EP4647545A1

EP4647545A1 - Stand steamer comprising support base and detachable water tank

Info

Publication number: EP4647545A1
Application number: EP24175203.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chin Hau LOH; Loo Ping LING
Original assignee: Versuni Holding BV
Current assignee: Versuni Holding BV
Priority date: 2024-05-10
Filing date: 2024-05-10
Publication date: 2025-11-12
Also published as: WO2025233125A1

Abstract

Provided is a water tank (102) for detachably docking in a cavity (112) arranged in a support base (110) of a stand steamer (100). The water tank comprises a protruding bottom portion (104). The water tank further comprises at least one spring-loaded latch member (114A) arranged in the protruding bottom portion and/or at least one receiving portion arranged in the protruding bottom portion. Each said spring-loaded latch member is releasably receivable in a receiving portion included in the support base when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity. Each said receiving portion included in the protruding bottom portion is arranged to releasably receive a spring-loaded latch member arranged in the support base when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a stand steamer comprising a support base and a water tank that is detachable from the support base.
The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Garment steamers are known to be used for ironing or steaming garments to remove creases through the use of heat and moisture from steam.
One type of garment steamer is a so-called stand garment steamer that comprises a support base, which support base houses a water tank. A steamer head (also called an ironing device) may be connected to the base by a flexible hose through which steam is delivered to the steamer head. The steamer head is provided with a steam plate, also known as a soleplate, delimiting one or more steam vents through which steam is discharged onto a fabric being treated.
The garment may be hung on a hanger during treatment by the garment steamer, with the user positioning the steamer head over the garment to remove creases.
Stand garment steamers tend to include a garment support feature and/or accessory, such as an ironing board or mat to assist the user to attain better and quicker de-wrinkling results. The ironing board is often mounted on a pole assembly.
In the current market, stand steamers, e.g. so-called all-in-one garments steamers, tend to rely on a consistent water supply to operate effectively. For this reason, the water tank tends to be held in the support base via a docking system that makes use of top and bottom fastenings. Such fastenings can prove cumbersome and time-consuming for users to operate, particularly when removing the water tank for refilling or emptying.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to propose a stand steamer 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 stand steamer according to the invention comprises:

a support base,
a water tank being detachable from the support base, the water tank comprising a protruding bottom portion, the support base comprising a cavity for receiving the protruding bottom portion,
at least one latching assembly for releasably attaching the protruding bottom portion in the cavity, each of the at least one latching assembly comprising:
1. i) a spring-loaded latch member, and
2. ii) a receiving portion for receiving the spring-loaded latch member when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity,
  the spring-loaded latch member being arranged in one of the protruding bottom portion and the support base, and the receiving portion being arranged in the other of the protruding bottom portion and the support base.

