RU2652970C2 - Enclosure for steamer - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: textile.

SUBSTANCE: enclosure has a space to receive fabric articles to be steamed and also has a steam nozzle receptacle that releasably receives a hand operated steam nozzle so that steam is directed into the enclosure from the steam nozzle for hands-free steaming of fabric articles within the enclosure.

EFFECT: enclosure for use with a steam generator having a hand operated steam nozzle for manually treating a fabric article with steam emitted from the nozzle.

15 cl, 15 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a chamber for treating fabric articles with steam. The fabric product may be a sewing product, upholstery or other fabric, and steam treatment is intended to remove wrinkles and / or to clean or refresh the fabric product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A known method of applying steam to products, such as a sewing product, fabric or home upholstery to perform cleaning and remove wrinkles or bruises. Therefore, steaming is used to refresh garments if a full wash is not required, or to extend the length of time between full washes. As steam passes through the fabric, it helps reduce unpleasant odors, and the heat of the steam can help reduce wrinkles caused by washing, storage, or wearing. In addition, steaming can be used for hygienic processing of products due to the fact that microbes die when exposed to steam for a period of about 5-10 minutes.

Manual steamers are known and, as a rule, they contain a steam generator and a hose with a nozzle at the end of the hose. The nozzle is held by the user and releases steam that is directed to the workpiece. The user then moves the nozzle over the product while tensioning and stretching the product to remove creases. This equipment is usually used to process garments, but can also be used to process home upholstery or curtains, or other products.

During the use of manual steaming equipment, part of the steam released is vaporized into the environment without interacting with the product. This unproductive steam increases the energy and water consumption of the device and is unpleasant for the user due to the fact that heating and humidity can cause discomfort. In addition, unproductive steam means that the temperature and intensity of the steam treatment are reduced, which reduces the refreshing and hygienic effects of the steam.

It is also known, for example, from US 2004/163184 A1, that a flexible cover may be provided in which fabric products such as a sewing product can be placed. The cover attaches to the stand, and the garment hangs freely inside the cover. A steam generator is provided for circulating steam throughout the inner part of the cover to refresh the sewing products, and manually controlled ventilation holes are provided to enable the user to release steam from the cover, for example, upon completion of use or when steaming products from delicate fabrics. However, since the entire product must be placed inside a hermetically sealed cover, this equipment is not suitable for selectively steaming a small area of the product. In addition, since the workpiece must be placed inside a hermetically sealed cover, the size of the cover limits the size of the garment that can be processed, thereby excluding the processing of large-sized garments, such as curtains and upholstery, which do not fit in the cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the invention is to provide a device for steaming a fabric product, which essentially reduces or overcomes the aforementioned problems.

From US 2004/0163184 A1, it is known that a chamber is provided comprising a space for accommodating steamed tissue products.

According to the present invention, there is provided a chamber for use with a steam generator having a manual steam nozzle for manual processing of a fabric product, the steam being discharged from the aforementioned nozzle, and the chamber is characterized in that it comprises a receptacle for the steam nozzle configured for a demountable room of the above manual the steam nozzle so that the steam is directed inside the chamber from the aforementioned steam nozzle to perform steaming of the fabric in the aforementioned Ameria without using your hands.

A first aspect of the present invention is a chamber with a receptacle for a steam nozzle, which can be connected to a known steam generator with a manual steam nozzle. The camera and the receiving socket for the steam nozzle allow the user, if necessary, to connect the steam nozzle of the existing steam generator with the camera for use as a hand-held steamer. This gives the user increased versatility due to the fact that the steam generator can be used both for manual processing of small areas of the product and for large objects that, in the usual case, would not fit in the camera, or, alternatively, the user can attach the nozzle to the camera to perform steaming without using hands inside the camera. The camera offers the user increased capabilities due to the fact that the steamer can be used to process a wider range of products, and also means that the user must purchase only one steamer and auxiliary device, and not two separate pieces of equipment for steaming.

The connection of the chamber to a manual steamer is also preferred for performing refreshment, cleaning, and for hygienic reasons. Products can be steamed in the chamber for a long period of time without any additional user effort to eliminate any germs that may be present on the product. This is more difficult to achieve when using a steamer working exclusively in manual mode due to the fact that the user must hold the nozzle opposite each part of the product for a long period of time until a hygienic effect is achieved, which is difficult and inconvenient for the user. Therefore, the steam nozzle can be connected to the chamber to improve the cleaning and refreshing effects of the steam treatment and, if necessary, the user is still able to disconnect the nozzle and use the nozzle in manual processing mode.

The chamber may further comprise at least one hose support member configured to support the flexible hose of the aforementioned steam generator so that condensation water cannot be trapped inside the aforementioned hose during use of the chamber.

If water is trapped in a flexible hose that conducts steam from the steam generator to the manual steam nozzle, the steam flow will be reduced and may even be blocked, which adversely affects the performance of the equipment.

At least one hose support member may comprise at least one rod extending away from the camera and mounting means to which the aforementioned flexible hose can be removably attached while using the camera.

