U.S. patent application number 14/909242 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for hand-held steamer head.
The applicant listed for this patent is KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.. Invention is credited to HEE KENG CHUA, HOCK SOON TIEW.
Application Number | 20160160434 14/909242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48906152 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160160434 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHUA; HEE KENG ; et
al. |
June 9, 2016 |
HAND-HELD STEAMER HEAD
Abstract
The present application relates to a hand-held steamer head (1).
The steamer head (1) has a steam distribution chamber (8), a steam
inlet (9) through which steam is received from a steam channel (10)
and provided to the steam distribution chamber (8), and one or more
steam vents (12) through which steam is expelled from the steam
distribution chamber (8). The steamer head (1) also has a barrier
(20) in the steam distribution chamber (8) which prevents a direct
flow path from the steam inlet (9) to the or each steam vent (12).
The present application also relates to a garment steamer.
Inventors: |
CHUA; HEE KENG; (EINDHOVEN,
NL) ; TIEW; HOCK SOON; (EINDHOVEN, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. |
Eindhoven |
|
NL |
|
|
Family ID: |
48906152 |
Appl. No.: |
14/909242 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
July 23, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/065769 |
371 Date: |
February 1, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/5A |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 87/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 87/00 20060101
D06F087/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 1, 2013 |
EP |
13178943.0 |
Claims
1. A hand-held steamer head comprising a steam distribution
chamber, a steam inlet through which steam is received from a steam
channel and provided to the steam distribution chamber, one or more
steam vents through which steam in the steam distribution chamber
is expelled from the steamer head, and a barrier in the steam
distribution chamber configured to prevent a direct flow path from
the steam inlet to the or each steam vent.
2. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the or
each steam vent has a steam vent outlet, and the barrier in the
steam distribution chamber is configured to prevent a direct flow
path from the steam inlet to the steam vent outlet of the or each
steam vent.
3. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the steam
distribution chamber comprises two or more steam vents defining a
steam vent zone, wherein the barrier is configured to prevent a
direct flow path from the steam inlet to the steam vent zone.
4. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the one
or more steam vents are disposed on an opposite side of the steam
distribution chamber to the steam inlet.
5. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the
barrier extends at least partially across the steam distribution
chamber, and optionally the barrier extends transverse to a direct
flow path between the steam inlet and the or each steam vent.
6. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the
barrier defines a flow path aperture through which steam flows
between the steam inlet and the or each steam vent and which is
offset from a direct flow path from the steam inlet to the or each
steam vent.
7. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 6, wherein the flow
path aperture is formed between an edge of the barrier and an inner
surface of the steam distribution chamber.
8. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 7, wherein the
barrier is spaced from the inner surface of the steam distribution
chamber.
9. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 6, wherein the
cross-sectional area of the flow path aperture is greater than the
cross-sectional area of the steam inlet.
10. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the
barrier is impermeable.
11. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 1, wherein at least
a portion of the barrier is porous.
12. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the
steam channel is configured to extend at an oblique angle to the
steam distribution chamber.
13. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 1, wherein the one
or more steam vents are defined by a vent side wall protruding in
the steam distribution chamber.
14. A hand-held steamer head according to claim 2, further
comprising a steaming face which is positionable against an object
to be steamed, wherein the steam vent outlet of the or each steam
vent is an opening in the steaming face.
15. A garment steamer comprising the hand-held steamer head
according to claim 1.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present application relates to a hand-held steamer head.
In particular, the present application relates to a hand-held
steamer head for a garment steamer. The present application also
relates to a steamer comprising a hand-held steamer head.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Garment steamers are known for steaming garments to remove
creases from a fabric material of a garment through the use of heat
and moisture. Such a garment steamer generally comprises a steam
generating unit and a hand-held steamer head connected to the steam
generating unit by a flexible hose through which steam is conveyed
to the steamer head. The steamer head is provided with one or more
steam holes to discharge steam onto the fabric being treated.
Typically, the garment is hung on a hanger during treatment by the
steamer and the user positions the steamer head over the garment to
remove creases. Such a steamer head is disclosed in WO 2012/066473
and comprises a body with a steaming face and a handle portion. The
user grips the handle portion to position the steaming face over
the section of fabric to be treated. Steam flows from the hose into
a distribution chamber and passes through the steam holes to be
directed at a garment.