Attachment of the water tank to the support base can accordingly comprise lowering the water tank until the bottom portion is received in the cavity.
Arranging one of the spring-loaded latch member and the receiving portion in the protruding bottom portion of the water tank can provide an intuitive and convenient way of securing the water tank to the support base. Moreover, this can, in certain embodiments, provide a water tank design in which a water level is visible from various, e.g. all, directions/angles.
It is noted, in more general terms, that in some embodiments the water tank is at least partly transparent or translucent to enable a user to view a level of the water inside the water tank.
For example, at least a side portion of the water tank can comprise a transparent or translucent plastic material.
The user may simply lower, e.g. using one hand, the water tank so that the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity, and the spring-loaded latch member can automatically secure the water tank to the support base.
It is also noted that the spring-loaded latch member being received in the receiving portion can provide tactile and/or audible feedback, indicating that the water tank is secured to the support base.
The spring-loaded latch member is biased to engage the receiving portion when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity, but is releasable from the receiving portion when the water tank is being detached from the support base.
In some embodiments, the spring-loaded latch member is adapted to be releasable from the receiving portion by a lifting force exerted by a user when detaching the water tank from the support base.
Thus, the user may simply lift the water tank, e.g. using a single hand, to detach the water tank from the support base. Once detached, the water tank can be (re-)filled with water or emptied.
In some embodiments, the water tank comprises a peripheral convex surface extending above the protruding bottom portion, with the support base comprising a peripheral concave surface that extends above the cavity and fits against the peripheral concave surface when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity.
This arrangement of the peripheral convex surface and the peripheral concave surface can assist to stabilize the water tank within the cavity of the support base. This design assists to ensure that the water tank remains securely in place, even when the entire stand steamer is tilted or relocated. As a result, the water tank may not disengage or drop out during movement, e.g. wheeling, of the support base, thereby enhancing the overall safety and functionality of the stand steamer.
In some embodiments, the at least one latching assembly comprises a plurality of latching assemblies. In such embodiments, each of the plurality of latching assemblies comprises the spring-loaded latch member and the receiving portion.
The plurality of latching assemblies can assist to provide more robust securing of the base portion of the water tank in the cavity.
In some embodiments, the protruding bottom portion and the cavity have a periphery portion, with the plurality of latching assemblies being arranged at regular angular intervals around the periphery portion. Such regular arrangement of the latching assemblies around the periphery portion can assist to provide more secure attachment of the protruding base portion in the cavity.
For example, the angular interval is about 180 degrees when there are two latching assemblies. In an example in which there are three latching assemblies, the angular interval is about 120 degrees.
The protruding bottom portion, and correspondingly the cavity, can have any suitable shape provided that the cavity is able to receive the protruding bottom portion. In some embodiments, the shape of the periphery portion of the protruding bottom portion and the cavity precludes rotation of the protruding bottom portion relative to the support base when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity. To this end, the periphery portion has, for example, a non-circular, e.g. polygonal, such as square or rectangular, shape.
Alternatively or additionally, the shape of the periphery portion of the protruding bottom portion and the cavity is preferably such that the protruding base portion can only be received in the cavity when the water tank is at one defined angular orientation relative to the cavity. This can be achieved, for example, by the periphery portion having a circular portion and a linear, in other words flat, portion.
In some embodiments, the at least one latching assembly comprises a first latching assembly and a second latching assembly. In such embodiments, the first latching assembly comprises a first spring-loaded latch member and a first receiving portion for receiving the first spring-loaded latch member, and the second latching assembly comprises a second spring-loaded latch member and a second receiving portion for receiving the second spring-loaded latch member.
In some embodiments, the support base extends, in other words longitudinally extends, along a central longitudinal axis. For example, the central longitudinal axis bisects the support base, so as to divide the support base into a pair of elongate halves of the support base.
Preferably, the first latching assembly and the second latching assembly are arranged along the central longitudinal axis. This arrangement can assist to minimize the risk of the water tank becoming unintentionally detached during widthways wobbling of the water tank when attached to the support base in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, for example during transportation of the support base along a floor surface.
In some embodiments, the support base comprises wheel(s), preferably at least two wheels, for moving the support base on the floor surface.
The wheel(s) can assist the user to maneuver the support base to a desired location on the floor surface, and can be particularly helpful for such maneuvering in embodiments in which ballast is included in the support base.
In some embodiments, the at least two wheels are arranged to rotate about a common rotating axis, with the first latching assembly and the second latching assembly being arranged along an axis being perpendicular to said common rotating axis. This arrangement can assist to minimize the risk of the water tank becoming unintentionally detached during widthways wobbling of the water tank when attached to the support base during transportation of the support base using the wheels along the floor surface.
In some embodiments, the spring-loaded latch member comprises a first planar exterior surface, and the receiving portion comprises a second planar exterior surface, with the first planar exterior surface cooperating with the second planar exterior surface when the spring-loaded latch member is received in the receiving portion. The first and second planar exterior surfaces can assist to minimize wobbling of the water tank when attached to the support base.
The cooperation of the first planar exterior surface with the second planar exterior surface can, for example, mean that the first planar exterior surface and the second planar exterior surface face each other and are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to each other when the spring-loaded latch member is received in the receiving portion. Thus, lateral movement cannot cause the latch member to be retracted/disengage from the receiving portion.
This may mean that the first planar exterior surface abuts, or is spaced by a slight gap, from the second planar exterior surface when the spring-loaded latch member is received in the receiving portion.
In some embodiments, the spring-loaded latch member comprises a pair of first planar exterior surfaces extending parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to each other, with the receiving portion comprising a pair of second planar exterior surfaces extending parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to each other. In such embodiments, each of the pair of first planar exterior surfaces cooperates with one of the pair of second planar exterior surfaces when the spring-loaded latch member is received in the receiving portion.
The first and second pairs of cooperating planar exterior surfaces can further help to reduce wobbling of the water tank when attached to the support base.
In some embodiments, the water tank comprises a handle pullable by a user to take-out the protruding bottom portion from the cavity. The user may exert the lifting force by pulling the handle upwardly.
The handle can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the handle is in the form of a strap handle. Alternatively, the handle can be in the form of a rigid handle, e.g. molded as part of a top portion of the water tank.
The handle is preferably positioned on a top surface of the water tank, near a center of the top surface, so that it can be grabbed by the user to exert the lifting force by pulling the handle upwardly.
A cap can be included in the top portion of the water tank, with the cap being removeable to enable filling of the water tank. Preferably, the handle is mounted to the cap.
In some embodiments, and irrespective of the cap's positioning, the cap is detachably securable to the water tank by a coupling, e.g. a bayonet coupling, adapted to enable detachment of the cap via rotation of the cap.
Such a coupling can facilitate quick and easy removal of the cap by the user.
In some embodiments, the stand steamer comprises a pole assembly for supporting an ironing board, with the support base being adapted to support the pole assembly. The ironing board is, for example, also included in the stand steamer.
In some embodiments, the support base includes a steam generator for generating steam from water received from the water tank. Alternatively or additionally, the stand steamer can comprise a hose and a steamer head, which steamer head includes a steam chamber for generating steam from water received from the support base via the hose and/or heating steam received from the support base via the hose.
In some embodiments, each of the at least one latching assembly comprises a latch housing, with the spring-loaded latch member being mounted to the latch housing and being retractable towards the latch housing during release of the spring-loaded latch member from the receiving portion.
In some embodiments, the water tank comprises a valve assembly for controlling delivery of water from the water tank, with the valve assembly being provided in a central part of the protruding bottom portion.
The valve assembly can be mounted in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the valve assembly is sandwiched, e.g. together with the latch housing(s), between a base of the water tank (from which base the bottom portion protrudes) and a bottom cover member.
Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments in which the at least one latching assembly comprises the first latching assembly and the second latching assembly, the valve assembly is preferably arranged in-between the first latching assembly and the second latching assembly.
According to another aspect there is provided a water tank for detachably docking in a cavity arranged in a support base of a stand steamer, the water tank comprising:

a protruding bottom portion, and
at least one spring-loaded latch member arranged in the protruding bottom portion and/or at least one receiving portion arranged in the protruding bottom portion, each said spring-loaded latch member being releasably receivable in a receiving portion included in the support base, and each said receiving portion included in the protruding bottom portion being arranged to releasably receive a spring-loaded latch member arranged in the support base when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity.

It is noted, for the avoidance of doubt, that embodiments described herein in relation to the stand steamer may be applicable to the water tank, and embodiments described herein in relation to the water tank may be applicable to the stand steamer.
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:

Figs. 1A and 1B provide views of a stand steamer according to an example,
Figs.2A to 2C provide enlarged views of a support base and a water tank of a stand steamer according to an example,
Figs.3A and 3B provide enlarged views of a latch member and a receiving portion of a latching assembly according to an example,
Figs.4A to 4C provide enlarged views of a support base and a water tank of a stand steamer according to another example,
Figs.5A and 5B provide views of a support base and a water tank of a stand steamer according to yet another example,
Fig.5C provides an exploded view of a water tank according to an example,
Fig.5D provides a cross-sectional view of the water tank shown in Fig.5C docked in a cavity of a stand steamer's support base,
Figs.6A and 6B provide plan views of a base portion of a water tank and a cavity-comprising part of a stand steamer's support base, and
Fig. 7 provides a cross-sectional view of a stand steamer according to a further example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Provided is a water tank for detachably docking in a cavity arranged in a support base of a stand steamer. The water tank comprises a protruding bottom portion. The water tank further comprises at least one spring-loaded latch member arranged in the protruding bottom portion and/or at least one receiving portion arranged in the protruding bottom portion. Each said spring-loaded latch member is releasably receivable in a receiving portion included in the support base when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity. Each said receiving portion included in the protruding bottom portion is arranged to releasably receive a spring-loaded latch member arranged in the support base when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity.
Figs. 1A and 1B depict a stand steamer 100 according to an example. The stand steamer 100 is suitable for steaming garments. The stand steamer 100 comprises a support base 110, in other words a stand. The support base 110 can rest on a floor surface and provide support for other components of the stand steamer 100.
The support base 110 preferably comprises ballast material to assist stability of the support base 110 on the floor surface.
The steam provided by the stand steamer 100 for steaming garments is generated from water contained in a water tank 102. The water tank 102 is detachably mountable to the support base 110, as explained in more detail below with reference to various non-limiting examples.
In some embodiments, the support base 110 includes a steam generator for generating steam from water received from the water tank 102. Alternatively or additionally, the stand steamer 100 can comprise a hose and a steamer head (not visible in the Figures), which steamer head is moveable by a user over a garment being steamed using the stand steamer 100.
A steam plate included in the steamer head can delimit one or more steam vents through which the steam is discharged.
Such a steamer head preferably includes a steam chamber for generating steam from water received from the support base 110 via the hose and/or heating steam received from the support base 110 via the hose.
In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, the stand steamer 100 comprises a pole assembly 103A for supporting an ironing board 103B, with the support base 110 being adapted to support the pole assembly 103A.
It is noted that a housing, e.g. a plastic housing, of the support base 110 can house components included in the support base 110, such as the ballast, the steam generator, and/or a mounting assembly for mounting the pole assembly 103A.
Referring now to Fig.2A, the water tank 102 comprises a protruding bottom portion 104 and a top portion 106. The protruding bottom portion 104 may downwardly protrude from a base 109 of the water tank 102, away from the top portion 106.
It is noted that the terms "bottom portion" 104 and "top portion" 106 may respectively refer to lower and upper end portions of the water tank 102 when the water tank 102 is orientated for use, e.g. when the water tank 102 is attached to the support base 110.
As also shown in Fig.2A, a side portion 108 of the water tank 102 extends between the bottom portion 104 and the top portion 106. It is noted that the water tank 102 can, for example, taper towards the top portion 106, so that a lower part of the side portion 108 proximal to the bottom portion 104 is wider than an upper part of the side portion 108 proximal to the top portion 106.