At least one rod will maintain the hose at a distance from the camera so that the hose is held in tact so that the formation of coils that create “U” -shaped bends or hollows in which water can be held is prevented. In this situation, any condensation forming in the hose will drain back to the steam generator along the hose, instead of being delayed in part of the hose and affecting the steam flow. If the hose support member had multiple rods, then multiple points of the flexible hose would be supported, and this would allow holding the hose in various configurations. For example, a portion of the hose may be supported in a spiral shape with a positive slope so that water cannot be held anywhere inside the hose.

The nozzle receptacle may comprise an opening inwardly of the chamber, and may comprise a recess where the aforementioned recess can be formed to detachably place the manual steam nozzle so that when the aforementioned steam nozzle is inserted into the recess, the aforementioned steam nozzle is held in the aforementioned recess and the vapor outlet end This steam nozzle was aligned with the hole.

The recess allows the user to easily attach the handpiece of the steamer to the chamber to perform steaming without using hands inside the chamber. Steam continues to flow through the nozzle, and then through the hole in the interior of the chamber, so that no removal or addition of any components to the hand nozzle is required to ensure connection.

Preferably, the recess may include an enlarged portion that allows the user to access to grip a manual steam nozzle located in the recess, and the enlarged portion of the recess may be aligned with the handle of the aforementioned steam nozzle when the aforementioned steam nozzle is placed in the recess.

The recess allows the user to easily grab and remove the nozzle from the nozzle receptacle at the end of the work, or use the nozzle for manual steam processing of products. If the recess is aligned with the handle, then the user can grab the handle of the steam nozzle inside the recess to remove the nozzle.

The recess may further comprise a part for accommodating the handle of the manual steam nozzle when the aforementioned steam nozzle is placed in the receiving receptacle for the nozzle.

The handle placement portion will act to hold the handle in a position in which the nozzle is placed in the nozzle receptacle so that the vapor outlet end of the nozzle is aligned with the hole.

The recess may be configured so that when the manual steam nozzle is placed in the nozzle receptacle, the aforementioned steam nozzle is substantially flush with the side of the chamber.

This design takes up less space, and due to the fact that the steam nozzle does not protrude from the side of the chamber during use, the risk of nozzle displacement is reduced.

The recess may include an expandable part that is adapted to accommodate the expanding steam outlet of the manual steam nozzle so that the aforementioned steam nozzle can be inserted into the expandable part, and then moved to align it with the recess, to align the steam outlet of the aforementioned steam nozzle with a hole in the receiving steam nozzle socket.

This design makes it easier for the user to attach and remove the steam nozzle from the nozzle receptacle — the user moves the nozzle in the direction of the expanding portion that releases the nozzle from the recess.

The nozzle receptacle may also include means for releasably attaching the hand steam nozzle to the nozzle receptacle.

It further ensures that the steam nozzle is securely fixed, allowing the user to easily remove the nozzle from the receptacle. The means for releasably attaching the manual steam nozzle to the nozzle receptacle may include magnets for interacting with magnets or magnetic material on the manual steam nozzle. These magnets can provide a holding force that holds the nozzle during operation, but which can be easily overcome by the user by disconnecting the nozzle from the camera.

The chamber may further comprise water collecting means configured to collect water condensate that has been accumulated at the lower end of the chamber.

A water collection tool allows the user to easily remove and eliminate water that collects at the bottom of the chamber.

The chamber may also comprise a base extending along the entire bottom of the chamber during use and configured to direct the collected water to the water collecting means.

The base will serve to maintain the chamber in an extended position and to perform the collection of water, which accumulates in the chamber, and direct it to a means for collecting water.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for treating a fabric article with steam, comprising a steam generator and a chamber, as described above, wherein the aforementioned steam generator has a steam hose and a steam nozzle suitable for performing manual steaming of the fabric products, wherein the aforementioned steam nozzle can be connected if necessary with a receptacle for the nozzle of the chamber for supplying steam to the chamber to perform steaming of fabric products located in the aforementioned chamber, without using hands.

A chamber may be provided as an accessory for a manual steamer, as described above, or it may be provided with a steamer, as described above.

It is known from US 2004/0163184 A1 that there is provided a device for treating a fabric article with steam, comprising a chamber for containing the fabric article to be steamed, and a base unit in which there is a steam generator and a steam outlet, the aforementioned steam outlet being located inside the chamber for performing steaming without using hands of tissue products placed in the chamber.

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for treating a fabric article with steam, characterized in that the steam outlet comprises connecting means configured to allow a user to connect the steam nozzle to the steam outlet for manually steaming the fabric articles.

This device also allows the user to choose between hands-free steaming and manual steaming of fabric items. The choice between connecting the steam hose and the steam nozzle to the base unit of the steam chamber allows the user to change the function of the device from steaming without using hands inside the chamber to manual steaming using the steam hose and steam nozzle.

The device may further comprise an upper assembly to which the camera is removably attached, and a retractable support rod that can be attached to the base unit and to the upper assembly to support the upper assembly and the camera.

The upper node will support the camera in the deployed position, forming a space inside the camera, and the extendable rod, which, for example, can be telescopic, allows the device to fold so that the upper node and the base unit converge together and the whole device is tightly compressed. This is required for easy storage and transportation.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent and explained with reference to the embodiments described later in this document.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example with reference to FIG. 2-12 of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a and 1b depict a manual garment steamer known in the art;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a first embodiment of a steam treatment chamber for a fabric article according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the camera of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a representation of a receptacle for the steam nozzle of the camera of FIG. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 and 6 are front and rear views of the receptacle for the steam nozzle and base of the chamber of FIG. 2, 3 and 4;

FIG. 7 and 8 depict the upper support portion of the chamber of FIG. 2-6;

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment of a chamber of the invention that is connected to a steam generator so as to prevent water retention in the steam hose.

