Garment steaming device with valve assembly for a fragrance cartridge

The present application relates to a garment steaming device (1). The garment steaming device comprises a housing (2) with a steam channel (8) arranged in the housing (2) for the passage of steam and a cavity extending into the housing (2). The garment steaming device (1) further comprises a fragrance cartridge (10) that is removeably disposed in the cavity and a valve assembly (11) which is disposed between the cavity and the steam channel (8). The valve assembly (11) is adapted to prevent steam to from flowing between the steam channel (8) and the cavity when the fragrance cartridge (10) is not disposed in the cavity. The valve assembly and the fragrance cartridge are adapted to cooperate such as to allow steam to flow between the steam channel and the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is disposed in the cavity. This solution allows a user to safely remove the fragrance cartridge from the cavity even when there is steam in the steam channel.

This application is the U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2016/061241, filed on May 19, 2016, which claims the benefit of International Application No. 15168317.4 filed on May 20, 2015. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a garment steaming device, in particular a steaming device with a valve assembly for a fragrance cartridge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that ironing a fragrance into a garment will result in the fragrance being released from the garment for an extended period of time. For example, the garment can be pre-sprayed with a liquid fragrance prior to ironing. However, pre-spraying the garment is time consuming and may result in the liquid fragrance staining the garment.

Fragrance may also be imparted to the garment by pouring drops of a fragranced essential oil into the water tank of the steam iron. Therefore, when the steam iron is operated, the liquid water in the water tank is evaporated and is imparted with the fragrance of the essential oil. However, it is difficult for the user to judge how much essential oil should be added to the water tank. Furthermore, the essential oil in the water tank does not evaporate with the water and so most of the essential oil remains in the water tank and thus the steam does not have a strong fragrance. Additionally, the water tank needs to be completely emptied of liquid water and essential oil before a different fragrance is used.

Some alternative solutions consist in using capillary device for the release of additive to the steam. However, this type of solutions creates some risks for the end-user when changing the capillary device, in view that the steam may flow in direction of the end-user.

It is known from DE19834605 to provide a garment steaming device comprising a housing; a steam channel arranged in the housing for the passage of steam; a cavity extending into the housing; a fragrance cartridge removeably disposed in the cavity; and a valve assembly disposed between the cavity and the steam channel, the valve assembly being adapted to prevent steam from flowing between the steam channel and the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is not disposed in the cavity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

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

According to the present invention, there is provided a garment steaming device comprising: a housing; a steam channel arranged in the housing for the passage of steam; a cavity extending into the housing; a fragrance cartridge removeably disposed in the cavity; and, a valve assembly disposed between the cavity and the steam channel, the valve assembly being adapted to prevent steam from flowing between the steam channel and the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is not disposed in the cavity. The valve assembly and the fragrance cartridge are adapted to cooperate such as to allow steam to flow between the steam channel and the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is disposed in the cavity.

When the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity, steam is able to flow into the cavity such that fragrance is imparted to the steam. The valve assembly is arranged to prevent hot steam from escaping out of the cavity to burn the user when the fragrance cartridge is removed from the cavity. Therefore, it is possible for the user to safely remove the fragrance cartridge from the cavity even when there is steam in the steam channel.

In addition, since the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity rather than the steam channel, there is less chance of the steam channel becoming contaminated by the fragrance. For example, if the fragrance cartridge was instead received in the steam channel then fragrance may drip into the steam channel such that fragrance is still imparted to the steam in the steam channel after the fragrance cartridge has been removed therefrom. The cavity of the garment steaming device of the present invention is sealed from the steam channel when the fragrance cartridge is removed from the cavity such that, even if the cavity becomes contaminated with fragrance, the fragrance will not be imparted to the steam in the steam channel when the fragrance cartridge is removed from the cavity.

In one embodiment, the valve assembly comprises a valve member and a valve seat, the valve member being movable to take a first position in which the valve member is away from the valve seat to allow steam to flow between the steam channel and the cavity, and a second position in which the valve member is in contact with the valve seat to prevent steam from flowing between the steam channel and the cavity. The valve member may comprise a valve head arranged at an end of the valve member proximate to the steam channel, wherein the valve head is configured to contact the valve seat to prevent steam from flowing between the steam channel and the cavity when the valve member is in said second position.