Such a shape of the water tank 102 can assist to stabilize the water tank 102, particularly when the water tank 102 is attached to the support base 110.
It is noted that the water tank 102 can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, at least part of the water tank 102, e.g. one or more of the bottom portion 104, the top portion 106 and the side portion 108, is formed from a plastic material.
Alternatively or additionally, the water tank 102 can be at least partly transparent or translucent to enable the user to view a level of the water inside the water tank 102.
For example, at least the side portion 108 of the water tank 102 can comprise a transparent or translucent plastic material.
More generally, and still referring to Fig.2A, the support base 110 comprises, e.g. delimits, a cavity 112 for receiving the protruding bottom portion 104 of the water tank 102.
For example, the cavity 112 is defined in an upward-facing part of the support base's 110 housing. The term "upward-facing" means in this context that the part of the support base's 110 housing faces away from the floor surface when the support base 110 is orientated for use.
Attachment of the water tank 102 to the support base 110 can comprise lowering the water tank 102, orientated with the bottom portion 104 below the top portion 106, until the bottom portion 104 is received in the cavity 112.
Referring to Figs.2A to 2C, the stand steamer 100 comprises at least one latching assembly for releasably attaching the protruding bottom portion 104 in the cavity 112. Each of the at least one latching assembly comprises a spring-loaded latch member 114A, and a receiving portion 116A for receiving the spring-loaded latch member 114A when the protruding bottom portion 104 is received in the cavity 112. The spring-loaded latch member 114A is arranged in one of the protruding bottom portion and the support base 104, 110, and the receiving portion 116A is arranged in the other of the protruding bottom portion and the support base 110, 104.
The spring-loaded latch member 114A is biased to engage the receiving portion 116A when the protruding bottom portion 104 is received in the cavity 112, but is releasable from the receiving portion 116A when the water tank 102 is being detached from the support base 110.
In some embodiments, the spring-loaded latch member 114A is adapted to be releasable from the receiving portion 116A by a lifting force (denoted by the arrow F in Fig.5A) exerted by a user when detaching the water tank 102 from the support base 110.
Thus, the user may simply lift the water tank 102, e.g. using a single hand, to detach the water tank 102 from the support base 110. Once detached, the water tank 102 can be (re-)filled with water or emptied.
In order to (re-)fill the water tank 102, the user may remove a cap 142. Following (re-)filling of the water tank 102, the cap 142 can be replaced to close the water tank 102.
For example, the cap 142 is included in the top portion 106 of the water tank 102.
Alternatively or additionally, and referring to Fig.5C, the cap 142 can be detachably securable to the water tank 102 by a coupling 143, e.g. a bayonet coupling 143, adapted to enable detachment of the cap 142 via rotation of the cap 142.
For example, the coupling 143, e.g. bayonet coupling 143, is adapted to enable detachment of the cap 142 via rotation of the cap 142 by less than 45 degrees.
Such a coupling 143 can facilitate quick and easy removal of the cap 142 by the user.
In some embodiments, and referring to Fig.2B, an upper external surface US of the spring-loaded latch member 114A inclines from an extremity of the spring-loaded latch member 114A so that contact between the inclining upper external surface US and a fixed wall section of the receiving portion 116A during lifting of the water tank 102 from the support base 110 causes the spring-loaded latch member 114A to retract, and thus be released, from the receiving portion 116A.
Alternatively or additionally, and still referring to Fig.2B, a lower external surface LS of the spring-loaded latch member 114A declines from the extremity of the spring-loaded latch member 114A so that contact between the declining lower external surface LS and a fixed part of the support base 110 during lowering of the protruding bottom portion 104 into the cavity 112 causes the spring-loaded latch member 114A to retract. The thus retracted spring-loaded latch member 114A may be subsequently urged into the receiving portion 116A upon further lowering of the protruding bottom portion 104 into the cavity 112, due to the spring-loading of the spring-loaded latch member 114A.
In such embodiments, the user may simply lower, e.g. using one hand, the water tank 102 so that the protruding bottom portion 104 is received in the cavity 112, and the spring-loaded latch member 114A can automatically secure the water tank 102 to the support base 110 when the protruding bottom portion 104 is fully seated in the cavity 112. This can be regarded as a seamless water tank 102 "drop-in" concept.
In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.1A, 1B and 2A, the water tank 102 comprises a handle 140 pullable by a user to take-out the protruding bottom portion 104 from the cavity 112. Thus, the user may exert the lifting force by pulling the handle 140 upwardly.