FIG. 10 and 11 depict alternative embodiments of a chamber according to the invention, which include steam hose support elements designed to prevent water retention in the steam hose.

FIG. 12 is a view of a second embodiment of a device for steam treating a fabric article according to the invention;

FIG. 13 depicts the base unit of the device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows the support block of the device of FIG. 12 and 13;

and

FIG. 15 depicts the device of FIG. 12, 13 and 14, adapted for manual steaming.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

FIG. 1a shows a prior art manual garment steamer 1. The steamer comprises a base unit 2 in which a steam generator is placed, and a support rod 3 extending from the base unit 2. The support rod may consist of one, two or a plurality of racks. The steam hose 4 is connected to the steam generator to receive and transfer steam to the nozzle 5. The user provides water for the steam generator through a replenished or replaceable water storage tank. To use the steamer, the user places the garment on the hanger and hangs the hanger on the support rod 3. Alternatively, the hanger can be fixedly attached to the top of the support rod 3. Then, the user can move the nozzle 5 over the sewing product as steam is supplied from the nozzle 5 for performing processing of the garment. To remove wrinkles and creases from the garment, the user can pull and stretch the garment during the application of steam from the nozzle 5.

FIG. 1b is an enlarged view of the nozzle 5 or of the steaming head of the hand-held garment steamer 1 of FIG. 1a. The nozzle 5 comprises a handle part 6 and a steam outlet part 7, the end part of which 8 includes a plurality of holes for releasing steam, which is conducted to the nozzle 5 along the hose 4. In the example shown in FIG. 1b, the external shape of the vapor outlet portion 7 of the nozzle 5 is conical, extending substantially from the cylindrical portion 6 of the handle so that the vapor outlet end surface 8 is elliptical and angled toward the direction of the portion 6 of the handle to facilitate retention and use by the user of the nozzle 5.

This invention seeks to provide equipment through which a user can arbitrarily select a “hands-free” steam treatment function with a camera for holding garments, or a “manual” steam function, where the user holds a steam nozzle for direct steaming. For example, a user may be able to use the manual function to process large items, such as upholstery and curtains, or to process only a small selected area of one product, and then the operating mode of the equipment can be changed to “hands-free” steaming to process all sewing products.

First Embodiment

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a device for processing tissue using steam, which allows the user to choose between manual steaming and steam without hands. The device comprises a chamber 10, which can be used with a manual steamer, from FIG. 1a and 1b, designed to provide steam without hands. The chamber 10 has an opening main body 15, such as a flexible case, with a hanger 11 provided in the upper part of the chamber 10 for hanging the chamber 10 on a supporting structure. In FIG. 2, the chamber 10 is depicted as being supported by a support rod 3 that extends from the manual steamer equipment 1 of FIG. 1a and 1b, although the hanger 11 also provides the ability to support the camera 10 in other places, for example, on a hook on an adjacent wall.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 2. The support rod 3 of the manual steamer is shown as extending from the base unit 2, and the chamber 10 is supported on the rod 3 by means of a hanger 11. A hose 4 extends from the base unit 2, and the nozzle 5 is connected to the chamber 10 through the receptacle 12 for the steam nozzle located towards the lower end of the main body 15 of the chamber 10 for supplying steam inside the chamber 10. The hose 4 is also connected to the support rod 3 by means of a hose support element, such as a belt 13, to hold the hose 4 in a convenient position that does not prevent blocking the hose, and also allows the orientation of the nozzle 5 to coincide with the receptacle 12 for the nozzle — in this example, vertically downward — as shown in FIG. 3.

The steam generator of FIG. 2 and 3 is known and typically comprises a water storage tank that the user fills with water to be provided to the steam generator. The steam generator is connected to a power source to supply power to the heater, which evaporates water into steam and directs this steam, for example, by means of a supercharger, along the hose 4 to the nozzle 5.

The main body 15 of the chamber 10 can be made of a flexible and waterproof material, which is also impervious to heat and moisture, to which it will be exposed during use of the device. In addition, the inner surface of the main body 15 of the chamber 10 may have an antibacterial lining to prevent the growth of bacteria, which can occur when the device is not in use. Humidity and heat produced by steam will remain for some time after use, and bacteria may develop in this environment.

