KR20200142084A - Garment steamer with movable hanger for fixed ironing board - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing steamer 100 for processing clothing, wherein the clothing steamer 100 includes a base 103, at least one post 104 extending from the base 103, for supporting the clothing during processing. It includes an ironing plate 120 that is secured against at least one post 104, and a hanger 110 for hanging the garment 20 during processing. The garment steamer 100 also includes a first engaging element 111 for causing the hanger 110 to move left and right along a first horizontal axis A1 with respect to the ironing plate 120. This solution provides the user with the ability to adjust the position of the garment relative to the ironing board in an easy and versatile way, to steam entire areas of garments of different sizes, widths, lengths and types without the need to interchange parts on the steamer. And/or ironing.

Description

Garment steamer with movable hanger for fixed ironing board

The present invention relates to the field of garment care.

Removing wrinkles from garments that have already been washed and dried typically requires the use of irons and other types of support, for example ironing boards. The ironing board provides support for the laundry to be flattened during the operation of the iron to perform wrinkle removal. It also provides a solid support for all parts of the garment to be finished and pressed in order to completely remove wrinkles. However, it is very inconvenient to install the ironing board, and it also takes up a lot of floor space.

A garment steamer is another type of device well known for removing wrinkles from garments. Clothing steamers are known to be used to steam clothing to remove creases from clothing through the use of moisture and heat from the steam. Such a garment steamer comprises a steam generating unit and a steamer head.

1 shows a vertical garment steamer 10 of the prior art. The steamer head 11 is connected to a steam generating unit (not shown) by a flexible hose 12 that allows steam to be delivered to the steamer head 11. The steamer head 11 comprises a steam-plate or soleplate 13 having one or more steam holes for discharging steam onto the fabric to be treated. The garment 20 hangs on the hanger 14 during treatment by the steamer 10, and the user positions the steamer head 11 over the garment 20 to remove creases.

Garment steamers provide a convenient way to remove wrinkles. However, compared to the conventional ironing method, the level of wrinkle removal performance is much lower since there is nothing supporting the hanging garment.

In order to improve wrinkle removal, some garment steamers also provide an ironing plate 15 supporting the garment 20. In order to fit various sizes of clothing, the width of the ironing board 15 provided with a clothing steamer is usually narrow (eg, the width of a small size shirt). As a result, the ironing board cannot provide sufficient support for larger sized garments (eg, large size shirts). The void areas 21 are not supported by the support, and the texture tends to drift. Strong wrinkles cannot be pressed out as in the process of a conventional ironing method using a horizontal plate to support the garment.

In order to keep the product packaging within a reasonable size for transportation, the provided ironing board is also limited in length. As such, it will also not be able to provide full support for long clothing such as dresses, or large size clothing such as shirts.

European Patent No. 2 348 947 A1 describes refreshing a garment comprising means for supporting the garment, and means for generating an air flow in the location where the garment is when the garment is in place on the support means. A device for doing this is disclosed. The supporting means comprise two parts adapted to be used for supporting a garment and arranged displaceably relative to each other. In this way, an improved function of the device can be achieved compared to a device having a supporting means comprising only a single part.

European Patent No. 1 528 143 A2 is a flexible dummy impinging from the inside with the air stream generated by the fan, and an adjustable program input unit for controlling a number of different operating programs. And a method for operating the finishing device. An independent claim is also included for the control unit for operating the drying and finishing device.

International Publication No. WO 2007/108578A1 discloses a clothes steamer for smoothing out clothes such as pants, jackets, and the like, and a hanger suitable for a clothes steamer. More specifically, it discloses a clothes steamer having a hanger provided with ribs having a key member in the lower portion.

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

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

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

- donate,

-At least one pole extending from the base,

-An ironing board secured against said at least one post to support the garment during processing,

-A hanger for hanging clothing during processing,

-A first coupling element for causing the hanger to move left and right along a first horizontal axis with respect to the ironing board.

This solution provides the user with the ability to adjust the position of the garment relative to the ironing board in an easy and versatile way, to steam entire areas of garments of different sizes, widths, lengths and types without the need to interchange parts on the steamer. And/or ironing.

The hanger can be moved relative to the ironing board, reaching portions of the garment that would otherwise not be supported by the ironing board.

The hanger according to the present invention is configured to move along a horizontal axis (left/right) with respect to the ironing board. A single size ironing board can be used to iron many different sizes of clothing. The area of the garment to be treated is always supported by the ironing board. To provide support during steaming and ironing, different jammed areas of the jammed garment may be placed in contact with the ironing plate at different times. Garments of different sizes can be used with the same garment steamer without the need to interchange hangers or ironing boards.

