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(11) | EP 4 424 902 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | GARMENT STEAMER WITH A DESCALING TRAY AND AN IRONING BOARD |
| (57) The invention relates to a garment steamer comprising a steamer head (100), an ironing
board and a tray (104). The steamer head has a soleplate (102) that is dockable on
the tray to enable a descaling operation to be performed. The garment steamer also
comprises coupling means to detachably couple the tray to the ironing board when the
soleplate is not being docked on the tray.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Garment steamers are known to be used for ironing or steaming garments to remove creases through the use of heat and moisture from steam.
[0004] One type of garment steamer comprises a base unit, which base unit houses a water tank. A steamer head, which can be alternatively referred to as an iron head or a handheld unit, is connected to the base unit by a flexible hose cord through which steam and/or water is delivered from the base unit to the steamer head. A steam generator is included in the base unit and/or the steamer head. The steamer head is provided with a soleplate, also known as a treatment plate, delimiting one or more steam vents through which steam is discharged onto a fabric being treated.
[0005] A descaling operation/procedure tends to be recommended for such garment steamers in order to maintain efficient steam generation and to extend operating lifetime, particularly if relatively hard water is being used. The descaling operation is usually conducted by the user holding the steamer head and allowing scale (together with hot water and/or steam) to be flushed out of the steamer head and into the air or a sink. Holding the steamer head throughout the descaling operation tends to be necessary because of the risks, associated with hot water and steam discharge, to others, such as members of the user's family, and especially children.
[0006] However, a descaling tray can be provided for receiving hot water, steam and/or scale discharged during the descaling operation. Whilst such a descaling tray can provide various benefits, in particular relating to safety and effectiveness of the descaling operation, such a descaling tray can risk being misplaced, partly as a result of the descaling operation being a maintenance procedure that takes place, for example, every few weeks. Misplacing the descaling tray can mean that the descaling operation is not performed when it should be, or that the descaling operation is performed without the descaling tray. This can increase the likelihood that the descaling operation is performed improperly, ineffectively or in a way that compromises safety of the user and/or those around them.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the invention to propose a garment steamer that avoids or mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems.
[0008] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
[0009] To this end, the garment steamer according to the invention comprises
- a steamer head comprising a soleplate,
- an ironing board,
- a tray on which the soleplate is dockable to enable a descaling operation of the steamer head, and
- coupling means to detachably couple the tray to the ironing board when the soleplate is not being docked on the tray.
[0010] The coupling means, which can be alternatively termed "a coupling system", can assist the user to easily retrieve the tray when the descaling operation is due to be performed, noting that the descaling operation tends to take place, depending on factors such as water hardness and frequency of use of the garment steamer, for example every few weeks.
[0011] The capability to couple the tray to the ironing board of the garment steamer can assist to minimize the risk of the tray being misplaced (in other words located somewhere different from the rest of the garment steamer). By coupling the tray to the ironing board, the tray can be straightforwardly kept together with the ironing board, and thus the garment steamer as a whole, even while the garment steamer is being transported from one location to another location. By assisting to avoid misplacing of the tray, the coupling means can assist to ensure compliance with descaling recommendations for the garment steamer.
[0012] By reducing the risk of the tray being misplaced, the user may be more likely to implement the descaling operation when recommended to do so. Alternatively or additionally, the user may be more likely to use the tray for the descaling operation rather than some other receptacle, such as a sink, that is not specifically designed for this purpose. Hence the coupling means can assist to ensure that the descaling operation is performed properly, effectively and safely. It is noted that performing of the descaling operation properly and effectively can assist with ensuring that the garment steamer functions reliably over its operating lifetime.
[0013] In at least some embodiments, the ironing board has a garment-facing side against which a garment is supportable, and an underside, with the garment-facing side and the underside facing in opposite directions, and with the coupling means being arranged to detachably couple the tray to the underside.
[0014] By the tray being couplable to the underside of the ironing board, the tray can be positioned in a way that minimizes the risk of the tray hampering ironing or steaming of a garment supported by the garment-facing side. Moreover, the tray can be conveniently hidden from view when coupled to the ironing board.
[0015] In some embodiments, the coupling means comprises at least one resilient fastener adapted to releasably secure part of the tray to the ironing board. The resilient fastener(s) can assist to make coupling of the tray to and detaching of the tray from the ironing board relatively straightforward for the user to implement.
[0016] In some embodiments, the at least one resilient fastener comprises a resilient member and a securing member, with the resilient member being arranged to bias the securing member into engagement with the part of the tray.
[0018] In some embodiments, the at least one resilient fastener comprises a tactile portion contactable and moveable by a user, for instance by a user's finger, to cause movement of the securing member against the bias provided by the resilient member, e.g. spring.
[0019] During coupling of the tray to the ironing board, the user may move the tactile portion so that the securing member is positioned to enable the part of the tray to be moved beyond the securing member towards the ironing board. Following release of the tactile portion while the part of the tray remains in position beyond the securing member, the securing member can engage the part in order to secure the part to the ironing board. During release of the tray from the ironing board, the user may move the tactile portion so that the securing member is positioned to enable the part of the tray to be moved beyond the securing member and away from the ironing board.
