ACCESSORY AND GARMENT CARE DEVICE COMPRISING THIS ACCESSORY

Abstract

 The invention relates to an accessory (104) for a garment care device (136). The accessory comprises a holding means (108) adapted to hold a pad (106) containing a chemical compound for treating a garment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an accessory for a garment care device, which accessory enables a pad containing a chemical compound for treating a garment to be held adjacent a steam plate of the garment care device.

[0002] The invention also relates to a garment care device comprising this accessory.

[0003] The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Treatment of garments with one or more chemical compound, in particular for removing malodor, is typically implemented via laundry washing using a washing machine.

[0005] However, using a washing machine for this purpose tends to take time due to the duration of the washing cycle of the washing machine, and the subsequent time needed for drying the garments. Washing garments using a washing machine also involves relatively high water and electricity consumption.

[0006] Garment care devices are known for de-wrinkling garments using steam. Such garment care devices include a steam plate for contacting a garment. Garment care devices can also be employed for releasing a chemical compound for treating a garment.

[0007] However, adaptation of such devices for releasing such a chemical compound can risk that the garment steaming function is compromised.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to propose a garment care device that avoids or mitigates the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0010] To this end, an accessory for a garment care device comprising a steam plate having a given first area is provided, the accessory comprising a holding means adapted to hold a pad containing a chemical compound; the holding means comprising an external cover extending substantially parallel to the steam plate, with the external cover having a given second area, wherein the ratio of said second area to said first area is in the range [30; 80] %.

[0011] The external cover thus provides a treatment surface to help removing wrinkles from the garment, as well as assisting with securement of the pad.

[0012] When the ratio is equal to or above 30%, sufficient contact area of the external cover may be provided to glide onto a garment during usage, and sufficient holding capacity for the pad may be provided. Moreover, by ensuring that the ratio is equal to or below 80%, sufficient opening for steam to be channelled to the garment for treatment and de-wrinkling may be provided.

[0013] For example, the steam plate is made of any one of the following materials:

• metal, or
• plastic.

[0014] The steam plate's first area can depend on the type of garment care device. Steam plates of garment steamers, for instance, tend to have smaller areas than steam plates of irons, such as steam irons or steam generator irons. The first area is, for example, in the range 30 to 230 cm².

[0015] The holding means are preferably arranged around the periphery of the pad, so that the external cover corresponds to the area of the pad.

[0016] The holding means can comprise, or be formed of, any suitable thermally robust material. Preferably, the holding means are made of plastic. This may assist the accessory to be made more lightweight. For example, the holding means are made of nylon or polycarbonate.

[0017] The holding means can take any suitable form provided that the holding means are capable of holding the pad. For example, the holding means correspond to:

• a compartment surrounding, or partially surrounding, the periphery of the pad; and/or
• one or more retaining members for securing the pad at one or more peripheral portions of the pad.

[0018] The compartment at least partially surrounding the periphery of the pad can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as by the holding means comprising one or more ribs extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the pad for retaining the pad in place.

[0019] The one or more retaining members, for instance, comprise or comprises one or more catches and/or hooks for securing the pad at the one or more peripheral portions of the pad.

[0020] The holding means can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the holding means have a cross-sectional shape according to any one of the following shapes:

• square,
• rectangular,
• circular.
• elliptic,
• half elliptic,
• half-moon,
• moon-crescent.

[0021] The compartment preferably has an area, when viewed facing the steam plate 100, in the range 100 to 10000 mm².

[0022] For example, when the garment care device is a garment steamer, the area of the compartment is 160 mm² for a compartment with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is 20 mm, and is 5700 mm² for a compartment with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is 120 mm.

[0023] Thus, in examples in which the garment care device is a garment steamer, the area of a compartment with a half-moon cross-sectional shape is in the range 160 to 5700 mm².

[0024] For example, when the garment care device is a steam iron or a steam generator iron, the area of the compartment is 160 mm² for a compartment with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is 20 mm, and is 6200 mm² for a compartment with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is 125 mm and equals half the length of the steam plate.

[0025] Thus, in examples in which the garment care device is a steam iron or a steam generator iron, the area of a compartment with a half-moon cross-sectional shape is in the range 160 to 6200 mm².

[0026] The pad comprises, or takes the form of, for instance, an envelope, a bag, a cartridge, a sachet, or a capsule.

[0027] In a non-limiting example, the pad comprises fluid-permeable external layer, for example made of paper, fabric, non-woven fabric, porous plastic, etc., which fluid-permeable external layer contains the chemical compound at lower temperatures and/or when no steaming is taking place but permits the chemical compound to be released therethrough during use of the garment care device.

[0028] Such a pad may have any suitable shape and can, for instance, resemble a "tea bag" formed of the fluid-permeable material with the chemical compound contained within the bag.

[0029] More generally, the pad preferably has a generally flat shape and is arranged substantially parallel to the plane of the external surface of the steam plate.

[0030] The chemical compound contained in the pad may be suitable for treating a garment, for example for providing malodour masking, malodour removal and/or disinfectant treatment to the garment.

[0031] To this end, the chemical compound comprises or consists of, for example,

• an aroma compound; and/or
• a sanitizing and/or disinfectant compound.

[0032] The volatility of the aroma compound can, for instance, be such that the aroma compound is released from the pad when sufficiently heated by the steam plate and/or by the steam released from the garment care device.

[0033] The chemical compound contained in the pad can take any suitable form, such as powder or granules.

[0034] The holding means can enable the pad to be heated by radiation from the steam plate, and by convection from the steam plate, whether or not the pad faces steam exit(s) delimited by the steam plate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the ratio of the height of the external cover to the height of the steam plate is in the range [40; 100] %.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the width of the external cover to the width of the steam plate is in the range [40; 100] %.

[0037] The external cover can be substantially flat, or curved.

[0038] The external cover can be curved in the height and/or width directions. A radius of curvature of the external cover can range from the height of the external cover to flat and/or range from the width of the external cover to flat.

[0039] In some embodiments, the steam plate has a vertical symmetrical axis, and the external cover is centred along said vertical symmetrical axis.

[0040] In some embodiments, the holding means comprises an internal cover arranged between the steam plate and the external cover, with the internal cover being air-permeable. Thus, the pad can be interposed, in other words sandwiched, between the internal cover and the external cover.

[0041] The term "air-permeable" can mean that the internal cover is permeable to steam as well as air.

[0042] Preferably, the internal cover has an area smaller than the area of the pad. This can assist to ensure that the pad is sufficiently exposed to heat and/or steam from the steam plate. The area of the internal cover is nonetheless sufficient to assist with retaining and holding the pad.

[0043] In some embodiments, the internal cover is arranged at a certain distance from the steam plate, with this distance being in the range [1; 10] mm. This distance can allow steam to circulate in front of the internal cover, and thereby assist that molecules of the chemical compound, e.g. an aroma compound, to be volatilized.