Preferably, the garment steamer according to the invention further comprises a second engaging element for causing the hanger to move up and down along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal axis.

This allows the lower areas of the garment hung on the hanger to come into contact with the ironing board, even if the ironing plate is shorter than the garment on the hanger, so that no empty areas remain in the lower areas of the garment and most or all of the garment area is ironed. To be supported by the plate. This allows to provide effective steaming and/or ironing across a wide range of sizes and types of garments.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiment(s) described later in this specification and will be described with reference to such embodiment(s).

1 is a diagram showing a clothing steamer of the prior art.
2A is an overall view of a garment steamer in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
2B and 2C are diagrams illustrating lateral movement of a hanger on an ironing board in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a garment steamer according to some embodiments of the present invention.
4 shows an enlarged detail of a first engagement element and an engagement mechanism engaged with a stationary element in a garment steamer in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a front view of the first coupling element and the stationary element shown in Figure 4;
Fig. 6 shows a cross-section of an engaging mechanism between a first coupling element and a stationary element.
7 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a stationary element in a garment steamer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a garment steamer according to some embodiments of the present invention.
9A and 9B illustrate vertical movement of clothing provided by a hanger according to some embodiments of the present invention relative to an ironing board.
10 and 11 illustrate cross-sections of an engagement and locking mechanism for providing vertical movement and position locking, for two different positions, of a hanger according to some embodiments of the present invention.
12 is a front view showing a cross-section of a hanger engaged with a stationary element and a detail of the engagement between the bottom portion and the top portion;
13, 14 and 15 show different details of an alternative locking mechanism (pin-and-hole mechanism) of a hanger according to some embodiments of the present invention.
16 and 17 show two alternative embodiments of a garment steamer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The drawings are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the sizes of some of the elements are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may not be drawn to scale.
Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
In different drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements.

2A shows an overall view of a garment steamer 100, in particular a vertical garment steamer, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The garment steamer 100 includes:

-Donation (103),

-At least one post 104 extending from the base 103,

-An ironing plate 120 fixed against at least one post 104 to support the garment during processing,

-A hanger 110 for hanging clothing during processing,

-A first coupling element 111 for causing the hanger 110 to move left and right along the first horizontal axis A1 with respect to the ironing plate 120.

The garment steamer 100 is preferably a vertical garment steamer.

During the processing of the garment, the ironing plate 120 is fixed relative to the at least one post 104, which means that the ironing plate 120 does not move relative to the at least one post 104.

The base 103 comprises means for generating steam, such as a steam chamber in which water is supplied by a water tank.

Preferably, the base 103 is connected to a hose 102 for conveying steam, and the end of the hose 102 comprises a steamer head 101. The steamer head 101 can be held in place by a cuff while not in use, for example the steamer head can be removably attached to the hanger 110.

Preferably, the ironing board 120 is a lightweight material that withstands steam temperatures, for example a laminate that is stretched and held under tension, a frame that holds a woven strip or wire, as long as it can at least provide support for steaming, It is made of board, or even fabric (cotton, linen, and/or synthetic fabric).

The ironing plate 120 extends along a predetermined axis away from the hanger 110 to provide support for garments hung on the hanger during steaming and/or ironing. For example, the ironing board extends along an axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis A1 to freely hang clothes.

Preferably, the ironing plate 120 is detachable from at least one post 104. To this end, at least one clipping mechanism (not shown) may be arranged between the rear surface of the ironing plate 120 and the front surface of the at least one post 104. Alternatively, the ironing plate 120 may be hooked/suspended to at least one post 104 (or may be hooked/suspended to a portion fixed to at least one post 104).

Preferably, the ironing plate 120 comprises modules 121, 122 that can be assembled to form, for example, a single coplanar surface or two coplanar surfaces separated by a small gap. It is a modular board. Such a modular ironing plate 120 can be easily stored and transported. Assembly may be performed by mounting the modules 121, 122 to the steamer post 104, for example by clipping or by any other suitable attachment means. Clipping allows easy assembly and disassembly. However, the present invention is not limited to a removable and/or modular board, and a single board that can be fixed to the base 103 may be provided.

2B and 2C show a hanger 110 coupled to a first engaging element 111 (only partially visible) extending along a first horizontal axis A1, with different positions relative to the ironing plate 120 defined. It shows two exemplary configurations of a garment steamer according to the present invention including.

The movement of the hanger 110 with respect to the ironing plate 120 is a movement along the first axis A1 (and thus left and right along the axis A1).