[0020] As an alternative or in addition to the tactile portion, the securing member can comprise a latch portion for contacting the part of the tray, with the latch portion being shaped such that moving of the part of the tray thereagainst moves the securing member against the bias.
[0021] In some embodiments, the coupling means comprises a support member against which a portion of the tray is restable while the at least one resilient fastener secures the part of the tray, with the support member and the resilient fastener being thereby arranged to hold the tray to the ironing board.
[0022] Preferably, the portion that rests against the support member is at or proximal to a first end of the tray, and the part that is releasably secured by the resilient fastener is at or proximal to a second end of the tray that is opposite the first end. This may provide a relatively straightforwardly manufacturable, secure and easy-to-use coupling component of the tray.
[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one resilient fastener comprises a snap-fit fastener. Such a snap-fit fastener may make coupling of the tray to and detachment of the tray from the ironing board relatively staightforward to implement.
[0024] In some embodiments, one or more guiding elements is or are provided on the ironing board and arranged, via contact with the tray, to enable guiding of the tray so that the part is engaged by the snap-fit fastener. The guiding element(s) can thus assist the user with positioning the tray correctly with respect to the snap-fit fastener(s) when coupling the tray to the ironing board.
[0025] For example, once the tray is positioned via contact with the guiding element(s), the tray can be pushed towards the ironing board to cause the tray to be engaged by the snap-fit fastener(s).
[0026] In some embodiments, the coupling means is arranged such that a rotational movement about an axis extending perpendicular to the ironing board couples the tray to and detaches the tray from the ironing board. This can provide a relatively simple and cost-effective solution for the coupling means, since the design can be realized via distribution of existing parts on the ironing board, e.g. the underside of the ironing board, rather than necessarily requiring additional parts or components dedicated to achieiving the detachable coupling of the tray to the ironing board.
[0027] One or more fastening members, for example hook(s), is or are preferably arranged to allow the tray to be positioned in an initial orientation proximal to the ironing board, and to engage the tray upon rotational movement of the tray about the axis.
[0028] The fastening member(s), e.g. hook(s), can, for example, be integral to the ironing board. For instance, the fastening member(s) is or are moulded together with a main body of the ironing board.
[0029] More generally, the tray can form an upper surface on which the soleplate is dockable, in other words mountable, to enable the descaling operation to be performed.
[0030] In at least some embodiments, the tray comprises a recess (forming a recipient) for receiving scale and/or water from the steamer head during the descaling operation.
[0031] A rim preferably extends at least partly around the recess, with the soleplate of the steamer head being supportable on the rim. In such embodiments, the upper surface can be regarded as being included in the rim.
[0032] In some embodiments, the tray further comprises a flange extending at least partly around the recess, with the coupling means being adapted to detachably couple the tray to the ironing board via the flange. The flange can assist the user to manipulate the tray, for example when moving the tray containing water and/or scale. The flange can also assist with stowing of the tray after use, by assisting coupling of the tray to the ironing board.
[0033] In some embodiments, the portion and/or the part of the tray is or are included in the flange.
[0034] The tray preferably comprises attaching means arranged at a front end of the tray to attach a tip of the steamer head to the tray. The attaching means, which can be alternatively termed "an attachment system", can assist to reduce the risk of the steamer head, and the tip of the steamer head in particular, unintentionally separating from the tray during the descaling operation. Thus, the attaching means can assist to ensure safe implementing of the descaling operation.
[0035] The tip of the steamer head that is attachable to the tray via the attaching means preferably comprises a tip of the steamer head's casing.
[0036] Attaching the steamer head to the tray via its casing may provide a relatively robust and long-lasting solution, particularly in comparison to, for example, attaching the steamer head to the tray via a tip of the steamer head's soleplate due to the relatively high temperatures to which the soleplate is heated.
[0037] In some embodiments, the tray forms a lower surface adapted to cooperate with an external horizontal supporting surface, and the tray comprises a plurality of supporting ribs comprising lower portions being flush with the lower surface, with the supporting ribs being arranged to backwardly protrude beyond a rear end of the soleplate when docked on the tray.
[0038] By the lower portions backwardly protruding beyond the rear end of the soleplate when the soleplate is docked on the tray, the risk of backwards tipping of the tray, with the soleplate of the steamer head docked thereon, can be minimized. The lower portions, e.g. in combination with the attaching means, can assist the steamer head to be supported on the tray, with the tray sitting stably on the external horizontal supporting surface, without the user being required to hold the steamer head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] 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 a steamer head and a tray of a garment steamer according to an example of the invention,
Figs.2A and 2B respectively provide views of an upper surface and a lower surface of a tray according to an example of the invention,
Figs.3A to 3E provide various views of a tray coupled to an ironing board according to a first example of the invention,
Figs.4A to 4E provide various views of a tray coupled to an ironing board according to a second example of the invention,
Figs.5A to 5D provide various views of a tray coupled to an ironing board according to a third example of the invention, and
Figs.6A to 6F provide various views of a tray coupled to an ironing board according to a fourth example of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The invention relates to a garment steamer comprising a steamer head, an ironing board and a tray. The steamer head has a soleplate that is dockable on the tray to enable a descaling operation to be performed. Coupling means detachably couples the tray to the ironing board when the soleplate is not being docked on the tray.
