WO2016116297A1

WO2016116297A1 - Garment steamer device with inclinable ironing board and garment hanger

Info

Publication number: WO2016116297A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/050241
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hee Keng Chua; Berkay Bircan
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Priority date: 2015-01-23
Filing date: 2016-01-08
Publication date: 2016-07-28
Also published as: RU2017129706A; CN107208351A; RU2017129706A3; CN107208351B

Abstract

The present application relates toa garment steamer device comprising a base, a steam generator, a garment steamer head connected to the steam generator by a steam hose and a support structure extending upwardly from the base. The device includes an ironing board attached to a support member extending below the ironing board. The support member is connected to the support structure such that the ironing board is pivotable relative to the support structure and can be fixed in a position in which the ironing board is inclined at an angle between horizontal and vertical. The device also includes a garment hanger cooperating with the ironing board. The garment hanger is retractable and has a retracted position in which the garment hanger does not extend beyond a distal end of the ironing board, and an extended position in which the garment hanger extends beyond the distal end of the ironing board. The garment steamer of the invention allows improving steaming user experience thanks to a smart combination of an inclinable board with an extensible/retractable garment hanger.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Garment Steamer Device with Inclinable Ironing Board and Garment Hanger

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of garment steamers and, in particular, to garment steamers including an ironing and/or steaming support surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Removing wrinkles from washed & dried garments usually require an iron and some form of support such as an ironing board. The ironing board provides a backing for the garment to be arranged flat while the iron does the de-wrinkling task. It also offers a firm support for all parts of the garment to be arranged & pressed, in order for the garment to be free of wrinkles. However, setting up the ironing board is an inconvenience and takes up significant floor space.

Another type of appliance for removing garment wrinkles is known as a garment steamer. These appliances operate with the garment hanging in a vertical position, usually on a pole that extends from the steamer base. Such type of appliances also occupy a much smaller floor space since the garment is treated vertically.

However, the wrinkle removal performance of garment steamers is generally not as good as ironing due to the lack of support for ironing garments. Unlike ironing, garments tend to drift away as a user pushes the steamer head onto it. It can be difficult for user to get rid of wrinkles especially around the difficult areas such as collars, cuffs, shoulders, underarms & the edge of the garment.

Some garment steamers may include a soft vertical backing that is part of the hanging pole. It is much like a window blind that pulls down from a fixed structure, such as an integrated hanger. Although such steamers provide a backing, it does not support all parts of the garment, especially the difficult areas mentioned above. Rearranging the garment to have the unsupported parts on the soft backing is also difficult as the fixed structure is in the way. Furthermore, unlike rearranging garment on an ironing board, the vertical backing does not allow the garment to stay on it and can drop off once a user lets go of the garment. An ironing board including a support and an ironing member having an ironing surface is known from US 2005/0005481 Al . The ironing member is movably mounted on the support. A shirt attachment is attachable to an end portion of the ironing member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a garment steaming device which substantially alleviates or overcomes one or more of the problems mentioned above.

The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments. According to the present invention, there is provided a garment steamer device comprising a base, a steam generator, a garment steamer head connected to the steam generator by a steam hose, a support structure extending upwardly from the base, an ironing board attached to a support member extending below the ironing board, the support member being connected to the support structure such that the ironing board is pivotable relative to the support structure and can be fixed in a position in which the ironing board is inclined at an angle between horizontal and vertical, and a garment hanger that cooperates with the ironing board. The garment hanger is retractable and has a retracted position in which the garment hanger does not extend beyond a distal end of the ironing board, and an extended position in which the garment hanger extends beyond the distal end of the ironing board.

The garment steamer of the invention allows improving steaming user experience thanks to a smart combination of an inclinable board with an extensible/retractable garment hanger. Indeed, it is advantageous as it offers an inclinable board for garment steaming that provides a firm support during steaming with the flexibility of being positionable at a range of inclined angles for optimum convenience of use, as well as allowing rearrangement of garments on the board for better wrinkle removal even for the difficult areas by use as an ironing board, but without the inconvenience of having to set up a separate ironing board to the

steaming/ironing device as in conventional systems. Moreover, when the garment steamer device is in use, the extendible garment hanger allows an easy hanging of garments, while having the possibility to be retracted after use to minimize the overall space occupied by the garment steamer device. Preferably, the garment hanger is pivotally connected to the support member to pivot between the retracted position and the extended position.

This advantageously provides a secure, simple and space-efficient mechanism for provision of the garment hanger with the garment steamer device.

Preferably, the garment hanger is telescopically connected to the support member to translate between the retracted position and the extended position.

This configuration further advantageously provides a convenient and space-efficient extending mechanism for the garment hanger and provide improved ease of use.

Preferably, the garment hanger comprises a locking mechanism to stop the garment hanger translating between the retracted position and the extended position.