The movement of the hanger is a horizontal sliding movement that allows easy transition from one configuration to another and vice versa. In some embodiments, the movement is limited to a plane defined by the ironing board, for example a plane parallel to a vertical plane.

This movement allows the sides of the garment 20 hung on the hanger 110 to come into contact with the ironing board 120, so that no empty areas are left, and most or all of the garment area is, for example, during steaming or ironing. At sequential points in time, it may be supported by the ironing plate 120.

This may be provided even though the ironing plate 120 is narrower than the clothes 20 on a hanger and the width B of the ironing plate 120 is also defined along the first axis.

The same configuration can be used for steaming or ironing garments with different widths from very small to very large in terms of garment width, such as shoulder width, chest circumference, waist size or hip size. Thus, an ironing plate narrower than a hanger can be used as a special embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2B, a garment 20 (for example, a shirt) to be treated or ironed is put on the hanger 110 and the ironing board 120, and the user moves the hanger to the left. Accordingly, the clothing 20 moves together with the hanger 110 supporting the clothing, so that at least a portion (upper portion) of the right side of the clothing 20 is fully supported by the ironing plate 120 during ironing. The selected lateral position is maintained until the next movement because no additional force is applied. After completing the ironing of the right side of the garment 20 or at least the upper portion thereof, the user moves the hanger in the opposite direction as shown in FIG. 2C. Likewise, the garment moves with the hanger so that at least a portion (the upper portion) of the left side of the garment 20 is supported for ironing.

An advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that a compact device can be provided. For example, the ironing board width may be 85% or less, such as 70% or less, such as 60% or less, such as about 50% of the hanger width measured along the first axis.

If necessary, the lateral movement can be divided into more than two parts, e.g. to iron or steam the corresponding relevant part of the garment, by placing the hanger against the ironing board to accurately position the garment against the ironing board. Each time it is moved, the right, middle and left portions of the garment can be subsequently ironed.

In some embodiments, movement of the hanger 110 over the ironing plate 120 is limited so that the ironing plate does not protrude from under the hanger, reducing the risk of tangling, wrinkles, or damage to the garment. This can be done by the addition of a stop.

3 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of a garment steamer according to an embodiment of the present invention, arranged to provide movement of the hanger relative to the ironing board.

The first coupling element 111 extends along a first axis A1 and can provide for movement of the hanger relative to the ironing board along this axis.

In particular, it shows a hanger 110, a first coupling element 111 comprising a movable element 111a and a stationary element 111b, and an ironing plate 120 in an exploded view. The fixed element 111b may be an elongated frame extending along a predetermined axis (e.g., horizontal axis A1), with the hanger 110 being two opposite sides of the fixed element 111b along the longitudinal axis of the fixed element. It can move laterally in plane across the frame by sliding or rolling between them. This allows easy adjustment of the position of the garment relative to the ironing plate 120 fixed to the stationary element 111b during processing of the garment such as steaming and/or ironing operations.

In this embodiment, the ironing plate 120 is fixed with respect to at least one post 104 by hooking/suspending on the fixed element 111b. For this, for example, a pair of hook mechanisms may be used, the hook mechanism being a male element protruding from the upper portion of the ironing plate 120, which interacts with the female element 115b protruding from the fixed element 111b. It is formed by (115a).

In some embodiments of the invention, the hanger and the movable element are integrally formed as a single piece.

Preferably, as shown, the first coupling element 111 is arranged between the hanger 110 and at least one post 104. To this end, the movable element 111a is attached to the hanger 110 and the fixed element 111b is attached to at least one post 104.

Alternatively (not shown), the first coupling element 111 is arranged between the hanger 110 and the ironing board 120. To this end, the movable element 111a is attached to the hanger 110, and the fixed element 111b is attached to the upper part of the ironing plate 120. In this case, the ironing plate 120 is fixed relative to the at least one post 104 by attaching directly to the at least one post 104, for example through the use of at least one clipping mechanism.

However, this is not a limitation of the present invention, and in an alternative embodiment, the fixed element 111b may be attached to the front or rear surface of the ironing plate 120 in the upper portion of the ironing plate.

When the fixed element 111b is attached to the ironing plate 120, the fixed element 111b is preferably formed integrally with the ironing plate. For example, on the hanger 110 and the ironing plate 120 so that the movement of the hanger 110 relative to the ironing plate 120 can be provided, such as a guide-and-railing system. Interactive elements can be provided. For example, the garment steamer may include railings, flange-formed wheels, sliding clamps, etc. for engaging the edge of the ironing board 120, so that the hanger is placed on the edge of the ironing board. It can move horizontally with respect to the ironing board from left to right. In such a case, the edge of the ironing plate 120 behaves as a stationary element 111b in some embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the movable element 111a and the stationary element 111b are configured such that the hanger 110 always completely overlaps the ironing plate 120 along the first horizontal axis A1.