[0042] Fig.1 depicts a steamer head 100 of a garment steamer according to an example. The steamer head 100 comprises a soleplate 102.
[0043] Steam generated by a steam generator (not visible) included in the garment steamer is releasable to a garment via at least one steam vent (not visible) delimited by the soleplate 102.
[0044] The soleplate 102 comprises a metal alloy or a metal, e.g. aluminium. Such a metallic soleplate 102 is preferably coated, for instance with a material adapted to facilitate gliding of the soleplate 102 over a fabric.
[0045] In at least some embodiments, the steamer head 100 comprises a casing 101 to which the soleplate 102 is coupled. Such a casing 101 can be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic material, e.g. an engineering thermoplastic.
[0046] Preferably, the steamer head 100 includes a handle 103 that, when grasped by the user, enables the steamer head 100 to be held by the user and moved over a garment.
[0047] In some embodiments, the garment steamer comprises a base unit comprising a water tank, and a hose cord for connecting the steamer head 100 to the base unit. The water tank stores water used to generate steam. To this end, the water stored in the water tank is supplied to the steam generator.
[0048] In some embodiments, the steam generator is included in the base unit, and the steam generated by the steam generator is supplied to the steamer head 100 via the hose cord.
[0049] In such embodiments, the steamer head 100 preferably includes a steam heater arranged to reheat steam and/or water received from the steam generator, prior to the steam exiting the steamer head via the at least one steam vent. The steam heater may assist to minimise the risk of spitting of water onto the garment being treated.
[0050] In alternative embodiments, the steamer head 100 can comprise a steam chamber arranged to generate steam from water supplied, e.g. pumped, thereto from the water tank included in the base unit.
[0051] Referring to Figs. 1, 2A and 2B, the garment steamer comprises a tray 104 on which the soleplate 102 is dockable, in other words mountable, to enable a descaling operation to be performed. The tray 104 can be regarded as being included in, for example defining, an accessory.
[0052] The tray 104 can be made of any suitable mechanically and thermally robust material. In some embodiments, the tray 104 is made of a plastic material. For example, the tray 104 is made of polypropylene, e.g. recycled polypropylene.
[0053] The tray 104 can be manufactured in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the tray 104 is manufactured by plastic injection moulding, for example by injection moulding using polypropylene.
[0054] Vaporizing of water, in particular in the steam heater or steam chamber of the steamer head 100, can result in a build-up of scale over time. The descaling operation can remove at least some of this scale.
[0055] The descaling operation can, for example, be implemented using a user-selectable descaling mode of the garment steamer. For example, the garment steamer includes a user interface configured to enable the user to select the descaling mode of the garment steamer.
[0056] Alternatively or additionally, a descaling solution that is different from the water used in normal operation of the garment steamer can be used, for instance by the descaling solution being introduced into the steam heater or steam chamber of the steamer head 100, for the descaling operation.
[0057] In such embodiments, the descaling solution preferably comprises, e.g. is defined by, aqueous acetic acid. The aqueous acetic acid can be provided in any suitable manner, for instance as a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar.
[0058] More generally, during the descaling operation, scale and/or water is or are flushed out from the steamer head 100, for example via the steam vent(s) delimited by the soleplate 102. The scale and/or water flushed out from the steamer head 100 is or are receivable in the tray 104 during the descaling operation.
[0059] When the soleplate 102 is docked on the tray 104, the soleplate 102 faces an interior of the tray 104. The tray 104 preferably comprises a recess 105 for receiving scale and/or water from the steamer head 100 during the descaling operation.
[0060] In at least some embodiments, such as shown in Fig.2A, the tray 104 forms an upper surface US on which the soleplate 102 is dockable, in other words mountable, to enable the descaling operation to be performed.
[0061] The soleplate 102 is preferably supportable on a rim 106 that extends at least partly around the recess 105. In such embodiments, the upper surface US can be regarded as being included in the rim 106.
[0062] The shape of the upper surface US and/or the rim 106 preferably follows the profile of the soleplate 102. This can facilitate docking of the soleplate 102 on the tray 104 by providing an intuitive visual guide to the user for how to dock the soleplate 102 on the tray 104.
[0063] In some embodiments, the upper surface US is arranged to support the soleplate 102 at an angle relative to a lower surface LS of the tray 104 that cooperates with, e.g. rests on, an external horizontal supporting surface. In other words, a first plane of the upper surface US is angled with respect to a second plane of the lower surface LS. Preferably, this angle is in the range 0 to 5 degrees, preferably 3 degrees, such that when the lower surface LS is arranged on a horizontal surface, the front part of the tray 104 is lower than its rear part. A tray 104 having the upper surface US at an angle relative to a lower surface LS is illustrated in Fig.3C.