The handle 140 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the handle 140 is in the form of a strap handle 140. Alternatively, the handle 140 can be in the form of a rigid handle, e.g. molded as part of the top portion 106 of the water tank 102.
The handle 140 is preferably positioned on a top surface of the water tank 102, near a center of the top surface, so that it can be grabbed by the user to exert the lifting force by pulling the handle 140 upwardly.
In some embodiments, and as best shown in Fig.5C, the handle 140, e.g. strap handle 140, is mounted to the cap 142.
It is noted that the biasing or spring-loading of the spring-loaded latch member 114A can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figs.2A to 2C and 5C, each of the at least one latching assembly comprises a biasing element 118A, 118B in the form of a spring, e.g. a helical spring, arranged to bias the latch member 114A, 114B into engagement with the receiving portion 116A, 116B.
In embodiments in which the spring-loaded latch member 114A, 114B is adapted to be releasable from the receiving portion 116A, 116B by the lifting force exerted by a user when detaching the water tank 102 from the support base 110, the biasing element 118A, 118B can be selected, e.g. as well as a shape of the latch member 114A, 114B, so that the bias of the biasing element 118A, 118B can be overcome by the user's exertion of the lifting force.
In some embodiments, and still referring to Figs.2B, 2C and 5C, each of the at least one latching assembly comprises a latch housing 120A, 120B, with the spring-loaded latch member 114A, 114B being mounted to the latch housing 120A, 120B, e.g. together with the biasing element 118A, 118B, and being retractable towards the latch housing 120A, 120B during release of the spring-loaded latch member 114A, 114B from the receiving portion 116A, 116B.
The latch housing 120A, 120B can itself be mounted in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, and as best shown in Fig.5C, the latch housing(s) 120A, 120B is/are sandwiched between the base 109 of the water tank 102 (from which base 109 the bottom portion 104 protrudes) and a bottom cover member 131 of the water tank 102.
In more general terms, the bottom cover member 131 can be arranged to support/hold the latch housing(s) 120A, 120B.
With reference to Figs. 1A and 2A, the support base 110 can be elongated so as to longitudinally extend along a central longitudinal axis CLA. For example, the central longitudinal axis CLA bisects the support base 110, so as to divide the support base 110 into a pair of elongate halves of the support base 110.
In some embodiments, and still referring to Figs. 1A and 2A, the cavity 112 is proximal to a front end of the support base 110, and distal with respect to a rear end of the support base 110, with the central longitudinal axis CLA extending from the front end to the rear end.
Preferably, one or more of the at least one latching assembly is/are arranged along the central longitudinal axis CLA. This arrangement can assist to minimize the risk of the water tank 102 becoming unintentionally detached during widthways wobbling of the water tank 102 when attached to the support base 110 in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis CLA, for example during transportation of the support base 110 along the floor surface.
In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.3A and 3B, the spring-loaded latch member 114A comprises a first planar exterior surface 121, with the receiving portion 116A comprising a second planar exterior surface 122. In such embodiments, the first planar exterior surface 121 cooperates with the second planar exterior surface 122 when the spring-loaded latch member 114A is received in the receiving portion 116A. The first and second planar exterior surfaces 121, 122 can assist to minimize wobbling of the water tank 102 when attached to the support base 110.
The cooperation of the first planar exterior surface 121 with the second planar exterior surface 122 can, for example, mean that the first planar exterior surface 121 and the second planar exterior surface 122 face each other and are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to each other when the spring-loaded latch member 114A is received in the receiving portion 116A. Thus, lateral movement cannot cause the latch member 114A to be retracted/disengage from the receiving portion 116A.
This may mean that the first planar exterior surface 121 abuts, or is spaced by a slight gap, from the second planar exterior surface 122 when the spring-loaded latch member 114A is received in the receiving portion 116A.
For example, and still referring to Figs.3A and 3B, the spring-loaded latch member 114A comprises a pair of first planar exterior surfaces 121, 123 extending parallel to each other, with the receiving portion 116A comprising a pair of second planar exterior surfaces 122, 124 extending parallel to each other. In such embodiments, each of the pair of first planar exterior surfaces 121, 123 cooperates with one of the pair of second planar exterior surfaces 122, 124 when the spring-loaded latch member 114A is received in the receiving portion 116A. The first and second pairs of cooperating planar exterior surfaces 121, 122; 123, 124 can further help to reduce wobbling of the water tank 102 when attached to the support base 110.
