KR20230041839A - Garment steamer with detachable ironing board - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a post assembly (50) and a detachable ironing board (60), the detachable ironing board comprising a coupling mechanism (70) allowing the ironing board to be positioned in a first angular orientation or a second angular orientation. It relates to a clothes steamer (100), configured to be coupled to a post assembly through. The coupling mechanism includes a first attachment means 71 fixed on the ironing board and a second attachment means 72 fixed on the upper part of the post assembly. The first attachment means comprises a male assembly and the second attachment means comprises a plurality of female assemblies arranged at an angle to each other, said male assembly cooperating with at least two female assemblies taken from among said plurality of female assemblies. is configured to Alternatively, the first attachment means comprises a female assembly and the second attachment means comprises a plurality of male assemblies arranged at an angle to each other, said female assembly comprising at least two male assemblies taken from among said plurality of male assemblies. It is configured to cooperate with the male assembly.

Description

Garment steamer with detachable ironing board

The present invention relates to a garment steamer.

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

Conventional garment steamers provide a convenient way to remove wrinkles. However, when compared with conventional ironing methods, the level of wrinkle removal performance is much lower because there is nothing to support hanging garments. Coarse wrinkles cannot be pressed as in the course of conventional ironing methods that use a horizontal ironing board to support the garment.

Recently, many garment steamers also appear with ironing boards that can be arranged in vertical and horizontal orientations to facilitate steaming or ironing or garments.

Many of the ironing boards provided by clothes steamers come with a complex mechanism that allows the ironing board to be arranged in either a vertical or horizontal orientation.

Additionally, the complex mechanism of these garment steamers makes them more difficult to manufacture, which in turn makes them more expensive as well as less user-friendly.

Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 108166230 discloses a steam ironing system having an ironing board that can be mounted at a variety of different angles to a supporting pole assembly by using a rotational coupling that can be locked into a variety of rotational positions. Initiate.

It is an object of the present invention to propose an improved clothes steamer which avoids or alleviates the above mentioned problems.

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

To this end, the clothes steamer according to the present invention,

- a holding assembly;

- a detachable ironing board, configured to be coupled to a post assembly via a coupling mechanism allowing the ironing board to be positioned in a first angular orientation or a second angular orientation;

including,

- The coupling mechanism comprises a first attachment means fixed on the ironing board and a second attachment means fixed on the upper part of the post assembly.

The first attachment means includes a male assembly, the second attachment means includes a plurality of female assemblies arranged at an angle to each other, the male assembly being taken from among the plurality of female assemblies. It is configured to cooperate with at least two female assemblies.

Alternatively, the first attachment means comprises a female assembly and the second attachment means comprises a plurality of male assemblies arranged at an angle to each other, said female assembly comprising at least two parts taken from among said plurality of male assemblies. It is configured to cooperate with two male assemblies.

Accordingly, the ironing board is detachably coupleable to the post assembly with at least two different angular orientations each corresponding to cooperation between a respective one of the plurality of male/female assemblies and a single male/female assembly.

This solution proposes a clothes steamer with an ironing board that can be arranged in vertical and horizontal orientations in a simple and user-friendly manner, 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 present invention will now be described with reference to embodiments described below and considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts or sub-steps are indicated in like manner:
1A shows a clothes steamer according to the present invention with an ironing board extending vertically.
FIG. 1B shows an enlarged view of FIG. 1A .
Figure 2 shows a first partially exploded view of the clothes steamer according to the present invention with the ironing board extended horizontally.
Figure 3a shows a second partially exploded view of the clothes steamer according to the present invention with the ironing board extended horizontally.
Fig. 3b shows an enlarged view of Fig. 3a.
4a and 4b show two partial views of a clothes steamer according to the present invention with an ironing board extended vertically.
5a and 5b show two partial views of a clothes steamer according to the present invention with an ironing board extended horizontally.
6a and 6b show two partial views of a clothes steamer according to the present invention with the ironing board extending obliquely between vertical and horizontal.
7A shows a three-dimensional view of a clothes steamer according to the present invention that includes a user-actuatable mechanism configured to hold an ironing board.
Fig. 7b shows a cross-sectional view of Fig. 7a.
Fig. 7c shows an enlarged view of Fig. 7a.

1A shows a clothes steamer 100 according to the present invention with an ironing board extending vertically. FIG. 1B shows an enlarged view of FIG. 1A .

The clothes steamer (100) includes a post assembly (50) and a detachable ironing board (60) comprising a coupling mechanism (70) allowing the ironing board to be positioned in a first angular orientation or in a second angular orientation. ) It is configured to be coupled to the holding assembly through.

