Patent Description:
The invention also relates to a garment care device comprising this accessory.

The invention may be used in the field of garment care.

Treatment of garments with one or more chemical compound, in particular for removing malodor, is typically implemented via laundry washing using a washing machine.

However, using a washing machine for this purpose tends to take time due to the duration of the washing cycle of the washing machine, and the subsequent time needed for drying the garments. Washing garments using a washing machine also involves relatively high water and electricity consumption.

Garment care devices are known for de-wrinkling garments using steam. Such garment care devices include a steam plate for contacting a garment. Garment care devices can also be employed for releasing a chemical compound for treating a garment.

However, adaptation of such devices for releasing such a chemical compound can risk that the garment steaming function is compromised.

<CIT> discloses a garment steamer including a garment steamer body and connected flatiron body, with the head of flatiron body being equipped with an accessory frame.

<CIT> discloses a fabric clamp for a garment steamer. The fabric clamp has a first clamp portion through which steam is emittable. The fabric clamp also has a second clamp portion which is movable relative to the first clamp portion between a closed position and an open position.

<CIT> discloses a stain removal accessory intended to cooperate with a stain removal device for treating a stained area.

It is an object of the invention to propose a garment care device that avoids or mitigates the above-mentioned problems.

To this end, a garment care device comprising a steam plate having a given first area is provided with an accessory, the accessory comprising a holding means adapted to hold a pad containing a chemical compound; the holding means comprising an external cover extending substantially parallel to the steam plate, with the external cover having a given second area, wherein the ratio of said second area to said first area is in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] %.

The external cover thus provides a treatment surface to help removing wrinkles from the garment, as well as assisting with securement of the pad.

When the ratio is equal to or above <NUM>%, sufficient contact area of the external cover may be provided to glide onto a garment during usage, and sufficient holding capacity for the pad may be provided. Moreover, by ensuring that the ratio is equal to or below <NUM>%, sufficient opening for steam to be channelled to the garment for treatment and de-wrinkling may be provided.

For example, the steam plate is made of any one of the following materials:.

The steam plate's first area can depend on the type of garment care device. Steam plates of garment steamers, for instance, tend to have smaller areas than steam plates of irons, such as steam irons or steam generator irons. The first area is preferably in the range <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>.

The holding means are preferably arranged around the periphery of the pad, so that the external cover corresponds to the area of the pad.

The holding means can comprise, or be formed of, any suitable thermally robust material. Preferably, the holding means are made of plastic. This may assist the accessory to be made more lightweight. For example, the holding means are made of nylon or polycarbonate.

The holding means can take any suitable form provided that the holding means are capable of holding the pad. For example, the holding means correspond to:.

The compartment at least partially surrounding the periphery of the pad can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as by the holding means comprising one or more ribs extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the pad for retaining the pad in place.

The one or more retaining members, for instance, comprise or comprises one or more catches and/or hooks for securing the pad at the one or more peripheral portions of the pad.

The holding means can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the holding means have a cross-sectional shape according to any one of the following shapes:.

The pad comprises, or takes the form of, for instance, an envelope, a bag, a cartridge, a sachet, or a capsule.

In a non-limiting example, the pad comprises fluid-permeable external layer, for example made of paper, fabric, non-woven fabric, porous plastic, etc., which fluid-permeable external layer contains the chemical compound at lower temperatures and/or when no steaming is taking place but permits the chemical compound to be released therethrough during use of the garment care device.

Such a pad may have any suitable shape and can, for instance, resemble a "tea bag" formed of the fluid-permeable material with the chemical compound contained within the bag.

More generally, the pad preferably has a generally flat shape and is arranged substantially parallel to the plane of the external surface of the steam plate.

The chemical compound contained in the pad may be suitable for treating a garment, for example for providing malodour masking, malodour removal and/or disinfectant treatment to the garment.

To this end, the chemical compound comprises or consists of, for example,.

The volatility of the aroma compound can, for instance, be such that the aroma compound is released from the pad when sufficiently heated by the steam plate and/or by the steam released from the garment care device.

The chemical compound contained in the pad can take any suitable form, such as powder or granules.

The holding means can enable the pad to be heated by radiation from the steam plate, and by convection from the steam plate, whether or not the pad faces steam exit(s) delimited by the steam plate.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the height of the external cover to the height of the steam plate is in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] %.

Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the width of the external cover to the width of the steam plate is in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] %.

The external cover can be substantially flat, or curved.

The external cover can be curved in the height and/or width directions. A radius of curvature of the external cover can range from the height of the external cover to flat and/or range from the width of the external cover to flat.

In some embodiments, the steam plate has a vertical symmetrical axis, and the external cover is centred along said vertical symmetrical axis.

In some embodiments, the holding means comprises an internal cover arranged between the steam plate and the external cover, with the internal cover being air-permeable. Thus, the pad can be interposed, in other words sandwiched, between the internal cover and the external cover.

The term "air-permeable" can mean that the internal cover is permeable to steam as well as air.

Preferably, the internal cover has an area smaller than the area of the pad. This can assist to ensure that the pad is sufficiently exposed to heat and/or steam from the steam plate. The area of the internal cover is nonetheless sufficient to assist with retaining and holding the pad.