The valve assembly arrangement means that it is not necessary for the fragrance cartridge to extend into the steam channel and therefore the fragrance cartridge does not have to rely on a capillary action to impart fragrance to the steam.

The valve assembly may comprise a retention member to maintain the valve head in contact with the valve seat when the valve member is in said second position. The retention member may comprise a spring. The retention member helps to ensure that the steam channel is sealed from the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is removed from the cavity.

The valve member may comprise a hollow structure to carry steam between the steam channel and the cavity. This allows for steam to flow through a portion of the valve member when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity such that no separate means of fluidly communicating the steam channel with the cavity is required.

In one embodiment, the garment steaming device comprises a supporting element that is disposed at an end of the cavity distal to the steam channel and is configured such that the fragrance cartridge abuts the supporting element when the fragrance cartridge is disposed in the cavity. The supporting element helps to ensure that the fragrance cartridge stays in position relative to the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity.

The fragrance cartridge may comprise a fragrance receiving element and a holder to hold the fragrance receiving element. Therefore the user does not need to touch the fragrance receiving element when moving the fragrance cartridge. The holder may comprise a peripheral wall that extends in the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity, wherein the peripheral wall defines a recess for receiving the fragrance receiving element.

In one embodiment, wherein the valve member comprises a valve plunger extending in the cavity, wherein the valve plunger and the peripheral wall of the holder having cumulated lengths along the central axis of the cavity such that the fragrance cartridge urges the valve head away from the valve seat when the valve member is in the first position.

In one embodiment, the peripheral wall of the holder comprises a protrusion structure at an end facing the plunger, the protrusion structure forming an opening for the steam to get into contact with the fragrance receiving element when the peripheral wall of the holder is in contact with the plunger when the valve member is in the first position. The protrusion structure may increase the surface area of the fragrance receiving element that is in contact with the steam in the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity such that the rate at which fragrance is imparted to the steam is increased.

The peripheral wall of the holder may comprise at least one hole forming an opening for the steam to get into contact with the fragrance receiving element when the valve member is in the first position. The hole in the peripheral wall of the holder may increase the surface area of the fragrance receiving element that is in contact with the steam in the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity such that the rate at which fragrance is imparted to the steam is increased.

The peripheral wall of the holder may comprise a shoulder element to retain the retention member, the shoulder element comprising at least one hole forming an opening to allow steam to flow between the steam channel and the cavity. Thus, the means for fluidly communicating the steam channel with the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity is combined with the shoulder element.

The fragrance cartridge may comprise a handle that is hingedly attached to the holder. The user may grip the handle to manipulate the fragrance cartridge.

The garment steaming device may further comprise a locking means to lock the fragrance cartridge in the cavity. The locking means may comprise a portion of the housing and a portion of the fragrance cartridge that engage when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity. The locking means reduces the likelihood of accidental removal of the fragrance cartridge from the cavity.

In one embodiment, the locking means comprises a locking recess that extends into the handle and a locking protrusion that is fixed relative to the housing. The locking protrusion is configured to be received in the locking recess. The locking recess may be generally U-shaped. The handle is moveable between a first position, wherein the locking protrusion is held in place in the locking recess, and a second position, wherein the locking protrusion is removable from the locking recess. In another embodiment, the locking means comprises a plurality of locking recesses that each receives a corresponding locking protrusion.

In one embodiment, the garment steaming device comprises a seal. The seal may comprise a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket may circumscribe a peripheral wall of the fragrance cartridge when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity. The seal may be configured to seal an end of the cavity when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity. In one embodiment, the seal is fixed relative to the cavity. In an alternative embodiment, the seal is fixed relative to the fragrance cartridge.

In one embodiment, the garment steaming device comprises an inner collar defining walls of the cavity. An end of the inner collar may comprise the valve seat. The garment steaming device may further comprise a conduit which is disposed in the housing and defines the steam channel, wherein the conduit comprises an opening and the inner collar extends through the opening in the conduit.

In one embodiment, the garment steaming device is a steamer head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now toFIGS. 1 to 8, a garment steaming device1according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The garment steaming device1is in the form of a steamer head1.