[0044] It should nonetheless be noted that the pad can release the chemical compound in examples in which at least a portion of the pad is in direct contact with the steam plate, in other words with no gap provided between the pad and the steam plate. This is because the chemical compound can be releasable from the pad due to its volatility and the heating provided by the steam plate.

[0045] The area of the internal cover is, for example, in the range 100 to 10000 mm².

[0046] This area of the internal cover corresponds to the area inscribed by the periphery of the internal cover.

[0047] In some embodiments, the holding means comprise at least one side portion between the internal cover and the external cover, with at least part of each side portion comprising an opening.

[0048] The side portion(s) can be on the left and/or right vertical side of the holding means. Alternatively or additionally, the side portion(s) can be on the top and/or bottom horizontal side of the holding means.

[0049] In some embodiments, the distance between the internal cover and the external cover is in the range 2 to 10 millimetres. This distance is suitable for creating a slot into which the pad can be inserted.

[0050] In at least some embodiments, the steam plate comprises, in other words delimits, a steam exit.

[0051] Various possibilities are contemplated for the spatial relationship between the external cover and the steam exit. For example, the external cover:

• does not overlap with the steam exit, or
• partially overlaps with the steam exit, or
• fully overlaps with the steam exit.

[0052] In the case that the external cover does not overlap with the steam exit, the amount of steam generated/directed unimpeded towards the garment can be maximized.

[0053] In the case that the external cover partially overlaps with the steam exit, a certain amount of steam is permitted to be generated/directed unimpeded towards the garment. This advantage can be realised, in particular, when the holding means is arranged such that at least some of the steam from the steam exit is permitted to bypass the holding means and the pad to reach the garment being treated. This can assist to minimize or avoid problematic condensation around the steam plate.

[0054] Moreover, an amount of steam can be permitted to be directed to the pad for release of the chemical compound, e.g. for aroma diffusion from the pad.

[0055] In the case that the external cover fully overlaps with the steam exit, release of the chemical compound from the pad, e.g. aroma diffusion from the pad, can be maximized.

[0056] The external cover can be plain, or, alternatively, the external cover can comprise, for example delimit, at least one opening.

[0057] The term "plain" in this context means that the external cover is air impermeable, hence also steam impermeable.

[0058] In alternative examples in which the external cover comprises at least one opening, the opening can enable viewing of the pad but without steam necessarily exiting through the opening due to the steam being blocked by the pad. However, steam can also pass through the opening, for example in the case that the pad is not aligned with the opening(s).

[0059] In some embodiments, the external cover comprises a recess at its periphery. For example, the external cover comprises a top part, e.g. over which top part the steam from the steam exit can pass, with the recess being provided in the top part.

[0060] The recess can facilitate removal of the pad, and/or viewing of the pad in the holding means.

[0061] The steam exit can be defined by:

• a single steam vent, or
• a plurality of steam vents.

[0062] The single steam vent can, for example, be elongated along a horizontal, in other words lateral, direction extending over at least part of the width of the steam plate.

[0063] The plurality of steam vents can form various patterns, such as linear, arc-shaped, elliptical shape, and so on.

[0064] The number of steam vents in the plurality of steam vents is in the range 2 to 500, preferably 2 to 50.

[0065] In some embodiments, the holding means is adapted to take an opened position in which the pad can be inserted in the holding means, and a closed position in which the holding means extends substantially parallel to the steam plate. This may facilitate removal of a spent pad after use, and insertion of a replacement pad.

[0066] Preferably, the holding means comprises a first part and a second part, with a pivoting coupling arranged between the first part and the second part. The pivoting coupling is adapted to allow moving of the first part and the second part relative to each other in order to enable adoption of the opened position and the closed position.

[0067] For example, the first part and/or second part are made of plastic, such as nylon or polycarbonate (PC).

[0068] The holding means can, for example, comprise a bar for pressing the pad against the external cover when the accessory is in the closed position. This can ensure securement of the pad when the garment care device is being manipulated by user, in particular during steaming of a garment.

[0069] In some embodiments, the external cover comprises a seal, such as a gasket, at its periphery adapted to contact the periphery of the steam plate in the second position. The seal may assist to minimise or avoid leakage of steam and/or condensed water collecting in the holding means between the steam plate and the holding means.

[0070] The holding means or part of the holding means is, in some embodiments, rotatable around an axis of rotation compared to the steam plate. Rotation around the axis of rotation can, for example, enable adoption of the opened position and the closed position.

[0071] The holding means preferably further comprise a lever for rotating the holding means. The lever can, for example, be provided for facilitating rotating of the second part relative to the first part in order to enable adoption of the opened position and the closed position.

[0072] The above-described pivoting coupling can, for example, provide the axis of rotation adjacent to, in other words flush with, the steam plate.

[0073] Alternatively, the axis of rotation provided by the pivoting coupling is set back relative to the steam plate. Thus, the axis of rotation can be regarded as being arranged at a rear distance relative to the external surface of the steam plate.

[0074] Setting the pivoting coupling back relative to the external surface can, for example, permit the above-described lever for facilitating adoption of the closed and opened positions to be provided closer to a hand grip area of a housing of the garment care device for ease of reaching by the user's finger(s).

[0075] The holding means are preferably spring-mounted around the rotation axis. This so that the second part is biased towards the first part such that the holding means adopts the closed position.

[0076] Further provided is a garment care device comprising an accessory of any of the above-described embodiments, wherein the accessory is detachably mounted on the garment care device, wherein:

• the garment care device is a garment steamer, or
• the garment care device is a steam iron.

[0077] The accessory can, for example, be detachably mounted to:

• the housing of the device, and/or
• the steam plate.

[0078] In examples in which the garment care device is a garment steamer, the accessory can be attached via one or more fasteners, e.g. one or more peripheral ribs, adapted to clip to an external periphery of the garment steamer's housing, e.g. the housing of a steamer head of the garment steamer, and/or to the periphery of the steam plate.

[0079] In examples in which the garment care device is a steam iron, the accessory can be attached via one or more fasteners, e.g. one or more peripheral ribs, adapted to clip the accessory to an external periphery of the steam plate, in other words ironing plate.

[0080] When the accessory includes the above-described lever, this lever is preferably arranged below the housing when the garment care device is orientated for use. The term "below" in this context is with reference to a vertically extending steam plate. Since steam produced by the garment care devices rises it is preferable to position the lever, for example together with an actuator, e.g. steam trigger, of the garment steamer, beneath the housing to avoid hot steam being directed towards the user's hand/fingers.

[0081] Such an actuator, e.g. steam trigger, is preferably included in the garment care device for triggering the generation of steam by user. The size of the lever is, for example, such that in the above-described closed position, the lever reaches the proximity of the actuator.

[0082] More generally, the lever preferably extends in front of the actuator of the garment care device so that it can be easily reached by the user finger to actuate it. This is particularly the case in examples in which the garment care device is a garment steamer.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, the lever can extends up to, or proximal to, the handle of the garment care device for easy manipulation of the lever by the user while they are holding the handle of the garment care device.