In some embodiments, and referring again to Fig.2A, the support base 110 comprises wheel(s) 125, preferably at least two wheels 125, for moving the support base 110 on the floor surface. The wheel(s) 125 can assist the user to maneuver the support base 110 to a desired location on the floor surface, and can be particularly helpful for such maneuvering in embodiments in which ballast is included in the support base 110.
In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figs.2A to 2C, the at least two wheels 125 are arranged to rotate about a common rotating axis A2, with one or more of the at least one latching assembly being arranged along an axis A1 that is perpendicular to the common rotating axis A2. This arrangement can assist to minimize the risk of the water tank 102 becoming unintentionally detached during widthways wobbling of the water tank 102 when attached to the support base 110 during transportation of the support base 110 using the wheels 125 along the floor surface.
It is noted that in some embodiments, such as that shown in Figs.2A to 2C, the axis A1 is coincident with the central longitudinal axis CLA of the support base 110.
It is noted that in some embodiments, such as that shown in Figs.2A to 2C, the at least one latching assembly comprises a single latching assembly 114A, 116A. For example, the single latching assembly 114A, 116A is arranged to secure a front-facing part of the bottom portion 104 in the cavity 112. Such a front-facing part of the bottom portion 104 faces towards the front portion of the support base 110 when the water tank 102 is attached to the support base 110.
Such a single latching assembly 114A, 116A is preferably arranged along the central longitudinal axis CLA, as well as being arranged to secure the front-facing part of the bottom portion 104 in the cavity 112.
In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figs.4A to 4C, the at least one latching assembly comprises a single latching assembly 114A, 116A arranged to secure a rear-facing part of the bottom portion 104 in the cavity 112, e.g. as well as being arranged along the central longitudinal axis CLA.
In other embodiments, such as shown in Figs.5A to 5D, the at least one latching assembly comprises a plurality of latching assemblies 114A, 116A; 114B, 116B. Such a plurality of latching assemblies 114A, 116A; 114B, 116B can assist to provide more robust securing of the base portion 104 of the water tank 102 in the cavity 112.
In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.6A and 6B, the protruding bottom portion 104 and the cavity 112 have a periphery portion 126, 127, with the plurality of latching assemblies 114A, 116A; 114B, 116B being arranged at regular angular intervals around the periphery portion 126, 127. Such regular arrangement of the latching assemblies 114A, 116A; 114B, 116B around the periphery portion 126, 127 can assist to provide more secure attachment of the protruding base portion 104 of the water tank 102 in the cavity 112.
For example, and as best illustrated in Fig.6B, the angular interval is about 180 degrees when there are two latching assemblies 114A, 116A; 114B, 116B. In an example in which there are three latching assemblies (not shown in the Figures), the angular interval is about 120 degrees.
It is noted at this point, and still referring to Figs.6A and 6B, that the protruding bottom portion 104, and correspondingly the cavity 112, can have any suitable shape provided that the cavity 112 is able to receive the protruding bottom portion 104.
In some embodiments, the shape of the periphery portion 126, 127 of the protruding bottom portion 104 and the cavity 112 precludes rotation of the protruding bottom portion 104 relative to the support base 110 when the protruding bottom portion 104 is received in the cavity 112. To this end, the periphery portion 126, 127 has, for example, a non-circular, e.g. polygonal, such as square or rectangular, shape.
Alternatively or additionally, the shape of the periphery portion 126, 127 of the protruding bottom portion 104 and the cavity 112 is preferably such that the protruding base portion 104 can only be received in the cavity 112 when the water tank 102 is at one defined angular orientation relative to the cavity 112 (referring to the plan view provided in Fig.6A). This can be achieved, for example, by the periphery portion 126, 127 having a circular portion 128 and a linear, in other words flat, portion 129.
Such a single defined angular orientation can mean that the water tank 102 is appropriately positioned to enable delivery of water from the water tank 102, e.g. via a correspondingly correctly positioned valve assembly 130.
In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.2A to 2C, 4A to 4C, 5B to 5D and 7, the water tank 102 comprises a peripheral convex surface 144 extending above the protruding bottom portion 104, with the support base 110 comprising a peripheral concave surface 146 that extends above the cavity 112 and fits against the peripheral concave surface 144 when the protruding bottom portion 104 is received in the cavity 112.
