EP3832009A1

EP3832009A1 - Garment steamer with two-axis rotatable ironing board

Info

Publication number: EP3832009A1
Application number: EP19213721.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peng Gao; Hee Poh Sin
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2019-12-05
Filing date: 2019-12-05
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Also published as: KR20220101746A; EP4069903B1; CN114787442A; EP4069903A1; WO2021110493A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment steamer (100) for treating a garment. The garment steamer (100) comprises a base (101), a pole assembly (102) extending from the base (101) along a substantially vertical axis (YY), an ironing board (103) for supporting the garment during treatment, a coupling element (104) for coupling the ironing board (103) and the pole assembly (102). The coupling element (104) is adapted toallow the ironing board (103) to rotate around a first axis (A1) being substantially perpendicular to said vertical axis (YY), and
to allow the ironing board (103) to rotate around a second axis (A2) being substantially perpendicular to said first axis (A1).

This solution makes possible the treatment of garment with more flexibility on how setting the inclination of the ironing board, with less effort and better expected result.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a garment steamer.
The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stand garment steamers with a pole assembly to which an ironing board is attached, are known. The ironing board is used to create a back support for the garments being steamed.
However, in those known devices, the ironing board is attached vertically, which may create some inconveniences when using is steaming a garment against the ironing board.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to propose an improved garment steamer for treating a garment that avoids or mitigates 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,
a pole assembly extending from the base along a substantially vertical axis,
an ironing board for supporting the garment during treatment,
a coupling element for coupling the ironing board and the pole assembly,
the coupling element being adapted to:
1. i) allow the ironing board to rotate around a first axis being substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis, and
2. ii) to allow the ironing board to rotate around a second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

This solution proposes a garment steamer with an ironing board having the flexibility to treat a garment against the ironing board, while offering the possibility for user to incline the ironing board between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.
This solution thus makes possible the treatment of garment with more flexibility on how setting the inclination of the ironing board, with less effort and better expected result.
Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Fig.1A depicts a front view of a garment steamer according to the invention, when the ironing board extends vertically,
Fig.1B depicts a side view of Fig.1A,
Fig.2A depicts a front view of a garment steamer according to the invention, when the ironing board is inclined by 30 degrees compared to a vertical direction,
Fig.2B depicts a side view of Fig.2A,
Fig.3 depicts a top view of a garment steamer according to the invention, when the ironing board is oriented horizontally, before a counter clockwise rotation around a vertical axis,
Fig.4A depicts a top view of a garment steamer according to the invention, when the ironing board is oriented horizontally, after a counter clockwise rotation around a vertical axis,
Fig.4B depicts a front view of a garment steamer according to the invention, when the ironing board is in the configuration of Fig.4A,
Fig.4C depicts a side view of Fig.4B,
Fig.4D depicts a zoomed-in view of Fig.4B,
Fig.5 depicts a three-dimensional view of a coupling element implemented in a garment steamer according to the invention,
Fig.6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element depicted in Fig.4D,
Fig.7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of Fig.5, when the ironing board extends vertically,
Fig.8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of Fig.5, when the ironing board is inclined by 30 degrees compared to a vertical direction,
Fig.9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of Fig.5, when the ironing board is oriented horizontally, as in Fig 3,
Fig.10 depicts a three-dimensional partial view of a garment steamer according to the invention,
Fig.11A depicts a first view of a first specific embodiment of a garment steamer according to the invention,
Fig.11B depicts a second view of the first specific embodiment of Fig.11A,
Fig.12 depicts a second specific embodiment of a garment steamer according to the invention,
Fig.13 depicts a third specific embodiment of a garment steamer according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig.1A depicts a front view of a garment steamer 100 according to the invention for treating a garment. Fig.1B depicts a side view of Fig.1A.
The garment steamer 100 comprises a base 101.
The base 101 preferably contains a steam generator (not shown) and/or a water tank. The steam generator receives water from the water tank to generate steam. A hose cord 115 is connected to the base 101 to carry steam or water to a steamer head 116. The steamer head 116 is intended to apply steam over the garment being treated, using the ironing board 103 as a back support. A support 117 for the steamer head 116 is preferably arranged at a extremity of the ironing board 103.
For sake of clarity, the hose cord 115 and the steamer head 116 are only represented on Fig.1A.
The garment steamer 100 also comprises a pole assembly 102 extending from the base 101 along a substantially vertical axis YY.
For example, the pole assembly 102 comprises a first vertical pole 102a and a second vertical pole 102b extending parallel from the base 101.
The garment steamer 100 also comprises an ironing board 103 for supporting the garment during treatment.
In Fig. 1A, the ironing board 103 extends vertically. In other words, the ironing board extends parallel to the substantially vertical axis YY.
The ironing board 103 is intended to be used as a back support for a garment during treatment with the steamer head 116.
The garment steamer 100 also comprises a coupling element 104 for coupling the ironing board 103 and the pole assembly 102.
The coupling element 104 is adapted to:

i) allow the ironing board 103 to rotate around a first axis A1 being substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis YY, and
ii) to allow the ironing board 103 to rotate around a second axis A2 being substantially perpendicular to the first axis A1.