[0064] Thus, the tray 104 can support the steamer head 100 at a desired angle during the descaling process. Such an angle can, for instance, be selected to ensure that the descaling solution is able to contact relevant parts of the interior of the steamer head 100 during the descaling operation, in particular relevant parts of the steam heater or steam chamber at which scale is liable to build up.
[0065] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Fig.2A, one or more soleplate retention members R1, R2 is or are arranged around the upper surface US and upstand(s) from the upper surface US.
[0066] The soleplate retention member(s) R1, R2 can assist to minimize or prevent forwards, backwards and/or sidewards lateral movement of the soleplate 102 on the upper surface US when the soleplate 102 is docked on the tray 104.
[0067] In some embodiments, such as that shown in Fig.2A, the one or more soleplate retention members R1, R2 include(s) a front soleplate retention member R1 arranged at or proximal to a front end of the tray 104. The front soleplate retention member R1 can assist to minimize or prevent forwards movement of the soleplate 102 on the upper surface US when the soleplate 102 is docked on the tray 104.
[0068] The front soleplate retention member R1 preferably extends around the upper surface US from a left side of the tray 104 to the front end to a right side of the tray 104. Thus, the front soleplate retention member R1 can assist to minimize or prevent (at least) forwards and sidewards lateral movement of the soleplate 102 on the upper surface US when the soleplate 102 is docked on the tray 104.
[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more soleplate retention members R1, R2 include(s) a rear soleplate retention member R2 arranged at or proximal to a back end 112 of the tray 104. The rear soleplate retention member R2 can assist to minimize or prevent backwards movement of the soleplate 102 on the upper surface US when the soleplate 102 is docked on the tray 104.
[0070] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.1, 2A and 2B, the tray 104 comprises a flange 107 extending at least partly around the recess 105. Such a flange 107 can be regarded as projecting laterally outwards away from the recess 105.
[0071] The flange 107 can assist the user to manipulate the tray 104, for example when moving the tray 104 containing water and/or scale. The flange 107 can also assist with stowing of the tray 104 after use, for instance by assisting coupling of the tray 104 to an ironing board 120, as described in more detail herein below with reference to Figs.3A to 6F.
[0072] In some embodiments, the one or more soleplate retention members R1, R2 is or are arranged between the upper surface US and the flange 107, for example between the rim 106 and the flange 107.
[0073] Referring to Figs.3A to 6F, the garment steamer comprises an ironing board 120. A garment is supportable by the ironing board 120 during steaming and/or ironing of the garment using the steamer head 100.
[0074] In at least some embodiments, the ironing board 120 has a garment-facing side 122 against which a garment is supportable, and an underside 124, with the garment-facing side 122 and the underside 124 facing in opposite directions. In other words, the garment-facing side 122 faces in a first direction and the underside 124 faces in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.
[0075] In some embodiments, the garment steamer includes a pole assembly (not visible) for supporting the ironing board 120. In such embodiments, the garment steamer can be regarded as a stand steamer.
[0076] The pole assembly is preferably a telescopic pole assembly. In such embodiments, height adjustment of the ironing board 120 can be implemented by extending and collapsing the telescopic pole assembly.
[0077] Alternatively or additionally, the ironing board 120 is preferably tiltable between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The vertical orientation can be used for steaming hanging garments, and the horizontal orientation can be used for ironing. In some embodiments, the horizontal orientation is also used for the descaling operation, when the ironing board 120 is used to provide the external horizontal supporting surface.
[0078] In some embodiments, the garment steamer includes a support base arranged to support the base unit and/or the pole assembly.
[0079] More generally, the garment steamer comprises coupling means to detachably couple the tray 104 to the ironing board 120 when the soleplate 102 is not being docked on the tray 104.
[0080] The coupling means can assist the user to easily retrieve the tray 104 when the descaling operation is due to be performed, noting that the descaling operation tends to take place, depending on factors such as water hardness and frequency of use of the garment steamer, every few weeks.
[0081] The capability to couple the tray 104 to the ironing board 120 of the garment steamer can assist to minimize the risk of the tray 104 being misplaced (in other words located somewhere different from the rest of the garment steamer), and thus assists to ensure compliance with descaling recommendations for the garment steamer.
[0082] By reducing the risk of the tray 104 being misplaced, the user may be more likely to implement the descaling operation when recommended to do so. Alternatively or additionally, the user may be more likely to use the tray 104 for the descaling operation rather than some other receptacle, such as a sink, that is not specifically designed for this purpose. Hence the coupling means can assist to ensure that the descaling operation is performed properly, effectively and safely. It is noted that performing of the descaling operation properly and effectively can assist with ensuring that the garment steamer functions reliably over its operating lifetime.
[0083] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figs.3A to 6F, the coupling means is arranged to detachably couple the tray 104 to the underside 124 of the ironing board 120. By the tray 104 being couplable to the underside 124 of the ironing board 120, the tray 104 can be positioned in a way that minimizes the risk of the tray 104 hampering ironing or steaming of a garment supported by the garment-facing side 122. Moreover, the tray 104 can be conveniently hidden from view when coupled to the ironing board 120.