This arrangement of the peripheral convex surface 144 and the peripheral concave surface 146, e.g. together with the periphery portion 126, 127, can assist to stabilize the water tank 102 within the cavity 112 of the support base 110. This design assists to ensure that the water tank 102 remains securely in place, even when the entire stand steamer 100 is tilted or relocated. As a result, the water tank 102 may not disengage or drop out during movement, e.g. wheeling, of the support base 110, thereby enhancing the overall safety and functionality of the stand steamer 100.
The stable connection between the water tank 102 and the support base 110 provided via the peripheral convex surface 144 and the peripheral concave surface 146, e.g. together with the periphery portion 126, 127, has been found to provide ample support for the water tank 102 to withstand a wheeling test of the stand steamer 100, even when the entire stand steamer 100 is tilted.
In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.5A to 5D and 7, the at least one latching assembly comprises a first latching assembly 114A, 116A and a second latching assembly 114B, 116B. In such embodiments, the first latching assembly 114A, 116A comprises a first spring-loaded latch member 114A and a first receiving portion 116A for receiving the first spring-loaded latch member 114A. Similarly, the second latching assembly 114B, 116B comprises a second spring-loaded latch member 114B and a second receiving portion 116B for receiving the second spring-loaded latch member 114B.
In such embodiments, the first latching assembly 114A, 116A and the second latching assembly 114B, 116B are preferably arranged along said central longitudinal axis CLA and/or with an angular interval of about 180 degrees between the first latching assembly 114A, 116A and the second latching assembly 114B, 116B.
Alternatively or additionally, the first latching assembly 114A, 116A and the second latching assembly 114B, 116B can be arranged along the axis A1 being perpendicular to said rotating axis A2 about which the wheels 125 rotate.
In some embodiments, one or more, e.g. all, of the spring-loaded latch member(s) 114A, 114B is/are arranged in the protruding bottom portion 104.
In such embodiments, fewer or no spring-loaded latch members 114A, 114B being arranged in the support base 110 can assist to minimize or avoid inclusion of opening(s) in the support base 110, and hence minimize risk of unwanted moisture/water ingress into the internal construction of the support base 110.
It is noted that in the embodiments shown in Figs.2A to 2C and 4A to 4C, the spring-loaded latch member 114A is arranged in the protruding bottom portion 104. In the embodiments shown in Figs.5A to 5D, 6A and 6B, the first spring-loaded latch member 114A and the second spring-loaded latch member 114B are each arranged in the protruding bottom portion 104. The first receiving portion 116A and the second receiving portion 116B are correspondingly arranged in the support base 110.
In other embodiments, one or more, e.g. all, of the spring-loaded latch member(s) 114A, 114B is/are arranged in the support base 110. For example, and referring to Fig.7, the first spring-loaded latch member 114A and the second spring-loaded latch member 114B are each arranged in the support base 110, with the first receiving portion 116A and the second receiving portion 116B being arranged in the protruding bottom portion 104.
In some embodiments (not shown in the Figures), at least one spring-loaded latch member is arranged in the support base 110 and at least one spring-loaded latch member is arranged in the protruding bottom portion 104.
Alternatively or additionally, the stand steamer 100 can include more than two latching assemblies (also not shown in the Figures).
In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.2B, 2C, 4B, 4C, 5C, 5D and 7, the water tank 102 comprises the above-mentioned valve assembly 130 for controlling delivery of water from the water tank 102. In such embodiments, the valve assembly 130 is, for example, provided in a central part of the protruding bottom portion 104.
In embodiments in which the at least one latching assembly comprises the first latching assembly 114A, 116A and the second latching assembly 114B, 116B, the valve assembly 130 is preferably arranged in-between the first latching assembly 114A, 116A and the second latching assembly 114B, 116B.
The valve assembly 130 can be mounted in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, and as best shown in Fig.5C, the valve assembly 130 is sandwiched, e.g. together with the latch housing(s) 120A, 120B, between the base 109 of the water tank 102 (from which base 109 the bottom portion 104 protrudes) and the bottom cover member 131.
In some embodiments, and referring again to Figs. 1A and 1B, the support base 110 comprises a user interface 132, 133 for enabling the user to operate the stand steamer 100 and/or for communicating an operation status of the stand steamer 100. For example, the user interface 132, 133 includes a power switch 132 for turning the stand steamer 100 on and off, and/or a decalcification control switch 133 for allowing the user to control the stand steamer 100 to implement a decalcification operation of the stand steamer 100.
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 stand steamer (100) comprising:
- a support base (110),