The main body 15 shown in FIG. 2 and 3, has a zipper 14 or similar closure means, such as a Velcro fastener or magnets, which allows the user to tightly close and open the chamber 10 to move tissue products, such as garments, in and out of the chamber 10 As shown in FIG. 2, an opening line along which the zipper 14 will open the main body 15 may be in a “C” shape to allow easy access for the user. Alternatively, the opening line may be of an “L” shape and may extend along two adjacent edges of the chamber so that the side or front of the chamber 10 can be opened.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a receptacle 12 for a nozzle of a chamber 10 and a nozzle 5 of a manual steamer located in a receptacle 12 for a nozzle. The receiving socket 12 for the nozzle is sealed to the main body 15 of the chamber 10 and holds the nozzle 5, while allowing the steam to pass inside the chamber 10. The receiving socket 12 for the nozzle contains a recess 16, which is formed so that it approximately matches the shape of the nozzle 5 in order so that when the nozzle 5 is inserted into the recess 16, the nozzle 5 is held in the recess 16 by means of a friction fit, although it is provided that it can be held by other means. For example, it can be held in recess 16 using magnetic forces or by some other clamping device, retainer or belt structure, provided that the user is able to insert and remove nozzle 5. Steam outlet 8 (see Fig. 1b ) nozzles 5 is aligned and communicates with the hole 17 (see Fig. 6) in the receiving socket 12 for the nozzle, and the main body 15, which allows steam to exit the nozzle 5 to pass directly inside the chamber 10, when the nozzle 5 is mounted Ovana in the recess 16.

Alternatively, the nozzle receptacle 12 may have guide elements (not shown), such as ribs, which protrude from the nozzle receptacle 12, and detachably place the manual steam nozzle 5 with the desired orientation. In this case, only the guide elements of the receiving socket 12 for the nozzle must correspond to the shape of the manual steam nozzle 5.

As also shown in FIG. 4, the recess 16 includes a “recess”, or enlarged region 18, which is aligned with the handle portion 6 (see FIG. 1b) of the nozzle 5 to allow the user to access to freely grip the nozzle 5 while inserting or removing the nozzle 5 from receiving socket 12 for nozzles.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle 5 has a cylindrical handle 6 and an externally tapered end 7 described with reference to FIG. 1b. Therefore, to fit this shape, the recess has two different parts; an expanding portion 30 for accommodating a steam outlet 7, and a straight portion 31 for accommodating a handle 6. The expanding part 30 of the recess 16 extends further than the actual dimensions of the nozzle 5, allowing the user to freely and easily insert the nozzle 5 into the additional part of the recess and then move the nozzle inward to engage it with the recess 16 so that the steam outlet 8 is aligned with the hole 17 This simplifies the user the process of inserting and removing the nozzle 5 from the recess 16. The nozzle is oriented so that it is essentially tightly inserted so that part of the handle is directly opposite side portion of the main body 15 of the chamber 10 and inclined elliptical end 8 of the nozzle 5 was directed inward the chamber 10 through the opening 17. In this embodiment, the recess 16 places the nozzle 5 in the downward orientation as shown in FIG. 4, which also makes it easier for the user to insert and remove the nozzle 5, and also so that the hose 4 stretches in a controlled direction - the hose 4 will stretch upward from the nozzle 5, and can be attached to the support rod, as shown in FIG. 3. Attaching the hose 4 to the support rod 3 in this way also prevents the formation of any loops on the hose that may collect water, such as a “U” bend or a hollow. These loops would act as a water collector and would collect condensate, which would reduce the steam flow through the hose and could even completely block the flow if enough condensate was collected to fill the loop.

FIG. 5 shows the base 19 in the assembly of the chamber 10, where the main body 15 is not shown. The base assembly 19 includes a nozzle receptacle 12 and a base 20, which, in this embodiment, are integrally formed. The base 20 extends along the entire lower part of the chamber 10 and is attached to the main body 15 around its edges. The base 20 collects water that has formed by condensation inside the chamber 10 during steaming. The main body 15 will be colder than the steam in the chamber 10, causing the formation of water through condensation, which will accumulate in the lower part of the chamber. The base 20 is configured to collect this water and direct it into a water collection tank 21 or, alternatively, into a pipe (not shown) that discharges water from the chamber 10.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the base 19 assembly from the inside of the camera. The base 20 encloses a space 22 for accommodating a removable water storage tank 21 with an opening 23 between the base 20 and the space 22, which allows water to flow from the inside of the chamber 10 into the water storage tank 21. After using the equipment, or in the case of filling the water storage tank 21, the user can easily remove the water storage tank 21 and dispose of the water. Water can be used as water supplied to the steam generator.

In another embodiment, which is not shown in the drawings, there is a pipe that conducts water condensate from an opening from the chamber 10. A valve can be provided in the pipe that allows the user to close and open the flow line through the pipe. The pipe may also be able to be connected to a steam generator water supply tank to supply water condensate directly back to the steam generator for reuse, thereby creating a closed loop and reducing water consumption.

Also in FIG. 6 illustrates magnets 24 that interact with respective magnets or magnetic material (not shown) in the nozzle 5. This provides a holding force for holding the nozzle 4 in the receptacle receptacle 12, which can complement or replace the frictional force, as described in more detail above . The strength of the magnets 24 can be easily overcome by the user to remove the nozzle 5. In addition, other locking means can be used to replace or supplement the force holding the nozzle in the receptacle for the nozzle, such as a stopper, clip, clasp, latch or belt.