In some embodiments, the internal cover is arranged at a certain distance from the steam plate, with this distance being in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] mm. This distance can allow steam to circulate in front of the internal cover, and thereby assist that molecules of the chemical compound, e.g. an aroma compound, to be volatilized.

It should nonetheless be noted that the pad can release the chemical compound in examples in which at least a portion of the pad is in direct contact with the steam plate, in other words with no gap provided between the pad and the steam plate. This is because the chemical compound can be releasable from the pad due to its volatility and the heating provided by the steam plate.

The area of the internal cover is, for example, in the range <NUM> to <NUM><NUM> , while being smaller (or equal to) than the second area S2 of the external cover <NUM>.

This area of the internal cover corresponds to the area inscribed within the periphery of the internal cover.

In some embodiments, the holding means comprise at least one side portion between the internal cover and the external cover, with at least part of each side portion comprising an opening.

The side portion(s) can be on the left and/or right vertical side of the holding means. Alternatively or additionally, the side portion(s) can be on the top and/or bottom horizontal side of the holding means.

In some embodiments, the distance between the internal cover and the external cover is in the range <NUM> to <NUM> millimetres. This distance is suitable for creating a slot into which the pad can be inserted.

The steam plate comprises, in other words delimits, a steam exit.

Various possibilities are contemplated for the spatial relationship between the external cover and the steam exit. For example, the external cover:.

In the case that the external cover does not overlap with the steam exit, the amount of steam generated/directed unimpeded towards the garment can be maximized.

In the case that the external cover partially overlaps with the steam exit, a certain amount of steam is permitted to be generated/directed unimpeded towards the garment. This advantage can be realised, in particular, when the holding means is arranged such that at least some of the steam from the steam exit is permitted to bypass the holding means and the pad to reach the garment being treated. This can assist to minimize or avoid problematic condensation around the steam plate.

Moreover, an amount of steam can be permitted to be directed to the pad for release of the chemical compound, e.g. for aroma diffusion from the pad.

In the case that the external cover fully overlaps with the steam exit, release of the chemical compound from the pad, e.g. aroma diffusion from the pad, can be maximized.

The external cover can be plain, or, alternatively, the external cover can comprise, for example delimit, at least one opening.

The term "plain" in this context means that the external cover is air impermeable, hence also steam impermeable.

In alternative examples in which the external cover comprises at least one opening, the opening can enable viewing of the pad but without steam necessarily exiting through the opening due to the steam being blocked by the pad. However, steam can also pass through the opening, for example in the case that the pad is not aligned with the opening(s).

In some embodiments, the external cover comprises a recess at its periphery. For example, the external cover comprises a top part, e.g. over which top part the steam from the steam exit can pass, with the recess being provided in the top part.

The recess can facilitate removal of the pad, and/or viewing of the pad in the holding means.

The single steam vent can, for example, be elongated along a horizontal, in other words lateral, direction extending over at least part of the width of the steam plate.

The plurality of steam vents can form various patterns, such as linear, arc-shaped, elliptical shape, and so on.

The number of steam vents in the plurality of steam vents is in the range <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the holding means is adapted to take an opened position in which the pad can be inserted in the holding means, and a closed position in which the holding means extends substantially parallel to the steam plate. This may facilitate removal of a spent pad after use, and insertion of a replacement pad.

Preferably, the holding means comprises a first part and a second part, with a pivoting coupling arranged between the first part and the second part. The pivoting coupling is adapted to allow moving of the first part and the second part relative to each other in order to enable adoption of the opened position and the closed position.

For example, the first part and/or second part are made of plastic, such as nylon or polycarbonate (PC).

The holding means can, for example, comprise a bar for pressing the pad against the external cover when the accessory is in the closed position. This can ensure securement of the pad when the garment care device is being manipulated by user, in particular during steaming of a garment.

In some embodiments, the external cover comprises a seal, such as a gasket, at its periphery adapted to contact the periphery of the steam plate in the second position. The seal may assist to minimise or avoid leakage of steam and/or condensed water collecting in the holding means between the steam plate and the holding means.

The holding means or part of the holding means is, in some embodiments, rotatable around an axis of rotation compared to the steam plate. Rotation around the axis of rotation can, for example, enable adoption of the opened position and the closed position.

The holding means preferably further comprise a lever for rotating the holding means. The lever can, for example, be provided for facilitating rotating of the second part relative to the first part in order to enable adoption of the opened position and the closed position.

The above-described pivoting coupling can, for example, provide the axis of rotation adjacent to, in other words flush with, the steam plate.

Alternatively, the axis of rotation provided by the pivoting coupling is set back relative to the steam plate. Thus, the axis of rotation can be regarded as being arranged at a rear distance relative to the external surface of the steam plate.

Setting the pivoting coupling back relative to the external surface can, for example, permit the above-described lever for facilitating adoption of the closed and opened positions to be provided closer to a hand grip area of a housing of the garment care device for ease of reaching by the user's finger(s).

The holding means are preferably spring-mounted around the rotation axis. This so that the second part is biased towards the first part such that the holding means adopts the closed position.

