KR102624778B1 - Garment steamer with pivotable holder for steamer head - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a pole assembly, an ironing board (102) defining a surface (SS) and interacting with the pole assembly to assume a vertical or horizontal orientation, a steamer head for releasing steam, and holding a steamer head. It relates to a clothes steamer comprising a holder (104) for doing so, and a pivot coupling (105) arranged between the ironing board and the holder. The pivot coupling includes a first end (E1) attached to the ironing board and a second end (E2) attached to the holder. The holder is secured to the second end. The pivot coupling has a rotation axis AA inclined by a first angle A1 in the range from +10 to +65 degrees relative to the surface SS of the ironing board.

Description

Garment steamer with pivotable holder for steamer head

The present invention relates to a clothes steamer.

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

Some clothing steamers include a base having a steam generator, a support structure or pole extending from the base with a hanger attached to the upper end of the support structure/pole, a steam head connected to the steam generator via a steam hose, and and a holder or dock attached to the hanger to hold the steamer head during inactive stages of steaming or ironing. Garment steamers provide a convenient way to remove wrinkles. However, compared to conventional ironing methods, the level of wrinkle removal performance is much lower since there is no support for the hanging garment. Sturdy creases cannot be pressed as in the process of conventional ironing methods, which use horizontal boards to support the garment.

To improve wrinkle removal performance, other clothing steamers also come with an ironing board that can be arranged in vertical and horizontal orientations to facilitate steaming or ironing clothes.

Garment steamers often have a docking system, for example attached to a strut assembly, for docking the steamer head during rest stages of steaming or ironing.

For clothes steamers that have an ironing board that can be oriented vertically or horizontally for steaming or ironing, it would be nice to have a solution for easily docking the steaming head in a convenient and user-friendly way when this board is in a vertical or horizontal orientation. There is a need.

Some clothing steamers provide two separate docking systems to hold the steamer head respectively when the ironing board is in a vertical or horizontal orientation. However, these solutions are expensive and not user-friendly.

CN 108 004 748 A discloses an ironing board positioning device and a clothes steamer.

CN 108 252 064 A discloses an ironing board component and a clothes steamer.

The object of the present invention is to propose an improved clothing steamer that avoids or alleviates the problems mentioned above.

The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

For this purpose, the clothing steamer according to the present invention,

- Holding assembly,

- an ironing board that defines the surface and interacts with the strut assembly to assume a vertical or horizontal orientation;

- Steamer head for releasing steam,

- a holder for holding the steamer head, and

- a pivot coupling arranged between the ironing board and the holder, the pivot coupling comprising a first end attached to the ironing board and a second end attached to the holder, the holder being fixed relative to the second end.

The pivot coupling has a rotation axis inclined by a first angle in the range from +10 to +65 degrees relative to the surface of the ironing board.

These solutions are

- When the ironing board is in a vertical orientation, the holder can assume the first position to hold the steamer head,

- When the ironing board is in a horizontal orientation, the holder can be rotated relative to the ironing board so that the holder can assume a second position and hold the steamer head.

In other words, the holder can be used to hold the steamer head regardless of whether the ironing board is oriented vertically or horizontally.

This solution enables a steamer head for use with an ironing board that can be arranged in vertical and horizontal orientations in a simple and user-friendly way, as well as being simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