The garment steaming device1comprises a housing2. For example, the housing2has a body3and a steam nozzle4connected to the body3. For example, the steam nozzle4includes a plurality of vents5in an end face6of the steam nozzle4, through which steam is expelled when in use. For example, the body3comprises first and second portions3A,3B that are attached together and to the steam nozzle4to form the housing2. For example, the steam nozzle4comprises an aperture that forms an opening2A in the housing2. The steam duct7comprises an aperture that forms an opening7A in the steam duct7. The openings2A,7A in the housing2and steam duct7are generally circular and are concentrically aligned.

The garment steaming device1also comprises a steam channel8arranged in the housing2for the passage of steam. The channel8defines a steam duct7. The steam duct7extends within housing2to convey steam through the garment steaming device1to the steam nozzle4. In use, a steam supply hose9(shown inFIG. 1) is connected to the steam duct7of the garment steaming device1to supply steam to the garment steaming device1from a steam generator (not shown) such that steam travels along the steam channel8to be expelled through the vents5of the steam nozzle4.

The garment steaming device1also comprises a cavity16extending into the housing2. For example, the cavity16is defined by an inner collar13comprising a cylindrical peripheral wall13A. The peripheral wall13A extends from the outer collar12in a direction away from the opening2A in the housing2. The outer collar12thus forms a flange at an end of the inner collar13. The inner collar13protrudes through the opening7A in the steam duct7to extend into the steam channel8.

The garment steaming device1also comprises a fragrance cartridge10removeably disposed in the cavity16.

The garment steaming device1also comprises a valve assembly11disposed between the cavity16and the steam channel8. For example, the valve assembly11comprises outer and inner collars12,13, a valve member14, and a retention member15.

The valve assembly11and the fragrance cartridge10are adapted to cooperate such as to allow steam to flow between the steam channel8and the cavity16when the fragrance cartridge10is disposed in the cavity16. The valve assembly11is also adapted to prevent steam from flowing between the steam channel8and the cavity16when the fragrance cartridge10is not disposed in the cavity16. The outer collar12is disposed between the housing2and the steam duct7. The outer collar12is generally flat and is annular, having an aperture12A that is concentrically aligned with the openings2A,7A in the housing2and steam duct7.

The inner collar13further comprises a lip13B that extends radially inwardly from the peripheral wall13A. The lip13B is disposed towards the end of the inner collar13that is distal to the outer collar12. The lip13B defines an end of the cavity16. The aperture12A in the outer collar12is located at the other end of the cavity16.

The valve member14comprises a valve head17and a valve plunger18that is connected to the valve head17. The valve head17comprises a cylindrical body portion17A with a flanged base17B at one end.

The valve plunger18comprises a body portion18A, a base18B and a plurality of spaced connecting members18C. The connecting members18C extend between the body portion18A and the base18B to connect the body portion18A to the base18B. The connecting members18C are spaced about the central axis A-A of the cavity16.

The body portion18A of the valve plunger18is received in a recess in the body portion17A of the valve head17such that the valve plunger18and valve head17are secured together by an interference fit. Therefore, the valve plunger18is fixed relative to the valve head17. The connecting members18C extend from the base18B of the valve plunger and abut the body portion17A of the valve head17. Steam is able to flow between the connecting members18C and through an aperture18D in the base18B of the valve plunger18. Thus, the valve plunger18forms a hollow structure that permits the flow of steam therethrough.

The valve member14extends in the cavity16in the direction of the central axis A-A of the cavity16(as shown inFIG. 5). The valve member14is moveable relative to the inner collar13in the direction of the central axis A-A of the cavity16. The valve member14extends between the cavity16and the steam channel8and is surrounded by the lip13B of the inner collar13. The base18B of the valve plunger18is received in the cavity16and the base17B of the valve head17is disposed in the steam channel8, on the other side of the lip13B to the base18B of the valve plunger18.

The retention member15is in the form of a helical spring15. The spring15extends about the central axis A-A of the cavity16to surround the connecting members18C. The spring15is located between the base18B of the valve plunger18and the lip13B of the inner collar13. The spring15is compressed between the base18B of the valve plunger18and the lip13B when the base17B of the valve head17is moved away from the inner collar13such that the spring15biases the base17B of the valve head17against the inner collar13.