In other words, the left side of the board and the right side of the board are always located between the two ends of the hanger. The hanger can only be moved until the end of the hanger and the side of the board are flush/straight. The hanger cannot move beyond that point, so the top corners of the board will not create wrinkles on the garment being treated.

This means that movement between the movable element 111a and the stationary element 111b is restricted to avoid the upper edge of the ironing plate 120 so that it is not covered by a hanger.

For example, the dimensions of the movable element 111a and the fixed element 111b take into account the width (W) of the hanger and the width (B) of the ironing board so that the hanger always overlaps with the ironing plate along the first axis. So it can be customized and positioned. Alternatively, a stopper (not shown) may be arranged on the stationary element 111b, for example, to limit the movement of the movable element 111a.

The hanger may be movably attachable or attached to a stationary element (eg, to a stationary frame). Fixed elements and ironing boards have a fixed position. The fixed element can be fixed or fixed to the ironing board. The fixed element may be elongate and may extend along the same first axis A1 as the first coupling element 111. Hangers and stationary elements attached to or integrated with the movable element are, for example, such that the hanger 110 is movable on the ironing plate 120 in order to allow adjusting the lateral position of the garment relative to the ironing plate. It is configured to be slidably movable on the stationary element 111b. Sliding movement is preferred over other lateral movement methods (e.g., by attaching, moving and subsequent detachment, or by articulating arms, etc.), which can be performed with a small device and risk causing wrinkles in clothing. This is because it can be provided quickly without this.

Note that although FIG. 3 shows a garment steamer having two vertical struts 104, the above description applies similarly to a garment steamer having only one strut.

The garment steamer comprises any suitable mechanical installation or fixtures, for example sliding, rolling and/or interlocking elements, for providing movement of the hanger 110 along the first horizontal axis A1 relative to the ironing board 120 can do.

For example, the hanger 110 of FIG. 3 may comprise a movable element 111a, for example an element that can be fixed to a movable frame, for example a bottom portion 112 (e.g., a hanger body). have.

In a particular embodiment, the bottom portion 112 is attached to the movable element 111a. Attachment can be done by screws, by fitting plug and socket structures, by snaps, and the like. The movable element 111a is then movably attached to the stationary element 111b so that the bottom portion 112 with the first coupling element 111 is above the stationary element along a lateral axis A1 (e.g. It can be moved in a horizontal axis for a stationary element, eg left/right.

In some embodiments, the movable element and/or the stationary element comprises a protrusion, such as a protrusion having a smooth surface, to provide an engagement with limited, such as reduced friction.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first engagement element includes a surface and rolling element for reducing friction.

For example, in some embodiments, the movable element further comprises a bearing surface or rolling element, and the stationary element comprises a respective rolling element or bearing surface mating therewith. An advantage of such an embodiment of the present invention is that friction between a hanger, and more particularly a movable element attached to or integrally formed with the hanger and a stationary element, is reduced.

Railings and protrusions connectable to the railings may be included. Mechanical installation, for example at least one engaging element 131 (e.g. snap or tab) is moved to the stationary element 111b and/or for example a slot 117, for example a plurality of slots It may be included in the possible element 110a. These are only exemplary implementations, and engaging elements such as grooves, protrusions, seams, etc. or any other element to accommodate the elements may be used. Alternatively, the engagement element may be included in the movable element, while the slot may be included in the stationary element.

4 shows a first coupling element 111 with a movable element 111a engaged with a stationary element 111b. The stationary element 111b may include a sleeve 132 for attachment to at least one steamer post 104. The slot 117 of the movable element 111a may have stops at the edges so that the hanger does not slide out of the stationary element. The enlarged portion 401 of the drawing is a snap providing a movable fixation so that the movable element 111a slides away from the stationary element 111b and does not fall away from the stationary element, but can still move (i. -Shows an enlarged part of the lock system. The engaging elements 131 of the stationary element 111b shown in FIG. 3 engage within a slot 117 (in this particular case, slots) of the movable element 111a. The fixed element may comprise four engagement elements 131 (two on each side), for example four snaps, or any other suitable number of configurations, such as elongate snapping tabs.

5 is a diagram of a state in which the movable element 111a is engaged with the stationary element 111b by contact and engagement between the slot 117 (slot on the movable element) and the engaging element 131 (snap on the stationary element). 4 shows a front view.