[0084] Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Particular aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner :

Fig.1 depicts part of part of a garment care device with an accessory attached thereto,

Figs.2a to 2c provide views of a garment care device for illustrating the given first area of a steam plate included in the garment care device,

Figs.3a to 3c provide views of the garment care device shown in Fig.1 for illustrating the given second area of an external cover included in the accessory,

Figs.4a to 4c provide diagrams illustrating a radius of curvature of the external cover,

Fig.5 schematically depicts release of a chemical compound from a pad held by an accessory for a garment care device according an example,

Fig.6 depicts part of a garment care device according to an example in which the pad and the external cover of the accessory partially obscure a steam exit delimited by the steam plate,

Fig.7 depicts part of a garment care device according to another example in which the pad and the external cover of the accessory partially obscure a steam exit delimited by the steam plate,

Fig.8 depicts part of a garment care device according to an example in which the external cover of the accessory comprises a seal at its periphery for contacting the periphery of the steam plate,

Fig.9 depicts part of a garment care device according to an example in which the pad and the external cover of the accessory completely obscure a steam exit delimited by the steam plate,

Fig. 10 depicts an accessory and a pad according to an example,

Fig. 11 depicts an accessory according to another example,

Figs. 12 to 25b provide plate-facing views of garment care devices according to further examples,

Figs.26a and 26b depict a garment care device whose accessory does not obscure the steam exit delimited by the steam plate,

Fig.27 depicts a garment care device whose accessory partially obscures the steam exit delimited by the steam plate,

Fig.28 depicts a garment care device whose accessory completely obscures the steam exit delimited by the steam plate,

Fig.29 provides a plate-facing view of an exemplary garment care device,

Fig.30 provides a plate-facing view of an exemplary garment care device equipped with sensors for measuring the temperature of different regions of a pad adjacent the steam plate,

Fig.31 provides views of a garment care device without an accessory and pad (left side), and with an accessory and pad (right side),

Figs.32 and 33 provide views of part of an exemplary garment care device whose accessory has a first part and a second part movable relative to the first part,

Figs.34 and 35 provide views of an exemplary accessory,

Fig.36 depicts part of an exemplary garment care device whose accessory comprises left and right side portions between the external cover and an internal cover,

Fig.37 depicts part of an exemplary garment care device whose accessory comprises top and bottom side portions between the external cover and an internal cover,

Fig.38 schematically depicts an exemplary garment care device in the form of a steam iron or a steam generator iron, with an accessory which does not obscure the steam exit,

Fig.39 schematically depicts an exemplary garment care device in the form of a steam iron or a steam generator iron, with an accessory which partially obscures the steam exit and

Fig.40 schematically depicts an exemplary garment care device in the form of a steam iron or a steam generator iron, with an accessory which completely obscures the steam exit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0086] The present disclosure provides an accessory for a garment care device. The accessory comprises a holding means adapted to hold a pad containing a chemical compound for treating a garment.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 1, the garment care device comprises a steam plate 100.

[0088] The steam plate 100 can be regarded, for example, as an ironing plate or a steam treatment plate depending on whether the garment care device is a steam iron/steam generator iron or a garment steamer respectively.

[0089] The steam plate 100 has an external surface 102 for contacting a garment being treated using the garment care device and/or which is exposed to the accessory 104.

[0090] The steam plate 100, and in particular the external surface 102 of the steam plate 100, has a given first area S1. Referring to Figs.2a to 2c, the given first area S1 is inscribed by the outer periphery boundary PB1 of the steam plate 100 regardless of any through hole/opening or non-through hole/opening feature(s), such as steam vent(s), groove(s), recess(es), depression(s), slot(s), step(s), etc. located within the outer periphery boundary PB1.

[0091] The given first area S1 (as well as the given second area S2, and other areas described herein where appropriate) can be determined using a plan view of the steam plate 100. Such a plan view is provided, for example, in Figs. 12 to 25b.

[0092] S1 is the plan (surface) area defined by outer periphery boundary PB1, regardless of any features such as protrusions, ridges projecting from the surface of the steam plate as well. In essence, the projected area S1 is defined regardless of any features found within the outer periphery boundary PB1. In the case of the examples depicted in Figs.2b and 2c, S1 is the same for each in spite of the steam plate 100 in the example shown in Fig.2c further comprising a step 146A, a recess/groove/depression 146B, a protrusion 146C, and a blind hole 146D.

[0093] The steam plate's 100 given first area S1 can depend on the type of garment care device. Steam plates 100 of garment steamers, for instance, tend to have smaller areas than steam plates 100 of irons, such as steam irons or steam generator irons. The first area is, for example, in the range 30 to 230 cm².

[0094] When the garment care device is a garment steamer, the first area S1 of the steam treatment plate 100, including the area occupied by a steam exit 110 through which steam is ejected from the garment steamer, is, for instance, about 33 cm². The term "about" can mean in this context ±10%.

[0095] When the garment care device is a steam iron or a steam generator iron, the area of steam ironing plate 100 is about 210 cm².

[0096] The height HI, which can be regarded as a maximum height HI, of the steam plate 100 is shown in Fig.2. Moreover, Fig.2a shows the width W1, which can be regarded as a maximum width W1, of the steam plate 100. The height H1 and width W1 of the steam plate 100 can be measured from a plan view of the steam plate 100 of the garment care device.

[0097] The garment care device 136 shown in Figs.2a to 2c takes the form of a garment steamer, with the steam plate 100 being a front steam treatment plate of the garment steamer. The steam plate 100 is attached to a steamer head 138 towards which a handle portion 140 extends.

[0098] The garment care device 136 shown in Figs.2a to 2c also comprises an actuator 144, e.g. in the form of a trigger, for controlling the steam generation by the steam generator. The actuator 144 preferably triggers the generation of steam upon actuation by the user.

[0099] In this non-limiting example, a plurality of protrusions 146, in the form of ridges, protrude from the external surface 102 of the steam plate 100, as shown. Such protrusions 146 can assist to guide the steam exiting the steam exit 110.

[0100] More generally, the steam exit 110 is in fluid communication or is fluidly communicable with a steam generator included in the garment care device. Accordingly, the steam exit 110 provides an outlet from which the steam generated in the steam generator can escape.

[0101] Referring again to Fig. 1, the steam exit 110 has a first cumulative cross-sectional area A1 for releasing steam, in particular for releasing steam to a garment being treated using the garment care device. It is noted that the term "cumulative" refers to the total cross-sectional area of the steam exit 110.

[0102] The steam exit 110 can be defined by:

• a single steam vent, or
• a plurality of steam vents.

[0103] The steam vent(s) can have any suitable shape, such as circular.

[0104] The single steam vent can, for example, be elongated along a horizontal, in other words lateral, direction extending over at least part of the width W1 of the steam plate 100.

[0105] The plurality of steam vents can form various patterns, such as linear, arc-shaped, elliptical shape, and so on.

