Patent Publication Number: US-11384477-B2

Title: Garment steamer system with multi-function air and steam chamber

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to devices for the care and treatment of garments and other fabric items and, more particularly, to a multifunction garment steaming system and apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Steam generating devices for applying steam are particularly useful in removing wrinkles and improving the appearance of hanging garments, draperies, upholstery, and other items made of fabric. A garment steamer that has a boiler in a reservoir of water, a hand-held wand, and flexible tubing providing a pathway for steam generated by the boiler from the reservoir to a hand-held wand is known. Such appliances have been used to steam the wrinkles out of garments, cloth, fabric, and the like. In operation, an immersion-type resistance heater in the reservoir of water, or other type of steam generator, heats the water to a boil to produce steam. The steam is guided to the hand-held wand via the flexible tubing and is ejected from the wand to remove wrinkles from fabric. One such known device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,373, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     While existing garment steaming devices are generally suitable for what may be regarded as ordinary performance, there is room for improvement with respect to the functions that such devices can perform. 
     In view of the above, there is a need for a multifunction garment treatment system that improves upon the devices currently known in the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment treatment system or apparatus. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a garment treatment system or apparatus that allows multiple treatment functions to be carried out using the system. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a garment treatment system or apparatus that provides for steam refreshing of garments or fabric times. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a garment treatment system or apparatus that provides for air drying of garments or fabric times. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a garment treatment system or apparatus that provides for ironing of garments or fabric items. 
     These and other objects are achieved by the present invention. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, a garment treatment device includes a flexible garment bag having an interior space sized to receive a garment, and an air delivery system configured to provide air to the interior space to dry the garment in a drying mode of operation, and to inflate the garment bag so that an exterior, front face of the garment bag forms a cushioned support surface for supporting the garment in an ironing mode of operation. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a garment treatment device includes a base, a water reservoir received on the base, a steam generator housed in the base and in fluid communication with the water reservoir, an air delivery system housed in the base, a pole extending from the base, and a garment bag having an interior space sized to receive a garment, the garment bag being receivable on the pole. The air delivery system is configured to provide air to the interior space to dry the garment in a drying mode of operation, and to inflate the garment bag so that an exterior, front face of the garment bag forms a cushioned support surface for supporting the garment on the exterior, front face in an ironing mode of operation. The steam generator is configured to convert water from the water reservoir into steam for passage into the garment bag in a steaming mode of operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below: 
         FIG. 1  is a front, perspective view of a garment steaming device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the garment steaming device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of the operational components housed in the base of the garment steaming device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front, perspective view of the garment steaming device of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a drying mode of operation. 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the garment steaming device of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the drying mode of operation. 
         FIG. 6  is a front, perspective view of the garment steaming device of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an ironing mode of operation. 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the garment steaming device of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the ironing mode of operation. 
         FIG. 8  is a front, perspective view of a garment steaming device according to another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a steaming operation. 
         FIG. 9  is a front, perspective view of a garment steaming device according to another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a steaming operation. 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of a garment steaming device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of area A of  FIG. 10 , illustrating an iron mode of operation. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of area A of  FIG. 10 , illustrating a steaming mode of operation. 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the garment steaming device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is a front plan view of the garment steaming device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of a garment steaming device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a front elevational view of a garment steaming device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevational view illustrating operation of the garment steaming device of  FIG. 15 or 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic illustration of a steam and air flow path for a garment steaming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic illustration of a steam and air flow path for a garment steaming device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic illustration of a portion of a garment steaming device having an aroma attachment, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an opening/sealing configuration for a bag of a garment steaming device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an opening/sealing configuration for a bag of a garment steaming device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates an opening/sealing configuration for a bag of a garment steaming device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a front elevational view of the garment treatment device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 25  is a top plan view of the base of the garment treatment device of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a side elevational view of the base of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged, side elevational view of a portion of the garment treatment device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 28  is an exploded, perspective view of a handheld steam nozzle of the garment treatment device of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a schematic illustration of the handheld steam nozzle, illustrating operation thereof. 