A cross section along the axis AA shown in FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 6 with a predetermined magnification. The cross section shows another view of the first engagement element, showing the engagement between the movable element 111a and the stationary element 111b by the engagement element 131 and slot 117 (snap and slot). The stationary element 111b comprises rounded surfaces 133 for reducing friction with the contact surfaces of the movable element 111a. The coupling between the movable element 111a and the stationary element 111b is achieved by a point-shaped or linear contact, for example between the movable element and the stationary element, for example an engaging element 131 (e.g. point-shaped or Linear protrusions) between the edges of the slots 117 slidable along the linear protrusions) and/or with a rounded surface serving as the surface 133 of the fixed frame or linear protrusions and movable elements 111a It may be provided by a point-shaped or linear contact surface between the inner contact surfaces of the.

Any other suitable equipment may be used. Bearing surfaces and rolling elements (e.g., rods, rolling balls, etc.) can be interactively mounted on the assembly to provide sliding movement, e.g. the bearing surface is fixed element 111b While a rolling element may be included in the hanger 110 (eg, on the movable element 111a of the hanger), or vice versa.

Specifically in FIG. 7 a stationary element 140 with engagement elements 141 is shown, in which a roller instead of or in addition to a “round” surface to reduce friction at the sliding contact surfaces in the first engagement element (142) are used. Four rollers 142 (two from the front and two from the rear) are shown as an example, but this could also be more, for example six or eight.

As shown in Fig. 3, the use of a movable element 111a attachable, attached or even fixed to the bottom portion 112 allows the movable element to always remain movably attached to the stationary element. On the other hand, the bottom portion 112 can be detached from the first coupling element 111 and is easily exchanged for different hangers (e.g., narrower or wider hangers to fit different types or sizes of clothing). Can be. However, the use of a separate first coupling element is optional.

In the example shown in Figure 8, the bottom portion 150 is integrated with the movable element. This reduces the number of parts, thus providing a more compact device. In this case, the bottom portion should include an engaging element such as a slot to be movably attached to the ironing plate or its stationary element. For example, the bottom portion 150 may include slots 151 for engaging engagement elements 131 (eg, tabs) of a fixed element.

Preferably, the clothes steamer 100 according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, the hanger 110 moves up and down along the second axis (A2) substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal axis (A1) It further comprises a second coupling element 114 for making it possible. Thus, the second axis A2 is substantially vertical.

9A and 9B, in order to adjust the height of the clothing processed on the hanger and make the lower regions of the clothing contact with the ironing board, the clothes steamer is used for the hanger 110 and the ironing board 120 (or It enables relative vertical movement of the garment 20 between the fixed elements 111b attached to the plate 120. For example, the hanger can be moved away from the stationary element by means of a receiving element, such as a guide rail or an extender included in the garment steamer.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the hanger further comprises a bottom portion and a sub-hanger or upper portion at the top thereof, the upper portion being vertically (i.e., upwardly) vertical axis A2 relative to the hanger. And it is configured to move downward), so that another part of the garment that is jammed can come to the front of the ironing board.For example, when the hanger is in an extended configuration, the lower part of the garment may come to the front of the ironing board. In this case, the upper part is located at a predetermined height away from the ironing board.

3 shows an exemplary mechanical extension arrangement extending a portion of the hanger 110 away from the stationary element 111b.

In this particular embodiment, the hanger further comprises a second engagement element 114, which may include a receiving element 114b (eg, a guide rail) and a movable element 114a (eg, a rod).

For example, the movable element 111a may include a receiving element 114b, and the upper portion 113 (e.g., an auxiliary hanger, a portion of the hanger 110) is configured to engage the receiving element 114b. It may comprise a guide rod 114a, such that the rod 114a is movable within the receiving element 114b, so that the lateral axis (away from and towards the ironing plate 120 or stationary element 111b) It provides movement to the hanger or at least the upper part 113 of the hanger along an axis A2 perpendicular to (A1), for example in a vertical axis (upward and downward).

With the second coupling element 114 arranged on the hanger 110, the first coupling element 111, which provides horizontal movement, also enables vertical movement of the hanger 110, thereby allowing both horizontal and vertical movement. It makes possible a compact device with all.

The invention is not limited to the upper portion engaging the receiving element of the first coupling element.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the bottom portion 150 may include a rim 152 for engaging the rod 155 of the top portion 153. The bottom portion may include a guide rail or a receiving element (only the rim 152 for receiving the rod is shown) instead of the receiving element 114b included in the movable element 111a as in FIG. 3 .