[0003] However, condensation is common in the steam distribution
chamber and so condensed water collects in the steam distribution
chamber and flows back towards the hose. This may cause a
bottleneck at the inlet to the steam distribution chamber, which is
known to lead to a burst of steam and condensed water being ejected
through the steam vents, known as "spitting", which may form damp
patches on the garment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a hand-held
steamer head, a hand-held steamer head for a garment steamer and a
steamer comprising a hand-held steamer head which alleviates or
substantially overcomes the problems mentioned above.
[0005] The invention is defined by the independent claims; the
dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a hand-held steamer head comprising a steam distribution
chamber, a steam inlet through which steam is received from a steam
channel and provided to the steam distribution chamber, one or more
steam vents through which steam in the steam distribution chamber
is expelled from the steamer head, and a barrier in the steam
distribution chamber configured to prevent a direct flow path from
the steam inlet to the or each steam vent.
[0007] The barrier helps to restrict accumulated condensed water
droplets from being ejected from the steam vents towards an item
being steamed. This helps restrict the formation of wet patches on
the item, for example a fabric of a garment.
[0008] The or each steam vent may have a steam vent outlet, and the
barrier in the steam distribution chamber may be configured to
prevent a direct flow path from the steam inlet to the steam vent
outlet of the or each steam vent. This means that the barrier
intersects a linear path from the steam inlet to the steam vent
outlet of the or each steam vent. The steam distribution chamber
may comprise two or more steam vents defining a steam vent zone,
wherein the barrier is configured to prevent a direct flow path
from the steam inlet to the steam vent zone. With this arrangement
the barrier is able to obscure all the steam vents forming the
steam vent zone.
[0009] The one or more steam vents may be disposed on an opposite
side of the steam distribution chamber to the steam inlet.
[0010] The barrier may extend at least partially across the steam
distribution chamber. With this arrangement the flow of steam
through the steam inlet and/or steam vents is not restricted.
[0011] The barrier may extend transverse to a direct flow path
between the steam inlet and the or each steam vent.
[0012] The barrier may define a flow path aperture through which
steam flows between the steam inlet and the or each steam vent. The
flow path aperture may be offset from a direct flow path from the
steam inlet to the or each steam vent.
[0013] The flow path aperture may be formed between an edge of the
barrier and an inner surface of the steam distribution chamber.
With this arrangement the barrier acts to restrict water droplets
from passing from the steamer head, but does not restrict the flow
of steam through the steamer head.
[0014] The barrier may be spaced from the inner surface of the
steam distribution chamber, or the barrier may extend from the
inner surface of the steam distribution chamber.
[0015] The cross-sectional area of the flow path aperture may be
greater than the cross-sectional area of the steam inlet. With this
arrangement a build-up of steam pressure is prevented at the flow
path aperture.
[0016] The barrier may be impermeable. With this arrangement, water
droplets are not able to pass through the barrier, and so water
droplets are restricted from being received between the barrier and
the one or more steam vents.
[0017] The steamer head may have a body and the barrier may be
integrally formed with the body. With this arrangement ease of
manufacture and assembly is maximized.
[0018] At least a portion of the barrier may be formed from a
porous material. With this arrangement water droplets impacting the
barrier are trapped and so do not flow towards the steam inlet.
[0019] The steam channel may be configured to extend at an oblique
angle to the steam distribution chamber.
[0020] The one or more steam vents may be defined by a vent side
wall protruding in the steam distribution chamber. This means that
any water droplets received between the barrier and the one or more
steam vents are further restricted from passing through the one or
more steam vents.
[0021] The hand-held steamer may further comprise a steaming face
which is positionable against an object to be steamed, wherein the
steam vent outlet of the or each steam vent is an opening in the
steaming face.
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a garment steamer comprising the hand-held steamer head of
the invention.
[0023] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent
from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional plan view of a
hand-held steamer head; and
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of the
hand-held steamer head shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hand-held steamer head 1
of a garment steamer is shown. The steamer head 1 comprises a body
2 with a steaming face 3 and a handle portion 4. A flexible hose 5
of the garment steamer is mounted to and extends from the body 2.
The flexible hose 5 fluidly communicates a steam generating unit
(not shown) with the hand-held steamer head 1. Therefore, steam is
provided to the steamer head 1 from the steam generating unit.
[0028] The body 2 is formed from a molded plastic, although it will
be understood that the body 2 may be formed from an alternative
material. The steamer head 1 is formed from one or more heat
resistant materials.
[0029] The steaming face 3 is at a front end 6 of the body 2. The
handle portion 4 is at a rear end 7 of the body 2. The steaming
face 3 forms a planar surface that, in use, is positioned against a
surface to be steam treated, such as the fabric of a garment. The
steaming face 3 may sit flush with and be passed over the surface
to be steam treated. The steaming face 3 has an outer non-stick
layer, although this layer may be omitted.