The coupling mechanism includes a first attachment means 71 fixed on the ironing board and a second attachment means 72 fixed on the upper part of the post assembly.

The first attachment means comprises a male assembly and the second attachment means comprises a plurality of female assemblies arranged at an angle to each other, said male assembly cooperating with at least two female assemblies taken from among said plurality of female assemblies. is configured to

Alternatively, the first attachment means comprises a female assembly and the second attachment means comprises a plurality of male assemblies arranged at an angle to each other, said female assembly comprising at least two male assemblies taken from among said plurality of male assemblies. It is configured to cooperate with the male assembly.

The second attachment means is a fixed part so that different angular orientations are achieved by mounting the ironing board to the post assembly using cooperation between a single male/female assembly and a selected one of the plurality of male/female assemblies. However, adjustment of the male or female assembly is not required.

Thus, cooperation between a selected pair of male and female assemblies orients the ironing board according to various angular orientations.

For example, the ironing board 60 can be arranged in vertical and horizontal orientations in a simple and user-friendly manner, as well as being simple and cost effective to manufacture.

The clothes steamer 100 also includes a base 10 and a steam generator 20 arranged on the base 10 (or arranged away from the base, eg in a steamer head).

The clothes steamer 100 also includes a steamer head 30 connected to the steam generator 20 by a steam hose 40.

A post assembly 50 extends upwardly from the base 10 .

In this embodiment, the post assembly includes two vertical posts 50A and 50B.

In a preferred embodiment, the post assemblies 50 extend upwardly from the base 10, the posts are preferably retractable/retractable for adjusting the height of the ironing board, and they are positioned to make the clothes steamer compact. Can be retracted when not in use.

It is appreciated that the number of posts and location of the posts may vary depending on its size, stability requirements, and other considerations.

A male assembly of first attachment means defines first and second plugs, and a plurality of female assemblies of second attachment means are arranged on respective vertical posts to receive the first and second plugs, respectively. It defines first and second series of hollow structures.

For example, the first and second plugs are arranged on both lateral sides of the ironing board.

The first series of hollow structures are arranged on top of the first vertical posts, and the second series of hollow structures are arranged on top of the second vertical posts.

Alternatively, the female assembly of the first attachment means defines first and second hollow structures, and the plurality of male assemblies of the second attachment means are respectively perpendicular to each other for engagement with the first and second hollow structures. It defines first and second series of plugs arranged on the struts.

Preferably, the plurality of female assemblies of the second attachment means includes two female assemblies arranged at 90 degrees to each other.

Alternatively, the plurality of male assemblies of the second attachment means include two male assemblies arranged at 90 degrees to each other.

This allows obtaining two angular orientations for the ironing board, horizontal and vertical.

Preferably, the plurality of female assemblies of the second attachment means comprises three female assemblies including two female assemblies arranged at 90 degrees to each other and another female assembly arranged between the two female assemblies at different relative angles. do.

Alternatively, the plurality of male assemblies of the second attachment means comprises three male assemblies, including two male assemblies arranged at 90 degrees to each other, and another male assembly arranged between the two male assemblies at different relative angles. do.

This allows having three angular positions for the ironing board, typically horizontal/vertical/tilt (eg 45 degrees relative to vertical).

Figure 2 shows a first partially exploded view of the clothes steamer according to the present invention with the ironing board 60 extended horizontally.

A first attachment means 71 configured to cooperate with the second attachment means 72 is shown.

Figure 3a shows a second partially exploded view of the clothes steamer according to the present invention with the ironing board 60 extended horizontally. Fig. 3b shows an enlarged view of Fig. 3a.

The first attachment means 71 includes a plug 711, and the second attachment means 72 has a first hollow structure 721A and a second hollow structure 721B arranged at right angles to each other (a pair of ) hollow structure unit 721.

The post assembly 50 includes two posts 50A-50B.

The second attachment means 72 includes, at each of the two posts, two hollow structures 721 arranged at the upper ends of each of the two posts, and the attachment means 71 is fixed to the ironing board 60. and includes two plugs 711 spaced symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the ironing board 60 at a distance corresponding to the two (insertion type) posts. The ironing board 60 is oriented vertically when the plugs 711 are inserted into the first hollow structure 721A, and the ironing board is oriented horizontally when the plugs 711 are inserted into the second receptacle 721B.

Note that for clarity, only one set of elements 711-721 are shown on vertical post 50B. The same description applies to vertical struts 50A.

In another preferred embodiment (not shown), the post assembly 50 includes a single vertically extending post.