In some embodiments, the accessory is detachably mounted on the garment care device, wherein:.

The accessory can, for example, be detachably mounted to:.

In examples in which the garment care device is a garment steamer, the accessory can be attached via one or more fasteners, e.g. one or more peripheral ribs, adapted to clip to an external periphery of the garment steamer's housing, e.g. the housing of a steamer head of the garment steamer, and/or to the periphery of the steam plate.

In examples in which the garment care device is a steam iron, the accessory can be attached via one or more fasteners, e.g. one or more peripheral ribs, adapted to clip the accessory to an external periphery of the steam plate, in other words ironing plate.

When the accessory includes the above-described lever, this lever is preferably arranged below the housing when the garment care device is orientated for use. The term "below" in this context is with reference to a vertically extending steam plate. Since steam produced by the garment care devices rises it is preferable to position the lever, for example together with an actuator, e.g. steam trigger, of the garment steamer, beneath the housing to avoid hot steam being directed towards the user's hand/fingers.

Such an actuator, e.g. steam trigger, is preferably included in the garment care device for triggering the generation of steam by user. The size of the lever is, for example, such that in the above-described closed position, the lever reaches the proximity of the actuator.

More generally, the lever preferably extends in front of the actuator of the garment care device so that it can be easily reached by the user finger to actuate it. This is particularly the case in examples in which the garment care device is a garment steamer.

Alternatively or additionally, the lever can extends up to, or proximal to, the handle of the garment care device for easy manipulation of the lever by the user while they are holding the handle of the garment care device.

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 :.

The present disclosure provides an accessory for a garment care device. The accessory comprises a holding means adapted to hold a pad containing a chemical compound for treating a garment.

As shown in <FIG>, the garment care device comprises a steam plate <NUM>.

The steam plate <NUM> can be regarded, for example, as an ironing plate or a steam treatment plate depending on whether the garment care device is a steam iron/steam generator iron or a garment steamer respectively.

The steam plate <NUM> has an external surface <NUM> for contacting a garment being treated using the garment care device and/or which is exposed to the accessory <NUM>.

The steam plate <NUM>, and in particular the external surface <NUM> of the steam plate <NUM>, has a given first area S1. Referring to <FIG>, the given first area S1 is inscribed within the first outer periphery boundary PB1 of the steam plate <NUM> regardless of any through hole/opening or non-through hole/opening feature(s), such as steam vent(s), groove(s), recess(es), depression(s), slot(s), step(s), etc. located within the first outer periphery boundary PB1.

The given first area S1 (as well as the given second area S2 of the external cover <NUM>, and other areas described herein where appropriate) can be determined using a plan view of the steam plate <NUM>. Such a plan view is provided, for example, in <FIG>.

S1 is the plan (surface) area defined by the first outer periphery boundary PB1, regardless of any features such as protrusions, ridges projecting from the surface of the steam plate as well. In essence, the projected area S1 is defined regardless of any features found within the first outer periphery boundary PB1. In the case of the examples depicted in Figs_2b and 2c, S1 is the same for each in spite of the steam plate <NUM> in the example shown in <FIG> further comprising a step 146A, a recess/groove/depression 146B, a protrusion 146C, and a blind hole 146D.

The steam plate's <NUM> given first area S1 can depend on the type of garment care device. Steam plates <NUM> of garment steamers, for instance, tend to have smaller areas than steam plates <NUM> of irons, such as steam irons or steam generator irons. The first area S1 is preferably in the range <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>.

When the garment care device is a garment steamer, the first area S1 of the steam treatment plate <NUM>, including the area occupied by a steam exit <NUM> through which steam is ejected from the garment steamer, is, for instance, about <NUM><NUM>. The term "about" can mean in this context ±<NUM>%.

When the garment care device is a steam iron or a steam generator iron, the first area S1 of steam ironing plate <NUM> is about <NUM><NUM>.

The height H1, which can be regarded as a maximum height H1, of the steam plate <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Moreover, <FIG> shows the width W1, which can be regarded as a maximum width W1, of the steam plate <NUM>. The height H1 and width W1 of the steam plate <NUM> can be measured from a plan view of the steam plate <NUM> of the garment care device.

The garment care device <NUM> shown in <FIG> takes the form of a garment steamer, with the steam plate <NUM> being a front steam treatment plate of the garment steamer. The steam plate <NUM> is attached to a steamer head <NUM> towards which a handle portion <NUM> extends.

The garment care device <NUM> shown in <FIG> also comprises an actuator <NUM>, e.g. in the form of a trigger, for controlling the steam generation by the steam generator. The actuator <NUM> preferably triggers the generation of steam upon actuation by the user.

In this non-limiting example, a plurality of protrusions <NUM>, in the form of ridges, protrude from the external surface <NUM> of the steam plate <NUM>, as shown. Such protrusions <NUM> can assist to guide the steam exiting the steam exit <NUM>.

More generally, the steam exit <NUM> is in fluid communication or is fluidly communicable with a steam generator included in the garment care device. Accordingly, the steam exit <NUM> provides an outlet from which the steam generated in the steam generator can escape.