[0030] The steamer head 1 has a steam distribution chamber 8. The
steam distribution chamber 8 is in the body 2. The steam
distribution chamber 8 defines a space in the body 2 through which
steam from the steam generating unit passes to be provided to a
surface to be steamed. The steam distribution chamber 8 has a steam
inlet 9. The steam inlet 9 is an opening in the steam distribution
chamber 8 through which steam is provided into the steam
distribution chamber 8. In the present embodiment the steam inlet 9
is a circular opening, although the steam inlet 9 may have an
alternative shape.
[0031] The steam inlet 9 is formed in an inner surface 15 of the
steam distribution chamber 8. The steam inlet 9 may have a
peripheral rim upstanding in the steam distribution chamber 8. The
steam inlet 9 communicates with the steam distribution chamber 8 at
a rear end of the steam distribution chamber 8.
[0032] A steam channel 10 is formed in the rear end 7 of the body
2. The steam channel 10 provides a steam passage from the flexible
hose 5 to the steam inlet 9. A frontal end of the steam channel 10
defines the steam inlet 9. The steam channel 10 extends away from
the steam inlet 9. The steam channel 10 is tubular. The steam
channel 10 is formed in the handle portion 4 of the body 2.
[0033] The flexible hose 5 communicates with a distal end of the
steam channel 10 to the steam inlet 9. The flexible hose 5 is
mounted in the distal end of the steam channel 10. The flexible
hose 5 is mounted by known means and so a detailed description will
be omitted herein. In a further embodiment the flexible hose 5 is
integrally formed with the steam channel 10. In the present
embodiment the steam channel 10 fluidly communicates between the
flexible hose 5 and the steam inlet 9. However, it will be
understood that in an alternative arrangement the flexible hose 5
may extend to the steam inlet 9, and the steam channel 10 may be
omitted.
[0034] The steamer head 1 has an array of steam vents 12. The steam
vents 12 allow steam to pass from the body 2 to outside the body 2.
The steam vents 12 communicate between the steam distribution
chamber 8 and outside the body 2. That is, each steam vent 12
fluidly communicates the steam distribution chamber 8 with outside
the body 2. Each steam vent 12 has a steam vent outlet 13 in the
steaming face 3. The steam vent outlet 13 of each steam vent 12 is
an opening. Alternatively, each steam vent 12 has two or more
openings acting as steam vent outlets in the steaming face 3. The
steam vents 12 form an array of steam vent outlets 13 in the
steaming face 3. In the present embodiment each steam vent outlet
13 is circular, however it will be understood that the shape of the
steam vent outlets may vary. Although an array of steam vents 12
are described herein, it will be understood that in an alternative
arrangement the steamer head 1 has one steam vent. In such an
embodiment the steam vent may have one or multiple steam vent
outlets.
[0035] Each steam vent 12 has a vent side wall 14. The steam vents
12 are tubular. Each steam vent 12 extends into the steam
distribution chamber 8. Alternatively each steam vent 12 extends to
the inner surface 15 of the steam distribution chamber 8. The steam
vent openings 13 are evenly distributed across the steaming face 3.
A border 16 is formed around the periphery of the array of steam
vent outlets 13 to space the steam vent outlets 13 from the
peripheral edge of the steaming face 3. In the present arrangement,
the longitudinal axes of the steam vents 12 extends at an oblique
angle to the steaming face 3, although the angle may differ.
[0036] The area covered by the steam vents 12 defines a steam vent
zone 17. That is the area across which the array of steam vents 12
extend. The steam vent zone 17 is contained within the outer
periphery of the array of steam vents 12.
[0037] The steam vents 12 are formed at the front end 6 of the body
2. The steam vents 12 communicate with a front end of the steam
distribution chamber 8. The steam vents 12 are at an opposite end
of the steam distribution chamber 8 to the steam inlet 9.
Therefore, the steam distribution chamber 8 extends between the
steam inlet 9 and the steam vents 12.
[0038] The steam distribution chamber 8 is funnel shaped. That is,
the steam distribution chamber 8 expands away from the steam inlet
9. The cross-sectional area of the steam distribution chamber 8
increases between the steam inlet 9 and the steam vents 12. That
is, at least one side of the inner surface 15 of steam distribution
chamber 8 diverges away from an opposing side of the inner surface
15. Therefore, the steam distribution chamber 8 diverges from the
rear end of the steam distribution chamber 8 to the front end of
the steam distribution chamber 8.