FIG. 7 depicts a top portion 25 of a strut that forms part of a chamber 10, and the main body 15 is not shown. The upper part 25 of the rack contains an external hanger 26, an internal hanger 27 and a housing 28 of the rack, which extends along the entire upper part of the chamber 10. The main body 15 is connected to the housing 28 of the rack around its edges with the possibility of sealing to attach the main body 15 to the upper part 25 of the rack . The external hanger 11 contains a hook that can be used to suspend the chamber 10 at a suitable point, for example, on a support rod 3 (see Fig. 3), which extends from the main unit 2 of the manual steamer. When the upper portion 25 of the strut is supported in this way, the main body 15, which is flexible and has the weight of the base 20, pulling it down, will be suspended in a stretched form suitable for operation, as shown in FIG. 2 and 3.

The rack housing 28 of the top of the rack 25 ensures that the entire main body 15 of the chamber 10 is sufficiently supported. The rack body 28 also includes openings 29 on both sides of the external hanger 11. These openings of the part 29 are aligned with manually controlled ventilation openings in the main body 15, which allow the user to open and close the current line between the inner part of the chamber 10 and the outer part. These vents can be used at the end of the steam cycle to reduce the amount of steam, heat and humidity in the chamber, or can be used to reduce the amount of steam in the chamber 10 if the steamed product is delicate or susceptible to excessive heat or humidity.

FIG. 8 depicts an inner hanger 27 of the upper part 25 of the rack, which comprises a hanging bar mounted opposite the external hanger 11 and centered inside the chamber 10. The hanging bar can be used to support garments, fabrics or products, or a hanger, which in turn supports sewing product.

The flexible properties of the housing 15 of the chamber 10 mean that the chamber 10, in its inoperative state, can be folded to small sizes and easily stored. Without a steam generator or other large components attached to it, the chamber 10, when folded, will be compact and lightweight, which is preferred for storage. The upper part 25 of the rack and the base 20 can be attached to each other, for example, by means of a latch or belt (none of which are shown), to keep the camera in a folded state for storage.

As described with reference to FIG. 2-8, the steam nozzle 5 may be placed in the nozzle receptacle 12 in a top-down orientation with a hose 4 attached to the support rod 3, for example, via a belt 13 (as shown in FIG. 3). Such a structure is preferred because it prevents the formation of a water collecting loop in the steam hose 4, such as a ‘U’-shaped bend, a depression or lower point at which condensate can be collected. Therefore, the collection of water in the hose 4 is prevented, and steam flow is not allowed to decrease. Any condensate that forms in the hose 4 will flow along the hose 4 either to the steam nozzle 5 or to the steam generator 2.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a chamber in which a receptacle for a nozzle 51 is located in the upper part of the chamber 10 adjacent to the external hanger 11 and is oriented so that the manual steam nozzle 5 is placed in an upward orientation. In this configuration, the hose extends from top to bottom from the steam nozzle 5 in the direction of the steam generator so that the hose 4 is supported in such a way that no loops or depressions are placed between the steam generator 2 and the water nozzle in it. This avoids the problem of condensate collection in the 'U'-shaped bends, troughs or lower points located between the ends of the hose 4, which can reduce or block the passage of steam along the hose 4. In turn, any condensate formed in the hose 4 will be returned to the steam generator 2.

FIG. 10 and 11 depict other embodiments of a chamber 10 with a nozzle receptacle located at the bottom of the chamber 10, similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3-8. However, the nozzle receptacles of these embodiments are configured so that the steam nozzle 5 is inserted in an upward orientation. Embodiments of FIG. 10 and 11 also include a hose support member that supports the hose 4 in the structure without a depression or lower point located between the ends of the hose.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment with a hose support member 52, which can extend either from the base 20 of the chamber 10, or from the nozzle receptacle 12, or can be attached to the support rod 3. The hose support 52 has a rod 53 to which it can be removably connected hose 4. The rod 53 extends from the chamber 10 and supports the hose 4 between its ends (between the steam generator 2 and the manual steam nozzle 5). The hose 4 is maintained in a position at a distance from the chamber 10 and the support rod 3 so that the hose 4 does not have a "U" -shaped bend, depression or minimum point between its ends, in which water or condensate collected. Thus, any water formed by condensation will be returned to the steam generator along the hose 4. The rod 53 of the support member 52 may be folding or extendable so that it can be moved to the retracted position when not in use. For example, the rod 53 shown in FIG. 10 is pivotally attached to the fixed portion 54 near the center 55 of its rotation so that the rod 53 can be folded relative to the main support rod 3 on which the camera 10 is mounted when not in use. The rod 53 may move between predetermined retracted and deployed positions, or, alternatively, the hinge may include a spring that extends the rod 53 and the hose 4 in a distance from the support rod 3.

The hose 4 may be removably attached to the rod 53 by means of a latch or belt. As shown in FIG. 10, the rod 53 may comprise a semicircular latch 56 in which the hose 4 is placed. The semicircular latch 56 may have the same or slightly smaller dimensions than the outer diameter of the hose 4 so that the hose can be detachably attached to the semicircular latch 56.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment similar to that described with reference to FIG. 10, with a nozzle receptacle 12 located at the bottom of the chamber 10 and configured to place the manual steam nozzle 5 in a bottom-up orientation, where the hose 4 extends downward from the nozzle receptacle 12 to the steam generator 2. Chamber 10 of this embodiment the implementation also has a hose support member 57 that supports the hose 4 extending between the steam generator 2 and the manual steam nozzle 5 when the nozzle 5 is placed in the receptacle 12 for the nozzle for supplying steam to the chamber 10. In this embodiment, the support member the hose 57 comprises a central shaft 58 extending from the protrusion 59 on the base 20 of the chamber 10. Alternatively, the protrusion 59 may be attached to the nozzle receptacle 12 or to a main support rod (not shown). A plurality of support rods 60 are connected and extend radially from the central rod 58, and a hose 4 can be attached to each support rod 60 so that the hose 4 does not have any 'U'-shaped bends, depressions or lower points at which water may collect, located between the steam generator 2 and the manual steam nozzle 5.

