EP4636155A1

EP4636155A1 - Steaming device comprising a handle, a steamer head and a pivot coupling therebetween

Info

Publication number: EP4636155A1
Application number: EP24171247.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sen Kee Chen; Guillaume Axel Pascal Nunne
Original assignee: Versuni Holding BV
Current assignee: Versuni Holding BV
Priority date: 2024-04-19
Filing date: 2024-04-19
Publication date: 2025-10-22
Also published as: WO2025219064A1

Abstract

Provided is a steaming device (100) comprising a handle (102), a steamer head (104), and a pivot coupling (106) between the handle and the steamer head that allows pivoting of the steamer head relative to the handle about a rotation axis (AA). The pivot coupling comprises a first member (108) that comprises a convex exterior surface (112). The convex exterior surface curves in a circular arc in each of a plurality of planes (FP). Each plane of said plurality of planes is perpendicular to the rotation axis, and each circular arc is centered by the rotation axis. The pivot coupling also includes a second member that comprises a concave interior surface. The concave interior surface curves in a circular arc in said plurality of planes, with each circular arc being centered by the rotation axis, to enable pivoting of the first member and the second member relative to each other about the rotation axis while the convex exterior surface and the concave interior surface contact each other.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a steaming device comprising a handle, a steamer head and a pivot coupling between the handle and the steamer head.
The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of steaming device are known for steaming garments to remove creases through the use of heat and moisture provided by steam. Steaming devices typically comprise a handle and a steamer head attached to the handle.
One type of steaming device is a handheld garment steamer, in which a steam generator, a water tank for storing water for supplying to the steam generator, and a treatment plate (also referred to as a soleplate, front plate or steaming plate) are integrated into a handheld unit.
The handheld garment steamer is therefore portable, and is typically used to steam a garment vertically hanging from a hanger. Conventional handheld garment steamers have accordingly been designed with the handle set at an angle with respect to the steamer head to make the handheld garment steamer more comfortable to use/ergonomic when steaming such a hanging garment.
It may nonetheless be desirable to adjust the angle of the steamer head relative to the handle, for example to make the steaming device easier to store after use. Alternatively or additionally, adjustment of the angle of the steamer head relative to the handle may enable a user to adjust the steaming device according to the particular steaming task to be performed and/or to enhance comfort when using the steaming device.
However, it remains a challenge to provide such steamer head angle adjustment functionality in a robust way, particularly given that the steamer head's angle relative to the handle can be adjusted many times during the steaming device's operating lifetime, and the steaming device can be subjected to various forces and impacts during use.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to propose a steaming device that avoids or mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems.
The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
To this end, the steaming device according to the invention comprises:

a handle,
a steamer head,
a pivot coupling between the handle and the steamer head that allows pivoting of the steamer head relative to the handle about a rotation axis, wherein the pivot coupling comprises:
- a first member comprising a convex exterior surface, the convex exterior surface curving in a circular arc in a plurality of planes being perpendicular to the rotation axis, the circular arc being centered by the rotation axis, and
- a second member comprising a concave interior surface, the concave interior surface curving in a circular arc in said plurality of planes and centered by the rotation axis, to enable pivoting of the first member and the second member relative to each other about the rotation axis while the convex exterior surface and the concave interior surface contact each other,

The outer periphery surrounding the first member and contacting the convex exterior surface around the entire perimeter of the first member can assist to enhance self-alignment and thus improve stability of the pivot coupling, and provide a more uniform load distribution. This can help to minimize stress concentration, and thus assist to reduce wear and tear. Better impact resistance has also been observed during drop testing performed using such a steaming device.
It is further noted that contact between the outer periphery of the concave interior surface with the convex exterior surface around the entire perimeter of the first member can assist to minimize or prevent dirt ingress into the steaming device via the pivot coupling.
Contact between the outer periphery of the concave interior surface and the convex exterior surface around the entire perimeter of the first member can be maintained throughout the pivoting of the steamer head relative to the handle allowed by the pivot coupling.
Thus, the above-described technical effects can be exhibited irrespective of the degree of pivoting of the steamer head relative to the handle.
In some embodiments, at least part of the convex exterior surface is not covered by the concave interior surface. This means that this part is visible to a user of the steaming device throughout movement of the steamer head relative to the handle allowed by the pivot coupling.