Referring again to <FIG>, the steam exit <NUM> has a first cumulative cross-sectional area A1 for releasing steam, in particular for releasing steam to a garment being treated using the garment care device. It is noted that the term "cumulative" refers to the total cross-sectional area of the steam exit <NUM>.

The steam vent(s) can have any suitable shape, such as circular.

The single steam vent can, for example, be elongated along a horizontal, in other words lateral, direction extending over at least part of the width W1 of the steam plate <NUM>.

The first cumulative cross-sectional area A1 of the steam exit <NUM> can be determined by measuring the cross-sectional area of each steam vent defining the steam exit <NUM> where each steam vent meets the external surface <NUM>, and summing the measured cross-sectional area(s).

The steam plate <NUM> can, for example, form an overall flat external surface <NUM>.

The term "overall flat" refers to the external surface <NUM> being planar but including discontinuities, in particular due to the presence of the steam exit <NUM>, and in some non-limiting examples the presence of one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions <NUM>. The recesses is or are recessed relative to the plane of the external surface <NUM>. The protrusion(s) <NUM> protrude(s) relative to the plane of the external surface <NUM>.

More generally, the accessory <NUM> comprises holding means <NUM> adapted to hold a pad <NUM> containing a chemical compound adjacent the steam plate <NUM>. The holding means <NUM> can thus be regarded as securing the pad <NUM> proximal to, or in some cases against, the steam plate <NUM>. As well as exposing the pad <NUM> to the steam plate <NUM>, the holding means <NUM> can assist to avoid or minimise movement of the pad <NUM> during steaming of a garment.

In at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the holding means <NUM> comprise an external cover <NUM> extending substantially parallel to the steam plate <NUM>. The external cover <NUM> has a given second area S2 within the given first area S1.

The given second area S2 is defined as the plain area of the external cover <NUM> which is inscribed within the second outer periphery boundary PB2 of the external cover <NUM>. In other words, the area of any through hole/opening feature(s) in the external cover <NUM> are not counted in the calculation of the given second area S2.

The second outer periphery boundary PB2 is limited to a periphery inscribed within the first outer periphery boundary PB1. In other words, the second outer periphery boundary PB2 is the periphery boundary being within (or aligns with) the first outer periphery boundary PB1 of the steam plate <NUM>. This means that in case portion area(s) of the external cover <NUM> would go beyond the first outer periphery boundary PB1, those portion area(s) are not counted in the calculation of the given second area S2.

Note that the given second area S2 determination is regardless of any protrusion(s) non-flat plain pattern(s), such as groove(s), recess(es), depression(s), slot(s), step(s), etc. that would be arranged on the external cover <NUM> and located within the second outer periphery boundary PB2. This is illustrated in <FIG>.

In the case of the examples depicted in Figs_3b and 3c, S2 is the same for each in spite of the external cover <NUM> in the example shown in <FIG> further comprising a recess/groove/depression 147B, a protrusion 147C, and a blind hole 147D, in addition to the step 147A also present in the example shown in <FIG>.

The ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] %. Given the fact that the first area S1 is preferably in the range <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, this means that the second area S2 of the external cover <NUM> is preferably in the range <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. The external cover <NUM> thus provides a treatment surface to help removing wrinkles from the garment GA, as well as assisting with securement of the pad <NUM>.

When the ratio is equal to or above <NUM>%, sufficient contact area of the external cover <NUM> may be provided to glide onto the garment GA during usage, and sufficient holding capacity for the pad <NUM> may be provided. Moreover, by ensuring that the ratio is equal to or below <NUM>%, sufficient opening for steam to be channelled to the garment GA for treatment and de-wrinkling may be provided.

The height H2, which can be regarded as a maximum height H2, of the external cover <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Moreover <FIG> shows, the width W2, which can be regarded as a maximum width W2, of the external cover <NUM>. The height H2 and width W2 of the external cover <NUM> can be measured from a plan view of the steam plate <NUM> of the garment care device.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover <NUM> to the height H1 of the steam plate <NUM> is in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] %.

Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover <NUM> to the width W1 of the steam plate <NUM> is in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] %.

The external cover <NUM> can be substantially flat, or curved.

The external cover <NUM> can be curved in the height H2 and/or width W2 directions. A radius of curvature of the external cover <NUM> can range from the height H2 of the external cover to flat and/or range from the width W2 of the external cover to flat, as schematically represented in <FIG>.

Preferably, the external cover is flat, but curvature can be tolerated. When the curvature of external cover is relatively large, the distance away from the garment may be increased which, in turn, may affect treatment and de-wrinkling as the steam will travel a longer path. However, such curvature-related effects may be independent of the <NUM>% to <NUM>% S2/S1 range (see the examples depicted in <FIG>).

In examples in which the external cover <NUM> is curved, the external cover <NUM> extending substantially parallel to the steam plate <NUM> is achieved by a tangential line T2 of the surface of the external cover <NUM> extending substantially parallel to the plane T1 of the external surface <NUM> of the steam plate <NUM>. This is illustrated in <FIG>.

The steam plate <NUM> has, in some embodiments, a vertical symmetrical axis VA, and the external cover <NUM> is centred along the vertical symmetrical axis VA, as best shown in <FIG>.