[0084] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figs.3A to 3E, 4A to 4E and 5A to 5D, the coupling means comprises at least one resilient fastener 126; 132; 138A, 138B adapted to releasably secure part 127; 127A, 127B of the tray 104 to the ironing board 120.
[0085] Any suitable type of resilient fastener 126; 132; 138A, 138B can be employed for this purpose. In some embodiments, the at least one resilient fastener 126; 132; 138A, 138B comprises a resilient member 128; 134; 140A, 140B and a securing member 129; 135; 141A, 141B, with the resilient member 128; 134; 140A, 140B being arranged to bias the securing member 129; 135; 141A, 141B into engagement with the part 127; 127A, 127B of the tray 104.
[0086] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.3A to 3E, the resilient member 128 comprises, e.g. is defined by, a spring. Any suitable type of spring can be contemplated for inclusion in the resilient member 128, such as a helical spring, as shown in Figs.3C and 3D, a leaf spring, etc.
[0087] In some embodiments, and with continued reference to Figs.3C and 3D, the at least one resilient fastener 126 comprises a tactile portion 130 contactable and moveable by a user, for instance by a user's finger, to cause movement of the securing member 129 against the bias provided by the resilient member 128, e.g. spring.
[0088] During coupling of the tray 104 to the ironing board 120, the user may move the tactile portion 130 so that the securing member 129 is positioned to enable the part 127 of the tray 104 to be moved beyond the securing member 129 towards the ironing board 120. Following release of the tactile portion 130 while the part 127 of the tray 104 remains in position beyond the securing member 129, the securing member 129 can engage a bottom surface of the part 127 in order to secure the part 127 to the ironing board 120.
[0089] During release of the tray 104 from the ironing board 120, the user may move the tactile portion 130 so that the securing member 129 is positioned to enable the part 127 of the tray 104 to be moved beyond the securing member 129 away from the ironing board 120. It is noted that the movement of the tray 104 towards and away from the ironing board 120 is denoted in Fig.3A by the double-headed arrow.
[0090] The tactile portion 130 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, and as best shown in Fig.3D, the tactile portion 130 comprises one or more protrusions 131A, 131B for assisting the user to establish firm contact with the tactile portion 130 when moving the tactile portion 130.
[0091] As an alternative or in addition to such a tactile portion 130, and referring to the resilient fastener 132 depicted in Figs.4C and 4D, the securing member 135 can comprise a latch portion 136 for contacting the part 127 of the tray 104, with the latch portion 136 being shaped such that moving of the part 127 of the tray 104 against the latch portion 136 moves the securing member 135 against the bias provided by the resilient member 134, e.g. spring.
[0092] In some embodiments, such as shown in Fig.4D, the latch portion 136 is shaped such that moving of the part 127 of the tray 104 against an upwardly facing surface 137 of the latch portion 136 during pulling of the tray 104 away from the ironing board 120 moves the securing member 135 against the bias provided by the resilient member 134, e.g. spring, thereby enabling the tray 104 to be released.
[0093] Alternatively or additionally, the latch portion 136 can be shaped such that moving of the part 127 of the tray 104 against a downwardly facing surface of the latch portion 136 during pushing of the tray 104 towards from the ironing board 120 moves the securing member 135 against the bias provided by the resilient member 134, e.g. spring, thereby enabling the part 127 of the tray 104 to be advanced closer to the ironing board 120, beyond the latch portion 136. Subsequent movement of the securing member 135, due to the bias provided by the resilient member 134, can then secure the part 127 of the tray 104 in position proximal to the ironing board 120.
[0094] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.3C, 3E, 4C and 4E, the coupling means comprises a support member 123 against which a portion 125 of the tray 104 is restable while the at least one resilient fastener 126; 132 secures the part 127 of the tray 104, with the support member 123 and the resilient fastener 126; 132 being thereby arranged to hold the tray 104 to the ironing board 120.
[0095] In such embodiments, the portion 125 is preferably at or proximal to a first end of the tray 104, with the part 127 being at or proximal to a second end of the tray 104 that is opposite the first end. This may provide a relatively straightforwardly manufacturable, secure and easy-to-use coupling component of the tray 104.
[0096] For example, the portion 125 and/or the part 127 of the tray 104 is or are included in the flange 107 that extends at least partly around the recess 105.
[0097] It is noted that the coupling means can generally be regarded as comprising mounting feature(s) MF provided on the ironing board 120, for example on the underside 124 of the ironing board 120.
[0098] The coupling means/mounting feature(s) MF can be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the coupling means/mounting features comprise(s) a plastic material, for example polypropylene, e.g. recycled polypropylene.
[0099] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.5A to 5D, the at least one resilient fastener 126; 132; 138A, 138B comprises a snap-fit fastener 138A, 138B. Such a snap-fit fastener 138A, 138B may make coupling of the tray 104 to and detachment of the tray 104 from the ironing board 120 relatively staightforward to implement.
[0100] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs.5A to 5D, the at least one resilient fastener 126; 132; 138A, 138B comprises a first snap-fit fastener 138A that is spaced apart from a second snap-fit fastener 138B. In such embodiments, the first snap-fit fastener 138A engages a first part 127A of the tray 104, and the second snap-fit fastener 138B engages a second part 127B of the tray 104.