The invention is not limited to hangers comprising an upper portion. For example, in some embodiments, the garment steamer may comprise a movable element 111a of the first coupling element 111 comprising a receiving element, and the movable element 111a of the first coupling element 111 ) Is formed at the bottom of the hanger for engaging the receiving element of ). This will allow lifting of the entire bottom of the hanger away from the first engaging element and thus away from the ironing board.

9A and 9B show two configurations of the garment steamer (retracted configuration in FIG. 9A and extended configuration in FIG. 9B).

In particular, the upper portion 113 is shown in the retracted and raised positions. Movement of the hanger 110 relative to the ironing plate 120 (e.g., as shown away from the ironing plate 120) is a vertical movement and allows transition from one configuration to another, and vice versa. Do.

In some embodiments, the movement is limited to a plane defined by the ironing board, for example a vertical plane. The movement lifts the garment, for example along the vertical axis A2. The upper portion allows the garment to be lifted, but the garment is still put on the hanger 110, eg in place for steaming or ironing without corrugating the garment. This movement allows the lower regions of the garment 20 hung on the hanger to contact the ironing board, even though the ironing plate 120 is shorter than the garment 20 on the hanger, so that no empty areas remain in the lower regions. So that most or all of the clothing area can be supported by the ironing plate 120.

This allows to provide effective steaming and/or ironing across a wide range of sizes and types of garments. For example, the same configuration can be used on a tank top, T-shirt, shirt, sweater, jacket, coat, overcoat or dress and for different sizes of height. Vertical adjustment allows the position of the garment to be adjusted so that the entire length can be supported by the ironing board.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the clothes 20 (for example, shirts) to be ironed are put on the hanger 110 and the ironing plate 120, so that at least the upper area of the clothes 20 is ironed while the ironing plate 120 is ironed. ) To be fully supported. After completing the ironing of the upper side, the user moves the hanger 110 (in particular, the upper portion 113 included in the hanger 110) upward as shown in FIG. 9B. Likewise, the garment moves with the hanger, allowing the bottom region of the garment 20 to be supported for ironing. Thus, short ironing boards can be used for many clothing types and clothing sizes, allowing for compact devices.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the extended position of the hanger in FIG. 9B can be locked, so that the user does not need to hold the garment against gravity when processing the garment.

10 shows in detail one embodiment of the locking mechanism 600. A locking mechanism 600 is formed in the receiving element 114b to releasably secure the position of the upper portion 113 at a predetermined selected height from the ironing plate 120. This means that the guide rod 114a retracted into the receiving element 114b (also shown as part of the movable element 111a in FIG. 3 in particular of the first coupling element 111) (the upper part 113 in FIG. 3) Also shown as part of). The locking mechanism comprises, for example, a locking lever 601 on the receiving element 114b, and one or more locking projections 602, for example on the guide rod 114a. The locking lever 601 may include one or more biasing elements 603 (e.g., torsion springs), which are unlocked by actuating an actuator 604 (e.g., a button) attached thereto. Can be. The torsion spring pushes the locking lever against the locking projection on the rod 114a, preventing the upper portion from retracting to the retracted position. The locking lever 601 rotates when the actuator 604 is pressed against a torsional spring force, so that it can be unlocked from the locking protrusion 602. In some embodiments, the locking is one-way, such as in a ratchet, allowing the rod 114a to move upward without actuation of the actuator 604.

FIG. 11 shows the same locking mechanism as FIG. 10, but with the upper portion 113 in the raised extended position. The raised height (and thus the distance between the upper part and the ironing plate) can be locked by engaging the locking lever 601 of the receiving element 114b with the locking projection 602 of the guide rod 114a in its extended position. .

Alternatively, locking mechanisms could be included in rails, rods, bottom portions, and the like. This particular mechanism provides reliable locking by means of a compact mechanism, but any other suitable locking mechanism may be used, such as movable pins and engagement orifices, friction locking, threading, and the like.

Note that a hook 118 can be added to the hanger as shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11. Hooks 118 may be added to the upper portion, for example, to also benefit from vertical displacement capabilities. This allows the user to use the user's own hanger to hang the garment on the assembly on the hook, for example to steam garments that are too small to be placed on the bottom portion. The hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention still provides support and freedom of movement for steaming.

FIG. 12 shows a portion of a garment steamer comprising a hanger 110 and a stationary element 111b (overlapping the movable element 111a) according to an embodiment of the invention, showing a cross-section of a front view of a garment steamer do. In particular, the enlarged portion shows a stopper 116 that prevents the guide rod 114a from being pulled completely out of the hanger 110.