This advantageously ensures secure positioning of the garment hanger in the user-selected position during use.

Preferably, the garment hanger is both pivotally and telescopically connected to the support member.

This provides combined advantages of both movement mechanisms and allow greater range of options for garment hanger position, and also provide a more compact garment hanger connection mechanism.

Preferably, the garment hanger is rotatable around its longitudinal axis.

This advantageously allows a user to select different hanging positions for a garment during a treatment process.

Preferably, the extremity of the garment hanger extending beyond the distal end of the ironing board comprises a hook element.

This advantageously enables a user to hang a garment to be treated from a hanger directly on the hook element.

Preferably, the support member comprises clips to hold the garment hanger in the retracted position and in the extended position.

This advantageously ensures the hanger is securely retained in the selected position to prevent accidental movement during transport, storage or use of the garment steaming device. Preferably, the garment hanger, when taking the extended position, extends beyond a distal end of the ironing board that is uppermost when the ironing board is in the vertical position. This advantageously enables the garment to be hung at the optimum height to be pressed against the ironing board during garment treatment, and to accommodate different size and shape garments to be treated.

Preferably, the support member may be made of any material chosen among plastic, metal, and extruded aluminium.

Advantageously, the material of construction may provide strength and light weight for ease of use. The choice of material may also advantageously enable cost-effective product manufacture.

Preferably, the support member is connected to the support structure by a lockable coupling to enable the ironing board to be fixed at any angle between a horizontal position and a vertical position.

This ensures that the ironing board can be secured in the chosen position by a user.

Preferably, the support structure comprises a telescopic coupling to vary the distance between the ironing board and the base.

This allows the height of the ironing board to be adjusted to suit users of different heights.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a garment steamer device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a user using the garment steamer device of figure 1 in an inclined position; Figure 3 shows a user using the garment steamer device of figure 1 in a horizontal position;

Figure 4 shows the garment steamer device of figure 1 in a vertical position with a garment to be treated hanging from a garment hanger of the device;

Figure 5 shows a view of an end portion of the garment steamer device of figure 1 with the garment hanger in a retracted position;

Figure 6 shows a view of an end portion of the garment steamer device of figure 1 with the garment hanger in an extended position;

Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of an end portion of the garment steamer device of figure 1 illustrating a lockable coupling that connects the support member to the support structure; and

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lockable coupling shown in figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a garment steamer device according to an embodiment of the invention. The garment steamer device 1 comprises a base 2. The base 2 is intended to contact with the ground during operation by a user. The garment steamer device also comprises a steam generator 3 (not shown). For example, the steam generator 3 is housed inside the base 2. The garment steamer device also comprises a garment steamer head 4 connected to the steam generator 3 by a steam hose 5. The garment steamer device also comprises a support structure 6 extending upwardly from the base 2. The garment steamer device also comprises an ironing board (7) and a support member (8). The ironing board (7) is attached to the support member (8). The support member (8) extends below the ironing board (7). The support member (8) is connected to the support structure (6) such that the ironing board (7) is pivotable relative to the support structure (6) and can be fixed in a position in which the ironing board (7) is inclined at an angle between horizontal and vertical. The garment steamer device 1 also includes a garment hanger 9 cooperating with the ironing board (7) for taking a retracted position (PI) in which the garment hanger (9) does not extend beyond a distal end (10) of the ironing board (7), and an extended position (P2) in which the garment hanger (9) extends beyond a distal end (10) of the ironing board (7).

For example, the support member (8) can, for example, take the form of an elongate support member 8 which is secured to an underside of the ironing board 7 and extends in a longitudinal direction of the ironing board 7 along the majority of the length of the ironing board 7.

Preferably, the support member (8) is connected to the support structure (6) by a lockable coupling (11) to enable the ironing board (7) to be fixed at any angle between a horizontal position and a vertical position..

For example, the garment hanger 9 is connected to the support member 8 and is moveable between a retracted position PI (shown in figure 5) and an extended position P2 (shown in figure 6). Alternatively (not shown), the garment hanger 9 is directly connected to the ironing board (7).

Preferably, the garment hanger (9) is pivotally connected to the support member (8) to pivot between the retracted position (PI) and the extended position (P2).

The garment hanger 9 comprises a rod 13. The coupling 11 includes a pivoting joint at a second end of the rod 13, opposite to the first end. The garment hanger 9 is therefore pivotable between the retracted position PI and the extended position P2, as shown by arrow "A" in figure 6. In the extended position P2, the first end of the rod 13 of the garment hanger 9 extends beyond a distal end 10 of the ironing board 7, as shown in figure 6.

Preferably, the garment hanger (9) is telescopically connected to the support member (8) to translate between the retracted position (PI) and the extended position (P2). To this end, the rod 13 is preferably telescopic such that the garment hanger 9 is telescopically connected to the support member 8 and so can translate between the retracted position PI and the extended position P2.