For example, FIG. 11 depicts a support rod 60 configured to support a portion of the hose 4 in a helical or spiral configuration with a constant, positive gradient so that the water in the hose 4 flows back into the steam generator 2 and cannot be held at any point along the hose. The end of each support rod 60 has a connector 61 to which a portion of the hose 4 can be attached. Each connector 61 can have a fixed orientation or can be rotated around the support rod 60, either to fix or to change the angle at which the hose 4 attached to each support rod 60. As with the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 10, the connector may be a latch, such as a semicircular latch, by which the hose 4 is removably secured. In an alternative embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 11, the support rods 60 may be supported and extend from the main support rod 3 on which the camera 10 is supported.

When using the steamer 1 of FIG. 1a in combination with the above-described chamber 10, the user should not manipulate sewing products or fabrics during steaming, and is protected from steam by the chamber 10. In addition, the user should not manipulate or move the nozzle 5, which releases steam. This greatly improves the experience of use. For convenience, the steamer and the chamber can be left for the entire cycle of any interaction, and, therefore, provides steaming without the use of hands.

The device described with reference to FIG. 2-11, allows the user to quickly and easily attach existing equipment 1 of the manual steamer to the chamber 10 of the auxiliary device and to choose which function is most suitable for their task. For example, a user may use a hand-held steam nozzle to process curtains and upholstery, and then attach a chamber 10 to process a garment. Using the camera will give the best cleaning and refreshment effects due to the fact that the products inside the camera will be completely surrounded by steam and can be left for a long period of time without constant interaction with the user. During this time, steam can act to sterilize the garment by heating and neutralizing microorganisms such as microbes. A quick and easy mounting method is convenient and requires minimal time or effort for installation. The camera can be suspended on a support rod 3, which is already part of the manual equipment of the steamer 1, so that the entire assembly is compact and convenient for storage.

The chamber 10 can be sold in combination with a manual steamer 1 or as an additional auxiliary device, giving customers a choice of the functions of their equipment. If the user needs both types of functions - manual and hands-free operation - then, at the moment, they will have to purchase two types of equipment. This invention allows the user to adapt the function of existing equipment to suit their needs and, therefore, they need to purchase only one equipment with an auxiliary device in the form of a camera.

The camera 10 may also include an ultraviolet lamp (not shown) powered by a battery or an external power source, such as mains electricity. The ultraviolet lamp is positioned in such a way as to emit UV (ultraviolet) light on the steaming fabric product to provide a sterilizing and bactericidal effect. UV light, for example, light with a wavelength of 253.7 nm, destroys the base pairing of DNA, resulting in the death of bacteria exposed to this light. Therefore, during operation, the steam will clean and sterilize the garment, as well as remove some creases, while the UV lamp will act to further sterilize the garment, providing an improved cleaning effect. It will be understood that this steaming and exposure to UV radiation can occur simultaneously or one after another.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 12 depicts a second embodiment of a device 32 for steam processing a fabric article. This embodiment includes a base unit 33, an upper unit 34, and a flexible chamber 35 extending between the upper and base units 33, 34. The upper unit 34 is connected to the base unit 33 via a telescopic extension bar 36. When the rod 36 is retracted, the upper unit 34 located on top of the base unit 33 and acts as a cover. To deploy equipment 32, the user pulls the top assembly 34 out of the base unit 33 by means of a handle 37, thereby expanding the bar 36, which is locked in the extended position by means of a gripper or the like.

The flexible camera 35 is connected to both the upper node 34 and the base unit 33, so that when the device 32 is in the deployed state (the bar 36 is extended), the camera 35 is suspended between the base and upper blocks 33, 34 and is formed so so that the user can place tissue products, such as garments, inside the camera 35. The camera 35 may also have one or more ventilation holes that release steam from the camera 35. A zipper 38 is provided to allow the user to open the camera 35 for placement I and the removal of articles from the chamber 35, and the upper assembly 34 includes an internal hanger 39 (see FIG. 14), such as a hook or bar, for hanging the article inside the chamber 35. The zipper 38 for opening the chamber 35 may have The 'C'-shaped or can stretch in a straight line anywhere on the chamber 35, allowing the user to open the chamber 35 sufficiently to place the products in the chamber 35. The example shown in FIG. 12 depicts a straight zipper 38 along the front of the camera 35 in the middle. The chamber 35 is made of a flexible and vapor-tight material or a material with poor vapor permeability, which is also resistant to heat and steam humidity.

When the rod 36 is retracted, the flexible chamber 35 is folded, and the upper node 34 covers the upper part of the base unit 33. In this position, the device 32 is compact and has the ability to easily move and store. The upper node 34 can be directly attached to the base unit 33 by means of a latch, a grip or a belt (none of which is shown) to keep the device 32 closed and to allow it to be lifted and moved by the handle 37 on the upper node 34.