Returning to <FIG>, the holding means <NUM> in this non-limiting example comprises an internal cover <NUM> arranged between the steam plate <NUM> and the external cover <NUM> for holding the pad <NUM>, with the internal cover <NUM> being air-permeable. Thus, the pad <NUM> can be interposed, in other words sandwiched, between the internal cover <NUM> and the external cover <NUM>.

The term "air-permeable" in this context can mean that the internal cover <NUM> is permeable to steam as well as air.

The air-permeability of the internal cover <NUM> can be provided by one or more openings <NUM> delimited by the internal cover <NUM>. Such an opening or openings <NUM> may provide an outlet for the chemical compound released from the pad <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the opening(s) <NUM> can, in some cases, permit steam exiting from the steam exit <NUM> to contact the pad <NUM>.

The area of the internal cover <NUM> is, for example, in the range <NUM> to <NUM><NUM> , while being preferably smaller (or equal to) than the second area S2 of the external cover <NUM>.

This area of the internal cover <NUM> corresponds to the area inscribed within the periphery of the internal cover <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the distance D1 between the internal cover <NUM> and the external cover <NUM> is in the range <NUM> to <NUM> millimetres. This distance D1 is suitable for creating a slot in which the pad <NUM> can be inserted.

Preferably, the internal cover <NUM> has an area smaller than the area of the pad <NUM>. This can assist to ensure that the pad <NUM> is sufficiently exposed to heat and/or steam from the steam plate <NUM>. The area of the internal cover <NUM> is nonetheless sufficient to assist with retaining and holding the pad <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the internal cover <NUM> is arranged at a certain distance from the steam plate <NUM>, with this distance being in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] mm. This distance can allow steam to circulate in front of the internal cover <NUM>, and thereby assist molecules of the chemical compound, e.g. an aroma compound, to be volatilized.

More generally, the steam plate <NUM> can be made of any suitable material capable of withstanding steaming conditions. For example, the steam plate <NUM> comprises or is made of any one selected from metal, such as aluminium, a metal alloy, such as stainless steel, a plastic, or a ceramic. The plastic is, for example, nylon or polycarbonate (PC).

In some non-limiting examples, a metallic steam plate <NUM> comprising a metal or a metal alloy is preferably coated with a suitable material, for example an oxide layer, such as an oxide layer formed via a sol-gel process, in order to provide an external surface <NUM> having suitable properties, for example suitable fabric glide properties.

Whilst not visible in the Figures the steam generator included in the garment care device is equipped with at least one heater which can heat water to generate steam and heat the steam plate <NUM>.

The steam plate <NUM> can, for example, be regarded as a front steam treatment plate in examples in which the garment care device is a garment steamer. Such a garment steamer may, for instance, comprise a hand unit, which hand unit comprises the front steam treatment plate <NUM>, and a base unit to which the hand unit is connected via a suitable flexible cord. The base unit can, for instance, comprise a water reservoir and/or at least part of the steam generator. The hand unit may further comprise a steam chamber or steam generator.

Alternatively, the garment steamer comprises the hand unit without a base unit. In such an example, the steam generator and the steam plate <NUM> are included in the hand unit of the garment steamer. A water reservoir can also be included in the hand unit of the garment steamer.

In an alternative non-limiting example, the steam plate <NUM> can be regarded as an ironing plate of the garment care device. The steam plate <NUM> can correspond to such an ironing plate in examples in which the garment care device is a steam iron or a steam generator iron, as previously mentioned.

Such a steam generator iron may, for instance, comprise a hand unit, which hand unit comprises the steam plate <NUM>, and a base unit to which the hand unit is connected via a suitable flexible cord. The base unit can, for instance, comprise a water reservoir and/or at least part of the steam generator. The hand unit may further comprise a steam chamber or steam generator.

The steam iron can comprise the hand unit without an additional base unit. In such an example, the steam generator and the steam plate <NUM> are included in the hand unit of the steam iron, together with a water reservoir.

The holding means <NUM> can comprise, or be formed of, any suitable thermally robust material. Preferably, the holding means <NUM> are made of plastic. This may assist the accessory <NUM> to be made more lightweight. For example, the holding means <NUM> are made of nylon or polycarbonate.

The holding means <NUM> can take any suitable form provided that the holding means <NUM> are capable of holding the pad <NUM>. For example, the holding means <NUM> correspond to:.

The compartment <NUM> at least partially surrounding the periphery of the pad <NUM> can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as by the holding means <NUM> comprising one or more ribs (not visible in <FIG>) extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the pad <NUM> for retaining the pad <NUM> in place.

The one or more retaining members, for instance, comprise or comprises one or more catches and/or hooks (not visible in <FIG>) for securing the pad <NUM> at the one or more peripheral portions of the pad <NUM>.

The holding means <NUM> can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the holding means <NUM> have a cross-sectional shape according to any one of the following shapes:.

The compartment <NUM> corresponds to the volume delimited between the external cover <NUM> and the internal cover <NUM>. This volume is defined in particular by the distance D1 multiplied by the area of the internal cover <NUM> (which is in the range <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>).