[0106] The number of steam vents in the plurality of steam vents is in the range 2 to 500, preferably 2 to 50.

[0107] The plurality of steam vents can form various patterns, such as linear, arc-shaped, elliptical shape, and so on.

[0108] The first cumulative cross-sectional area A1 of the steam exit 110 can be determined by measuring the cross-sectional area of each steam vent defining the steam exit 110 where each steam vent meets the external surface 102, and summing the measured cross-sectional area(s).

[0109] The steam plate 100 can, for example, form an overall flat external surface 102.

[0110] The term "overall flat" refers to the external surface 102 being planar but including discontinuities, in particular due to the presence of the steam exit 110, and in some non-limiting examples the presence of one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions 146. The recesses is or are recessed relative to the plane of the external surface 102. The protrusion(s) 146 protrude(s) relative to the plane of the external surface 102.

[0111] More generally, the accessory 104 comprises holding means 108 adapted to hold a pad 106 containing a chemical compound adjacent the steam plate 100. The holding means 108 can thus be regarded as securing the pad 106 proximal to, or in some cases against, the steam plate 100. As well as exposing the pad 106 to the steam plate 100, the holding means 108 can assist to avoid or minimise movement of the pad 106 during steaming of a garment.

[0112] In at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the holding means 108 comprise an external cover 128 extending substantially parallel to the steam plate 100. The external cover 128 has a given second area S2 within the given first area S1.

[0113] The given second area S2 is defined, in other words delineated, by a boundary PB2 of the external cover 128 which is within or aligns with the outer periphery boundary PB1 of the steam plate 100, with the area of any through hole/opening feature(s) being discounted from the given second area S2, but with the given second area S2 determination being regardless of any non-through hole/opening feature(s), such as groove(s), recess(es), depression(s), slot(s), step(s), etc. located within the boundary PB2. This is illustrated in Figs.3a to 3c.

[0114] In the case of the examples depicted in Figs.3b and 3c, S2 is the same for each in spite of the external cover 128 in the example shown in Fig.3c further comprising a recess/groove/depression 147B, a protrusion 147C, and a blind hole 147D, in addition to the step 147A also present in the example shown in Fig.3b.

[0115] The ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is in the range [30; 80] %. The external cover 128 thus provides a treatment surface to help removing wrinkles from the garment GA, as well as assisting with securement of the pad 106.

[0116] When the ratio is equal to or above 30%, sufficient contact area of the external cover 128 may be provided to glide onto the garment GA during usage, and sufficient holding capacity for the pad 106 may be provided. Moreover, by ensuring that the ratio is equal to or below 80%, sufficient opening for steam to be channelled to the garment GA for treatment and de-wrinkling may be provided.

[0117] The height H2, which can be regarded as a maximum height H2, of the external cover 128 is shown in Fig.3. Moreover Fig.3a shows, the width W2, which can be regarded as a maximum width W2, of the external cover 128. The height H2 and width W2 of the external cover 128 can be measured from a plan view of the steam plate 100 of the garment care device.

[0118] In some embodiments, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is in the range [40; 100] %.

[0119] Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is in the range [40; 100] %.

[0120] The external cover 128 can be substantially flat, or curved.

[0121] The external cover 128 can be curved in the height H2 and/or width W2 directions. A radius of curvature of the external cover 128 can range from the height H2 of the external cover to flat and/or range from the width W2 of the external cover to flat, as schematically represented in Fig.4a.

[0122] Preferably, the external cover is flat, but curvature can be tolerated. When the curvature of external cover is relatively large, the distance away from the garment may be increased which, in turn, may affect treatment and de-wrinkling as the steam will travel a longer path. However, such curvature-related effects may be independent of the 30% to 80% S2/S1 range (see the examples depicted in Figs.4b and 4c).

[0123] In examples in which the external cover 128 is curved, the external cover 128 extending substantially parallel to the steam plate 100 is achieved by a tangential line T2 of the surface of the external cover 128 extending substantially parallel to the plane T1 of the external surface 102 of the steam plate 100. This is illustrated in Fig.4b.

[0124] The steam plate 100 has, in some embodiments, a vertical symmetrical axis VA, and the external cover 128 is centred along the vertical symmetrical axis VA, as best shown in Fig.3a.

[0125] Returning to Fig.1, the holding means 108 in this non-limiting example comprises an internal cover 120 arranged between the steam plate 100 and the external cover 128, with the internal cover 120 being air-permeable. Thus, the pad 106 can be interposed, in other words sandwiched, between the internal cover 120 and the external cover 128.

[0126] The term "air-permeable" in this context can mean that the internal cover 120 is permeable to steam as well as air.

[0127] The air-permeability of the internal cover 120 can be provided by one or more openings 122 delimited by the internal cover 120. Such an opening or openings 122 may provide an outlet for the chemical compound released from the pad 106. Alternatively or additionally, the opening(s) 122 can, in some cases, permit steam exiting from the steam exit 110 to contact the pad 106.

[0128] The area of the internal cover 120 is, for example, in the range 100 to 10000 mm².

[0129] This area of the internal cover 120 corresponds to the area inscribed by the periphery of the internal cover 120.

[0130] In some embodiments, the distance D1 between the internal cover 120 and the external cover 128 is in the range 2 to 10 millimetres. This distance D1 is suitable for creating a slot in which the pad 106 can be inserted.

[0131] Preferably, the internal cover 120 has an area smaller than the area of the pad 106. This can assist to ensure that the pad 106 is sufficiently exposed to heat and/or steam from the steam plate 100. The area of the internal cover 120 is nonetheless sufficient to assist with retaining and holding the pad 106.

[0132] In some embodiments, the internal cover 120 is arranged at a certain distance from the steam plate 100, with this distance being in the range [1; 10] mm. This distance can allow steam to circulate in front of the internal cover 120, and thereby assist molecules of the chemical compound, e.g. an aroma compound, to be volatilized.

[0133] More generally, the steam plate 100 can be made of any suitable material capable of withstanding steaming conditions. For example, the steam plate 100 comprises or is made of any one selected from metal, such as aluminium, a metal alloy, such as stainless steel, a plastic, or a ceramic. The plastic is, for example, nylon or polycarbonate (PC).

[0134] In some non-limiting examples, a metallic steam plate 100 comprising a metal or a metal alloy is preferably coated with a suitable material, for example an oxide layer, such as an oxide layer formed via a sol-gel process, in order to provide an external surface 102 having suitable properties, for example suitable fabric glide properties.

[0135] Whilst not visible in the Figures the steam generator included in the garment care device is equipped with at least one heater which can heat water to generate steam and heat the steam plate 100.

[0136] The steam plate 100 can, for example, be regarded as a front steam treatment plate in examples in which the garment care device is a garment steamer. Such a garment steamer may, for instance, comprise a hand unit, which hand unit comprises the front steam treatment plate 100, and a base unit to which the hand unit is connected via a suitable flexible cord. The base unit can, for instance, comprise a water reservoir and/or at least part of the steam generator. The hand unit may further comprise a steam chamber or steam generator.