FIG. 13 shows a base unit 33 that includes a steam generator (not shown) and a water storage 40, and may also include a fan. The base unit 33 may be connected to electricity from the network, which drives the heater in the steam generator, and the user provides water in the storage 40 for water; preferably, distilled or evaporated water is used to prevent the accumulation of impurities and scale in the steam generator. The water storage 40 may be a fixed, refillable tank, as shown in FIG. 13, or it can be a removable tank that the user can remove, replenish and reinsert into the base unit 33. In the base unit 33 there is a window 41 through which the user can fill water to replenish the storage 40. The heater is configured to evaporate water from the storage 40 for water to steam and providing this steam to the steam outlet 42 shown in FIG. 13. The steam outlet 42 releases steam directly into the chamber 35, where the processed products are located. The steam will naturally rise through the chamber 35 and circulate by convection to bend around the fabric in the chamber 35, although a fan may be included in the device to direct the steam inside the chamber 35. Also in FIG. 13 shows a door 43 that opens into the accessory storage compartment 44, which can be used to store components and accessories for the device.

FIG. 14 depicts an upper assembly 34 with a flexible chamber 35 sealed to the upper assembly 34 and an internal hanger 39 to support fabric products within the chamber 35. The main body 45 of the upper assembly 34 is domed with an internal recess that provides space for the chamber 35 and other components, when the device 32 is folded into the stowed position. The flexible camera 35 can be attached to the upper assembly 34 by means of grippers, latches, ties or magnets (none of which are shown) that allow the user to easily remove the camera 35 for cleaning or drying purposes, or to change the function of the device 32, as will become apparent later .

Also in FIG. 14 shows an ultraviolet (UV) lamp 46 mounted inside a recess in the upper assembly 34. The lamp 46 emits UV light inside the chamber 35 to provide a bactericidal effect and sterilization. UV light, for example, light with a wavelength of 253.7 nm, destroys the base pairing of DNA, which leads to the neutralization of bacteria exposed to this light. Therefore, during operation, steam will clean the garment and also remove some wrinkles, and the UV lamp 46 will act to further sterilize the garment, providing an improved cleaning effect.

The lamp 46 is located in the upper node 34 and is turned on by mains power through a cable from the base unit 33 along or through the extension bar 36. Other electrical equipment required for the lamp 46 and heater to work in the steam generator, and any other electrical components, such as transformers and ballast for the lamp 46 may be located in the base unit 33.

When steam in chamber 35 collides with cold surfaces, such as the edges and top of chamber 35, it will condense into water. This water will naturally accumulate on the walls in the chamber 35 and drain down towards the base unit 33. The upper surface 47 (see Fig. 13) of the base unit 33, exposed inside the chamber 35, must be waterproof and configured to direct the accumulated water into the means to collect water. The water collection means may be a storage tank or a pipe that conducts water from the device. Instead, the pipe can supply water directly to the water storage for reuse in a steam generator. The lamp 46 and other equipment exposed to the interior of the chamber 35 must be waterproof and resistant to heat and humidity of the steam to prevent damage to these components.

In the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 12-14, a chamber 35 is used to contain steam for processing small and medium sized fabric products such as garments. However, the steam outlet 42 in the base unit 33 shown in FIG. 13 is configured to be able to attach to an auxiliary hose to change the function of the device 32 to a manual steam nozzle. As shown in FIG. 15, hose 48 and steam nozzle 49, similar to those shown in FIG. 1a and 1b (4, 5 of FIG. 1b) may be coupled to the steam outlet 42 to provide the additional function of a manual steam nozzle. Both the steam outlet and the hose contain compatible quick-release hose fittings, such as pressure means or clamps, that allow the user to quickly and easily attach the hose to the steam outlet 42. Once the bar 36 has been extended, the sewing product 50 can be suspended from the upper assembly 34, as shown in FIG. 15, and the camera 35 can either be removed (since it is flexible), or it can be disconnected from the upper assembly 34 and / or the base unit 33 and stored in another place, such as the accessory compartment 43. The user can then use the steam nozzle 5 manually by moving the steam nozzle 5 over the sewing product 50 and pulling the folds of the sewing product 50. As explained earlier, this function can also be useful for processing products that will not fit inside the chamber 35, such as upholstery and curtains, or for processing only a small area of the product, which would not be possible when using the camera 35 due to the fact that the steam will be applied to the entire product. If they are not used, the hose 48, the nozzle 49 and / or the flexible chamber 35 can be stored in the storage 43 in the base unit 33.

In an alternative embodiment, two separate attachment points (not shown in the drawings) may be provided in the steam outlet so that at the same time the chamber 35, hose 48 and nozzle 49 can be connected to the steam outlet and used simultaneously. The two attachment points can be located in different places, for example, the attachment point for the camera can be located on the upper surface of the steam generator (as well as to the steam outlet 42, as shown in Fig. 13), and the attachment point for the hose 48 and nozzle 49 can be located on the side of the steam generator. Thus, at the same time, the chamber 35, the hose 48 and the nozzle 49 can be connected and used simultaneously. A switch or valve (not shown in the drawings) may be provided that controls the balance of the steam flow through each of the points of attachment so that the steam is directed either at the chamber 35 or at the hose 48 and the nozzle 49 individually or simultaneously.