         FIG. 30  is an exploded, perspective view of the garment treatment device of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3, 24 and 30 , a garment treatment device  10  (also referred to herein as garment treatment system  10  or garment treatment apparatus  10 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The garment treatment device  10  includes a base  12  and a telescopic pole  14  extending vertically upward from the base  12 . Similar to existing, prior art devices such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,373, the base  12  includes a fluid or water tank/reservoir  16 , a pump (not shown) connected to the water tank  16  through tubing, and a steam generator (not illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) which is coupled to the pump through tubing. The steam generator may include any suitable heating, boiler or coil arrangement to convert a fluid, e.g., water, delivered from the water tank  16  to steam. The pump may be any suitable pump to deliver water to the steam generator such as a peristaltic pump, and axial pump, a centrifugal pump or the like. In one embodiment, the pump is a peristaltic pump. In an embodiment, the base  12  may have a plurality of wheels  32  or casters facilitating movement of device  10  along a surface. 
     The garment treatment device  10  further includes a garment bag  18  removably receivable on the distal end of the telescopic pole  14 , into which a hook  20  or hanger of the telescopic pole  14  extends for hanging of a garment  22  or other fabric item from the pole  14  using a clothes hanger or the like. In an embodiment, the garment bag  18  is formed from a flexible or semi-flexible material such as polymer, plastic or vinyl, although materials known in the art may also be utilized without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. The garment bag  18  is sealable or closable so as to be generally or substantially fluid tight, as discussed in detail hereinafter. As used herein, “fluid tight” means sufficiently sealed so as to maintain an expanded (or three dimensional) shape when a flow of steam or air is passed into the garment bag  18 . In an embodiment, the garment bag may include one or more handles allowing for easier handling and manipulation of the bag  18 . 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 30 , the top of the pole  14  may be outfitted with a hanger  15  for hanging garments, over which the garment bag  18  may be placed. As illustrated, the hanger  15  may include a pair of pant clips  17  for hanging pants or other items. In either configuration, the pole  14  may be rotatably connected to the base through collar  21 , allowing for easier use during operation. In an embodiment, the upper portion of the hanger  15  may form a cradle  19  for receiving a handheld steam nozzle  48 , as described hereinafter. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 1, 25, 26 and 30 , the base  12  includes a pair of ports  24 ,  26  that are in fluid communication with the steam generator for receiving a flow of steam therefrom. In an embodiment, the ports  24 ,  26  may be formed as valves. The first port  24  is fluidly connected or connectable to the garment bag  18  through tubing  28  so as to allow steam generated in the base  12  to flow upwardly into the garment bag  18  through port  30  in the garment bag  18 , as described hereinafter. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a schematic illustration of the components of the base  12  is shown. As indicated above, the base  16  includes the water reservoir  16 , pump  34  in fluid communication with the water reservoir  16 , and steam generator  36  in fluid communication with the pump  34 . As also shown therein, in an embodiment the base  12  may include a fan  40  configured to draw air into the base  12  and pass the air across a heating element  38  for heating the air. As illustrated, the steam generator  36  and heating element  38  and fan  40  are in selective fluid communication with the ports  24 ,  26  so that steam and/or hot air may be selectively deliver to the ports  24 ,  26  for the purposes disclosed hereinafter. In connection with this, the passageways or tubing connecting the steam generator to the ports and/or the fan and heating element to the ports may be outfitted with flow control valves (not shown). The garment treatment device  10  also includes a control unit or processor  60  in communication (e.g., a wired or wireless connection) with the pump  34 , steam generator  36 , heating element  38 , fan  40 , and associated valves or flow control devices along the passageways/tubing for controlling operation of such components in response to user inputs (e.g., actuation of mode-control buttons and the like) on the base  12 ). 