[0137] Alternatively, the garment steamer comprises the hand unit without a base unit. In such an example, the steam generator and the steam plate 100 are included in the hand unit of the garment steamer. A water reservoir can also be included in the hand unit of the garment steamer.

[0138] In an alternative non-limiting example, the steam plate 100 can be regarded as an ironing plate of the garment care device. The steam plate 100 can correspond to such an ironing plate in examples in which the garment care device is a steam iron or a steam generator iron, as previously mentioned.

[0139] Such a steam generator iron may, for instance, comprise a hand unit, which hand unit comprises the steam plate 100, and a base unit to which the hand unit is connected via a suitable flexible cord. The base unit can, for instance, comprise a water reservoir and/or at least part of the steam generator. The hand unit may further comprise a steam chamber or steam generator.

[0140] The steam iron can comprise the hand unit without an additional base unit. In such an example, the steam generator and the steam plate 100 are included in the hand unit of the steam iron, together with a water reservoir.

[0141] The holding means 108 can comprise, or be formed of, any suitable thermally robust material. Preferably, the holding means 108 are made of plastic. This may assist the accessory 104 to be made more lightweight. For example, the holding means 108 are made of nylon or polycarbonate.

[0142] The holding means 108 can take any suitable form provided that the holding means 108 are capable of holding the pad 106. For example, the holding means 108 correspond to:

• a compartment 126 surrounding, or partially surrounding, the periphery of the pad 106; and/or
• one or more retaining members for securing the pad 106 at one or more peripheral portions of the pad 106.

[0143] The compartment 126 at least partially surrounding the periphery of the pad 106 can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as by the holding means 108 comprising one or more ribs (not visible in Fig.1) extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the pad 106 for retaining the pad 106 in place.

[0144] The one or more retaining members, for instance, comprise or comprises one or more catches and/or hooks (not visible in Fig.1) for securing the pad 106 at the one or more peripheral portions of the pad 106.

[0145] The holding means 108 can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the holding means 108 have a cross-sectional shape according to any one of the following shapes:

• square,
• rectangular,
• circular.
• elliptic,
• half elliptic,
• half-moon,
• moon-crescent.

[0146] The compartment 126 preferably has an area, when viewed facing the steam plate 100, in the range 100 to 10000 mm².

[0147] For example, when the garment care device is a garment steamer, the area of the compartment 126 is 160 mm² for a compartment 126 with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is 20 mm, and is 5700 mm² for a compartment 126 with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is 120 mm.

[0148] Thus, in examples in which the garment care device is a garment steamer, the area of a compartment 126 with a half-moon cross-sectional shape is in the range 160 to 5700 mm².

[0149] For example, when the garment care device is a steam iron or a steam generator iron, the area of the compartment 126 is 160 mm² for a compartment 126 with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is 20 mm, and is 6200 mm² for a compartment 126 with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is 125 mm and equals half the length of the steam plate.

[0150] Thus, in examples in which the garment care device is a steam iron or a steam generator iron, the area of a compartment 126 with a half-moon cross-sectional shape is in the range 160 to 6200 mm².

[0151] The chemical compound contained in the pad 106 may be suitable for treating a garment, for example for providing malodour masking, malodour removal and/or disinfectant treatment to the garment.

[0152] To this end, the chemical compound comprises or consists of, for example,

• an aroma compound; and/or
• a sanitizing and/or disinfectant compound.

[0153] Release of the chemical compound from the pad 106 may be implemented in any suitable manner. The volatility of the aroma compound can, for instance, be such that the aroma compound is released from the pad 106 when sufficiently heated by the steam plate 100 and/or by the steam released from the garment care device.

[0154] In an embodiment, the garment care device can be configured such that the steam plate 100 is heated to a temperature sufficient to release the chemical compound from the pad 106, with the pad 106 being arranged such that the heat transferred thereto from the steam plate 100 causes release of the chemical compound from the pad 106.

[0155] The pad 106 is, for example, arranged to be heated by radiation from the steam plate 100, and convection from the steam plate 100.

[0156] Heating of the pad 106 by convection can be achieved irrespective of whether or not steam from the steam exit 110 is directed towards the pad 106. In the non-limiting example shown in Fig. 1, the pad 106 is arranged proximal to a lower end of the steam plate 100, which in this case corresponds to the front steam treatment plate of a garment steamer, when the garment steamer is orientated for use.

[0157] In such an example, air proximal to the heated front steam treatment plate 100 is heated and the hot air rises towards an upper end of the steam plate 100. This is represented in Fig.1 by the arrows 114. Cooler air is then drawn in from the surroundings towards a region of the steam plate 100 proximal to the lower end, as represented by the arrows 116. Repeated cycles of hot-cooler air replacement creates a convection current circulation across the steam plate 100.

[0158] The chemical compound, e.g. aroma compound, disinfectant and/or sanitizer compound, can be released at least partly due to this convection current circulation and carried upwards towards the upper end of the steam plate 100.

[0159] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig. 1, the steam exit 110 is arranged proximal to the upper end of the steam plate 100. The chemical compound thus carried towards the upper end of the steam plate 100 can then be redirected by the steam exiting the steam exit 110, for example towards a garment being treated using the garment care device, as represented in Fig.1 by the arrow 118.

[0160] This is facilitated by the holding means 108 being configured to provide a gap between the external surface 102 of the steam plate 100 and the pad 106.

[0161] It should nonetheless be noted that the pad 106 can release the chemical compound in examples in which at least a portion of the pad 106 is in direct contact with the steam plate 100, in other words with no gap provided between the pad 106 and the steam plate 100. This is because the chemical compound can be releasable from the pad 106 due to its volatility and the heating provided by the steam plate 100.

[0162] The chemical compound in the pad 106 is preferably released from the pad 106 as a vapour.

[0163] Alternatively or additionally, the chemical compound is releasable from the pad 106 via contact with the steam exiting the steam exit 110. The chemical compound may, for instance, be contained in the pad 106 in the form of particles which are entrained in the steam contacting, and, for example, passing into and/or through, the pad 106.

[0164] More generally, the chemical compound can take any suitable form, such as an oil or a solid, such as solid particles or granules. Particular mention is made of the chemical compound being in the form of a powder, for example an aroma compound-comprising powder, a disinfectant-comprising powder and/or a sanitizer-comprising powder.

[0165] The pad 106 comprises a material for containing, for example secreting, the chemical compound. Any suitable material and design for the pad 106 can be contemplated provided that the pad 106 is capable of retaining the chemical compound, releasing the chemical compound during operation of the garment care device, and being sufficiently robust to withstand the relatively high temperature and humidity conditions during garment steaming.

[0166] The material is, for example, one or more of paper, fabric, non-woven fabric, porous plastic, etc.

[0167] The pad 106 comprises, or takes the form of, for instance, an envelope, a bag, a cartridge, a sachet, or a capsule.