Preferably, the extremity of the garment hanger (9) that extends beyond the distal end (10) of the ironing board (7) comprises a hook element (12). In other words, the hook element 12 is disposed at a first end of the rod 13. The rod 13 is extendable as shown by arrow "B" in figure 6 such that the distance between the hook element 12 and the distal end 10 of the ironing board 7 can be adjusted.

Preferably, the garment hanger 9 is rotatable around its longitudinal axis 17. That is, one part of the rod 13 is rotatable relative to another part of the rod 13 about the longitudinal axis 17 of the rod 13. Preferably, the garment hanger (9) comprises a locking mechanism (14) to stop the garment hanger (9) translating between the retracted position (PI) and the extended position (P2). To this end, the locking mechanism 14 can be implemented on the rod 13 to lock the rod 13 in the chosen telescopic and/or rotational position. The locking mechanism 14 may comprise a locking collar and/or a cantilever locking arm.

Preferably, the support member (8) comprises clips (15, 16) to hold the garment hanger (9) in the retracted position (PI) and in the extended position (P2). The support member 8 includes a first clip 15 which is configured to retain the rod 13 of the garment hanger 9 when in the retracted position PI . The support member 8 includes a second clip 16 which is configured to retain the rod 13 of the garment hanger 9 when in the extended position P2.

Preferably, as illustrated by Fig.4 and Fig.6, the garment hanger (9), when taking the extended position (P2), extends beyond a distal end (10) of the ironing board (7) that is uppermost when the ironing board (7) is in the vertical position.

The pivotable coupling 11 that connects the support member 8 to the support structure 6 is a lockable coupling configured such that the support member 8, and thereby the attached ironing board 7, can be locked at any chosen angle relative to the support structure between, and including, a horizontal and a vertical position. The garment steamer device 1 is shown in the vertical position in figures 4 to 6, in the horizontal position in figure 3 and in an inclined position in figures 1, 2 7 and 8. The lockable coupling is shown in detail in figures 7 and 8, and comprises a horizontal circular pin 18 formed integrally with the support structure 6, and a clamp 19 disposed around the pin 18. The clamp 19 includes jaws 20 with a locking lever 21 extending through one jaw and threadingly received in the other jaw 20. The locking lever 21 is moveable between a lock position and an unlock position in the direction of arrow "C", both positions and arrow C shown in figure 7. As the locking lever 21 is moved to the lock position, the rotation of the screw thread on the end of the locking lever 21 within the jaw 20 draws the jaws 20 together and binds the jaws 20 against the pin 18. The clamp 19 thereby securely locks the support member 8 and attached ironing board 7 in the chosen position relative to the support structure 6.

The ironing board 7 is preferably formed as a rigid structure to provide a firm surface upon which to treat garments, both in the horizontal position in a conventional ironing manner, and in an inclined or vertical manner, such as in a hanging garment steamer stand. The ironing board may comprise a solid surface or may comprise a framework of ribs and spars over which is provided a cover layer. Alternatively, the ironing board 7 may include a mesh surface, such as a metal mesh, with a cover layer over the top. The ironing board 7 may be made of a light weight foam material or plastic, such as expanded polypropylene. The support member 8 provides the ironing board 7 with added stiffness and structural strength. The support member 8 may be made from plastic or metal, for example, and may be an extruded component for ease and consistency of quality of manufacture. It may comprise extruded aluminium. The support member 8 may be of constant cross-section. The support member may be secured to the ironing board by adhesive and/or my mechanical fasteners.

In use of the garment steamer device 1 , a user can choose to use the device 1 with the ironing board 7 horizontal, in which case they can move the locking lever 21 to the unlock position, tilt the ironing board 7 to the horizontal position, and move the locking lever 21 to the lock position to clamp the ironing board in place. Such a position of use is shown in figure 3. The user can then treat garments using steam supplied from the steam generator 3 to the steamer head 4 via the steam hose 5 in a known manner. If the user then wishes to treat garments at an angle, they can unlock the pivotable coupling 11, move the ironing board 7 to the chosen inclined position and lock the pivotable coupling 11 as described above. Such a position of use is shown in figure 2. If a user then wishes to treat a garment whilst the garment is hanging, they unlock the pivotable coupling, move the ironing board 7 to the vertical position and lock the pivotable coupling. They can then unclip the garment hanger 9 from the first clip 15 and pivot the rod 13 upwards in the direction of arrow A and clip the rod 13 into the second clip 16. The rod 13 is thereby secured in the vertical position. The user can then unlock the locking mechanism 14, telescopically extend the rod 13 in the direction shown by arrow B to the chosen position, and also rotate one part of the rod 13 relative to the other part of the rod 13 so that the hook element is in the desired position to hang the garment from. For example, the garment to be treated may either be on a hanger or to hang from a loop in the garment, each of which may require the hook element 12 to be in a different orientation. The user then locks the locking mechanism 14 to secure the garment hanger 9 in the chosen, extended position P2. The garment can then be hung from the hook element 12 ready to be treated, as shown in figure 4. If garments of different shapes or sizes are to be treated, such as a short and then a long dress, the garment hanger 9 can be adjusted to a convenient position by altering the height of the hook element 12 by telescopically adjusting the rod 13. Also, the rotational position of the hook element 12 can be adjusted by rotating one part of the rod 13 relative to the other about the axis 17 of the rod 13. The ironing board 7 having providing a firm surface enables vertical garment steaming to be more effective than in conventional hanging garment steamers as the ironing board 7 provides support for the steamer head 4 to press against the garment being treated. The garment steamer device 1 having an integrated ironing board 7 avoids the need for a separate ironing board and steamer device/iron, and also reduces floor space taken up in use, and storage space required when not in use.