When the single post extends vertically, the male assembly of the first attachment means defines a single plug and the plurality of female assemblies of the second attachment means define hollow structures for receiving the single plug.

The first attachment means 71 comprises a single plug 711 and the second attachment means 72 comprises two hollow structures fixed to the upper ends of the single struts. A single plug 711 is fixed in the middle of the ironing board, for example. The ironing board 60 is oriented vertically when the plug 711 is inserted into the hollow structure 721A, and the ironing board 60 is oriented horizontally when the plug 711 is inserted into the second hollow structure 721B. do.

Alternatively, the female assembly of the first attachment means defines a single hollow structure and the plurality of male assemblies of the second attachment means define plugs for engaging the single hollow structure.

4a and 4b show two partial views of a clothes steamer according to the present invention with an ironing board extended vertically.

5a and 5b show two partial views of a clothes steamer according to the present invention with an ironing board extended horizontally.

6a and 6b show two partial views of a clothes steamer according to the present invention with the ironing board extending obliquely between vertical and horizontal.

In those six figures, the first attachment means includes (a pair of) plugs 711, each plug 711 comprising a second attachment means comprising three hollow structures 721A-721B-721C and structured to cooperate.

The hollow structures 721A-721B form a 90 degree angle with each other.

The hollow structure 721C is inclined by 45 degrees compared to the vertical direction. However, different angles can similarly be chosen.

In one embodiment, the first attachment means is integrally formed with the ironing board.

For example, by the use of plastic injection, when their elements are both made of plastic.

In one embodiment, the first attachment means is manufactured as a separate component and secured to the ironing board via any suitable fastening means.

For example, screws, snap-fit catches, clipping mechanisms, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, . . . etc. can be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the first attachment means and/or the second attachment means are made of a plastics material.

For example, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and polycarbonate may be used.

Preferably, the coupling mechanism 70 further includes a locking mechanism for securing the first attachment means relative to the second attachment means.

This feature prevents the ironing board from separating from the post assembly when a user applies force to the ironing board while steaming/ironing garments.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the locking mechanism is a snap-fit mechanism (400) arranged between the first attachment means and the second attachment means when the ironing board 60 is coupled to the post assembly. ).

The snap-fit mechanism comprises a protrusion extending from the first attachment means 71 cooperating with a cavity arranged in the second attachment means 72 .

A snap catch mechanism cooperates with the opening to (temporarily) secure the first attachment means relative to the second attachment means.

7A shows a three-dimensional view of a clothes steamer according to the present invention including a user-operable mechanism configured to secure an ironing board.

Fig. 7b shows a cross-sectional view of Fig. 7a.

Fig. 7c shows an enlarged view of Fig. 7a.

The second attachment means includes at least one user-operable mechanism 701A, 701B configured to secure the first attachment means 71 when the ironing board is engaged to the post assembly.

A user-operable instrument may be mounted on the upper portion of one strut, or on each of the upper portions of two struts.

If the strut assembly includes two vertical struts, a first user-operable mechanism may be arranged at an upper end of the first vertical strut and a second user-operable instrument may be disposed at an upper end of the second vertical strut. there is.

Preferably, the user-operable mechanism includes handles 702A, 702B mounted on hinges 703A, 703B. The handle comprises at least one protrusion 704A, 704B, 704C configured to cooperate with at least one cavity 706A, 706B, 706C arranged in the first attachment means, such as a plug 711, as illustrated in FIG. 7C. includes

Note that in FIG. 7C , the plug 711 is artificially shown three times (with different angular positions) for illustrative purposes.

For example, at least one cavity 706A, 706B, 706C is arranged in a plurality of female assemblies 721A, 721B, 721C, respectively.

In this particular embodiment, the protrusions 704A, 704B and 704C pass through openings 705A, 705B and 705C respectively arranged in the plurality of female assemblies 721A, 721B and 721C.

Preferably, the handle includes a hooking mechanism 707 configured to hook with the second attachment means.

This feature allows the handle to remain in place, and the protrusions 704A, 704B, 704C spontaneously retract into the cavities 706A, 706B, 706C when the user applies force/motion to the ironing board while steaming/ironing the garment. to prevent separation from

For example, hooking can be done on the lateral sides of only one female assembly, such as the central female assembly of the second attachment means.

Alternatively (not shown), the second attachment means comprises at least one sliding latch cooperating with a cavity arranged in the first attachment means.

For example, the slide latch may or may not be spring-loaded.

Alternatively (not shown), the second attachment means comprises at least one sliding pin cooperating with a cavity arranged in the first attachment means.

For example, a pin may be a separate removable element.