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

Certain aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the embodiments described below and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts or sub-steps are indicated in like manner:
Figure 1a shows a clothes steamer according to the invention comprising a vertically oriented ironing board.
Figure 1B shows the clothes steamer of Figure 1A with the ironing board oriented horizontally.
Figure 2a shows a partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention with the ironing board oriented vertically.
Figure 2b shows the clothes steamer of Figure 2a when the ironing board is oriented horizontally.
Figure 3a shows a side view of a pivot coupling used in a clothes steamer according to the invention when the ironing board is oriented vertically.
Figure 3b shows the pivot coupling of Figure 3a when the ironing board is oriented horizontally.
Figure 4 shows the upper part of a pivot coupling used in a clothes steamer according to the invention.
Figure 5 shows the lower part of a pivot coupling used in a clothes steamer according to the invention.
Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a pivot coupling attached to a vertically oriented ironing board and used in a clothes steamer according to the invention.
Figure 7 shows a partial front view of a clothes steamer according to the invention and attached to a vertically oriented ironing board;
Figure 8 shows a side view of Figure 7.
Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention with the ironing board oriented vertically.
Figure 10 shows an exploded rear view of Figure 9.
Figure 11 shows a partial enlarged view of Figure 2a.
Figure 12a shows a first embodiment of a holder for a steamer head used in a clothes steamer according to the invention when the ironing board is oriented vertically.
Figure 12b shows the holder of Figure 12a when the ironing board is oriented horizontally and the holder is pivoted by 180 degrees.
Figure 13a shows a second embodiment of a holder for a steamer head used in a clothes steamer according to the invention when the ironing board is oriented vertically.
Figure 13b shows the holder of Figure 13a when the ironing board is oriented horizontally and the holder is pivoted by 180 degrees.
Figure 13c shows a three-dimensional view of the holder shown in Figure 13a.
14A-25B show various embodiments of a clothes steamer according to the present invention.
Figure 26a shows a third embodiment of a holder for a steamer head used in a clothes steamer according to the invention when the ironing board is oriented vertically and the steamer head is suspended by the holder.
Figure 26B shows the holder of Figure 26A when the steamer head is separated from the holder.

Figure 1a shows a clothes steamer 100 according to the invention comprising an ironing board 102 oriented vertically.

Figure 1b shows a clothes steamer 102 according to the invention comprising an ironing board 102 oriented vertically.

Garment steamer 100 includes a strut assembly 101 . For example, as shown, the strut assembly may include two parallel struts extending vertically.

Garment steamer 100 also includes an ironing board 102 forming a surface SS. The ironing board interacts with the strut assembly to assume a vertical or horizontal orientation. The surface (SS) is intended to be used as a back support for the garment during steam treatment of the garment. Preferably, the surface SS is entirely flat or slightly curved.

The clothes steamer 100 also includes a steamer head 103 for emitting steam.

For example, steam is generated in a base unit 110 containing a steam generator (not shown) supplied with water by a water tank 111 and steamer head 103 via a steam hose cord 112. Fluidly connected to the base.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the steamer head directly comprises a steam generator supplied with water from a water tank 111 arranged within the base unit 110 .

Garment steamer 100 also includes a holder 104 to hold the steamer head.

Note that the term “holding” can also cover the technical meaning of hanging, hanging, attaching or supporting, depending on the type of technical interaction between the holder and the steamer head.

The holder is used (by the user) to dock the steamer head during the rest phase of a steaming or ironing session.

The garment steamer 100 also includes a pivot coupling 105 arranged between the ironing board and the holder, the pivot coupling having a first end E1 attached to the ironing board and a second end attached to the holder. Includes E2). The holder is secured to the second end. The pivot coupling has a rotation axis AA inclined by a first angle A1 in the range from +10 to +65 degrees relative to the surface SS of the ironing board.

The first angle A1 is defined with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board, and the sign of the first angle A1 is positive in the triangulation direction (i.e. counterclockwise) and in the counter-triangulation direction. (i.e. clockwise) is a negative value.

Preferably, the pivot coupling is configured to rotate the holder about the axis of rotation AA in a range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees.

In this case, this rotation can be free in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

Alternatively, the pivot coupling is configured to rotate the holder about the axis of rotation AA in a range of 0 to 180 degrees.

In this case, this rotation is limited by a stopper (not shown) and counter-rotation is required.

Figure 2a shows a partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention with a vertically extending ironing board.

Figure 2b shows the clothes steamer of Figure 2a when the ironing board is oriented horizontally.

The first angle A1 is preferably in the range of +30 degrees to +60 degrees, more preferably in the range of +35 degrees to +55 degrees, and most preferably in the range of +40 degrees to +50 degrees.

Special mention is made of the embodiment in which the value of the first angle A1 is +45 degrees.