The end of the inner collar13that is distal to the outer collar12forms an annular valve seat13C. The base17B of the valve head17is biased against the valve seat13C by the spring15such that the valve member14is urged into a closed position (as shown inFIG. 4). When the valve member14is in the closed position, the valve head17seals the cavity16from the steam channel8.

The fragrance cartridge10comprises a holder19, a handle20and a fragrance receiving element21. The holder19comprises a generally flat base22and a peripheral wall23. The base22is shaped to be received in the opening2A in the housing2. The peripheral wall23extends from the base22and defines a recess24for receiving the fragrance receiving element21.

The fragrance receiving element21may comprise a porous material. In the present embodiment, the porous material comprises foam. However, it should be recognised that the fragrance receiving element21may comprise a different porous material, for example, cork or fabric.

The handle20is hingedly attached to the base22of the holder19such that the handle20is moveable relative to the base22between an extended position (shown inFIG. 6) and a stowed position (shown inFIG. 7). The handle20is generally U-shaped. The handle20is received in the opening2A in the housing2to sit flush to the base22of the holder19when in the stowed position. The handle20projects from the base22when in the extended position such that it can be gripped by the user to facilitate insertion and removal of the fragrance cartridge10from the cavity16.

The garment steaming device1comprises a locking means that is configured to releasably hold the fragrance cartridge10in the cavity16when the handle20in the stowed position. The locking means comprises a first locking protrusion (not shown) and a second locking protrusion25. The first and second locking protrusions25are fixed relative to the housing2and extend radially into the opening2A of the housing2. The first and second locking protrusions25are arranged on opposite sides of the opening2A in the housing2.

The locking means further comprises a first locking recess26and a second locking recess (not shown). The first and second locking recesses26extend into distal ends of the handle20of the fragrance cartridge10that are each hingedly attached to the base22of the holder19. Thus, the first and second recesses26are rotatable about the hinge axis of the attachment between the handle20and the base22of the holder19when the handle20is rotated relative to the base22. The first and second locking recesses26are generally U-shaped.

The first and second locking recesses26are configured to receive the first and second locking protrusions25respectively when the fragrance cartridge10is received in the cavity16. When the handle20is in the extended position (as shown inFIG. 6), the first and second locking recesses26are orientated such that the first and second locking protrusions25can be received in and removed from the corresponding first and second locking recesses26such that the fragrance cartridge10can be received in and removed from the cavity16. More specifically, the open end of each U-shaped first and second locking recess26faces in the direction of the central axis A-A of the cavity16when the fragrance cartridge10is received in the cavity16and the handle20is in the extended position.

When the handle20is moved to the stowed position (as shown inFIG. 7), the first and second locking recesses26are orientated such that the first and second locking protrusions25are prevented from being removed from the first and second locking recesses26respectively such that the fragrance cartridge10is held in place in the cavity16. More specifically, the open end of each U-shaped first and second locking recess26faces generally perpendicularly to the direction of the central axis A-A of the cavity16when the fragrance cartridge10is received in the cavity16and the handle20is in the stowed position. Therefore, if the fragrance cartridge10is urged out of the cavity16, the first and second locking protrusions25are urged against a corresponding side wall27of the first and second locking recesses26respectively such that movement of the fragrance cartridge10out of the cavity16is prevented.

To remove the fragrance cartridge10from the cavity16, the handle20is moved to the extended position such that the first and second locking recesses26are orientated such as to allow movement of the fragrance cartridge10relative to the first and second locking protrusions25.

The garment steaming device1comprises a latch28that prevents accidental movement of the handle20from the stowed position to the extended position. The latch28comprises first and second latch elements28A,28B that engage when the handle20is in the stowed position. The first latch element28A projects from the handle20and the second latch element28B projects from the base22of the holder19. The user must exert sufficient force on the handle20to disengage the first and second latch elements28A,28B to move the handle20from the stowed position to the extended position. It should be recognised that other configurations of latch28are intended to fall within the scope of the invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the second latch element instead comprises a recess that is configured to frictionally receive the first latch element to hold the handle in the stowed position.

In use, the user supplies a few drops of liquid fragrance to the fragrance receiving element21with the fragrance cartridge10removed from the cavity16. The porous material of the fragrance receiving element21absorbs the drops of liquid fragrance. The fragrance may comprise, for example, an essential oil or perfume.