[0039] A barrier 20 is in the steam distribution chamber 8. The
barrier 20 extends partially across the steam distribution chamber
8. The barrier 20 is a panel. The barrier 20 has front and rear
planar faces 21, 22, although it will be understood that the
barrier 20 may have a different arrangement. For example, the
barrier 20 may be arcuate.
[0040] The barrier 20 upstands in the steam distribution chamber 8.
The barrier 20 extends transversely across the steam distribution
chamber 8. The barrier 20 is disposed midway along the steam
distribution chamber 8. However, the position of the barrier may
vary. The barrier 20 is fluid impermeable. The barrier 20 acts as a
fluid shield.
[0041] The barrier 20 is spaced from the inner surface 15 of the
steam distribution chamber 8. Support arms 23 extend between an
outer edge 25 of the barrier 20 and the inner surface 15 of the
steam distribution chamber 8. A flow path aperture 24 is formed
between the outer edge 25 of the barrier 20 and the steam
distribution chamber 8. The support arms 23 intersect the flow path
aperture 24. The flow path aperture 24 ensures that restriction of
steam flow through the steam distribution chamber 8 due to the
barrier 20 is minimized. The flow path aperture 24 is formed around
the barrier 20.
[0042] Although in the present embodiment the barrier 20 is spaced
from the inner surface 15 of the steam distribution chamber 8, it
will be understood that in an alternative embodiment the barrier 20
upstands from the inner surface 15. In such an embodiment, the flow
path aperture 24 is formed between a free edge of the barrier 20
and the inner surface 15 of the steam distribution chamber 8. The
free edge of the barrier 20 is formed by the or part of the outer
edge 25. In another embodiment the barrier extends fully across the
steam distribution chamber 8 and the flow path aperture 24 is
formed by holes formed through the barrier 20 acting as flow path
barrier aperture portions.
[0043] The barrier 20 is integrally formed with the body 2.
Alternatively, the barrier 20 is mounted to the body 2 in the steam
distribution chamber 8.
[0044] The barrier 20 is disposed in the steam distribution chamber
8 between the steam inlet 9 and the steam vents 12. The barrier 20
obscures the path between the steam inlet 9 and the steam vents 12.
The barrier 20 prevents a direct flow path from the steam inlet 9
to any of the steam vents 12. In the present embodiment the barrier
20 prevents a direct flow path from the steam inlet 9 to any of the
steam vent outlets 13 of the steam vents 12.
[0045] The barrier 20 intersects all linear paths from the steam
inlet 9 to the steam outlets 13 of the steam vents 12. The barrier
20 blocks any line of sight between the steam inlet 9 and the steam
vent outlets 13. Therefore, it is not possible for a water droplet
to flow along a linear path from the steam inlet 9 to the steam
vents 12. This means that any water droplet flowing from the steam
inlet 9 along a linear path will impact the rear face 22 of the
barrier 20, or the inner surface 15 of the steam distribution
chamber 8.
[0046] The flow path aperture 24 is offset from a direct line
between the steam inlet 9 and the steam vents 12. That is, the flow
path aperture 24 does not intersect a direct line of sight between
the steam inlet 9 and the steam vents 12.
[0047] In the present embodiment the barrier 20 is one barrier
element. In another embodiment the barrier 20 is formed by two or
more barrier elements. For example, in one embodiment the barrier
20 has first and second barrier elements. The first barrier element
is spaced from the second barrier element to provide a flow path
therebetween. Free ends of the first and second barrier elements
overlap, but are spaced from each other. The first and second
barrier elements are configured to prevent a direct flow path
between the steam inlet 9 and the steam vents 12. The first and
second barrier elements intersect all linear paths from the steam
inlet 9 to the steam vent outlets 13 of the steam vents 12. This
means that any water droplet flowing from the steam inlet 9 along a
linear path will impact one of the first or second barrier elements
of the barrier 20, or the inner surface 15 of the steam
distribution chamber 8.
[0048] To remove creases from the fabric a user generally hangs the
fabric from a garment hanger and locates the steamer head 1 against
the fabric.
[0049] Once the steamer head 1 is positioned against the fabric,
the steam generating unit (not shown) is operated or steam is
released, for example by opening a control valve, so that steam
generated by the steam generating unit (not shown) flows along the
flexible hose 5 to the steamer head 1. The steam flows from the
flexible hose 5, along the steam channel 10 to the steam inlet 9.