In such embodiments, the part of the convex exterior surface that is not covered by the concave interior surface can communicate the pivotable steamer head functionality of the steaming device, thereby enhancing the usability of the steaming device.
As well as making the steaming device more intuitive to use, the exposed part of the convex exterior surface can assist to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the steaming device.
In some embodiments, the pivot coupling comprises a pivot joint member that joins the first member and the second member to each other, with the pivot joint member being arranged to limit the pivoting movement of the steamer head relative to the handle about the rotation axis. Even though the convex exterior surface might be suggestive of movement being allowed in a plurality of planes perpendicular to each other, the joint member can limit the movement allowed by the pivot coupling to pivoting about the rotation axis. The latter can assist to make the steaming device more robust, and thus help to prolong the operating lifetime of the steaming device.
In some embodiments, the steaming device comprises a locking mechanism for releasably adjusting the steamer head at one or more angular orientations relative to the handle.
In some embodiments, the one or more angular orientations, at which the locking mechanism releasably secures the steamer head's angular orientation relative to the handle, comprise a first orientation in which the steamer head and the handle are aligned, and an angled orientation in which the steamer head and the handle are angled relative to each other.
The first orientation can be regarded as a storage configuration, in which the linear extension of the steamer head from the handle makes the steaming device more compact, and hence easier to store.
The angled orientation can be regarded as an in-use configuration, in which the tilting of the steamer head relative to the handle facilitates steaming, for example steaming of a hanging garment.
In some embodiments, an angle between the steamer head and the handle is in the range of 40 to 70 degrees, preferably in the range of 50 to 60 degrees, when the angled orientation is adopted. Such an angle between the steamer head and the handle can help to make the steaming device more ergonomic, particularly when the steaming device is being used to steam a hanging garment.
The locking mechanism can have any suitable design provided that the locking mechanism is capable of releasably securing the steamer head at the one or more angular orientations relative to the handle. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises at least one recess defined in one of the first member and the second member, and at least one pin member arranged to protrude into the at least one recess from the other of the first member and the second member.
Protrusion of the pin member(s) into the recess(es) can thus secure the steamer head at the angular orientation relative to the handle. Release of the pin member(s) from the recess(es) releases the steamer head to enable the steamer head to be pivoted to a different angular orientation relative to the handle.
In some embodiments, the at least one recess comprises at least one first recess arranged so that the first orientation is adopted when the at least one pin member is received in the at least one first recess, and at least one second recess arranged so that the angled orientation is adopted when the at least one pin member is received in the at least one second recess.
In some embodiments, the at least one recess is defined in the second member. In such embodiments, the at least one pin member protrudes through opening(s) defined in the first member in order to reach the at least one recess.
In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is releasable by a force exerted by the user to pivot the steamer head relative to the handle.
As such, the user can adjust the positioning of the steamer head relative to the handle without needing to push a button, operate a lever, etc. in order to release the locking mechanism.
Thus, the user can intuitively and conveniently position, in other words tilt, the steamer head relative to the handle.
In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises at least one biasing element for biasing the at least one pin member towards the at least one recess. In such embodiments, the pin member(s) can be regarded as, for instance, spring-loaded latch member(s).
The at least one biasing element and the at least one pin member are preferably adapted to enable the at least one pin member to be moveable out of the at least one recess by the force exerted by the user to pivot the steamer head relative to the handle. Since there is thus no requirement for the user to push a button, operate a lever, etc. in order to release the locking mechanism, the user can intuitively and conveniently position the steamer head relative to the handle.
In some embodiments, the convex exterior surface comprises a spherical convex surface, and the concave interior surface comprises a spherical concave surface.
In other embodiments, the convex exterior surface and the concave interior surface are each ellipsoidal, in other words egg-shaped.
A more general characterization of the convex exterior surface and the concave interior surface can be as follows: first radii of the circular arcs of the convex exterior surface in the plurality of planes comprise a largest first radius at a position along the rotation axis corresponding to a center of the first member, with the first radii becoming smaller as the distance from the center of the first member along the rotation axis increases in each direction away from the center of the first member, and second radii of the circular arcs of the concave interior surface in the plurality of planes comprises a largest second radius at a position along the rotation axis corresponding to the center of the first member and a center of the second member, with the second radii becoming smaller as the distance from the center of the second member along the rotation axis increases in each direction away from the center of the second member.