Once the user has supplied fragrance to the fragrance receiving element21, the user grips the handle20, which is initially in the extended position, and manipulates the fragrance cartridge10such that the peripheral wall23of the holder19is inserted into the cavity16in the garment steaming device1. Therefore, the fragrance receiving element21is located in the cavity16. The base22of the holder19is received in the opening2A in the housing2. The base22of the holder19sits flush to the outer collar12which acts as a supporting element that supports the holder19.

When the fragrance cartridge10is inserted into the cavity16, the peripheral wall23of the holder19is urged against the base18B of the valve plunger18such that the base18B is urged towards the lip13B of the inner collar13, against the force of the spring15. This causes the valve head17, which is connected to the valve plunger18, to move away from the valve seat13C such that the valve member14moves to an open position (shown inFIG. 5). More specifically, the cumulative lengths of the valve plunger18and the peripheral wall23of the fragrance cartridge10in the direction of the central axis A-A of the cavity16are such that the base17B of the valve head17is spaced from the valve seat13C when the base22of the holder19is received in the opening2A in the housing2.

Steam is able to flow between the steam channel8and the cavity16when the valve member14is in the open position such that fragrance is imparted to the steam from the fragrance receiving element21. More specifically, steam flows from the steam channel8and through a gap between the valve head17and the valve seat13C. The steam then flows through the space between the connecting members18C of the valve plunger18and through the aperture18D in the base18B of the valve plunger18to enter the cavity16. The steam in the cavity16comes into contact with the fragrance receiving element21and then flows back out of the cavity16, through the valve plunger18and the gap between the valve head17and the valve seat13C, and back into the steam channel8.

The fragrance receiving element21is thus fluidly communicated with the steam channel8when the fragrance cartridge10is received in the cavity16. Thus, the fragrance absorbed in the fragrance receiving element21is released into the steam that flows into the cavity16. The steam then flows out of the cavity16and back into the steam channel8. The steam is then vented through the plurality of steam vents5and onto the garment to be steamed such that the fragrance is imparted onto the garment.

The peripheral wall23of the holder19comprises a protrusion structure29. The protrusion structure29is in the form of a plurality of protrusions29A that are distal to the base22of the holder19such that the protrusions29A abut the base18B of the valve plunger18when the fragrance cartridge10is received in the cavity16. The protrusions29A define a plurality of spaces29B that are located between adjacent protrusions29A. The spaces29B are disposed about the periphery of the fragrance receiving element21to increase the surface area of the fragrance receiving element21that is in contact with the steam in the cavity16. The spaces29B also facilitate circulation of steam in the cavity16. Thus, the protrusion structure29increases the rate at which fragrance is imparted to the steam in the cavity16.

With the fragrance cartridge10received in the cavity16such that the first and second locking protrusions25are received in the first and second locking recesses26, the user moves the handle20to the stowed position. Thus, the locking means holds the fragrance cartridge10in place in the cavity16. Furthermore, the first and second latch elements28A,28B engage to prevent the handle20from being unintentionally moved back to the extended position, thus reducing the likelihood of accidental removal of the fragrance cartridge10from the cavity16.

The fragrance cartridge10is configured to prevent steam from escaping out of the cavity16via the opening2A in the housing2when the fragrance cartridge10is received in the cavity16. In the present embodiment, a seal30is provided that is configured to seal between the inner collar13and the peripheral wall23of the holder19when the fragrance cartridge10is received in the cavity16. The seal30is in the form of an annular sealing gasket30that extends radially inwardly from the peripheral wall13A of the inner collar13towards the central axis A-A of the cavity16. The seal30is proximate to the outer collar12such that the seal30is spaced from the lip13B of the inner collar13. Thus, when the fragrance cartridge10is received in the cavity16, the seal30abuts the peripheral wall23of the holder19such that steam is prevented from flowing out of the cavity16via the aperture12A in the outer collar12and the opening2A in the housing2. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the seal is instead attached to the peripheral wall of the holder to abut the peripheral wall of the inner collar when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the seal is omitted and instead a portion of the peripheral wall of the holder abuts a portion of the peripheral wall of the inner collar when the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity to form a seal therebetween.

