EP3751046A1

EP3751046A1 - Stand steamer with pivotable board

Info

Publication number: EP3751046A1
Application number: EP19179886.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kok Wah Ma; Lid Jlen Lim
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2019-06-13
Filing date: 2019-06-13
Publication date: 2020-12-16

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment steamer (100) comprising a base (101), a pole assembly (102) mounted on said base (101), a board (103) connected to said pole assembly (102) via a first pivot coupling (C1) extending along an horizontal axis (XI), and an arm element (104) arranged between said pole assembly (102) and said board (103). The arm element (104) comprises a foldable structure adapted to take a folded configuration in which the length (L) of the arm element (104) has a first value (L1) resulting in that the board (103) takes a first angular position compared to the pole assembly (102), and an unfolded configuration in which the length (L) of the arm element (104) has a second value (L2) resulting in that the board (103) takes a second angular position compared to the pole assembly (102).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a garment steamer.
The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stand garment steamers with pole(s) to which an ironing board is attached, are known. The ironing board is used to create a back support for the garments being steamed.
However, in those known devices, the ironing board is hanged vertically, which may create user inconveniences during steaming.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to propose an improved garment steamer that avoids or mitigates above-mentioned problems.
The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
To this end, the garment steamer according to the invention comprises a base,
a pole assembly mounted on the base,
a board connected to the pole assembly via a first pivot coupling extending along an horizontal axis,
an arm element arranged between the pole assembly and the board.
The arm element comprises a foldable structure adapted to take:

a folded configuration in which the length of the arm element has a first value resulting in that the board takes a first angular position compared to the pole assembly,
an unfolded configuration in which the length of the arm element has a second value resulting in that the board takes a second angular position compared to the pole assembly.

This solution provides a simple, preferably one-hand operation board tilting experience, whereby user can conveniently adjust the board angle single-handedly, and at the same time enjoys firm board at locked positions.
For example, the first angular position of the board defines an angle in the range [0; 10] degrees between the board and the vertical direction, resulting in the board extending nearly vertically.
For example, the second angular position of the board defines an angle in the range [10;90] degrees between the board and the vertical direction, resulting in the board having a certain inclination, up to extending horizontally.
Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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 garment steamer according to the invention with a board taking a first angular position,
Fig.2 depicts a front view of the garment steamer of Fig.1,
Fig.3 depicts the garment steamer according to the invention with a board taking a second angular position,
Fig.4A-Fig.4B-Fig.4C depict various views of a garment steamer according to the invention with a board taking different angular positions between a first angular position and a second angular position,
Fig.5 depicts a three-dimensional zoomed-in view of a garment steamer according to the invention with a board taking a second angular position,
Fig.6 depicts a cross-section zoomed-in view of a garment steamer according to the invention with a board taking a first angular position,
Fig.7 depicts a cross-section zoomed-in view of a garment steamer according to the invention with a board taking a second angular position,
Fig.8 depicts a zoomed-in view of a garment steamer according to the invention when the board is taking a first angular position, with a catch element in a hooked position,
Fig.9 depicts a detailed zoomed-in view of the garment steamer of Fig.8,
Fig. 10 depicts a zoomed-in view of a garment steamer according to the invention with a board taking a first angular position, with a catch element in a non-hooked position,
Fig.11A-Fig.11B depict two views under different angles of a garment steamer according to the invention, with an arm element being detached from a pole assembly of the garment steamer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig.1 depicts a garment steamer 100 according to the invention with a board taking a first angular position, and Fig.2 depicts a front view of the garment steamer of Fig.1.
The garment steamer 100 comprises:

a base 101,
a pole assembly 102 mounted on said base 101,
a board 103 connected to the pole assembly 102 via a first pivot coupling C1 extending along an horizontal axis X1,
an arm element 104 arranged between the pole assembly 102 and the board 103.

The arm element 104 comprises a foldable structure adapted to take:

a folded configuration in which the length L of the arm element 104 has a first value L1 resulting in that the board 103 takes a first angular position compared to the pole assembly 102,
an unfolded configuration in which the length L of the arm element 104 has a second value L2 resulting in that the board 103 takes a second angular position compared to the pole assembly 102.