It is noted that each first radius of the first radii is measured from the rotation axis to the convex exterior surface in the respective plane of the plurality of planes, with each second radius of the second radii being measured from the rotation axis to the concave interior surface in the respective plane of the plurality of planes.
In some embodiments, the first member is attached to the handle, and the second member is attached to the steamer head. Whilst this has been found to be a convenient configuration of the first member and the second member, it should not be regarded as being limiting.
Attachment of the first member and the second member to the handle and the steamer head respectively can in principle be switched so that in some embodiments the first member is attached to the steamer head and the second member is attached to the handle.
The handle preferably comprises a water tank for containing water for generating steam. In some embodiments, the handle further comprises a pump for pumping water from the water tank.
In some embodiments, the steamer head comprises a steam generator for generating steam, for example from water from the water tank included in the handle.
Alternatively or additionally, the steamer head can include a treatment plate delimiting one or more steam vents for allowing steam to exit the steamer head.
The steaming device is preferably in the form of a handheld garment steamer, in which a steam generator, a water tank for storing water for supplying to the steam generator, and a treatment plate delimiting one or more steam vents are integrated into a handheld unit.
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.1 depicts a steaming device in a first orientation in which the steaming device's steamer head is aligned with its handle,
Figs.2A and 2B depict a steaming device in an angled orientation in which the steaming device's steamer head and handle are angled relative to each other,
Fig.2C provides an enlarged view of part of the steaming device shown in Figs.2A and 2B,
Fig.3 provides an enlarged view of an exterior of a pivot coupling of a steaming device according to an example,
Fig.4 provides an interior view of the steaming device's pivot coupling,
Fig.5 provides a view of part of the pivot coupling that is included in the steamer head,
Figs.6A and 6B provide schematic illustrations showing fitting of first and second members of two different pivot couplings,
Fig.7A provides an exploded view of part of a steaming device according to an example,
Fig.7B provides another exploded view of the steaming device shown in Fig.7A, and
Figs.8A and 8B provide interior views showing a locking mechanism and a pivot coupling of a steaming device according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Provided is a steaming device comprising a handle, a steamer head, and a pivot coupling between the handle and the steamer head that allows pivoting of the steamer head relative to the handle about a rotation axis. The pivot coupling comprises a first member that comprises a convex exterior surface. The convex exterior surface curves in a circular arc in each of a plurality of planes. Each plane of said plurality of planes is perpendicular to the rotation axis, and each circular arc is centered by the rotation axis. The pivot coupling also includes a second member that comprises a concave interior surface. The concave interior surface curves in a circular arc in said plurality of planes, with each circular arc being centered by the rotation axis, to enable pivoting of the first member and the second member relative to each other about the rotation axis while the convex exterior surface and the concave interior surface contact each other.
Fig.1 depicts a steaming device 100 according to an example. The steaming device 100 is suitable for steaming a garment. Steam is, for example, applied to the garment via one or more steam vents delimited by a treatment plate 101 included in the steaming device 100.
The steaming device 100 comprises a handle 102. A user of the steaming device 100 can grasp the handle 102 in order to move the steaming device 100 over the garment being treated using the steaming device 100.
The handle 102 preferably comprises a water tank 103 for containing water for generating the steam, for example with a fill cap 103A being moveable to allow access to the water tank 103 so that the water tank 103 can be (re-)filled with water or emptied. In some embodiments, the handle 102 further comprises a pump (not visible in the Figures) for pumping water from the water tank 103.
The steaming device 100 comprises a steamer head 104. As shown in Fig.1, the steamer head 104 can include the treatment plate 101. Alternatively or additionally, the steamer head 104 can comprise a steam generator for generating steam.
For example, a steam generator included in the steamer head 104 is arranged to vaporize water supplied thereto from a water tank 103 arranged in the handle 102, for example with the water being supplied via a pumping operation of the pump also included in the handle 102.
The steaming device 100 is preferably in the form of a handheld garment steamer, in which the steam generator, the water tank 103 for storing water for supplying to the steam generator, and the treatment plate 101 are integrated into a handheld unit.
The steaming device 100 can be powered in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the steaming device 100 is battery powered/powerable. Alternatively or additionally, the steaming device is powerable via a mains supply of electricity. In the latter case, and referring to Fig.1, the steaming device 100 comprises a power cord 105A for connecting the steaming device 100 to the mains supply of electricity.