     While port  24  has been described above as being configured to facilitate the passage of steam from the base  12  to the bag  18 , in an embodiment, port  24  may be a dedicated air port in fluid communication with the heating element  38  and fan  40 , while port  26  may be fluidly connected to the water tank  16  and steam generator  36  for delivering steam and/or water from the base  12  to the bag  18 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in a first mode of operation (referred to herein as a steaming or steam refresh mode), the steam generator  36  may be controlled by controller  60  to generate steam  42  which is directed to port  24  (or port  26 , where port  24  is a dedicated air port), into tubing  28 , and into the garment bag  18  through port  30 . This hot and humid steam  42  functions to remove wrinkles, sterilize and remove odors from the garment  22  within the garment bag  18 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in a second mode of operation (referred to herein as hot air drying), the heating element  38  and fan  40  may be controlled by the controller  60  to produce hot air which is directed to port  24 , into tubing  28 , and into the garment bag through port  30 . As used herein, “hot air” or “warm air” means air that is at a temperature in excess of ambient temperature. In an embodiment, “hot air” may be above approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit and, more preferable above 125 degrees Fahrenheit. In an embodiment, it is contemplated that the hot air drying mode may be carried out subsequent to the steaming/steam refresh mode. The hot air which is delivered to the interior of the bag  18  moves upwardly through the bag  18  as indicated by arrows, A, and fills up the bag  18 , helping dry and de-odor the garment  22 . In particular, as the hot air moves through and across the garment  22 , it will draw and carry moisture and odor particles away from the garment  22 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in a third mode of operation (referred to herein as an ironing mode of operation), the garment bag  18  may be inflated to produce a generally rigid front-facing surface  46  for use as an ironing board. In particular, in an ironing mode of operation, the garment  22  may be removed from the garment bag  18  and placed on a hook  44  extending from the front face (outside) of the bag  18 . The heating element  38  and fan  40  (or simply the fan  40 ) may then be controlled by the controller  60  to direct air through the port  24  in the base  12 , through tubing  28 , and into the garment bag  18  through port  30 , as represented by arrows, B. The air passed into the bag  18  inflates the bag  18  in the direction of arrows, C. This outward pressure exerted by the air entering the bag  18  provides a semi-rigid, cushioned surface at the front of the bag  18  against which the garment  22  may rest when supported by hook  44 . 
     As further shown therein, in the ironing mode of operation, a handheld steam nozzle  48  may be fluidly connected to the second port  26  on the base  12  via flexible tubing  50 . The steam generator  36  may then be controlled by the controller  60  to generate steam which is passed through port  26 , to the handheld steam nozzle  48 . The steam nozzle  48  may then be manipulated by a user to iron and/or steam the garment  22  while it is supported on the front face  46  of the garment bag  18  while the garment bag  18  is inflated. Importantly, the inflated bag  18  provides a supporting surface which helps remove wrinkles more efficiently when using the steam nozzle  48 , and aids in movement of the steam nozzle  48  across the garment  22 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 28 and 29 , in an embodiment, rather than the steam being generated by the steam generator  36  in the base  12  in the ironing mode of operation, it is contemplated that the handheld steam nozzle  48 , itself, may generate the steam via a separate steam generator or boiler  49  located within the nozzle  48 . In particular, in such an implementation, the steam generator  36  may be deactivated by the control unit (when the ironing mode of operation is selected by a user) such that the pump  38  pumps water from the reservoir/tank  16  to the handheld steam nozzle  48  through the connected tubing. Alternatively, the tubing in the base may be configured such that the steam generator  36  can be bypassed entirely. By locating a boiler  49  in the steam nozzle, itself, temperature losses are mitigated, as the steam only has to travel a very short distance before exiting the openings in the head of the nozzle  48 . This configuration may therefore increase performance of the device  10  in the ironing mode of operation. 
     In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the garment bag  18  may serve as a support for the garment  22  during an ironing mode of operation, even in cases where the bag  18  is not inflated (depending on the manner in which the garment bag  18  is supported on the pole  14 ). In still further embodiments, the front of the garment bag  22  may have an array of outlet apertures for directing hot air and/or steam onto the garment  22  as it is supported on the front surface  46 . As indicated above, and as best shown in  FIG. 27 , the upper portion of the hanger  15  is formed as a cradle  19  that is configured to receive and retain the handheld steam nozzle  48 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , alternative configurations of the garment treatment device  10  is shown. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , in addition to, or instead of, directing steam into the garment bag  18  through tubing  28 , the hand-held steam nozzle  48  may be selectively connected directly to a closable port in the bag  18  (e.g., in the rear of the bag  18 ) for delivering steam  52  directly into the bag  18 . In particular, this steam  52  from nozzle  48  may supplement or replace steam  42  delivered from tubing  28 . 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the garment treatment device  10  may include a connector  54  fluidly connected at one end to a port in the bag  18 , and having an opposite end configured to receive, or connect to, the output of the handheld steam nozzle  48 . In an embodiment, the connector  54  may be generally L or elbow shaped. 