13, 14 and 15 at different heights accommodating the actuator 701 and the rod 702, the pin block 703, and the pin 704 of the pin block 703 (FIGS. 14 and 15). Shows a detailed view of a pin-hole locking mechanism 700 with a receiving element 714 comprising holes 712 of the. Pin block 703 is shown in more detail as enlarged portion 1300 in FIG. 14A. These holes 712 act as locking protrusions 602 of the previous embodiment, allowing the upper portion 713 to be located at different heights. The actuator 701, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15, when the actuator is pressed vertically, the rod 702 causes compression of the spring 705 connected to the pin 704 in the pin block 703, thereby causing the pin It is connected to the rod 702 to allow 704 to slide backwards. This backward movement causes the pin 704 to slide out of one of the apertures 712 and unlock it from the aperture on the receiving element 714. Subsequently, the location can be changed. When the actuator is not depressed, the spring 705 extends, pushing the pin 704 into the hole 712 in the receiving element aligned with the pin, thereby locking the position of the upper portion 713. Such a system can be implemented to lock the position of the upper part of the hanger. In some embodiments, rather than just the upper part of the hanger, the position of the entire hanger may be changed to a vertical axis, for example using such a locking mechanism. For example, in such a way that the hanger can be lifted and locked at a selected height determined by the distribution and number of holes in the guide, the hanger may comprise a rod, a pin block and an actuator, the first coupling element receiving It may include an element (eg, a guide).

A locking mechanism may also be included on the garment steamer (eg, on a stationary element or on a hanger) to lock the lateral (horizontal) position of the hanger, such as to avoid accidental displacement.

In some embodiments, the movable and/or stationary elements are made of a low friction plastic material such as POM (acetal), nylon, PTFE, PPA, PPS, PBT, TPI, PC, PEI.

In some embodiments, a lubricant may be applied on at least the contact surfaces of the first coupling element or stationary element. Preferably, dry lubricants are used.

Exemplary and non-limiting sizes are provided. For example, the width of the hanger may be 430 mm, the width of the board may be 290 mm, but even a narrower board, for example a board having a width of 50% of the width of the hanger may be used.

As described above, the garment steamer according to the present invention provides support for a wide range of sizes as well as a wide range of types of garments through horizontal (or lateral) positioning and vertical positioning of garments hung on hangers. It allows to change the lateral position and/or the vertical position.

The present invention provides comfortable and versatile steaming and ironing in a compact device. The steamer can be assembled in an easy and simple manner by mounting a hanger on a steamer comprising an ironing board, where the hanger can slide over the ironing board and, optionally, lifted away from the ironing board.

For example, referring to FIGS. 2A and 3, a user may assemble parts to obtain a clothes steamer. First, the user assembles the holdings 104 to the base 103. In some embodiments, the fixed element 111b is already fixed or needs to be fixed to the posts 104. A hanger 110 with a movable element 111a is mounted on the stationary element 111b. In an alternative embodiment, a separate fixed element is not provided, and the first coupling element 111 is coupled directly to the ironing plate, for example to its rim. The user selects the number of panels 121 and 122 of the ironing plate 120 extending downward from the hanger 110 and fixes them so that the hanger 110 can move laterally on the ironing plate 120. The panels 121 and 122 are preferably disposed between the first panel 121 of the ironing plate 120 and the hanger 110 without leaving a wide gap. The hose 102 and the steamer head 101 are connected to the base 103 to provide a clothes steamer 100.

2B and 2C and 9A and 9B, the clothes 20 are hung on the hanger 110, the user sequentially selects regions for steaming/ironing, and the hanger for the ironing plate 120 By adjusting the lateral position, optionally also the vertical position of 110, and providing good support for these areas, it is possible to steam the garment.

This provides a very flexible steaming/ironing, where a wide range of garment sizes and types can be handled without the need to interchange parts. The invention also allows ironing by pressure as well as steaming. Thus, the present invention provides a very flexible and versatile wrinkle removal.

The present invention allows the use of a small (narrow) ironing board, and still provides good support for a wide range of garment sizes thanks to the lateral adjustment. This allows for compact packaging and compact steamer, thus reducing the cost of manufacturing and transportation as well as the area of use. The invention may also allow the use of smaller surfaces for the ironing board for many different types and sizes of garments thanks to vertical adjustment. It also allows for small packaging and fewer parts, further reducing the cost of manufacturing and transportation.

In addition, the hook 118 (Figs. 8, 10 and 11) allows the user to apply many types of different hangers if necessary, still allowing lateral movement and optionally vertical movement to sequentially handle many areas of the garment. Allow.