The option of switching between steam functions without using hands and manually in one equipment is beneficial for users who need to purchase only one unit of equipment to enable them to perform both functions. As in the case of the first embodiment, the use of the camera will result in great cleaning and refreshing effects, since the products are completely surrounded by steam and can be left under its influence for a long period of time.

It will be understood that the term “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps, and that the singular does not exclude the presence of a plurality of elements. The fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be successfully used. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Although the claims have been set forth in this application for specific combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any new features, or any new combinations of features disclosed herein, either explicitly or implicitly, or any generalization of them, regardless of whether it relates to the same invention that is currently claimed in any of the paragraphs, and whether it partially reduces, or in full, the same technical problems as the original invention. Applicants are hereby notified that for such distinguishing features and / or combinations of distinctive features, a new claims may be formulated at the time of filing a claim on this application or any additional application received from it.

Claims (15)

1. A chamber for use with a steam generator (1) having a manual steam nozzle (5) for manually treating a fabric product with steam discharged from the aforementioned nozzle, the camera (10) comprising a space for accommodating the fabric article to be processed, characterized in that the camera further comprises a receptacle (12, 56) for the steam nozzle configured to detach the aforementioned manual steam nozzle (5) so that the steam is directed inside the chamber from the aforementioned steam nozzle for the possibility of steaming tissue products without the use of hands in the aforementioned chamber. 2. A chamber according to claim 1, further comprising at least one hose support element (13, 52, 57) configured to support the flexible hose (4) of the aforementioned steam generator so that water condensate cannot be trapped inside the aforementioned hose during camera usage time. 3. A chamber according to claim 2, wherein the at least one support element (52) of the hose comprises at least one rod (53) extending away from the chamber, and attachment means to which the aforementioned flexible hose ( 4) Can be removably attached while using the camera. 4. The camera according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 3, in which the receiving socket (12) for the steam nozzle comprises a recess (16) and an opening (17) inside the chamber (10), the aforementioned recess being formed for a detachable room of the manual steam nozzle (5) so that when inserted the aforementioned manual steam nozzle in the recess, the aforementioned steam nozzle was held in the aforementioned recess, and the steam outlet end (8) of this steam nozzle (5) was aligned with the hole. 5. The camera according to claim 4, in which the recess (16) includes an enlarged part (18), which allows the user to access to capture the manual steam nozzle (5) placed in the recess. 6. A chamber according to claim 5, wherein the enlarged portion (18) of the recess (16) is positioned so as to be aligned with the handle (6) of the manual steam nozzle (5) when the aforementioned steam nozzle is placed in the recess (16). 7. The chamber according to claim 4, in which the recess (16) further comprises a part (31) for accommodating the handle (6) of the manual steam nozzle (5) when the aforementioned steam nozzle is placed in the receiving socket (12) for the steam nozzle. 8. The chamber according to claim 4, in which the recess (16) is configured so that when placing the manual steam nozzle (5) in the receiving socket (12) for the steam nozzle, the aforementioned steam nozzle is located flush with the chamber (10). 9. A chamber according to claim 4, in which the recess (16) comprises an expandable part (30) which is adapted to accommodate the expandable steam outlet head (7) of the manual steam nozzle (5) so that the aforementioned steam nozzle can be inserted into the expandable part (30), and then moved to align with the recess (16), to align the steam outlet head (7) of the aforementioned steam nozzle with the hole (17) of the receiving socket (12) for the steam nozzle. 10. The camera according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 3, in which the receiving socket (12) for the steam nozzle also comprises means for releasably attaching the manual steam nozzle (5) to the receiving socket for the steam nozzle. 11. The camera according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 3, further comprising a means (21) for collecting water, configured to collect water condensate that has accumulated in the lower part of the chamber (10). 12. The chamber according to claim 11, further comprising a base (20) extending along the entire lower part of the chamber (10) and configured to direct the collected water to the water collecting means (21). 13. A device for treating a fabric product with steam, comprising a steam generator (1) and a chamber (10) according to any one of claims. 1-12 for use with a steam generator, the aforementioned steam generator having a steam hose (4) and a steam nozzle (5) suitable for manual steaming of fabric products, the aforementioned steam nozzle, if necessary, can be connected to the receiving socket (12) for the steam nozzle of the chamber (10) for supplying steam to the chamber for steaming tissue products placed in the aforementioned chamber without using hands. 14. A device for steam processing of a fabric product, comprising a chamber (35) for accommodating a steamed fabric product and a base unit (33) having a steam generator and a steam outlet (42), the aforementioned steam outlet being located inside the chamber for performing steam-free use of fabric products placed in the chamber, characterized in that the steam outlet contains a connecting means configured to allow the user to connect the steam nozzle (49) with steam a quick opening (42) for performing manual steaming of fabric products, the steam outlet (42) having two separate attachment points so that the chamber (35), hose (48) and nozzle (49) can be attached to the steam outlet (42) and used at the same time. 15. The device according to claim 14, further comprising an upper assembly (34) to which a camera (35) is removably attached and a retractable support rod (36) attached to the base unit (33) and to the upper assembly (34) to support top node and camera.

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