[0168] In a non-limiting example, the pad 106 comprises fluid-permeable external layer, for example made of paper, fabric, non-woven fabric, porous plastic, etc., which fluid-permeable external layer contains the chemical compound at lower temperatures and/or when no steaming is taking place but permits the chemical compound to be released therethrough during use of the garment care device.

[0169] Such a pad 106 may have any suitable shape and can, for instance, resemble a "tea bag" formed of the fluid-permeable material with the chemical compound contained within the bag.

[0170] More generally, the pad 106 preferably has a generally flat shape and is arranged substantially parallel to the plane of the external surface 102 of the steam plate 100, as shown in Fig.1.

[0171] Various possibilities are contemplated for the spatial relationship between the external cover 128 and the steam exit 110. For example, the external cover 128:

• does not overlap with the steam exit 110, as shown in Fig.1, or
• partially overlaps with the steam exit, or
• fully overlaps with the steam exit.

[0172] In examples in which the external cover 128 does not overlap with the steam exit 110, the steam exiting the steam exit 110 can bypass the external cover 128 to reach the garment being treated, as represented in Fig.1 by the arrows 112.

[0173] Similarly to the example shown in Fig. 1, all of the steam exiting the steam exit 110 bypasses the external cover 128 and the pad 106 shown in Fig.5. The chemical compound molecules 148 exit the holding means 108 via an opening, e.g. an upper opening, which permits access to the compartment 126, as shown. In this example, the upper opening permitting access to the compartment 126 further serves to enable the pad 106 to be lifted out of, or inserted downwardly into, the compartment 126 when the garment care device is orientated for use.

[0174] In examples in which the external cover 128 does not overlap at all with the steam exit 110, the amount of steam generated/directed unimpeded by the external cover, or by the accessory 104 and the pad 106 overall, towards the garment can be maximized.

[0175] In the case that the external cover 128 partially overlaps with the steam exit 110, a certain amount of steam is permitted to be generated/directed towards the garment. Thus, the holding means 108 can be arranged such that at least some of the steam from the steam exit 110 is permitted to bypass the holding means 108 and the pad 106 to reach the garment being treated. This can assist to minimize or avoid problematic condensation around the steam plate 100. An example of this is depicted in Fig.6, which illustrates an area of overlap A2 between the steam exit 110 and the external cover 108.

[0176] In this non-limiting example, an amount of steam can also be permitted to be directed to the pad 106 for release of the chemical compound, e.g. for aroma diffusion from the pad 106.

[0177] Fig.7 shows a garment care device 136 according to a non-limiting example. The garment care device 136 shown in Fig.7 has some similarity with the garment care device 136 shown in Fig.5, particularly in that both exemplary devices are garment steamers. However, in the example shown in Fig.7, some of the steam exiting the steam exit 110 is directed towards the external cover 128, similarly to the example described above with reference to Fig.6.

[0178] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.7, the steam exit 110 is defined by a plurality of steam vents 132, 134. Some of the steam vents 132 overlap with the accessory 104, and in particular overlap with the pad 106 and the external cover 128 of the holding means 108 in this example. Steam is thus directed from the steam vents 132 in the direction of the pad 106 and the external cover 128, as represented in Fig.7 by the arrows 130. Steam from the steam vents 134 bypasses the accessory 104 and the pad 106, as represented by the arrows 118.

[0179] In some embodiments, such as the example shown in Fig.8, the external cover 128 comprises a seal 158 at its periphery adapted to contact the periphery of the steam plate 100. The seal 158 may assist to minimise or avoid leakage of steam and/or condensed water collecting in the holding means 108 between the steam plate 100 and the holding means 108.

[0180] The seal 158 can take any suitable form. For example, the seal 158 comprises, or is in the form of, a gasket, such as a rubber gasket.

[0181] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.8, a further accessory part 160 opposes the holding means 108, with the steam exit 110 being arranged such that the steam exiting the steam exit 110 is directed between the holding means 108 and the further accessory part 160 to reach the garment being treated using the device.

[0182] In this case, the seal 158 also seals the further accessory part 160 to the steam plate 100. For example, the seal 158 takes the form of a gasket located between the further accessory part 160 and the steam plate 100, and between the holding means 108 and the steam plate 100.

[0183] Fig.9 depicts an example in which the external cover 128 fully overlaps with the steam exit 110. The steam exiting the steam exit 110 is directed, in this non-limiting example, towards the pad 106 and the external cover 128, as represented by the arrows 130.

[0184] This can assist to maximise release of the chemical compound from the pad 106, e.g. aroma diffusion from the pad 106.

[0185] More generally, the external cover 128 can be plain, or, alternatively, the external cover 128 can comprise, for example delimit, at least one opening. An example of the latter will be described with reference to Figs.20 and 21.

[0186] The term "plain" in this context means that the external cover 128 is air impermeable, hence also steam impermeable.

[0187] Fig.10 provides an exploded assembly view of an accessory 104 and a pad 106 according to an example in which the internal cover 120 comprises, or is defined by, a plurality of ribs 180 spaced apart from each other in order to provide the above-described air-permeability of the internal cover 120.

[0188] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.10, the compartment 126 has an upper opening which enables the pad 106 to be lifted out of, or inserted downwardly into, the compartment 126 when the garment care device is orientated for use, as previously described.

[0189] Fig.11 shows a variant of the example depicted in Fig.10 in which the air-permeability of the internal cover 120 is provided by a plurality of apertures 122A delimited by the internal cover 120.

[0190] Figs. 12 to 25 provide plate-facing views of garment care devices according to further examples.

[0191] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.12, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 40%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 100%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 43%.

[0192] Moreover, the external cover 128 partially overlaps with the steam exit 110, such that five of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128, and the remaining ten steam vents 134 are not obscured by the external cover 128.

[0193] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.13, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 40%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 100%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 43%.

[0194] However, this example differs with respect to that shown in Fig.12 in that the external cover 128 does not overlap with the steam exit 110, such that all nine of the steam vents 134 are not obscured by the external cover 128.

[0195] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.14, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 40%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 70%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 30%.

[0196] Similarly to the example shown in Fig. 13, the external cover 128 does not overlap with the steam exit 110, such that all fifteen of the steam vents 134 are not obscured by the external cover 128. In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.15, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 80%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 100%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 80%.

[0197] In this case, the external cover 128 overlaps with the entirety of the steam exit 110, such that all fifteen of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128.

[0198] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.16, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 40%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 50%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 30%.

[0199] In this case, the external cover 128 partially overlaps with the steam exit 110, such that seven of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128, and the remaining eight steam vents 134 are not, or only partly, obscured by the external cover 128.

[0200] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.17, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 40%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 66%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 40%.

[0201] In this case, the external cover 128 partially overlaps with the steam exit 110, such that eleven of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128, and the remaining four steam vents 134 are not, or only partly, obscured by the external cover 128.

[0202] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.18, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 50%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 66%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 45%.