     In either implementation, a user can use the steam nozzle  48  for normal steam ironing, and switch to the steam refresh mode of operation/function when the nozzle  48  is placed on the base and/or connected so as to deliver steam to the bag  18 . Notably, these configurations only require a single steam generator. 
       FIG. 10-12  illustrate an alternative configuration for delivering steam to the garment bag  18  in the steam refresh mode of operation. As best shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a steam valve  56  can be selectively actuated by turning a dial  58  on the base  12  (to an ironing position or a steam refresh position). The steam valve  56  may be, for example, a mechanical or electronic (e.g., solenoid) valve and may be controlled either directly with dial  58  or via the controller  60 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , in the ironing position, the valve  56  is controlled to a position which enables steam to flow into the garment bag  18  (e.g., through tubing  28 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , in the steam refresh position, the valve  56  is controlled to a position which enables steam to flow to the handheld steam nozzle  48 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , more detailed views of the garment bag  18  are shown. As shown therein, the garment bag  18  has a plurality of apertures or outlets  62  on the top and front  46  of the bag  18 . In other embodiments, the outlets  62  may be in the front, top, sides and/or bottom of the bag  18 . These outlets  62  permit steam and/or air to exit the bag  18  so as to limit the pressure inside the bag  18 . In addition, the outlets  62  in the front of the bag  18  allow steam to impinge upon the garment  22  when supported by the front of the bag  18  in the ironing mode of operation, as indicated above. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , various means of supplying air, including hot air, to the garment bag  18  are illustrated. For example, as shown in  FIG. 15 , in an embodiment, the fan  40  and heating element  38  and associated tubing (collectively, the air delivery system) may be housed in the base  12 , similar to the embodiment disclosed above in connection with  FIGS. 1-3 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , in another embodiment, the air delivery system, including the heating element  38  and fan  40  may be integrated with the garment bag  18  (such as in a rigid or semi-rigid base portion  64  of the garment bag  18 ). In this manner, the garment bag  18  may be configured as a standalone system capable of delivering air/hot air to the interior of the bag for drying contents of the bag, and for use as an air cushion ironing board (in an inflated state). The bag  18  could then be retrofit onto, or used in combination with, a standard handheld or upright garment steamer to provide drying, steaming and ironing functions.  FIG. 17  illustrates such a garment bag connected to the base  12  of a garment steamer. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , two alternative configurations of the steam and air delivery systems of the garment treatment device  10  are illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 18 , in an embodiment, the steam generator  36  and air delivery system (i.e., the fan  40  and heating element  38 ) may each include dedicated outlets  64 ,  66  for delivering steam and air, respectively, to the bottom of the garment bag  18 . As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the steam generator  36  and air delivery system may, instead, share a common outlet  68  for delivering steam and air to the bottom of the garment bag  18 . In either implementation, during the steam refresh mode of operation, condensate may form accumulate at the bottom of the garment bag  18 . The air delivery system, however, may help dry and eliminate such condensate. 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , in an embodiment, an aroma cartridge  70  may be received in the air intake opening  72  of the base  12 . The aroma cartridge may house an aroma capsule  74 , material or the like so that when air is drawn in by the fan  40 , it passes through the cartridge  70  thereby adding a fragrance to the air. During the air drying mode of operation, the scented/fragranced air will be passed into the garment bag  18 , enriching the garment with the aroma/fragrance from the cartridge  70 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 21-23 , various garment bag closure mechanisms/types are illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 21 , for example, the garment bag  18  may be opened and closed via a zipper closure mechanism  76 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , the garment bag  18  may, alternatively, be opened and closed via a magic tape, Velcro or similar interlocking structure closure mechanism  78 . In yet another embodiment, a button closure mechanism  80  may be employed, as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     As disclosed above, the present invention therefore provides a multifunction garment treatment device that is capable of drying garments or articles of clothing or other fabric, steaming such items to remove wrinkles, and/or allowing for such items to be ironed and/or steam ironed using the garment bag as a vertical ironing board. In this respect, the garment treatment device  10  allows for one or more treatment techniques to be applied to garments using a single, compact device. As alluded to above, the base  12  of the device  12  may include a user interface, e.g., an array of buttons, knobs and/or switches that allow a user to select the various modes of operation of the device, i.e., steam refresh, hot air (for drying), ironing, etc. 
     Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of this disclosure.