With the proposed invention, it is intuitive and simple for a user to arrange the ironing board in a first orientation (eg vertical orientation) for steaming or to arrange the ironing board in a second orientation (eg horizontal orientation) for ironing. do.

This advantageously improved the user-friendliness of the clothes steamer. In addition, it also enables a low-cost clothes steamer with a simple construction that can be manufactured by low-cost plastic injection molding.

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 approaches of the present invention may be modified or equally substituted 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 (15)

As a garment steamer 100,
- a pole assembly (50);
- a detachable ironing board (60), configured to be coupled to the post assembly via a coupling mechanism (70) allowing the ironing board to be positioned in a first angular orientation or in a second angular orientation; Detachable ironing board
including,
- the coupling mechanism comprises a first attachment means (71) fixed on the ironing board and a second attachment means (72) fixed on an upper part of the post assembly, wherein
- the first attachment means (71) comprises a male assembly, the second attachment means (72) comprises a plurality of female assemblies arranged at an angle to each other, said male assembly is configured to cooperate with at least two female assemblies taken from among the plurality of female assemblies, such that the ironing board is aligned in at least two different angular orientations by cooperation between a respective female assembly of the at least two female assemblies and the male assembly. To be detachably coupled to the holding assembly with
- the first attachment means (71) comprises a female assembly, the second attachment means (72) comprises a plurality of male assemblies arranged at an angle to each other, the female assembly comprising the plurality of male assemblies configured to cooperate with at least two male assemblies taken from among them, such that the ironing board is attached to the post assembly with at least two different angular orientations by cooperation between a respective male assembly of the at least two male assemblies and the female assembly. A garment steamer, characterized in that it is detachably connectable. 2. The strut assembly of claim 1 comprising two vertical struts (50A, 50B),
- the male assembly of the first attachment means defines first and second plugs, and the plurality of female assemblies of the second attachment means have respective vertical struts for receiving the first plug and the second plug respectively. define a first and second series of hollow structures arranged on the
- the female assembly of the first attachment means defines first and second hollow structures, and the plurality of male assemblies of the second attachment means are respectively configured for engagement with the first and second hollow structures, respectively. A clothes steamer defining first and second series of plugs arranged on vertical posts. 2. The strut assembly of claim 1, wherein the strut assembly comprises a single vertical strut;
- said male assembly of said first attachment means defines a single plug and said plurality of female assemblies of said second attachment means define hollow structures for receiving said single plug;
- the female assembly of the first attachment means defines a single hollow structure and the plurality of male assemblies of the second attachment means define plugs for engaging the single hollow structure. According to claim 1,
- said plurality of female assemblies of said second attachment means comprise two female assemblies arranged at 90 degrees to each other, or
- said plurality of male assemblies of said second attachment means comprises two male assemblies arranged at 90 degrees to each other. According to claim 1,
- said plurality of female assemblies of said second attachment means are three female assemblies comprising two female assemblies arranged at 90 degrees to each other and another female assembly arranged between said two female assemblies at different relative angles include, or
- said plurality of male assemblies of said second attachment means are three male assemblies comprising two male assemblies arranged at 90 degrees to each other and another male assembly arranged between said two male assemblies at different relative angles. Garment steamers, including those. 6. The clothes steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first attachment means is integrally formed with the ironing board. 6. The clothes steamer according to any preceding claim, wherein the first attachment means is manufactured as a separate component and secured to the ironing board via any suitable fastening means. 8. The clothes steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first attachment means and/or the second attachment means are made of a plastic material. 9. The clothes steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engaging mechanism further comprises a locking mechanism for securing the first attachment means to the second attachment means. 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the locking mechanism is a snap-fit arranged between the first attachment means and the second attachment means when the ironing board is coupled to the post assembly. A clothes steamer comprising a fit device (400). 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the second attachment means is at least one user-operable configured to secure the first attachment means when the ironing board is engaged to the post assembly. A clothes steamer comprising actuatable devices 701A, 701B. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said user-operable mechanism includes a handle (702A, 702B) mounted on a hinge (703A, 703B), said handle comprising at least one cavity arranged in said first attachment means. ) (704A, 704B, 704C) configured to cooperate with (706A, 706B, 706C). 13. The clothes steamer according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the handle comprises a hooking mechanism (707) configured to hook the second attachment means. 11. The clothes steamer according to any preceding claim, wherein the second attachment means comprises at least one sliding latch cooperating with a cavity arranged in the first attachment means. 11. The clothes steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second attachment means comprises at least one slide pin cooperating with a cavity arranged in the first attachment means.

Images