For example, when the garment care device is a garment steamer, the area of the internal cover <NUM> is <NUM><NUM> with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is <NUM>, and is <NUM><NUM> with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is <NUM>.

Thus, in examples in which the garment care device is a garment steamer, the area of the internal cover <NUM> with a half-moon cross-sectional shape is in the range <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>.

For example, when the garment care device is a steam iron or a steam generator iron, the area of the internal cover <NUM> is <NUM><NUM> with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is <NUM>, and is <NUM><NUM> with a half-moon cross-sectional shape whose diameter is <NUM> and equals half the length of the steam plate.

Thus, in examples in which the garment care device is a steam iron or a steam generator iron, the area of internal cover <NUM> with a half-moon cross-sectional shape is in the range <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>.

The chemical compound contained in the pad <NUM> may be suitable for treating a garment, for example for providing malodour masking, malodour removal and/or disinfectant treatment to the garment.

Release of the chemical compound from the pad <NUM> may be implemented in any suitable manner. The volatility of the aroma compound can, for instance, be such that the aroma compound is released from the pad <NUM> when sufficiently heated by the steam plate <NUM> and/or by the steam released from the garment care device.

In an embodiment, the garment care device can be configured such that the steam plate <NUM> is heated to a temperature sufficient to release the chemical compound from the pad <NUM>, with the pad <NUM> being arranged such that the heat transferred thereto from the steam plate <NUM> causes release of the chemical compound from the pad <NUM>.

The pad <NUM> is, for example, arranged to be heated by radiation from the steam plate <NUM>, and convection from the steam plate <NUM>.

Heating of the pad <NUM> by convection can be achieved irrespective of whether or not steam from the steam exit <NUM> is directed towards the pad <NUM>. In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the pad <NUM> is arranged proximal to a lower end of the steam plate <NUM>, which in this case corresponds to the front steam treatment plate of a garment steamer, when the garment steamer is orientated for use.

In such an example, air proximal to the heated front steam treatment plate <NUM> is heated and the hot air rises towards an upper end of the steam plate <NUM>. This is represented in <FIG> by the arrows <NUM>. Cooler air is then drawn in from the surroundings towards a region of the steam plate <NUM> proximal to the lower end, as represented by the arrows <NUM>. Repeated cycles of hot-cooler air replacement creates a convection current circulation across the steam plate <NUM>.

The chemical compound, e.g. aroma compound, disinfectant and/or sanitizer compound, can be released at least partly due to this convection current circulation and carried upwards towards the upper end of the steam plate <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the steam exit <NUM> is arranged proximal to the upper end of the steam plate <NUM>. The chemical compound thus carried towards the upper end of the steam plate <NUM> can then be redirected by the steam exiting the steam exit <NUM>, for example towards a garment being treated using the garment care device, as represented in <FIG> by the arrow <NUM>.

This is facilitated by the holding means <NUM> being configured to provide a gap between the external surface <NUM> of the steam plate <NUM> and the pad <NUM>.

It should nonetheless be noted that the pad <NUM> can release the chemical compound in examples in which at least a portion of the pad <NUM> is in direct contact with the steam plate <NUM>, in other words with no gap provided between the pad <NUM> and the steam plate <NUM>. This is because the chemical compound can be releasable from the pad <NUM> due to its volatility and the heating provided by the steam plate <NUM>.

The chemical compound in the pad <NUM> is preferably released from the pad <NUM> as a vapour.

Alternatively or additionally, the chemical compound is releasable from the pad <NUM> via contact with the steam exiting the steam exit <NUM>. The chemical compound may, for instance, be contained in the pad <NUM> in the form of particles which are entrained in the steam contacting, and, for example, passing into and/or through, the pad <NUM>.

More generally, the chemical compound can take any suitable form, such as an oil or a solid, such as solid particles or granules. Particular mention is made of the chemical compound being in the form of a powder, for example an aroma compound-comprising powder, a disinfectant-comprising powder and/or a sanitizer-comprising powder.

The pad <NUM> comprises a material for containing, for example secreting, the chemical compound. Any suitable material and design for the pad <NUM> can be contemplated provided that the pad <NUM> is capable of retaining the chemical compound, releasing the chemical compound during operation of the garment care device, and being sufficiently robust to withstand the relatively high temperature and humidity conditions during garment steaming.

The material is, for example, one or more of paper, fabric, non-woven fabric, porous plastic, etc..

The pad <NUM> comprises, or takes the form of, for instance, an envelope, a bag, a cartridge, a sachet, or a capsule.

In a non-limiting example, the pad <NUM> comprises fluid-permeable external layer, for example made of paper, fabric, non-woven fabric, porous plastic, etc., which fluid-permeable external layer contains the chemical compound at lower temperatures and/or when no steaming is taking place but permits the chemical compound to be released therethrough during use of the garment care device.

Such a pad <NUM> may have any suitable shape and can, for instance, resemble a "tea bag" formed of the fluid-permeable material with the chemical compound contained within the bag.

More generally, the pad <NUM> preferably has a generally flat shape and is arranged substantially parallel to the plane of the external surface <NUM> of the steam plate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Various possibilities are contemplated for the spatial relationship between the external cover <NUM> and the steam exit <NUM>. For example, the external cover <NUM>:.