If the first angle A1 has a value of +45 degrees, this makes it possible to position the holder in exactly the same position relative to the horizontal (eg the ground) when the ironing board is vertical or horizontal. An illustration of this specific embodiment is shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

The above-mentioned range of +10 degrees to +65 degrees for the first angle A1 allows for a corresponding but not exactly identical position of the holder relative to the horizontal when the ironing board is in vertical and horizontal orientation. Provides tolerance on both sides of angle (A1).

The holder 104 of FIGS. 2A and 2B includes two arms 106a and 106b for holding the steamer head.

Two arms 106a and 106b are attached to the second end E2.

The two arms extend within a main plane surface S, which is inclined by a second angle A2 in the range of -45 to +95 degrees relative to the axis of rotation AA.

The angle A2 is defined with respect to the axis of rotation AA when the ironing board 102 is oriented vertically and the holder 104 is pivoted to functionally hold the steamer head 103. The sign of angle A2 is positive in the triangulation direction (i.e., counterclockwise) and negative in the countertriangulation direction (i.e., clockwise).

Preferably, the value of the second angle A2 is 45 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation AA.

Figure 3a shows a side view of a pivot coupling used in a clothes steamer according to the invention when the ironing board is oriented vertically.

Figure 3b shows the pivot coupling of Figure 3a when the ironing board is oriented horizontally.

Figure 4 shows the upper part (corresponding to the second end E2) of a pivot coupling used in a clothes steamer according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows the lower part (corresponding to the first end E1) of a pivot coupling used in a clothes steamer according to the invention.

The upper portion (i.e. second end E2) and the lower portion (i.e. first end E1) are configured to interact with each other to form a pivot coupling.

The pivot coupling is configured to rotate the holder at a fixed interval of 180 degrees.

The first end E1 is fixed relative to the ironing board 102, and the second end E2 is tilted clockwise or counterclockwise within the range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees due to the pivot coupling 105. It is possible to rotate about (E1).

The first end includes a first surface (S1) and the second end includes a second surface (S2). The first surface and the second surface are in close contact and rotatable with respect to each other about the axis of rotation AA.

For example, as shown, the first and second surfaces are circular, and this type of surface contact ensures a robust and loose pivot coupling.

The second end (E2) and the first end (E1) are made of low-cost plastic materials, such as polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM). ), etc.

Preferably, the two arms 106a/106b may be formed integrally as part of the second end E2 or may be manufactured as separate components and secured to the upper portion using any suitable fastening means (e.g. screws). It can be fixed to part E2.

Preferably, the first surface comprises a protrusion P1 arranged at predefined angular positions about the axis of rotation and interacting with cavities C2 arranged at corresponding angular positions on the second surface. And it may be the other way around.

As shown, there are two protrusions and two cavities arranged symmetrically about the axis of rotation AA. The projections and cavities are arranged about the axis of rotation AA such that they are connected to each other, and the main planar surfaces S of the two arms are orthogonal to the ironing board when the ironing board is oriented vertically.

If, after rotation of the two arms, the protrusions and cavities are successively connected together, this means that the two arms have been rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

This alignment mechanism around the axis of rotation (AA) helps the user easily set the two arms perpendicular to the ironing board when the ironing board is oriented vertically, which allows the user to set the two arms perpendicular to the ironing board when the ironing board is oriented horizontally. Helps set parallel to the plate.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a pivot coupling attached to a vertically oriented ironing board and used in a clothes steamer according to the invention.

Preferably, this pivot coupling further comprises a biasing mechanism for maintaining contact between the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2).

For example, the biasing mechanism includes a spring 107a mounted on a shaft 107b protruding from the second end E2. The cap 107c is mounted on the end of the shaft to prevent the spring from leaving the shaft. This creates a back-force to push the first and second ends against each other.

Preferably, the pivot coupling is made of low friction self-lubricating plastic material.

This reduces friction between the moving parts (i.e. surfaces S1, S2) and ensures smooth rotation.

For example, materials such as polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, etc. can be used.

Figure 7 shows a partial front view of a clothes steamer according to the invention attached to a vertically oriented ironing board; Figure 8 shows a side view of Figure 7.