The power cord 105A can be joined to the handle 102, e.g. at or proximal to a lower end of the handle 102, in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Fig. 1, the power cord 105A is joined to the handle 102 via a power cord grommet 105B.
The power cord grommet 105B can be formed of any suitable material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane.
Steam provided by the steaming device 100 can be controlled via a steam trigger 107. The steam trigger 107 can, for example, be used to control the pumping operation of the pump.
The handle 102 can comprise a handle casing, and the steamer head 104 can comprise a steamer head casing (e.g. in addition to the treatment plate 101). The handle casing and the steamer head casing can each be formed from any suitable material, such as a plastic material.
More generally, and referring to Figs.1, 2A and 2B, the steaming device 100 comprises a pivot coupling 106 between the handle 102 and the steamer head 104 that allows pivoting of the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102 about a rotation axis AA. Pivoting of the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102 about the rotation axis AA enables positioning, in other words tilting, of the steamer head 104 at different angular orientations relative to the handle 102.
The different angular orientations preferably include a first orientation in which the steamer head 104 and the handle 102 are linearly aligned (see, e.g., Fig. 1), and an angled or slanted orientation in which the steamer head 104 and the handle 102 are angled relative to each other (see, e.g., Figs.2A and 2B).
The angled orientation can be regarded as an in-use configuration, in which the tilting of the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102 facilitates steaming, for example steaming of a hanging garment, using the steaming device 100.
In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.2B and 2C, an angle A between the steamer head 104 and the handle 102 is in the range of 40 to 70 degrees, preferably 50 to 60 degrees, when the angled orientation is adopted. In a non-limiting example, the angle A is about 56 degrees.
Such an angle A between the steamer head 104 and the handle 102 can help to make the steaming device 100 more ergonomic, particularly when the steaming device 100 is being used to steam a hanging garment.
The angle A can be measured between a first central longitudinal axis CL1 extending through a center of the handle 102 and a second central longitudinal axis CL2 extending through a center of the steamer head 104.
In some embodiments, and referring to Fig.2C, the treatment plate 101 is angled, relative to a notional plane PL1 being perpendicular to the second central longitudinal axis CL2, at a slanting angle B. The slanting angle B is preferably in the range of 10 to 20 degrees, for example about 16 degrees.
A use angle of the steaming device 100 can be defined as the sum of the angle A and the slanting angle B. The use angle is preferably in the range of 50 to 90 degrees, more preferably in the range of 60 to 90 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 70 to 85 degrees. In a non-limiting example, the use angle is about 72 degrees.
Such a use angle may assist to enhance useability of the steaming device 100.
This use angle (A + B) may result from a balance between the angle A, the slanting angle B, and also an angle C over which a concave exterior surface 112 of the pivot coupling 106 is exposed.
The first orientation can be regarded as a storage configuration, in which the linear extension of the steamer head 104 from the handle 102, e.g. with the angle A being about 0 degrees, makes the steaming device 100 more compact, and hence easier to store.
Turning to the design of the pivot coupling 106, and referring to Figs.1, 2A to 2C and 3 to 5, the pivot coupling 106 comprises a first member 108 comprising the convex exterior surface 112. The convex exterior surface 112 curves in a circular arc in a plurality of planes FP (see Figs.1 and 2A). Each of the planes FP is perpendicular to the rotation axis AA, and each circular arc is centered by the rotation axis AA.
It is noted (with reference to Fig.5) that the handle 102 and the steamer head 104 can be regarded as being bisected by a central plane CP, with the central plane CP being included in said plurality of planes FP.
It is further noted that the central plane CP is equivalent to (in other words corresponds to) one of the planes FP at a center of the first member 108.
The pivot coupling 106 further comprises a second member 110 comprising a concave interior surface 114 (see Figs.4 and 5), with the concave interior surface 114 also curving in a circular arc in said plurality of planes FP, and with each circular arc being centered by the rotation axis AA.
Pivoting of the first member 108 and the second member 110 relative to each other about the rotation axis AA is enabled while the convex exterior surface 112 and the concave interior surface 114 remain in contact with each other. This pivoting causes the pivoting of the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102 about the rotation axis AA.