In examples in which the external cover <NUM> does not overlap with the steam exit <NUM>, the steam exiting the steam exit <NUM> can bypass the external cover <NUM> to reach the garment being treated, as represented in <FIG> by the arrows <NUM>.

Similarly to the example shown in <FIG>, all of the steam exiting the steam exit <NUM> bypasses the external cover <NUM> and the pad <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The chemical compound molecules <NUM> exit the holding means <NUM> via an opening, e.g. an upper opening, which permits access to the compartment <NUM>, as shown. In this example, the upper opening permitting access to the compartment <NUM> further serves to enable the pad <NUM> to be lifted out of, or inserted downwardly into, the compartment <NUM> when the garment care device is orientated for use.

In examples in which the external cover <NUM> does not overlap at all with the steam exit <NUM>, the amount of steam generated/directed unimpeded by the external cover, or by the accessory <NUM> and the pad <NUM> overall, towards the garment can be maximized.

In the case that the external cover <NUM> partially overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>, a certain amount of steam is permitted to be generated/directed towards the garment. Thus, the holding means <NUM> can be arranged such that at least some of the steam from the steam exit <NUM> is permitted to bypass the holding means <NUM> and the pad <NUM> to reach the garment being treated. This can assist to minimize or avoid problematic condensation between the holding means <NUM> and the steam plate <NUM>. An example of this is depicted in <FIG>, which illustrates an area of overlap A2 between the steam exit <NUM> and the external cover <NUM>.

In this non-limiting example, an amount of steam can also be permitted to be directed to the pad <NUM> for release of the chemical compound, e.g. for aroma diffusion from the pad <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a garment care device <NUM> according to a non-limiting example. The garment care device <NUM> shown in <FIG> has some similarity with the garment care device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, particularly in that both exemplary devices are garment steamers. However, in the example shown in <FIG>, some of the steam exiting the steam exit <NUM> is directed towards the external cover <NUM>, similarly to the example described above with reference to <FIG>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the steam exit <NUM> is defined by a plurality of steam vents <NUM>, <NUM>. Some of the steam vents <NUM> overlap with the accessory <NUM>, and in particular overlap with the pad <NUM> and the external cover <NUM> of the holding means <NUM> in this example. Steam is thus directed from the steam vents <NUM> in the direction of the pad <NUM> and the external cover <NUM>, as represented in <FIG> by the arrows <NUM>. Steam from the steam vents <NUM> bypasses the accessory <NUM> and the pad <NUM>, as represented by the arrows <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as the example shown in <FIG>, the external cover <NUM> comprises a seal <NUM> at its periphery adapted to contact the periphery of the steam plate <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may assist to minimise or avoid leakage of steam and/or condensed water collecting in the holding means <NUM> between the steam plate <NUM> and the holding means <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> can take any suitable form. For example, the seal <NUM> comprises, or is in the form of, a gasket, such as a rubber gasket.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, a further accessory part <NUM> opposes the holding means <NUM>, with the steam exit <NUM> being arranged such that the steam exiting the steam exit <NUM> is directed between the holding means <NUM> and the further accessory part <NUM> to reach the garment being treated using the device.

In this case, the seal <NUM> also seals the further accessory part <NUM> to the steam plate <NUM>. For example, the seal <NUM> takes the form of a gasket located between the further accessory part <NUM> and the steam plate <NUM>, and between the holding means <NUM> and the steam plate <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example in which the external cover <NUM> fully overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>. The steam exiting the steam exit <NUM> is directed, in this non-limiting example, towards the pad <NUM> and the external cover <NUM>, as represented by the arrows <NUM>.

This can assist to maximise release of the chemical compound from the pad <NUM>, e.g. aroma diffusion from the pad <NUM>.

More generally, the external cover <NUM> can be plain, or, alternatively, the external cover <NUM> can comprise, for example delimit, at least one opening. An example of the latter will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The term "plain" in this context means that the external cover <NUM> is air impermeable, hence also steam impermeable.

<FIG> provides an exploded assembly view of an accessory <NUM> and a pad <NUM> according to an example in which the internal cover <NUM> comprises, or is defined by, a plurality of ribs <NUM> spaced apart from each other in order to provide the above-described air-permeability of the internal cover <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the compartment <NUM> has an upper opening which enables the pad <NUM> to be lifted out of, or inserted downwardly into, the compartment <NUM> when the garment care device is orientated for use, as previously described.

<FIG> shows a variant of the example depicted in <FIG> in which the air-permeability of the internal cover <NUM> is provided by a plurality of apertures 122A delimited by the internal cover <NUM>.

<FIG> provide plate-facing views of garment care devices according to further examples.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover <NUM> to the height H1 of the steam plate <NUM> is <NUM>%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover <NUM> to the width W1 of the steam plate <NUM> is <NUM>%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is <NUM>%.

Moreover, the external cover <NUM> partially overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>, such that five of the steam vents <NUM> are obscured by the external cover <NUM>, and the remaining ten steam vents <NUM> are not obscured by the external cover <NUM>. In other words, the external cover <NUM> overlaps the steam exit <NUM> by a factor of <NUM>/<NUM>=<NUM>%.