In the embodiment of the invention described above, the garment hanger 9 is both pivotable and telescopically extendable relative to the support member 8 between the retracted and extended positions PI, P2. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to such a configuration of garment hanger 9. In an alternative embodiment intended within the scope of the invention the garment hanger may be telescopically extendable from the support member 8. The garment hanger may be telescopically received in a hollow passage within the elongate support member 8 so as to extend therefrom when in the extended position and to collapse back into the support member 8 when in the retracted position. Alternatively, such a telescopic garment hanger could be positioned on the outside of the support member 8. In the embodiment of the invention described above, pivotable coupling 11 is described as being integrally formed with the support structure 6. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to such a configuration and, in an alternative embodiment intended within the scope of the invention pivotable coupling 11 may comprise a separate component secured to the support structure 6. The support structure 6 may comprise a vertical post with the pivotable coupling 11 secured to the top of the post.

Preferably, the support structure (6) comprises a telescopic coupling to vary the distance between the ironing board (7) and the base (2). The support structure 6 may comprise a height-adjustable mechanism. For example, the support structure may comprise a telescopic post that extends between the base 2 and the support member 8. The telescopic post may comprise a locking mechanism to allow the support member 8 and attached ironing board 7 to be positioned to the desired height and locked in the chosen position. Fig.1 illustrates an example of support structure 6 having two parts cooperating via telescopic coupling.

The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the spirit and scope of the technique approaches of the present invention, which will also fall into the protective scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A garment steamer device (1) comprising:

- a base (2),

- a steam generator (3),

- a garment steamer head (4) connected to the steam generator (3) by a steam hose (5),

- a support structure (6) extending upwardly from the base (2),

- an ironing board (7) attached to a support member (8) extending below the ironing board (7), the support member (8) being connected to the support structure (6) such that the ironing board (7) is pivotable relative to the support structure (6) and can be fixed in a position in which the ironing board (7) is inclined at an angle between horizontal and vertical, and

- a garment hanger (9) that cooperates with the ironing board (7),

- wherein the garment hanger (9) is retractable and has a retracted position (PI) in which the garment hanger (9) does not extend beyond a distal end (10) of the ironing board (7), and an extended position (P2) in which the garment hanger (9) extends beyond the distal end (10) of the ironing board (7).

2. A garment steamer device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the garment hanger (9) is pivotally connected to the support member (8) to pivot between the retracted position (PI) and the extended position (P2).

3. A garment steamer device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the garment hanger (9) is telescopically connected to the support member (8) to translate between the retracted position (PI) and the extended position (P2).

4. A garment steamer device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the garment hanger (9) comprises a locking mechanism (14) to stop the garment hanger (9) translating between the retracted position (PI) and the extended position (P2).

5. A garment steamer device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the garment hanger (9) is both pivotally and telescopically connected to the support member (8).

6. A garment steamer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the garment hanger (9) is rotatable around its longitudinal axis (17).

7. A garment steamer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extremity of the garment hanger (9) extending beyond the distal end (10) of the ironing board (7) comprises a hook element (12).

8. A garment steamer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member (8) comprises clips (15, 16) to hold the garment hanger (9) in the retracted position (PI) and in the extended position (P2).

9. A garment steamer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the garment hanger (9), when taking the extended position (P2), extends beyond a distal end (10) of the ironing board (7) that is uppermost when the ironing board (7) is in the vertical position.

10. A garment steamer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member (8) is made of any material chosen among plastic, metal, and extruded aluminium.

11. A garment steamer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member (8) is connected to the support structure (6) by a lockable coupling (11) to enable the ironing board (7) to be fixed at any angle between a horizontal position and a vertical position.

12. A garment steamer device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (6) comprises a telescopic coupling to vary the distance between the ironing board (7) and the base (2).