The length L corresponds to the straight distance (i.e. span) between the point of connection of the arm element 104 with the board 103, and the point of connection of the arm element 104 with the pole assembly 102.
Preferably, the first pivot coupling C1 is arranged in an upper half portion of the board 103, as illustrated.
Fig.3 depicts the garment steamer 100 according to the invention with a board 103 taking a second angular position.
Fig.4A-Fig.4B-Fig.4C depict various views of a garment steamer 100 according to the invention with a board 103 taking different angular positions between a first angular position and a second angular position.
Fig.4A depicts the garment steamer 100 according to the invention with a board 103 taking a first angular position. The first angular position of the board 103 defines an angle A1 in the range [0;10] degrees between the surface of the board and the vertical direction YY. In this configuration, the arm element 104 is folded and its length L has a value L1, which may be close to 0.
Fig.4C depicts the garment steamer 100 according to the invention with a board 103 taking a second angular position. The second angular position of the board 103 defines an angle A2 in the range [10;90] degrees between the surface of the board and the vertical direction YY. In this configuration, the arm element 104 is unfolded and its length L has a value L2. Preferably, the angle A2 is in the range [20;40] degrees.
Fig.4B depicts the garment steamer 100 according to the invention with a board 103 taking an angular position defining an angle between angle A1 and angle A2. In this configuration, the arm element 104 is between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and its length L has a value between L1 and L2. This illustrates a situation where user is adjusting the angular position of the board to reach either the first angular position or to reach the second angular position.
Fig.5 depicts a three-dimensional zoomed-in view of a garment steamer according to the invention with a board taking a second angular position.
The foldable structure of the arm element 104 comprises a first portion P1 and a second portion P2 being connected with each other via a second pivot coupling C2.
The first portion P1 is connected to the board 103 via a third pivot coupling C3.
Preferably, the third pivot coupling C3 is arranged in a lower portion of the board 103, as illustrated.
The second portion P2 is connected to the pole assembly 102 via a fourth pivot coupling C4.
A rotatable lever 105 is attached to the board 103 for creating a force F1 against said first portion P1 to facilitate the rotation of the first portion P1 around the third pivot coupling C3 between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration. The force F1 is illustrated in Fig.7 which depicts a cross-section zoomed-in view of a garment steamer according to the invention with a board taking a second angular position.
Fig.6 depicts a cross-section zoomed-in view of a garment steamer according to the invention with a board taking a first angular position,
Preferably, the rotatable lever 105 is spring-loaded with a spring 106.
Preferably, the rotatable lever 105 comprises a catch element 107 adapted to hook, in the folded configuration of the arm element 104, a portion 108 attached to the pole assembly 102.
Preferably, the first portion P1 comprises a rib 109 adapted to rest, in the folded configuration of the arm element 104, against a portion 108 attached to the pole assembly 102. For example, portion 108 extends horizontally. The rib 109 is also illustrated in Fig.9.
The pole assembly 102 comprises at least one vertical pole.
The first pivot coupling C1 is arranged at a top part of the at least one vertical pole.
Preferably, as illustrated, the pole assembly 102 comprises a first vertical pole VP1 and a second vertical pole VP2.
Preferably, the second portion P2 defines a V shape having a first leg directing towards the first vertical pole VP1, and a second leg directing towards the second vertical pole VP2. This specific shape of the second portion P2 is advantageous to uniformly transfer the pressing force onto both vertical poles instead of onto the centre point of element 108, resulting in better balance of the garment steamer.
Preferably, the second portion P2 is detachably connected to the pole assembly 102 by means of locking means.
Preferably, the locking means comprise a first strap element S1 adapted to lock with the first vertical pole VP1 and a second strap element S2 adapted to lock with the second vertical pole VP2.
Upon locking, S1 and S2 are adapted to provide sufficient gripping onto the vertical poles VP1 and VP2 respectively to prevent S1 and S2 from sliding down upon usage, due to repeated pressing force from the board 103. Preferably, a rubber pad 111 is inserted inside S1 and S2 to provide effective grip upon locking. This is illustrated in the zoomed-in view of S1 in Fig.11a.
Preferably, the vertical pole VP 1 and the second vertical pole VP2 are telescopic, resulting in that each of the vertical pole comprises a lower part cooperating with an upper part via locking means TS1 and TS2, as illustrated in Fig.5.
Preferably, with such types of vertical poles VP1 and VP2, the first strap element S1 is locked on the first vertical pole VP1 at a position below the locking means TS1, and the second strap element S2 is locked on the second vertical pole VP2 at a position below the locking means TS2. This is advantageous as this allows the strap element S1 and S2, upon unlocking, to slide downward along the vertical poles when the vertical poles VP1 and VP2 are lowered. Once the new height is determined, S1 and S2 have to be locked back.
Fig.8 depicts a zoomed-in view of a garment steamer 100 according to the invention when the board 103 is taking a first angular position, with the catch element 107 in a hooked position on the portion 108.
Fig.9 depicts a detailed zoomed-in view of the garment steamer of Fig.8.
Fig.10 depicts a zoomed-in view of a garment steamer according to the invention with a board 103 taking a first angular position, with the catch element 107 in a non-hooked position on the portion 108. This situation happens when the user exerts a force on the lever 105 in the direction D1, as illustrated in Fig.7.
Fig.11A-Fig.11B depict two views under different angles of a garment steamer according to the invention, with an arm element 104 being detached from a pole assembly 102 of the garment steamer.
Preferably, as illustrated, the portion 108 is detachably connected to the pole assembly 102. For example, the portion 108 is attached to the second portion P2 and gets connected to the pole assembly 102 when the locking means S1 and S2 are locked on the vertical poles. Having the portion 108 being detachably connected to the pole assembly 102 is advantageous to easily dismantle and store the garment steamer after use.
Coming back to Fig.4A-Fig.4B-Fig.4C, below are described how to move the board 103 from the first angular position (e.g. vertical) to the second angular position (e.g. tilted):