In other words, the coupling element 104 is a two-axis pivoting coupling.
Preferably, the coupling element 104 is arranged in-between the first vertical pole 102a and the second vertical pole 102b.
Preferably, the coupling element 104 is arranged at a top part of the pole assembly 102.
Preferably, the ironing board 103 has a given length L1, and the coupling element 104 is coupled to the ironing board 103 in the middle of the given length L1.
This improves the stability of the ironing board 103 compared to the pole assembly 102.
Fig.2A depicts a front view of a garment steamer according to the invention, when the ironing board 103 is inclined by 30 degrees compared to a vertical direction YY.
Fig.2B depicts a side view of Fig.2A.
Fig.3 depicts a top view of a garment steamer according to the invention, when the ironing board 103 is oriented horizontally, before a counter clockwise rotation around a vertical axis , such as axis YY. In this illustration, it is noted that axis A2 is also vertical.
Fig.4A depicts a top view of a garment steamer according to the invention, when the ironing board 103 is oriented horizontally, after a counter clockwise rotation around a vertical axis, such as axis YY. In this illustration, it is noted that axis A2 is also vertical.
Fig.4B depicts a front view of a garment steamer according to the invention, when the ironing board 103 is in the configuration of Fig.4A.
Fig.4C depicts a side view of Fig.4B.
Fig.4D depicts a zoomed-in view of Fig.4B, showing details of the coupling element 104.
Fig. 5 depicts a three-dimensional view of the coupling element 104 implemented in a garment steamer according to the invention.
Fig.6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element 104 depicted in Fig.4D.
Preferably, the coupling element 104 further comprises a first mechanism M1 for adjusting the angle AA of rotation of the ironing board 103 around the first axis A1. This first mechanism is a locking mechanism to lock the ironing board 103 in various angles around the axis A1.
Preferably, the coupling element 104 further comprises a second mechanism M2 for adjusting the angle BB of rotation of the ironing board 103 around the second axis A2.
This second mechanism is a locking mechanism to lock the ironing board in various angles around the axis A2.
Preferably, the coupling element 104 comprises a first shaft S1 extending along the first axis A1. The first shaft S1 is fixed compared to the pole assembly 102. The coupling element 104 further comprising a first rotor R1 adapted to rotate around the first shaft S1.
The first mechanism M1 comprises a first movable pin P1 being arranged in the first rotor R1 and cooperating with a first set of at least one groove (G11, G12, G13) being arranged on the first shaft S1.
Preferably, the grooves are arranged circularly at predefined angular positions.
Fig.7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of Fig.5, when the ironing board extends vertically.
In this position, the first movable pin P1 cooperates with the groove G11 of the first set of at least one groove. The position of the groove G11 is such that the ironing board 103 extends vertically.
Fig.8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of Fig.5, when the ironing board is inclined by 30 degrees compared to a vertical direction.
In this position, the first movable pin P1 cooperates with the groove G12 of the first set of at least one groove. The position of the groove G12 is such that the ironing board 103 is inclined by 30 degrees compared to vertical direction YY. More generally, any angle between 0 and 90 degrees could also be considered similarly.
Fig.9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the coupling element of Fig.5, when the ironing board is oriented horizontally.
In this position, the first movable pin P1 cooperates with the groove G13 of the first set of at least one groove. The position of the groove G13 is such that the ironing board 103 extends horizontally.
Preferably, the coupling element 104 comprises a second shaft S2 extending along the second axis A2. The second shaft S2 is fixed compared to the first rotor R1. The coupling element 104 further comprises a second rotor R2 adapted to rotate around the second shaft S2.
The second mechanism M2 comprises a second movable pin P2 being arranged in the second rotor R2 and cooperating with a second set of at least one groove being arranged on the second shaft S2.
Preferably, the grooves are arranged circularly at predefined angular positions.
For example, as depicted in Fig.6, the second movable pin P2 cooperates with the groove G21 of the second set of at least one groove. The position of the groove G21 is such that when it cooperates with the second movable pin P2, the longitudinal axis of the ironing board 103 is parallel to the first axis A1, as illustrated in Fig.4A / Fig.4B / Fig.4C.
The second set of at least one groove may comprise another groove (not shown) being arranged similarly on the second shaft S2, such that when it cooperates with the second movable pin P2, the longitudinal axis of the ironing board 103 is perpendicular to the first axis A1, as illustrated in Fig.3.
Preferably, the first movable pin P1 and the second movable pin P2 are spring-loaded.
For example, the first movable pin P1 is spring-loaded with spring SG1 (as illustrated in Figs.7-8-9), and the second movable pin P2 are spring-loaded with spring SG2 (as illustrated in Fig. 10).
Fig.10 depicts a three-dimensional partial view of a garment steamer according to the invention.
Preferably, the second movable pin P2 is connected to a user actuatable shaft 105.
A lever 106 is mounted on the shaft 105. The lever 106 is spring-loaded with spring SG1.
Preferably, the user actuatable shaft 105 comprises a hook element 107 for cooperating with an intermediate shaft assembly 108 at the extremity of which the first movable pin P1 is mounted.
The hook 107 engages with the first movable pin P1 only when the ironing board is facing front (such as in situation of Figs.1A-2A-3) to enable adjusting the ironing board to vertical or tilting angle (for example 30 degrees compared to vertical).
With this construction, a linear displacement triggered by user of the user actuatable shaft 105 results in a linear displacement of the intermediate shaft assembly 108.
Moving the ironing board 103 from an initial horizontal position as illustrated in FIG.4B to a final vertical position as illustrated in FIG.1A works as follows:

user pulls the lever 106 to unlock the second movable pin P2, so that the rotation around the second axis A2 becomes possible. User rotates the ironing board 90 degrees clockwise around the second axis A2, up to reaching the situation illustrated in Fig.3. In this position, user releases the lever 106, resulting in that the second movable pin P2 engages with the groove G13. In this position, the hook 107 also engages with the intermediate axis 108 to which the first movable pin P1 is mounted.
user pulls again the lever 106 to unlock the first movable pin P1, so that the rotation around axis A1 is possible. User rotates the ironing board around the first axis A1 until the ironing board reaches the vertical position of FIG.1A. In this position, user releases the lever 106, resulting in that the first movable pin P1 engages with the groove G11.

Moving the ironing board 103 from an initial vertical position as illustrated in FIG.1A to a final horizontal position as illustrated in FIG.4B works as follows:

in this position, the hook 107 already engages with the intermediate axis 108 to which the first movable pin P1 is mounted.
user pulls the lever 106 to unlock the first movable pin P1, so that the rotation around axis A1 becomes possible. User rotates the ironing board 103 around the first axis A1 until the ironing board reaches the horizontal position as illustrated in Fig.3. After the ironing board has reached the horizontal position of Fig.3, user releases the lever 106, resulting in that the first movable pin P1 engages with the groove G13.
user pulls again the lever 106 to unlock the second movable pin P2, so that the rotation around the second axis A2 becomes possible. User rotates the ironing board by 90 degrees counter clockwise around the second axis A2, up to reaching the situation illustrated in Figs.4A-4B. When reaching this situation, user releases the lever 106, resulting in that the second movable pin P2 engages with the groove G21.