- a water tank (102) being detachable from the support base, the water tank comprising a protruding bottom portion (104), the support base comprising a cavity (112) for receiving the protruding bottom portion,

- at least one latching assembly for releasably attaching the protruding bottom portion in the cavity, each of the at least one latching assembly comprising:
i) a spring-loaded latch member (114A, 114B), and

ii) a receiving portion (116A, 116B) for receiving the spring-loaded latch member when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity,
the spring-loaded latch member being arranged in one of the protruding bottom portion and the support base (104, 110), and the receiving portion being arranged in the other of the protruding bottom portion and the support base (110, 104).
The stand steamer (100) according to claim 1, wherein:
- the water tank (102) comprises a peripheral convex surface (144) extending above the protruding bottom portion (104),

- the support base (110) comprises a peripheral concave surface (146) extending above the cavity (112),

- the peripheral convex surface fits against the peripheral concave surface when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity.
The stand steamer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding bottom portion (104) and the cavity (112) have a periphery portion (126, 127), the at least one latching assembly comprising a plurality of latching assemblies arranged at regular angular intervals around said periphery portion.
The stand steamer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one latching assembly comprises a first latching assembly (114A, 116A) and a second latching assembly (114B, 116B).
The stand steamer (100) according to claim 4, wherein the support base (110) extends along a central longitudinal axis (CLA), the first latching assembly (114A, 116A) and the second latching assembly (114B, 116B) being arranged along said central longitudinal axis.
The stand steamer (100) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the support base (110) comprises at least two wheels (125) for moving the support base (110) on a floor surface, the at least two wheels being arranged to rotate about a common rotating axis (A2), the first latching assembly (114A, 116A) and the second latching assembly (114B, 116B) being arranged along an axis (A1) being perpendicular to said rotating axis (A2).
The stand steamer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring-loaded latch member (114A, 114B) comprises a first planar exterior surface (121), the receiving portion (116A, 116B) comprising a second planar exterior surface (122), the first planar exterior surface cooperating with the second planar exterior surface when the spring-loaded latch member is received in the receiving portion.
The stand steamer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water tank (102) comprises a handle (140) pullable by a user to take-out the protruding bottom portion (104) from the cavity (112).
The stand steamer (100) according to claim 8, wherein a top portion (106) of the water tank (102) comprises a cap (142) being removeable to enable filling of the water tank.
The stand steamer (100) according to claim 9, wherein the handle (140) is mounted to the cap (142).
The stand steamer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pole assembly (103A) for supporting an ironing board (103B), the support base (110) being adapted to support the pole assembly.
The stand steamer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support base (110) includes a steam generator for generating steam from water received from the water tank (102); and/or wherein the stand steamer comprises a hose and a steamer head that includes a steam chamber for generating steam from water received from the support base via the hose and/or heating steam received from the support base via the hose.
The stand steamer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water tank (102) comprises a valve assembly (130) for controlling delivery of water from the water tank, the valve assembly being provided in a central part of the protruding bottom portion (104).
The stand steamer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least one latching assembly comprises a latch housing (120A, 120B), the spring-loaded latch member (114A, 114B) being mounted to the latch housing and being retractable towards the latch housing during release of the spring-loaded latch member from the receiving portion (116A, 116B).
A water tank (102) for detachably docking in a cavity (112) arranged in a support base (110) of a stand steamer (100), the water tank comprising:
- a protruding bottom portion (104), and

- at least one spring-loaded latch member (114A, 114B) arranged in the protruding bottom portion and/or at least one receiving portion (116A, 116B) arranged in the protruding bottom portion, each said spring-loaded latch member being releasably receivable in a receiving portion included in the support base, and each said receiving portion included in the protruding bottom portion being arranged to releasably receive a spring-loaded latch member arranged in the support base when the protruding bottom portion is received in the cavity.