an example in which the stiffening means comprises two

bars

124A, 124B forming a V-shape or is defined by two

bars

124A, 124B forming a V-shape.

Preferably, the V-shaped recessed area is directed toward the pivot coupler 108. In other words, in this example, the two stems 124A, 124B of the V-shape converge toward the end of the first portion 110 remote from the second portion 112. In particular, both stems 124A, 124B may intersect the longitudinal axis A2 of the ironing board 102 at the distal end of the first portion 110, as shown in fig. 6C.

Fig. 6D shows another example in which the reinforcement device 124 forms a frame 124F disposed along the outer periphery of the first portion 110.

Although fig. 6A to 6D have been described with respect to the reinforcing means 124 reinforcing the first portion 110, the same considerations apply to the reinforcement of the second portion 112.

The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical methods of the present invention. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical method of the invention may be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the scope of the claims of the invention. In particular, although the invention has been described on the basis of a garment steamer, the invention may be applied more generally to ironing boards provided independently of the steam generating device. 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

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

an ironing board (102) forming a flat surface, said ironing board being made of a plastic material,

-a lever assembly (104A, 104B) for supporting the ironing board (102) via a pivot coupling (108) arranged between the ironing board (102) and the lever assembly (104A, 104B),

wherein the ironing board (102) comprises a first portion (110) and a second portion (112) separable from each other, the first portion (110) and the second portion (112) extending in opposite directions with respect to the pivot coupling (108), and

-reinforcing means (124) made of metallic material, arranged on only one of said first portion (110) or said second portion (112), for reinforcing the rigidity of said first portion (110) or said second portion (112).

2. The garment steamer (100) according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening device (124) is made of any one of the following materials:

-a stainless steel material, which is a stainless steel material,

-aluminium.

3. The garment steamer (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stiffening device (124) takes the form of at least one rod (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D); optionally, wherein the at least one lever (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) extends in the opposite direction relative to the pivot coupling (108).

4. A garment steamer (100) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one lever (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) has a cross section taken in one of the following shapes:

the shape of a circle is a circle,

a rectangular shape is used for the purpose of the present invention,

the shape of a T-shape,

the shape of a U-shape,

the shape of the "I" is such that,

-an L-shape.

5. A garment steamer (100) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one rod (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) is a hollow rod.

6. The garment steamer (100) according to claim 5, wherein the hollow stem (124A, 124B, 124C, 124D) has a circular cross section with an outer diameter of 5mm to 20mm and/or a wall thickness of 0.5mm to 3 mm.

7. Garment steamer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the stiffening device (124) is arranged on the back of the first part (110) or the second part (112).

8. The garment steamer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stiffening device (124) is molded with the first portion (110) or the second portion (112).

9. The garment steamer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first portion (110) has a first length (L1) and the second portion has a second length (L2), wherein the first length (L1) is longer than the second length (L2), and wherein the stiffening device (124) is arranged on the first portion (110).

10. The garment steamer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second section (112) has an end that forms a hanger (116) for garments.

11. The garment steamer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the stiffening device (124) comprises a single bar (124A) extending along a longitudinal axis (A2) of the ironing board (102).

12. Garment steamer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the stiffening means (124) comprises two bars (124A, 124B) extending parallel and symmetrically along the longitudinal axis (A2) of the ironing board (102).

13. The garment steamer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the stiffening device (124) comprises two bars (124A, 124B) forming a V-shape.

14. The garment steamer (100) according to claim 13, wherein the V-shaped recessed area is directed towards the pivot coupler (108).

15. The garment steamer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the stiffening device (124) forms a frame (124F) arranged along the periphery of the first portion (110) or the second portion (112).