[0203] In this case, the external cover 128 overlaps with the entirety of the steam exit 110, such that all fifteen of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128.

[0204] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.19, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 50%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 100%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 50%.

[0205] In this case, the external cover 128 overlaps with the entirety of the steam exit 110, such that all fifteen of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128.

[0206] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.20, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 100%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 100%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 80%.

[0207] The ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is less than 100% in spite of the height and width ratios being 100% because of the through opening 129 delimited by the external cover 128 which is discounted in the calculation of the second area S2.

[0208] Moreover in this case, the external cover 128 partially overlaps with the steam exit 110, such that nine of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128, and the remaining six steam vents 134 are not, or only partly, obscured by the external cover 128.

[0209] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.21, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 100%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 100%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 50%.

[0210] Similarly to the example shown in Fig.20, the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is less than 100% in spite of the height and width ratios being 100% because of the through opening 129 delimited by the external cover 128 which is discounted in the calculation of the second area S2.

[0211] Moreover in this case, the external cover 128 partially overlaps with the steam exit 110, such that five of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128, and the remaining ten steam vents 134 are not, or only partly, obscured by the external cover 128.

[0212] More generally, in examples in which the external cover 128 comprises at least one opening 129, the opening 129 can enable viewing of the pad but without steam necessarily exiting through the opening 129 due to the steam being blocked by the pad 106. However, steam can also pass through the opening 129, for example in the case that the pad 106 is not aligned with the opening(s) 129.

[0213] The external cover 128 need not be symmetrically arranged with respect to the steam plate 100. In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.22, most of the external cover 128 is situated to the left of the vertical symmetrical axis VA. In this example, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 40%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 50%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 30%.

[0214] Moreover in this case, the external cover 128 partially overlaps with the steam exit 110, such that seven of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128, and the remaining eight steam vents 134 are not obscured by the external cover 128.

[0215] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.23, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 100%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 50%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 50%.

[0216] Moreover in this case, the external cover 128 partially overlaps with the steam exit 110, such that nine of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128, and the remaining six steam vents 134 are not obscured by the external cover 128.

[0217] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.24, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover 128 to the height H1 of the steam plate 100 is 100%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover 128 to the width W1 of the steam plate 100 is 40%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is 40%.

[0218] Moreover in this case, the external cover 128 entirely overlaps with the steam exit 110, such that seven of the steam vents 132 are obscured by the external cover 128, and the remaining eight steam vents 134 are not obscured by the external cover 128.

[0219] Figs.25a and 25b illustrate that the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 within the steam plate boundary is unaltered should some of the external cover 128 protrude beyond the boundary of the steam plate 100. The S2/S1 ratio is 43% for each of the examples shown in Figs. 12, 25 and 25a. This is because the boundary PB2 of the external cover 128 is within or aligns with the outer periphery boundary PB1 of the steam plate 100, as previously described.

[0220] In other words, the ratio of S2 (external cover 128) is within S1 (steam plate 100). That means that the area of the external cover beyond the boundary of steam plate (see 128B in Figs.25a and 25b) is not considered in the ratio S2/S1 calculation.

[0221] Figs.26a and 26b depict garment care devices 136 with an external cover 128 which does not overlap with the steam exit 110 delimited by the steam plate 100. In the example shown in Fig.26a, the steam exit 110 is defined by a plurality of steam vents, whereas in the example shown in Fig.26b the steam exit 110 is defined by a single elongated steam vent, as shown.

[0222] Fig. 27 depicts a garment care device 136 with an external cover 128 which partially overlaps with the steam exit 110 delimited by the steam plate 100. Fig.28 depicts a garment care device with an external cover 128 which fully overlaps with the steam exit 110 delimited by the steam plate 100.

[0223] Fig.29 shows the steam plate 100 of a garment care device and the external cover 128. Fig.29 also shows two exemplary possibilities in terms of the size and shape of the pad 106. In one possibility, the pad 106A is larger and has a half-moon cross-sectional shape, and in the other possibility the pad 106B is smaller and has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0224] Fig.30 shows a steam plate 100 of a garment care device, an external cover 128, and the positions of four temperature sensors 150 arranged to measure the temperature of the pad 106 held by the holding means 108.

[0225] In the symmetrical arrangement of the temperature sensors 150 shown in Fig.30, the distances L1 and L2 are both 48 mm.

[0226] It was found that when the temperature of the steam plate 100 is 80 to 100°C, the temperature of the pad 106, and thus the chemical compound contained therein, was 70 to 100°C. This is considered to be due, in this example, to the above-described heat energy transfer from the steam plate 100 to the pad 106 by convection and radiation.

[0227] Thus, the temperature of the steam plate 100 can be used to release the chemical compound, for example without additionally requiring steam exiting the steam exit 110 to contact the pad 106.

[0228] Fig.31 provides views of a garment care device without an accessory and pad (left side), and with an accessory 104 and pad 106 (right side).

[0229] In some embodiments, the external cover 128 comprises a recess 174 at its periphery. For example, the external cover 128 comprises a top part 172, e.g. over which top part 172 the steam from the steam exit 110 can pass, with the recess 174 being provided in the top part 172. An example of this is shown in Fig.31 (right side).

[0230] The recess 174 can facilitate removal of the pad 106, and/or viewing of the pad 106 in the holding means 108.

[0231] In some embodiments, such as in the example shown in Fig.32, the accessory 104 comprises a first part 164 and a second part 166, with the first part 164 being attachable to the housing of the garment care device 136 and/or to the steam plate 100.

[0232] In the non-limiting example shown in Figs.32 and 33, the compartment 126 is provided in the second part 166, and the second part 166 is movable relative to the first part 164 in order to enable adoption of an opened position P1 and a closed position P2.

[0233] More generally, the holding means 108 is adapted to take the opened position P1 so that the pad 106 can be inserted into the holding means 108, and a closed position in which the holding means 108 extends substantially parallel to the steam plate 100. This may facilitate removal of a spent pad 106 after use, and insertion of a replacement pad 106.

[0234] In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.32, when in the opened position PI, the pad 106 is insertable into the compartment 126 in the direction of the arrow 169.

[0235] The first part 164 and the second part 166 can comprise, or be formed of, any suitable material. For example, the first part and/or second part is or are made of nylon or polycarbonate (PC).

[0236] The second part 166 preferably comprises a seal 158, such as a gasket, around the periphery of the second part. The seal 158 is adapted to contact the periphery of the steam plate 100 in the closed position. This assists to minimise or avoid leakage of steam and/or condensed water at the periphery of the accessory, as previously described.

[0237] Preferably, a pivoting coupling 168 is arranged between the first part 164 and the second part 166. The pivoting coupling 168 thus allows moving of the first part 164 and the second part 166 relative to each other in order to enable adoption of the opened position P1 and the closed position P2.

[0238] The holding means 108 preferably further comprise a lever 176 for rotating the holding means. The lever 176 can, for example, be provided for facilitating rotating of the second part 166 relative to the first part 164 in order to enable adoption of the opened position P1 and the closed position P2.