In other words, a matching curvature of the convex exterior surface 112 and the concave interior surface 114 enables pivoting of the convex exterior surface 112 and the concave interior surface 114 about the rotation axis AA while the convex exterior surface 112 and the concave interior surface 114 are in contact with each other.
Referring to Fig.5, the concave interior surface 114 comprises an outer periphery 115 that surrounds the first member 108 and contacts the convex exterior surface 112 around an entire perimeter of the first member 108. Alternatively or additionally, edge portions or points 115A, 115B on the concave interior surface 114 that are furthest apart from each other in the central plane CP can each be in contact with the convex exterior surface 112 throughout the pivoting of the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102 allowed by the pivot coupling 106.
This can assist to enhance self-alignment and thus improve stability of the pivot coupling 106, and provide a more uniform load distribution. This can help to minimize stress concentration, and thus assist to reduce wear and tear. Better impact resistance has also been observed during drop testing performed using the steaming device 100.
In order to maximize these particular technical effects, contact area in between the convex exterior surface 112 and the concave interior surface 114 is preferably as large as possible, but noting that a maximum allowable utilization may be 50%, as shown in Fig.6A, to facilitate assembly of the pivot coupling 106 (compare to the >50% utilization shown in Fig.6B).
It is further noted that contact between the outer periphery 115 of the concave interior surface 114 with the convex exterior surface 112 around the entire perimeter of the first member 108 can assist to minimize or prevent dirt ingress into the steaming device 100 via the pivot coupling 106.
Contact between the outer periphery 115 of the concave interior surface 114 and the convex exterior surface 112 around the entire perimeter of the first member 100 can be maintained throughout the pivoting of the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102 allowed by the pivot coupling 106.
Thus, the above-described technical effects can be exhibited irrespective of the degree of tilting of the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102.
It is noted that the edge portions or points 115A, 115B on the concave interior surface 114 can be included in the outer periphery 115 of the concave interior surface 114.
It is further noted that the edge portions or points 115A, 115B are where the outer periphery 115 intersects with the central plane CP.
In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.1, 2A to 2C and 3 to 5, the convex exterior surface 112 comprises a spherical convex surface 112, and the concave interior surface 114 comprises a spherical concave surface 114.
In other embodiments, the convex exterior surface 112 and the concave interior surface 114 are each ellipsoidal, in other words egg-shaped.
A more general characterization of the convex exterior surface 112 and the concave interior surface 114 can be as follows: first radii of the circular arcs of the convex exterior surface 112 in the plurality of planes FP comprise a largest first radius at a position along the rotation axis AA corresponding to a center of the first member 108, with the first radii becoming smaller as the distance from the center of the first member 108 along the rotation axis AA increases in each direction away from the center of the first member 108, and second radii of the circular arcs of the concave interior surface 114 in the plurality of planes FP comprise a largest second radius at a position along the rotation axis AA corresponding to the center of the first member 108 and a center of the second member 110, with the second radii becoming smaller as the distance from the center of the second member 110 along the rotation axis AA increases in each direction away from the center of the second member 110.
It is noted that each first radius of the first radii is measured from the rotation axis AA to the convex exterior surface 112 in the respective plane of the plurality of planes FP, with each second radius of the second radii being measured from the rotation axis AA to the concave interior surface 114 in the respective plane of the plurality of planes FP.
Preferably, and referring to Fig.3, at least part of the convex exterior surface 112 is not covered by the concave interior surface 114. This means that this part is visible to a user of the steaming device 100 throughout movement of the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102 allowed by the pivot coupling 106.
In such embodiments, the part of the convex exterior surface 112 that is not covered by the concave interior surface 114 can communicate the tiltable steamer head 104 functionality of the steaming device 100, thereby enhancing the usability of the steaming device 100.
As well as making the steaming device 100 more intuitive to use, the exposed part of the convex exterior surface 112 can assist to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the steaming device 100.
It is noted that the first member 108 and the second member 110 can be made of any suitable mechanically robust material. In some embodiments, the first member 108 and the second member 110 are each made of a plastic material.
In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.1, 2A to 2C and 3 to 5, the first member 108 having the convex exterior surface 112 is attached to the handle 102, and the second member 110 having the concave interior surface 114 is attached to the steamer head 104. Whilst this has been found to be a convenient configuration of the first member 108 and the second member 110, it should not be regarded as being limiting.