Steam flows into the steam distribution chamber 8 through the steam
inlet 9. Steam then flows through the steam distribution chamber 8
to the steam vents 12. The steam is then able to pass through the
steam vents 12 to be provided at the steaming face 3. That is, the
steam is expelled through the array of steam vent outlets 13
towards a surface to be steamed which is disposed proximate
thereto.
[0050] As the steam passes through the steam distribution chamber
8, the steam flows through the flow path aperture 24. The flow path
aperture 24 is sized to limit restriction of the flow of steam
through the steam distribution chamber 8. In the present
embodiment, the flow path aperture extends around the periphery of
the barrier 20 and so has a suitable area. The steam is able to
flow around the barrier 20 with minimal restriction.
[0051] However, the steam takes a non-linear path along the steam
distribution chamber 8 between the steam inlet 9 and the steam
vents 12.
[0052] As steam passes through the steam distribution chamber 8,
condensation occurs. Condensation may also occur in the steam
channel 10. The steamer head 1 does not have heating means and so
the steam begins to cool as it passes through the steamer head
1.
[0053] As the steam distribution chamber 8 is inclined condensation
droplets in the steam generation chamber 8 may flow back towards
the steam inlet 9, and collate at the steam inlet 9 and/or in the
steam channel 10. The condensation at the steam inlet 9 and/or
steam channel 10 causes the area of the steam flow path to reduce.
Therefore, an increased pressure occurs along the flow path prior
to the steam inlet 9. This increased pressure causes momentary
bursts of steam and condensed water. This burst of steam and
condensed water is directed from the steam inlet 9 towards the
steam vents 12. However, the droplets of condensed water tend to
follow a linear path. Therefore, the droplets expelled from the
steam inlet 9 towards the steam vent zone 17 impact the barrier 20.
This means that they do not pass through the steam vents 12. Such
linear paths are shown in FIG. 2 by dashed lines.
[0054] Droplets of water that pass along a linear path which would
not impact the barrier 20 will pass the barrier 20. However, as the
line-of-sight of the steam vent zone 17 is obscured by the barrier
20, the path of the water droplets means that they will impact the
inner surface 15 of the steam distribution chamber 8 around the
steam vent zone 17, and so will not pass through any of the steam
vents 12.
[0055] The water droplets impacting the barrier 20 and the inner
surface 15 of the steam distribution chamber 8 will flow along the
base of the steam distribution chamber 8 away from the steam vents
12.
[0056] The steam without water droplets will flow out of the
plurality of steam vents 12 towards the fabric disposed proximate
thereto. The steam acts on the fabric to remove creases in the
fabric.
[0057] The total cross-sectional area of the flow path aperture 24
is larger than the cross-sectional area of the steam inlet 9. The
larger cross-sectional area prevents a pressure build-up at the
flow path aperture 24 so that a burst of steam and condensed water
can be avoided, therefore preventing condensed water droplets from
being directed from the flow path aperture 24 towards the steam
vents 12.
[0058] Although in the above described embodiments the barrier 20
is impermeable, it will be understood that in an alternative
arrangement the barrier is porous, for example the barrier 20 may
be formed from felt or foam. An advantage of this arrangement is
that the pores will act to trap the water droplets that impact the
barrier 20 and so prevent the water droplets flowing back towards
the steam inlet 9. In one embodiment, the barrier 20 may have a
front layer which is impermeable and a rear layer which is porous.
The front layer may act as a support.
[0059] Although in the above described embodiments the steamer head
1 is fluidly communicated with the steam generating unit by the
flexible hose 5, in alternate embodiments (not shown) the flexible
hose may be omitted and replaced by a rigid conduit. In another
embodiment, the steamer head 1 may be directly fluidly connected to
the steam generating unit, which may be disposed in the handle
and/or housing and provides steam to the steam inlet 9.
[0060] Although in the above described embodiments the steamer head
1 forms part of a garment steamer, it will be understood that the
steamer head may be included in other types of steaming
devices.
[0061] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments
illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled
in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments
without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It will be
appreciated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other
elements or steps and that the indefinite article "a" or "an" does
not exclude a plurality. A single unit may fulfill the functions of
several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain
measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does
not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to
an advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
[0062] Although claims have been formulated in this application to
particular combinations of features, it should be understood that
the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes
any novel features or any novel combinations of features disclosed
herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization
thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as
presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any
or all of the same technical problems as does the parent invention.
The applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated
to such features and/or combinations of features during the
prosecution of the present application or of any further
application derived therefrom.
* * * * *