[0101] For example, the first snap-fit fastener 138A is arranged opposite the second snap-fit fastener 138B.
[0102] When the user wishes to detach the tray 104 from the ironing board 120, grasping and pulling on the tray 104 may cause flexing of the resilient member 140A, 140B to enable the part 127A, 127B of the tray 104 to be disengaged from the securing member 141A, 141B. The tray 104 can then be used in the descaling operation.
[0103] For example, flexing of the first resilient member 140A of the first snap-fit fastener 138A and flexing of the second resilient member 140B of the second snap-fit fastener 138B enables the first part 127A and the second part 127B of the tray 104 to be respectively disengaged from a first securing member 141A and a second securing member 141B of the snap-fit fastener 138A, 138B.
[0104] When the user wishes to couple the tray 104 to the ironing board 120, the user can push the tray 104 towards the ironing board 120 such that a top surface of the part 127A, 127B, e.g. a top surface of each of the first part 127A and the second part 127B, of the tray 104 bears against the securing member 141A, 141B to cause flexing of the resilient member 140A, 140B. Upon sufficient flexing of the resilient member 140A, 140B, the part 127A, 127B of the tray 104 can be advanced towards the ironing board 120, beyond the securing member 141A, 141B so that when the user releases the tray 104 the tray 104 is retained against the ironing board 120 by a bottom surface of the part 127A, 127B being engaged by the securing member 141A, 141B.
[0105] The snap-fit fastener can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figs. 5A to 5D, the snap-fit fastener 138A, 138B comprises, e.g. is, a cantilever snap-fit fastener 138A, 138B.
[0106] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.5A to 5C, one or more guiding elements 144A, 144B is or are provided on the ironing board 120 and arranged, via contact with the tray 104, to enable guiding of the tray 104 so that the part 127A, 127B is engaged by the snap-fit fastener 138A, 138B. The guiding element(s) 144A, 144B can thus assist the user with positioning the tray 104 correctly with respect to the snap-fit fastener(s) 138A, 138B when coupling the tray 104 to the ironing board 120. Once the tray 104 is positioned via contact with the guiding element(s) 144A, 144B, the tray 104 can be pushed towards the ironing board 120 until the part 127A, 127B is engaged by the securing member 141A, 141B, as previously described.
[0107] In some embodiments, a first guiding element 144A is arranged to contact the tray 104 at or proximal to a front end of the tray 104, with a second guiding element 144B being arranged to contact the tray 104 at or proximal to the back end 112 of the tray 104.
[0108] For example, the first guiding element 144A is arranged to contact the flange 107 of the tray 104 proximal to the front end of the tray 104 and/or the second guiding element 144B is arranged to contact the flange 107 of the tray 104 at the back end 112 of the tray 104.
[0109] In some embodiments, and as an alternative or in addition to the resilient fastener 126; 132; 138A, 138B, the coupling means is arranged such that a rotational movement couples the tray 104 to and detaches the tray 104 from the ironing board 120. An example of this is shown in Figs.6A to 6F.
[0110] This can provide a relatively simple and cost-effective solution for the coupling means, since the design can be realized via distribution of existing parts on the ironing board 120, e.g. the underside of the ironing board 120, rather than necessarily requiring additional parts or components dedicated to achieiving the detachable coupling of the tray 104 to the ironing board 120.
[0111] In such embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.6D and 6E, rotational movement of the tray 104 about an axis A1 extending perpendicular to the ironing board 120, for example extending normal to the underside 124 of the ironing board 120, couples the tray 104 to and detaches the tray 104 from the ironing board 120.
[0112] One or more fastening members 146A, 146B, 146C, for example hook(s), is or are preferably arranged to allow the tray 104 to be positioned in an initial orientation proximal to the ironing board 120, and to engage the tray 104, for example the flange 107, upon rotational movement of the tray 104 about the axis A1 from the initial orientation to a subsequent orientation. This rotation is denoted in Fig.6E by the arrow 148, while axial movement of the tray 104 so that the tray 104 is positioned proximal to the ironing board 120 is denoted in Figs.6C and 6D by the arrow 150.
[0113] In some embodiments, rotational movement of the tray 104 about the axis A1 in a first rotational direction 148 couples the tray 104 to the ironing board 120, and rotational movement of the tray 104 about the axis A1 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction enables detachment of the tray 104 from the ironing board 120.
[0114] It is noted that in the non-limiting example shown in Figs.6A to 6E, the first rotational direction is clockwise when the ironing board 120 is viewed from underneath, in other words facing the underside 124 of the ironing board 120. In this example, detachment of the tray 104 from the ironing board 120 comprises anti-clockwise rotation of the tray 104 about the axis A1.
[0115] The fastening member(s) 146A, 146B, 146C, e.g. hook(s), can, for example, be integral to the ironing board 120. For instance, the fastening member(s) 146A, 146B, 146C is or are moulded together with a main body of the ironing board 120.
[0116] In some embodiments, and referring again to Figs.1 and 2A, the tray 104 comprises attaching means 108 arranged at a front end of the tray 104 to attach a tip 109 of the steamer head 100 to the tray 104.