Attachment of the first member 108 and the second member 110 to the handle 102 and the steamer head 104 respectively can in principle be switched so that in some embodiments (not shown in the Figures) the first member 108 is attached to the steamer head 104 and the second member 110 is attached to the handle 102.
In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.4 and 5, the pivot coupling 106 comprises a pivot joint member 116 that joins the first member 108 and the second member 110 to each other, with the pivot joint member 116 being arranged to limit the pivoting movement of the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102 to pivoting about the rotation axis AA.
In such embodiments, even though the convex exterior surface 112 might be suggestive of movement being allowed in a plurality of planes perpendicular to each other, the joint member 116 can limit the movement allowed by the pivot coupling 106 to pivoting about the rotation axis AA. The latter can assist to make the steaming device 100 more robust, and thus help to prolong the operating lifetime of the steaming device 100. As shown in Figs.4 and 5, the pivot joint member 116 is located at a center of the pivot coupling 106.
For example, the pivot joint member 116 takes the form of cylindrical member(s) included in one of the first and second members 108, 110, which cylindrical member(s) extend(s) along the rotation axis AA so as to be received in circular receiving portion(s) provided in the other of the first and second members 110, 108. As best shown in Fig.5, a pair of such cylindrical members can extend away from each other along the rotation axis AA.
In some embodiments, and referring now to Fig.7B, the pivot joint member 116, e.g. the cylindrical member(s), is attached to a mounting element 117A, with the first member 108 delimiting an aperture 117B that allows the mounting element 117A (together with the pivot joint member 116) to be received within the first member 108.
More generally, and referring now to Figs.7A, 7B, 8A and 8B, the steaming device 100 preferably comprises a locking mechanism 118 for releasably adjusting the steamer head 104 at one or more angular orientations relative to the handle 102.
In some embodiments, the one or more angular orientations, at which the locking mechanism 118 releasably secures the steamer head's 104 angular orientation relative to the handle 102, comprise(s) the orientation in which the steamer head 104 linearly extends from the handle 102 (as shown in Fig. 1), and the angled orientation in which the steamer head 104 and the handle 102 are angled relative to each other (as shown in Figs.2A to 2C). In the angled orientation, it is reiterated that the angle A between the steamer head 104 and the handle 102 is preferably in the range of 40 to 70 degrees, preferably 50 to 60 degrees.
The locking mechanism 118 can have any suitable design provided that the locking mechanism 118 is capable of releasably securing the steamer head 104 at the one or more angular orientations relative to the handle 102. In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.5, 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B, the locking mechanism 118 comprises at least one recess 120; 120A, 120B defined in one of the first member 108 and the second member 110, and at least one pin member 122 arranged to protrude into the at least one recess 120; 120A, 120B from the other of the first member 108 and the second member 110.
Protrusion of the pin member(s) 122 into the recess(es) 120; 120A, 120B can thus secure the steamer head 104 at the angular orientation relative to the handle 102. Release of the pin member(s) 122 from the recess(es) 120; 120A, 120B releases the steamer head 104 to enable the steamer head 104 to be tilted to a different angular orientation relative to the handle 102.
In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.8A and 8B, the at least one recess 120; 120A, 120B comprises at least one first recess 120A arranged so that the first orientation is adopted when the at least one pin member 122 is received in the at least one first recess 120A, and at least one second recess 120B arranged so that the angled orientation is adopted when the at least one pin member 122 is received in the at least one second recess 120B.
In some embodiments, and referring to Fig.5, the at least one recess 120; 120A, 120B is defined in the second member 110. In such embodiments, and referring to Fig.7B, the at least one pin member 122 protrudes through opening(s) 124 defined in the first member 108 in order to reach the at least one recess 120; 120A, 120B.
More generally, the locking mechanism 118 is preferably releasable by a force exerted by the user to pivot the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102. As such, the user can adjust the positioning of the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102 without needing to push a button, operate a lever, etc. in order to release the locking mechanism 118.
Thus, the user can intuitively and conveniently position, in other words tilt, the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102.
In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.7A, 7B, 8A and 8B, the locking mechanism 118 comprises at least one biasing element 126 for biasing the at least one pin member 122 towards the at least one recess 120; 120A, 120B. In such embodiments, the pin member(s) 122 can be regarded as, for instance, spring-loaded latch member(s).