[0239] The lever 176 is preferably arranged below the housing when the garment care device 136 is orientated for use. The term "below" in this context refers to the steam plate 100 extending vertically. Since steam produced by the garment care devices rises, at least initially, it is preferable to position the lever 176 beneath the housing to avoid the steam.

[0240] In some embodiments, the garment care device 136 comprises an actuator 144 for triggering the generation of steam by user, as previously described. In such examples, the garment care device can also include the lever 176, with the lever 176 extending to a position proximal to the actuator 144. The term "proximal" means that, for example, an end of the lever 176 is within 2 or 3 cm of a part of the actuator 144 which is nearest to the end of the lever 176.

[0241] The lever 176 thus extends to a position, e.g. in front of the actuator 144, so that the lever 176 can be easily reached by the user's finger in order to move the lever 176. This can be particularly useful in examples in which the garment care device 136 is a garment steamer.

[0242] The accessory 104 is preferably configured to be biased into the closed position P2. The accessory 104 is thus configured such that movement of the second part 166 relative to the first part 164 overcomes the bias in order to enable adoption of the opened position P1.

[0243] Such biasing can be implemented in any suitable manner. In the non-limiting example shown in Fig.32, the lever 176 is spring-mounted such that the second part 166 exerts a force on the first part 164 when the lever 176 is not being moved. This allows the second part 166 to return such that the accessory 104 adopts the closed position P2 when the lever 176 is not moved by the user.

[0244] An exemplary spring mechanism 178A, 178B, 178C is shown in Fig.32, with the spring mechanism comprising a torsion spring 178A for biasing the accessory 104, including the lever 176, into the closed position P2, a pin 178B which extends along the pivoting axis of the pivoting coupling 168, and a securing clip 178C.

[0245] In the example shown in Fig.32, the pivoting coupling 168 comprises an axis of rotation AR which is set back relative to the external surface 102 of the steam plate 100. Thus, the axis of rotation AR can be regarded as being arranged at a rear distance D2 relative to the external surface 102 of the steam plate 100.

[0246] Setting the pivoting coupling 168 back relative to the external surface 102 can, for example, permit the lever 176 to be provided closer to elongate handle portion 140 for ease of reaching by the user's finger(s).

[0247] Figs.34 and 35 provide views of an accessory 104 according to another non-limiting example. In this example, the pivoting coupling 168 has an axis of rotation AR adjacent to the external surface 102 of the steam plate 100, as best shown in Fig.34.

[0248] Fig.34 shows the compartment 126 included in the second part 166. In this example, the internal cover 120 comprises, or is defined by a plurality of ribs 180, in this example curved ribs 180, which extend across the second part 166, with a plurality of openings 122 between the ribs 180.

[0249] Preferably, the first part 164 comprises a retaining member 182, such as one or more bars, for pressing the pad 106 against the second part 166 when the accessory 104 is in the closed position P2. Such a retaining member 182 in the form of a bar is included in the example shown in Figs.34 and 35, as best shown in Fig.35.

[0250] The retaining member 182 can ensure securement of the pad 106 when the garment care device 136 is being manipulated by user, in particular during steaming of a garment.

[0251] Such a retaining member 182 can further serve to maintain a gap between the steam plate 100 and the pad 106. Such a gap can permit the chemical compound to be carried by convection currents towards the steam exiting the steam exit 110, as previously described.

[0252] Further evident in Fig.35 is a fastener 184 adapted to clip the accessory 104, and in this case the first part 164, to the periphery of the steam plate 100. For example, the fastener 184 may engage with a complementary hole or recess provided in the steam plate 100.

[0253] In some embodiments, the holding means 108 comprise at least one side portion 190A, 190B between the internal cover 120 and the external cover 128, with at least part of each side portion 190A, 190B comprising an opening.

[0254] The side portion(s) 190A can be on the left and/or right vertical side of the holding means 108, as shown in Fig.36. Alternatively or additionally, the side portion(s) 190B can be on the top and/or bottom horizontal side of the holding means 108, as shown in Fig.37.

[0255] The arrows in Figs.36 and 37 represent the emergence of steam from the garment care device when the accessory 104 is attached thereto.

[0256] Figs.38 to 40 schematically depict exemplary garment care devices 136 with each being in the form of a steam iron or a steam generator iron.

[0257] In the example shown in Fig.38, the external cover 128 does not overlap with the steam exit 110. The external cover 128 partially overlaps with the steam exit 110 in the example shown in Fig.39. While in the example shown in Fig.40, the external cover 128 fully overlaps with the steam exit 110.

[0258] 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 protective scope of the claims of the present invention. In particular, although the invention has been described based on a garment care device, it can be applied to any household device having a steam generator and a steam exit from which the steam is ejected. 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. An accessory (104) for a garment care device (136) comprising a steam plate (100) having a given first area (S1),
the accessory comprising a holding means (108) adapted to hold a pad (106) containing a chemical compound,
the holding means comprising an external cover (128) extending substantially parallel to the steam plate,
said external cover having a given second area (S2),
wherein the ratio of said second area to said first area is in the range [30; 80] %.

2. Accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio of the height (H2) of the external cover to the height (HI) of the steam plate is in the range [40; 100] %.

3. Accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio of the width (W2) of the external cover to the width (W1) of the steam plate is in the range [40; 100] %.

4. Accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

- the external cover is substantially flat, or

- the external cover is curved.

5. Accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holding means comprises an internal cover (120) arranged between the steam plate and the external cover, the internal cover being air-permeable.

6. Accessory as claimed in claim 5, wherein the internal cover is arranged at a certain distance from the steam plate, said distance being in the range [1; 10] mm.

7. Accessory as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the area of the internal cover is in the range 100 to 10000 mm².

8. Accessory as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the holding means comprise a side portion (190A, 190B) between the internal cover and the external cover, at least part of said portion comprising an opening.

9. Accessory as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the distance (D1) between the internal cover and the external cover is in the range 2 to 10 millimetres.

10. Accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the steam plate comprises a steam exit (110), and the external cover:

- does not overlap with the steam exit, or

- partially overlaps with the steam exit, or

- fully overlaps with the steam exit.

11. Accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein:

- the external cover is plain, or

- the external cover comprises at least one opening (129).

12. Accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the holding means is adapted to take an opened position (PI) in which the pad can be inserted in the holding means, and a closed position (P2) in which the holding means extends substantially parallel to the steam plate.

13. Accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the holding means is rotatable around a rotation axis (AR) compared to the steam plate.

14. Accessory as claimed in claim 13, wherein the holding means further comprise a lever (176) for rotating the holding means.

15. Garment care device comprising an accessory as claimed in anyone of the claims 1 to 14, wherein the accessory is detachably mounted on the garment care device, wherein:

- the garment care device is a garment steamer, or

- the garment care device is a steam iron.

Drawing