Preferably, the holder 104 is arranged at the end of the ironing board 102 along the longitudinal axis of symmetry YY.

This leads to convenient docking of the steamer head by the user.

Preferably, the two arms 106a, 106b are arc-shaped and arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal symmetry axis YY.

This ensures a stable hold of the steamer head and also ensures that the steamer head will be oriented downward/vertically once docked.

Figure 11 shows a partial enlarged view of Figure 2a.

Preferably, the second end E2 further includes a hook 109.

The hook 109 is intended to hang a clothing hanger or other accessory.

For example, the hooks 109 are arranged along the longitudinal axis of symmetry YY.

Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention with the ironing board oriented vertically.

Figure 10 shows an exploded rear view of Figure 9.

Preferably, the first end E1 is directly removable from the ironing board.

Alternatively, an intermediate element 108 may be arranged between the ironing board and the first end E1. The intermediate element is fixed to the first end E1 and is removable from the ironing board.

This allows the holder to be completely separated from the ironing board, which is convenient for reducing the bulkiness of the packaging of the clothes steamer.

For example, a snap-fit mechanism can be used to attach the fastening element to the ironing board.

The fastening element may for example be flush with the periphery of the ironing board (as shown) or else protrude from the periphery of the ironing board.

Preferably, as shown in Figure 10, the second surface S2 is formed by a separate male element 113 having a cylindrical shape and is fixed inside the inner cylindrical female shape of the second end E2. .

This type of assembly provides convenience during manufacturing of the pivot coupling.

Figure 12a shows a first embodiment of a holder for a steamer head used in a clothes steamer according to the invention when the ironing board is oriented vertically.

Figure 12b shows the holder of Figure 12a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

In this embodiment, each of the two arms 106a, 106b has a flat upper edge and a flat lower edge.

Figure 13a shows a second embodiment of a holder for a steamer head used in a clothes steamer according to the invention when the ironing board is oriented vertically.

Figure 13b shows the holder of Figure 13a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

Figure 13c shows a three-dimensional view of the holder shown in Figure 13a.

In this embodiment, each of the two arms 106a, 106b has a curved upper edge and a curved lower edge.

Figure 14a shows a pivot coupling whose axis of rotation (AA) is inclined at a first angle (A1) of +10 degrees with respect to the surface (SS) of the ironing board (102) and a second angle (A1) of -10 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation (AA). A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 14b shows the holder of Figure 14a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

FIG. 15A shows a pivot coupling whose axis of rotation AA is inclined at a first angle A1 of +10 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102 and a second angle A1 of +10 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation AA. A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 15b shows the holder of Figure 15a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

FIG. 16A shows a pivot coupling whose axis of rotation AA is inclined at a first angle A1 of +10 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102 and a second angle A1 of +95 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation AA. A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 16b shows the holder of Figure 16a when the ironing board is oriented horizontally and the holder is rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

FIG. 17A shows a pivot coupling whose rotation axis AA is inclined at a first angle A1 of +30 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102 and a second angle A1 of -30 degrees with respect to the rotation axis AA. A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 17b shows the holder of Figure 17a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

18A shows a pivot coupling whose axis of rotation AA is inclined at a first angle A1 of +30 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102 and a second angle A1 of +30 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation AA. A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 18b shows the holder of Figure 18a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

FIG. 19A shows a pivot coupling whose axis of rotation AA is inclined at a first angle A1 of +30 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102 and a second angle A1 of +75 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation AA. A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 19b shows the holder of Figure 19a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

FIG. 20A shows a pivot coupling whose rotation axis AA is inclined at a first angle A1 of +45 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102 and a second angle A1 of -45 degrees with respect to the rotation axis AA. A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 20b shows the holder of Figure 20a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

21A shows a pivot coupling, the axis of rotation AA of which is inclined by a first angle A1 of +45 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102, and a main planar surface parallel to the main axis of rotation AA. It shows a partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention with the ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with (S).