The at least one biasing element 126 and the at least one pin member 122 are preferably adapted to enable the at least one pin member 122 to be moveable out of the at least one recess 120; 120A, 120B by the force exerted by the user to pivot the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102. Since there is thus no requirement for the user to push a button, operate a lever, etc. in order to release the locking mechanism 118, the user can intuitively and conveniently position the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102.
Adaptation of the pin member(s) 122 in order to facilitate release of the pin member(s) 122 from the recess(es) 120; 120A, 120B when the user exerts the force to pivot the steamer head 104 relative to the handle 102 can, for example, comprise providing the pin member(s) 122 with a tapered end. Contact between such a tapered end and an edge of the recess 120; 120A, 120B during exertion of the force by the user may cause retraction of the pin member(s) 122 from the recess(es) 120; 120A, 120B, against the bias provided by the biasing element(s) 126.
Referring to Figs.7A and 7B, the biasing element(s) 126 and the pin member(s) 122 are, for example, mounted to a base member 127. In the non-limiting example shown in Figs.7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B, the base member 127 is attached to the first member 108 via one or more fastening elements 128, 129, e.g. screw(s).
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 steaming device (100) comprising:
- a handle (102),

- a steamer head (104),

- a pivot coupling (106) between the handle and the steamer head that allows pivoting of the steamer head relative to the handle about a rotation axis (AA), wherein the pivot coupling comprises:
- a first member (108) comprising a convex exterior surface (112), the convex exterior surface curving in a circular arc in a plurality of planes (FP) being perpendicular to the rotation axis, the circular arc being centered by the rotation axis, and

- a second member (110) comprising a concave interior surface (114), the concave interior surface curving in a circular arc in said plurality of planes and centered by the rotation axis, to enable pivoting of the first member and the second member relative to each other about the rotation axis while the convex exterior surface and the concave interior surface contact each other,

wherein the concave interior surface comprises an outer periphery (115) surrounding the first member and contacting the convex exterior surface around an entire perimeter of the first member.
The steaming device (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the convex exterior surface (112) is not covered by the concave interior surface (114).
The steaming device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pivot coupling (106) comprises a pivot joint member (116) that joins the first member (108) and the second member (110) to each other, the pivot joint member being arranged to limit the pivoting movement of the steamer head (104) relative to the handle (102) about the rotation axis (AA).
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a locking mechanism (118) for releasably adjusting the steamer head (104) at one or more angular orientations relative to the handle (102).
The steaming device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the one or more angular orientations comprise a first orientation in which the steamer head (104) and the handle (102) are aligned, and an angled orientation in which the steamer head and the handle are angled relative to each other.
The steaming device (100) according to claim 5, wherein an angle (A) between the steamer head (104) and the handle (102) is in the range of 40 to 70 degrees when the angled orientation is adopted.
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the locking mechanism (118) comprises at least one recess (120; 120A, 120B) defined in one of the first member (108) and the second member (110), and at least one pin member (122) arranged to protrude into the at least one recess from the other of the first member and the second member.
The steaming device (100) according to claim 7 as according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the at least one recess (120; 120A, 120B) comprises:
- at least one first recess (120A) arranged so that the first orientation is adopted when the at least one pin member (122) is received in the at least one first recess, and

- at least one second recess (120B) arranged so that the angled orientation is adopted when the at least one pin member is received in the at least one second recess.
The steaming device (100) according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the at least one recess (120; 120A, 120B) is defined in the second member (110), the at least one pin member (122) protruding through opening(s) (124) defined in the first member (108) in order to reach the at least one recess.
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the locking mechanism (118) comprises at least one biasing element (126) for biasing the at least one pin member (122) towards the at least one recess (120; 120A, 120B).
The steaming device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one biasing element (126) and the at least one pin member (122) are adapted to enable the at least one pin member to be moveable out of the at least one recess (120; 120A, 120B) by a force exerted by the user to pivot the steamer head (104) relative to the handle (102).
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the convex exterior surface (112) comprises a spherical convex surface, and the concave interior surface (114) comprises a spherical concave surface.
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first member (108) is attached to the handle (102), and the second member (110) is attached to the steamer head (104).
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the handle (102) comprises a water tank (103) for containing water for generating steam, and a pump for pumping water from the water tank.
The steaming device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the steamer head (104) comprises a steam generator for generating steam and/or a treatment plate (101) delimiting one or more steam vents for allowing steam to exit the steamer head.