Preferably, the coupling element 104 further comprises means to restrict the rotation of the ironing board 103 around the second axis A2 within a certain range of angles.
For example, as described above, the angle BB can be limited within 0 and 90 degrees, so that the ironing board 103 can only rotate around A2 between the position of FIG.3 and the position of FIG.4A.
To this end, a first specific embodiment is depicted in the two views of Fig.11A and Fig.11B. Fig.11A depicts a first view of a first specific embodiment of a garment steamer according to the invention, while Fig.11B depicts a second view of the first specific embodiment of Fig.11A. Fig.11A corresponds to the position of the ironing board as illustrated in Fig.4B.
In this first specific embodiment, the second rotor R2 comprises a protruding leg 111.
The first rotor R1 comprises a first stopper 112a arranged at a first anglular position around axis A2, and a second stopper 112b arranged at a second angluar position around axis A2. The first angular position and the second angular position defines the extreme angular positions that the protruding leg 111 can reach. In other words, the protruding leg 111 can only pivot between the first stopper and the second stopper. As illustarted in Fig.11A, the ironing board 103 can only rotate clockwise, until the protruding leg 111 contacts the first stopper 112a.
Alternatively to the first specific embodiment described above, Fig.12 depicts a second specific embodiment of a garment steamer according to the invention.
In this second specific embodiment, the second rotor R2 comprises a retaining surface in which a groove 113 extends along a circular portion. For example, the circular portion defines a 90 degrees angle.
The second shaft S2 comprises a protruding element 114 (illustrated in Figs.7-8-9), such as pin or a nail, which is adapted to slide into and along the groove 113.
The protruding element 114 is intended to navigate inside the groove 113, between the two extremities of the groove.
Fig.13 depicts a third specific embodiment of a garment steamer according to the invention.
As illustrated, the ironing board 103 comprises protruding elements 109 facing the pole assembly 102, preferably the upper part of the pole assembly. The protruding elements 109 are arranged to contact the pole assembly 102 when the ironing board 103 extends horizontally as illustrated in Figs.4A-4B.
The protrusions are supposed to be in-line with the two poles 102a/102b so that the ironing board 103 is supported at wider width, in order to improve its rigidity and stability.
Preferably, the protruding elements 109 have an adjustable length.
For example, they are adjustable via screws 110.
The adjustment can be made by loosening the screws and move the adjustable block until it fully contact with top surface of the vertical poles elements, and then tighten the screws to secured it.
Alternatively, this adjustable block can be implemented on the support on top of the pole assembly.
Preferably this adjustment should be made during manufacturing.
The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the protective 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

A garment steamer (100) for treating a garment, the garment steamer (100) comprising:
- a base (101),

- a pole assembly (102) extending from the base (101) along a substantially vertical axis (YY),

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

- a coupling element (104) for coupling the ironing board (103) and the pole assembly (102),

- the coupling element (104) being adapted to:
i) allow the ironing board (103) to rotate around a first axis (A1) being substantially perpendicular to said vertical axis (YY), and

ii) to allow the ironing board (103) to rotate around a second axis (A2) being substantially perpendicular to said first axis (A1).
The garment steamer according to claim 1, wherein the coupling element (104) further comprises a first mechanism (M1) for adjusting the angle (AA) of rotation of the ironing board (103) around the first axis (A1).
The garment steamer according to claim 2, wherein said coupling element (104) comprises:
- a first shaft (S1) extending along said first axis (A1), said first shaft (S1) being fixed compared to the pole assembly (102),

- a first rotor (R1) adapted to rotate around said first shaft (S1),
said first mechanism (M1) comprising a first movable pin (P1) being arranged in said first rotor (R1) and cooperating with a first set of at least one groove (G11, G12, G13) being arranged on said first shaft (S1).
The garment steamer according to claim 3, wherein the coupling element (104) further comprises a second mechanism (M2) for adjusting the angle (BB) of rotation of the ironing board (103) around the second axis (A2).
The garment steamer according to claim 4, wherein said coupling element (104) comprises:
- a second shaft (S2) extending along said second axis (A2), said second shaft (S2) being fixed compared to said first rotor (R1),

- a second rotor (R2) adapted to rotate around said second shaft (S2),
said second mechanism (M2) comprising a second movable pin (P2) being arranged in said second rotor (R2) and cooperating with a second set of at least one groove (G21) being arranged on said second shaft (S2).
The garment steamer according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the grooves are arranged circularly at predefined angular positions.
The garment steamer according to claims 5, wherein the first movable pin (PI) and/or the second movable pin (P2) are spring-loaded.
The garment steamer according to 5 or 7, wherein the second movable pin (P2) is connected to a user actuatable shaft (105).
The garment steamer according to 8, wherein said user actuatable shaft (105) comprises a hook element (107) for cooperating with an intermediate shaft assembly (108) at the extremity of which said first movable pin (P1) is mounted, so that a linear displacement of said user actuatable shaft (105) results in a linear displacement of said intermediate shaft assembly (108).
The garment steamer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (104) further comprises means to restrict the rotation of the ironing board (103) around the second axis (A2) within a certain range of angles.
The garment steamer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (104) is arranged at a top part of the pole assembly (102).
The garment steamer according to claim 11, wherein the pole assembly (102) comprises a first vertical pole (102a) and a second vertical pole (102b), the coupling element (104) being arranged in-between said first vertical pole (102a) and said second vertical pole (102b).
The garment steamer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ironing board (103) has a given length (L1), the coupling element (104) being coupled to the ironing board (103) in the middle of said given length (L1).
The garment steamer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ironing board (103) comprises protruding elements (109) facing said pole assembly (102), said protruding elements (109) being arranged to contact said pole assembly (102) when the ironing board (103) extends horizontally.
The garment steamer according to claim 14, wherein said protruding elements (109) have an adjustable length.