1. User presses the lever 105 towards the front direction D1 (as illustrated in Fig.6).
2. The catch 107 at the back of the board 103 which is originally hold on to the rod 108 will be unlocked. This releases the board 103 from its locked vertical position.
3. User continues pulling the board 103 with the same hand that presses the lever, and this will bring the board 103 to its tilted position at the end of travelling.
4. The first portion P1 and the second portion P2 are fully extended and they lock the board 103 at its tilted position.
5. The first portion P1 and the second portion P2 form a straight line.
6. The lever 105 can be let go the moment after releasing the catch 107 from the rod 108. The spring 106 attached to the lever 105 will bring the lever 105 back to its original position.
7. The whole sequential actions allow user to release the locked vertical board position to its fully tilted position in one hand operation.

There is nothing to lock the arm 104 in the extended position. Therefore, the straight line joining C3 and C4 preferably does not pass through C2. Preferably C2 should be slight below the straight line joining C3 and C4. That means P1 and P2 form a large angle of slight less than 180 degree for example 177 degree.
Coming back to Fig.4A-Fig.4B-Fig.4C, and Fig.7, below are described how to move the board 103 from the second angular position (e.g. tilted) to the first angular position (e.g. vertical):
User presses the lever 105 towards the front direction D1.
An extended arm 110a (illustrated in Fig.7) from the lever 105 pushes against an extended arm 110b of the first portion P1, resulting in an uplift motion D2-D3 at the pivot coupling C2, and then in the collapsing/folding of the first portion P1 against the second portion P2.
User continues pushing the board 103 towards the pole assembly, which will bring the board back to its vertical position, thus completing the one hand operation of bringing the board to vertical position.
The vertical position is locked by the catch 107 that hooks onto the rod 108. At the same time, the rib 109 from the first portion P1 is resting above the rod 108. The catch and the rib both act to keep the board 103 firm at its vertical position.
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.

Claims

Garment steamer (100) comprising:
- a base (101),

- a pole assembly (102) mounted on said base (101),

- a board (103) connected to said pole assembly (102) via a first pivot coupling (C1) extending along an horizontal axis (XI),

- an arm element (104) arranged between said pole assembly (102) and said board (103), said arm element (104) comprising a foldable structure adapted to take:
a) a folded configuration in which the length (L) of the arm element (104) has a first value (L1) resulting in that the board (103) takes a first angular position compared to the pole assembly (102),

b) an unfolded configuration in which the length (L) of the arm element (104) has a second value (L2) resulting in that the board (103) takes a second angular position compared to the pole assembly (102).
Garment steamer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said foldable structure comprises a first portion (P1) and a second portion (P2) being connected with each other via a second pivot coupling (C2).
Garment steamer as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first portion (P1) is connected to said board (103) via a third pivot coupling (C3).
Garment steamer as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said second portion (P2) is connected to said pole assembly (102) via a fourth pivot coupling (C4).
Garment steamer as claimed in any one of the claims 2 to 4, further comprising a rotatable lever (105) attached to the board (103) for creating a force (F1) against said first portion (P1) to facilitate the rotation of said first portion (P1) around said third pivot coupling (C3) between said unfolded configuration and said folded configuration.
Garment steamer as claimed in claim 5, wherein said rotatable lever (105) is spring-loaded with a spring (106).
Garment steamer as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein said rotatable lever (105) comprises a catch element (107) adapted to hook, in said folded configuration, a portion (108) attached to said pole assembly (102).
Garment steamer as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said first portion (PI) comprises a rib (109) adapted to rest, in said folded configuration, against a portion (108) attached to said pole assembly (102).
Garment steamer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first pivot coupling (C1) is arranged in an upper half portion of the board (103).
Garment steamer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said third pivot coupling (C3) is arranged in a lower portion of the board (103).
Garment steamer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pole assembly (102) comprises at least one vertical pole.
Garment steamer as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first pivot coupling (C1) is arranged at a top part of said at least one vertical pole.
Garment steamer as claimed in claim 2 or 4, wherein said second portion (P2) is detachably connected to said pole assembly (102) by means of locking means.
Garment steamer as claimed in claim 13, wherein said pole assembly (102) comprises a first vertical pole (VP1) and a second vertical pole (VP2), said locking means comprising a first strap element (S1) adapted to lock with said first vertical pole (VP1) and a second strap element (S2) adapted to lock with said second vertical pole (VP2).
Garment steamer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein:
- said first angular position of the board (103) defines an angle (A1) in the range [0;10] degrees between the board and the vertical direction, and

- said second angular position of the board (103) defines an angle (A2) in the range [10;90] degrees between the board and the vertical direction.