The fragrance cartridge10can be removed from the cavity16to allow the user to access the fragrance receiving element21. Therefore, the user can easily replenish the amount of fragrance absorbed in the fragrance receiving element21. In addition, the fragrance receiving element21can be substituted with another fragrance receiving element (now shown) that is used to absorb a different fragrance. Therefore, mixing of different fragrances is prevented and there is no need for all of the fragrance in the fragrance receiving element21to be depleted before a different fragrance is used.

To remove the fragrance cartridge10from the cavity16, the user moves the handle20from the stowed position to the extended position, by exerting sufficient force on the handle20to disengage the first and second latch elements28A,28B. Once the handle20is in the extended position, the first and second locking recesses26are orientated such that the first and second locking protrusions25can be removed therefrom and so the fragrance cartridge10can easily be removed from the cavity16. When the fragrance cartridge10is removed from the cavity16, the valve member14is urged back to the closed position (shown inFIG. 4) by the retaining member15such that the valve head17is located against the valve seat13C and thus steam is prevented from flowing out of the steam channel8and into the steam cavity16. This is advantageous since otherwise hot steam would be able to escape out of the opening2A in the housing2to potentially burn the user.

In the above described embodiment, the peripheral wall23of the holder19comprises a protrusion structure29that is configured to increase the surface area of the fragrance receiving element21that is in contact with the steam in the cavity16. This increases the rate at which fragrance is imparted to the steam in the cavity16. However, it should be recognised that the protrusion structure29may be omitted. In one alternative embodiment (shown inFIG. 9), the peripheral wall23of the holder19comprises a plurality of apertures23A that extend through the thickness of the peripheral wall23. Therefore, the portions of the fragrance receiving element21proximate to the apertures23A are exposed to the steam in the cavity16to increase the surface area of the fragrance receiving element21that is in contact with the steam. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the peripheral wall comprises one aperture.

In the above described embodiment, the valve plunger18comprises a hollow structure that allows for steam to flow between the steam channel8and the cavity16when the valve member14is in the open position (as shown inFIG. 5). In an alternative embodiment (shown inFIG. 10), the lip13B of the inner collar13comprises a plurality of apertures13D that allow for steam to flow between the steam channel8and the cavity16when the valve member14is in the open position. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the inner collar comprises one aperture. In yet another embodiment (not shown), a gap is provided between the valve member and the lip of the inner collar such that steam can flow through said gap when the valve member is in the open position.

Although in the above described embodiments the outer and inner collars12,13are separate components, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the outer and inner collars are integrally formed. In one embodiment, the outer and/or inner collar is integrally formed with the housing of the garment steaming device.

Although in the above described embodiments the body3comprises first and second portions3A,3B that are attached together and to the steam nozzle4to form the housing2, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the first and second portions of the body and/or the steam nozzle are integrally formed.

Although in the above described embodiments the opening2A in the housing2is an aperture in the steam nozzle4, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the opening in the housing is an aperture in the body.

In the above described embodiments the cavity16extends into the steam nozzle4of the housing2such that the fragrance cartridge10is received in the housing2to impart fragrance to the steam. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the cavity16instead extends into the body3such that the fragrance cartridge10is received in the body3to impart fragrance to the steam. Alternatively, a portion of the steam hose may comprise a housing with a steam channel that extends therethrough. The housing has a cavity and the fragrance cartridge is received in the cavity to impart fragrance to the steam flowing through the steam hose. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the steaming device comprises a base unit that houses the steam generator, and the steam hose fluidly communicates the base unit with the steam channel in the garment steaming device. The cavity extends into the base unit such that the fragrance is imparted to the steam in the steam generator.

Although in the above described embodiment the retention member15comprises a helical spring, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the garment steaming device comprises a different type of retention member. For example, the retention member may instead comprise a different type of spring or a portion of resilient material that is compressed between the lip of the inner collar and the base of the valve plunger to bias the valve member into the closed position. In one alternative embodiment (not shown), the retaining member is disposed between the lip of the inner collar and the base of the valve head such that the retaining member is under tension when the valve member is moved to the open position.

Although in the above described embodiment the garment steaming device1is a steamer head1, it shall be recognised that other types of garment steaming device are intended to fall within the scope of the invention. For instance, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the garment steaming device is a steam iron.

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