[0117] The attaching means 108 can assist to reduce the risk of the steamer head 100, and the tip 109 in particular, unintentionally separating from the tray 104 during the descaling operation. Thus, the attaching means 108 can assist to ensure safe implementing of the descaling operation.
[0118] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Fig.2B, the tray 104 forms the lower surface LS adapted to cooperate with an external horizontal and flat supporting surface. For example, the cooperation of the lower surface LS of the tray 104 with the external horizontal supporting surface means that the tray 104 is supportable on the external horizontal supporting surface by the lower surface LS resting on the external horizontal supporting surface.
[0119] In this way, the external horizontal supporting surface can support the tray 104 with the soleplate 102 of the steamer head 100 docked thereon when the lower surface LS is cooperating with, for example resting on, the external horizontal supporting surface.
[0120] The external horizontal supporting surface can, for example, be provided by the garment-facing side 122 of the ironing board 120, provided that the horizontal orientation is being adopted by the ironing board 120.
[0121] The lower surface LS can be adapted to cooperate with the external horizontal support surface in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as shown in Fig.2B, the lower surface LS is included in a support foot of the tray 104. For example, the lower surface LS is included in a support foot that extends around at least part of a periphery of an underside of the tray 104.
[0122] In some embodiments, a plurality of supporting ribs 110A, 110B, 110C backwardly protrude beyond a rear end 111 of the soleplate 102 when docked on the tray 104.
[0123] The supporting ribs 110A, 110B, 110C comprise lower portions LP1, LP2 that are flush with the lower surface LS of the tray 104. For example, each of the supporting ribs 110, 110B, 110C comprises a lower portion LP1, LP2 flush with the lower surface LS of the tray 104.
[0124] The lower portions LP1, LP2 being flush with the lower surface LS means that the lower portions LP1, LP2 also cooperate with, for example rest on, the external horizontal supporting surface.
[0125] By the lower portions LP1, LP2 backwardly protruding beyond the rear end 111 of the soleplate 102 when docked on the tray 104, the risk of backwards tipping of the tray 104, with the soleplate 102 of the steamer head 100 docked thereon, can be minimized.
[0126] It is also noted that the steamer head 100 can be supported on the tray 104, with the tray 104 sitting stably on the external horizontal supporting surface, without the user being required to hold the steamer head 100.
[0127] In some embodiments, the attaching means 108 and the lower portions LP1, LP2 of the supporting ribs 110A, 110B, 110C are combined, with the former reducing the risk of the tip 109 of the steamer head 100 separating from the tray 104 and the latter reducing the risk of backwards tipping of the tray 104 together with the steamer head 100. Thus, the steamer head 100 can be stably supported by the tray 104 during the descaling operation. User convenience can thus be enhanced due to the user not being required to hold the steamer head 100, and/or user safety can be improved.
[0128] In some embodiments, the hose cord connects to the handle 103 of the steamer head 100. In such embodiments, the hose cord can connect to, and backwardly extend away from, the handle 103. In alternative embodiments, the hose cord can connect to, and backwardly extend away from, a rear portion of the casing 101 other than the handle 103.
[0129] More generally, the hose cord preferably backwardly extends away from a rear of the steamer head 100. This can assist to minimize the risk of the hose cord impeding movement of the steamer head 100, in particular when the steamer head 100 is being moved over a garment.
[0130] Whilst the hose cord backwardly extending away from the rear of the steamer head 100 can increase the risk of tilting of the steamer head 100 during the descaling operation, this risk can be alleviated by the attaching means 108. Alternatively or additionally, the lower portions LP1, LP2 of the supporting ribs 110A, 110B, 110C can assist to reduce the risk of backwards tipping of the tray 104 together with the steamer head 100.
[0131] In some embodiments, such as shown in Fig.1, the handle 103 of the steamer head 100 backwardly extends beyond a rearmost portion of the casing 101.
[0132] This extension of the handle 103 can assist with maneuverability of the steamer head 100. Whilst the handle 103 backwardly extending beyond the rearmost portion of the casing 101 can increase the risk of tilting of the steamer head 100 during the descaling operation, this risk can be alleviated by the attaching means 108 and/or the supporting ribs 110A, 110B, 110C, as previously described.
[0133] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figs.1, 2A and 2B, the plurality of supporting ribs 110A, 110B, 110C comprises a pair of ribs 110A, 110B that are spaced apart from each other across the back end 112 of the tray 104. The pair of ribs 110A, 110B can assist with balancing the tray 104 on the external horizontal supporting surface.
[0134] In some embodiments, the plurality of supporting ribs 110A, 110B, 110C comprises a central rib 110C arranged between the pair of ribs 110A, 1 10B. The central rib 110C can add additional stability proximal to the back end 112 of the tray 104. In particular, the optional central rib 110C can assist to reinforce the stabilization provided by the pair of ribs 110A, 110B.
[0135] In such embodiments, the central rib 110C preferably backwardly protrudes by a shorter length than each of the pair of ribs 110A, 110B.