Figure 21b shows the holder of Figure 21a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

22A shows a pivot coupling whose axis of rotation AA is inclined at a first angle A1 of +45 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102 and a second angle A1 of +60 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation AA. A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 22b shows the holder of Figure 22a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

FIG. 23A shows a pivot coupling whose axis of rotation AA is inclined at a first angle A1 of +65 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102 and a second angle A1 of -25 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation AA. A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 23b shows the holder of Figure 23a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

24A shows a pivot coupling whose axis of rotation AA is inclined at a first angle A1 of +65 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102 and a second angle A1 of -5 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation AA. A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 24b shows the holder of Figure 24a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

Figure 24c shows a three-dimensional view of the steamer head held in the holder shown in Figure 24a.

FIG. 25A shows a pivot coupling whose axis of rotation AA is inclined at a first angle A1 of +65 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board 102 and a second angle A1 of +40 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation AA. A partial view of a clothes steamer according to the invention is shown with an ironing board oriented vertically, comprising a holder for the steamer head with a main planar surface S inclined by angle A2.

Figure 25b shows the holder of Figure 25a with the ironing board oriented horizontally and the holder rotated by 180 degrees about the axis of rotation AA.

Figure 26a shows a third embodiment of a holder for a steamer head used in a clothes steamer according to the invention when the ironing board 102 is oriented vertically and the steamer head is suspended by the holder.

Figure 26B shows the holder of Figure 26A when the steamer head is separated from the holder.

In this embodiment, holder 104 corresponds to hook 104a. The hook 104a is configured to interact with a ring (or loop) 104b arranged on the housing of the steamer head 103.

The above embodiments as described are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical approach of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical approach of the present invention can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the protection scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular form (the indefinite article "a" or "an") does not exclude the plural. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (13)

- pole assembly (101),
- an ironing board (102) defining a surface (SS) and interacting with the strut assembly to assume a vertical or horizontal orientation,
- a steamer head 103 for emitting steam, and
- A clothes steamer (100) having a holder (104) for holding the steamer head,
A pivot coupling (105) is arranged between the ironing board and the holder, the pivot coupling having a first end (E1) attached to the ironing board and a second end (E2) attached to the holder, , the holder is fixed relative to the second end, and the pivot coupling has a rotation axis inclined by a first angle A1 in the range of +10 degrees to +65 degrees with respect to the surface SS of the ironing board. Garment steamer 100, having (AA). The method of claim 1, wherein the pivot coupling is
- in the range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees about the axis of rotation, or
- In the range of 0 to 180 degrees around the rotation axis
A clothes steamer configured to rotate the holder. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder has two arms (106a, 106b) for holding the steamer head, the two arms extending within a main plane surface (S) and The garment steamer, wherein the surface is inclined by a second angle (A2) in the range of -45 degrees to +95 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation (AA). The clothes steamer according to claim 1, wherein the value of the first angle (A1) is +45 degrees. 5. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the first end has a first surface (S1), the second end has a second surface (S2), and the wherein the first surface and the second surface are in close contact and rotatable relative to each other about the axis of rotation. 6. A garment steamer according to claim 5, wherein the pivot coupling further comprises a biasing mechanism (107a, 107b, 107c) for maintaining contact between the first surface and the second surface. 6. A protrusion according to claim 5, wherein the first surface is arranged at predetermined angular positions about the axis of rotation and interacts with cavities (C2) arranged at corresponding angular positions on the second surface. (P1), or
The second surface has projections (P1) arranged at predetermined angular positions about the axis of rotation and interacting with cavities (C2) arranged at corresponding angular positions on the first surface. , clothing steamer. 5. Clothes steamer according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the first end (E1) is removable from the ironing board. 5. A clothes steamer according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the second end further comprises a hook (109). 5. Clothing steamer according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the pivot coupling is made of a low friction self-lubricating plastic material. 5. Clothing steamer according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the holder and the pivot coupling are arranged at the ends of the ironing board along an axis of longitudinal symmetry (YY). 4. Garment steamer according to claim 3, wherein the two arms are arc-shaped and arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of symmetry. A garment steamer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder is a hook (104a) attached to the second end, the hook being configured to interact with a loop (104b) arranged on the steamer head.

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