The invention is not limited by the type of hanger shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, 3, 8, 9, 12 or 15.

16 and 17 show an embodiment of a garment steamer with two alternative hangers.

FIG. 16 shows a hanger 160 with attachment to a first engagement element 162, movable on the ironing plate 120 along a first axis A1, as described with reference to FIG. 4 . In this example, the hanger body (having a function similar to the bottom portion of the previous embodiment) is formed in a simple manner, for example from a bent thick elastic wire, such as a metal wire. Further, the horizontal portion 161 of the hanger 160 may be used to support clothing that is not suitable or less suitable for a two-armed hanger for supporting trousers or the like, for example. In this particular example, vertical movement is not provided by the auxiliary hanger, but the first engagement element and/or hanger 160 is away from the ironing plate 120, the first axis of the extension of the first engagement element 162 ( It may be configured to provide vertical movement perpendicular to A1) (eg, an extendable part (not shown) may be attached to the hanger and connect the hanger to the first coupling element).

In FIG. 17, another example of a hanger 170 that can be attached to the first coupling element 171 to provide lateral movement as in FIGS. 2B and 2C or on the ironing plate 120 is shown. . The attachment between the first coupling element 171 and the hanger 170 can be carried out, for example, by means of a connection element 172. The hanger may further include a peg 173 or the like for holding clothing that is not suitable or less suitable for the two-arm type hanger.

The above embodiments as described are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the technical approach of the present invention. While 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 may be changed or equivalently substituted without departing from the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular form (negative article “a” or “an”) does not exclude the plural. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (15)

As a garment steamer (100) for processing the garment (20),
-Donation (103),
-At least one pole (104) extending from the base (103),
-An ironing board 120 fixed against the at least one post 104 to support the garment 20 during processing,
-A hanger 110 for hanging the garment 20 during processing,
-A garment steamer comprising a first coupling element 111 for causing the hanger 110 to move left and right along a first horizontal axis A1 with respect to the ironing plate 120. The garment steamer according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling element (111) is arranged between the hanger (110) and the at least one post (104). The garment steamer according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling element (111) is arranged between the hanger (110) and the ironing plate (120). Clothing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the width (B) of the ironing plate (120) is smaller than the width (W) of the hanger (110) to the first horizontal axis (A1). Steamer. The method of claim 2, wherein the first coupling element (111) comprises a movable element (111a) and a fixed element (111b), and the movable element (111a) is the fixed type along the first horizontal axis (A1). A garment steamer, movable relative to the element (111b), the movable element (111a) being attached to the hanger (110) and the stationary element (111b) being attached to the at least one post (104). The method of claim 3, wherein the first coupling element (111) comprises a movable element (111a) and a fixed element (111b), and the movable element (111a) is the fixed type along the first horizontal axis (A1). A garment steamer movable relative to an element (111b), the movable element (111a) being attached to the hanger (110), and the stationary element (111b) being attached to the ironing plate (120). The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the movable element (111a) and the fixed element (111b) completely overlap the ironing plate (120) with the hanger (110) always along the first horizontal axis (A1). As configured as possible, a garment steamer. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
i) the fixed element 111b comprises an engaging element 131 for movably coupling the movable element 111a to the fixed element 111b, the movable element 111a being the engaging element Includes a slot 117 for receiving 131, or
ii) the movable element 111a comprises an engagement element 131 for movably coupling the movable element 111a to the stationary element 111b, the stationary element 111b being the engagement element A garment steamer comprising a slot 117 for receiving (131). 9. Clothes steamer according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movable element (111a) and the stationary element (111b) are joined by point-shaped or linear contacts. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein any one of the movable element (111a) and the stationary element (111b) comprises protrusions (133) for reducing friction with the contact surfaces of the movable element (111a). , Garment steamer. 11. A garment steamer according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movable element (111a) or the stationary element (111b) comprises a rolling element for reducing friction. 12. A garment steamer according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hanger (110) and the movable element (111a) are integrally formed as a single element. The garment steamer according to claim 6, wherein the fixed element (111b) is formed integrally with the ironing plate (120) as a single element. 14. A second coupling element according to any of the preceding claims, for causing the hanger (110) to move up and down along a second axis (A2) substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal axis (A1). A garment steamer further comprising (114). 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the hanger (110) comprises an upper portion (113) movable along the second axis (A2) and a bottom portion (112) coupled to the first coupling element (111), the A second coupling element (114) is arranged between the upper portion (113) and the bottom portion (112).

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