[0136] The tip 109 of the steamer head 100 that is attachable to the tray 104 via the attaching means 108 preferably comprises a tip of the casing 101.
[0137] Attaching the steamer head 100 to the tray 104 via its casing 101 may provide a relatively robust and long-lasting solution, particularly in comparison to, for example, attaching the steamer head 100 to the tray 104 via a tip of the steamer head's 100 soleplate 102 due to the relatively high temperatures to which the soleplate 102 is heated.
[0138] In some embodiments, and as best shown in Fig.2A, the attaching means 108 comprises a cavity 113 for receiving the tip 109 of the steamer head 100, e.g. the tip 109 comprising the tip of the casing 101. This may provide a relatively straightforwardly manufacturable way of implementing the attaching means 108.
[0139] In such embodiments, the cavity 113 is preferably partly defined by an upper wall portion 114, with the upper wall portion 114 being arranged to contact an upper surface of the tip 109 of the steamer head 100 when the soleplate 102 is docked on the tray 104. By contacting the upper surface of the tip 109 of the soleplate 102, the upper wall portion 114 can assist to minimize the risk of tilting of the steamer head 100 (in particular a tilting where the rear extremity of the handle 103 would tend to get closer to the tray 104).
[0140] In some embodiments, such as shown in Fig.1, the upper wall portion 114 is arranged to contact an upwardly facing surface of the tip of the steamer head's 100 casing 101 when the soleplate 102 is docked on the tray 104.
[0141] 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 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.
1. A garment steamer comprising:
- a steamer head (100) comprising a soleplate (102),
- an ironing board (120),
- a tray (104) on which the soleplate is dockable to enable a descaling operation of the steamer head, and
- coupling means to detachably couple the tray to the ironing board when the soleplate is not being docked on the tray.
2. The garment steamer according to claim 1, wherein the ironing board (120) has a garment-facing
side (122) against which a garment is supportable, and an underside (124), the garment-facing
side and the underside facing in opposite directions, the coupling means being arranged
to detachably couple the tray (104) to the underside.
3. The garment steamer according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the coupling means comprises
at least one resilient fastener (126; 132; 138A, 138B) adapted to releasably secure
part (127; 127A, 127B) of the tray (104) to the ironing board (120).
4. The garment steamer according to claim 3, wherein the at least one resilient fastener
(126; 132; 138A, 138B) comprises a resilient member (128; 134; 140A, 140B) and a securing
member (129; 135; 141A, 141B), the resilient member being arranged to bias the securing
member into engagement with the part (127; 127A, 127B) of the tray (104).
5. The garment steamer according to claim 4, wherein the resilient member (128) comprises
a spring, and the at least one resilient fastener (126) comprises a tactile portion
(130) contactable and moveable by a user to cause movement of the securing member
(129) against the bias provided by the spring.
6. The garment steamer according to claim 4, wherein the securing member (135) comprises
a latch portion (136) for contacting the part (127) of the tray (104), the latch portion
being shaped such that moving of the part of the tray thereagainst moves the securing
member against the bias.
7. The garment steamer according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the coupling means
comprises a support member (123) against which a portion (125) of the tray (104) is
restable while the at least one resilient fastener (126; 132; 138A, 138B) secures
the part (127) of the tray, the support member and the resilient fastener being thereby
arranged to hold the tray to the ironing board (120).
8. The garment steamer according to claim 7, wherein the portion (125) is at or proximal
to a first end of the tray (104), and the part (127) is at or proximal to a second
end of the tray that is opposite the first end.
9. The garment steamer according to claim 4, wherein the at least one resilient fastener
comprises a snap-fit fastener (138A, 138B).
10. The garment steamer according to claim 9, wherein one or more guiding elements (144A,
144B) is or are provided on the ironing board (120), the guiding elements being arranged,
via contact with the tray (104), to enable guiding of the tray so that the part (127A,
127B) is engaged by the snap-fit fastener (138A, 138B).
11. The garment steamer according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the coupling means is
arranged such that a rotational movement about an axis (A1) extending perpendicular
to the ironing board (120) couples the tray (104) to and detaches the tray from the
ironing board.
12. The garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tray (104)
comprises:
- a recess (105) for receiving scale and/or water from the steamer head (100) during the descaling operation, and
- a rim (106) extending at least partly around the recess, the soleplate (102) being supportable on the rim.
13. The garment steamer according to claim 12, wherein the tray (104) further comprises
a flange (107) extending at least partly around the recess (105), the coupling means
being adapted to detachably couple the tray (104) to the ironing board (120) via the
flange.
14. The garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the tray (104)
comprises attaching means (108) arranged at a front end of the tray to attach a tip
(109) of the steamer head (100) to the tray.
15. The garment steamer according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein:
- the tray (104) forms a lower surface (LS) adapted to cooperate with an external horizontal supporting surface, and
- the tray comprises a plurality of supporting ribs (110A, 110B, 110C) comprising lower portions (LP1, LP2) being flush with said lower surface, the supporting ribs being arranged to backwardly protrude beyond a rear end (111) of the soleplate (102) when docked on the tray.