However, this example differs with respect to that shown in <FIG> in that the external cover <NUM> does not overlap with the steam exit <NUM>, such that all nine of the steam vents <NUM> are not obscured by the external cover <NUM>.

Similarly to the example shown in <FIG>, the external cover <NUM> does not overlap with the steam exit <NUM>, such that all fifteen of the steam vents <NUM> are not obscured by the external cover <NUM>.

In this case, the external cover <NUM> overlaps with the entirety of the steam exit <NUM>, such that all fifteen of the steam vents <NUM> are obscured by the external cover <NUM>.

In this case, the external cover <NUM> partially overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>, such that seven of the steam vents <NUM> are obscured by the external cover <NUM>, and the remaining eight steam vents <NUM> are not, or only partly, obscured by the external cover <NUM>. In other words, the external cover <NUM> overlaps the steam exit <NUM> by a factor of <NUM>/<NUM>=<NUM>%.

In this case, the external cover <NUM> partially overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>, such that eleven of the steam vents <NUM> are obscured by the external cover <NUM>, and the remaining four steam vents <NUM> are not, or only partly, obscured by the external cover <NUM>. In other words, the external cover <NUM> overlaps the steam exit <NUM> by a factor of <NUM>/<NUM>=<NUM>%.

The ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is less than <NUM>% in spite of the height and width ratios being <NUM>% because of the through opening <NUM> delimited by the external cover <NUM> which is not counted in the calculation of the second area S2.

Moreover in this case, the external cover <NUM> partially overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>, such that nine of the steam vents <NUM> are obscured by the external cover <NUM>, and the remaining six steam vents <NUM> are not, or only partly, obscured by the external cover <NUM>. In other words, the external cover <NUM> overlaps the steam exit <NUM> by a factor of <NUM>/<NUM>=<NUM>%.

Similarly to the example shown in <FIG>, the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is less than <NUM>% in spite of the height and width ratios being <NUM>% because of the through opening <NUM> delimited by the external cover <NUM> which is not counted in the calculation of the second area S2.

Moreover in this case, the external cover <NUM> partially overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>, such that five of the steam vents <NUM> are obscured by the external cover <NUM>, and the remaining ten steam vents <NUM> are not, or only partly, obscured by the external cover <NUM>. In other words, the external cover <NUM> overlaps the steam exit <NUM> by a factor of <NUM>/<NUM>=<NUM>%.

More generally, in examples in which the external cover <NUM> comprises at least one opening <NUM>, the opening <NUM> can enable viewing of the pad but without steam necessarily exiting through the opening <NUM> due to the steam being blocked by the pad <NUM>. However, steam can also pass through the opening <NUM>, for example in the case that the pad <NUM> is not aligned with the opening(s) <NUM>.

The external cover <NUM> need not be symmetrically arranged with respect to the steam plate <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, most of the external cover <NUM> is situated to the left of the vertical symmetrical axis VA. In this example, the ratio of the height H2 of the external cover <NUM> to the height H1 of the steam plate <NUM> is <NUM>%, the ratio of the width W2 of the external cover <NUM> to the width W1 of the steam plate <NUM> is <NUM>%, and the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is <NUM>%.

Moreover in this case, the external cover <NUM> partially overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>, such that seven of the steam vents <NUM> are obscured by the external cover <NUM>, and the remaining eight steam vents <NUM> are not obscured by the external cover <NUM>. In other words, the external cover <NUM> overlaps the steam exit <NUM> by a factor of <NUM>/<NUM>=<NUM>%.

Moreover in this case, the external cover <NUM> partially overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>, such that nine of the steam vents <NUM> are obscured by the external cover <NUM>, and the remaining six steam vents <NUM> are not obscured by the external cover <NUM>. In other words, the external cover <NUM> overlaps the steam exit <NUM> by a factor of <NUM>/<NUM>=<NUM>%.

<FIG> illustrate that the ratio of the second area S2 to the first area S1 is unaltered, should some parts of the external cover <NUM> protrude or extend beyond the first outer periphery boundary PB1 of the steam plate <NUM>. The S2/S1 ratio is <NUM>% for each of the examples shown in <FIG>, <FIG>. This is because the second outer periphery boundary PB2 of the external cover <NUM> is within or aligns with the first outer periphery boundary PB1 of the steam plate <NUM>, as previously described.

In other words, the ratio of S2 (external cover <NUM>) is within S1 (steam plate <NUM>). That means that the area of the external cover beyond the first outer periphery boundary PB1 of steam plate (see 128B in <FIG>) is not considered in the ratio S2/S1 calculation.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict garment care devices <NUM> with an external cover <NUM> which does not overlap with the steam exit <NUM> delimited by the steam plate <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the steam exit <NUM> is defined by a plurality of steam vents, whereas in the example shown in <FIG> the steam exit <NUM> is defined by a single elongated steam vent, as shown.

<FIG> depicts a garment care device <NUM> with an external cover <NUM> which partially overlaps with the steam exit <NUM> delimited by the steam plate <NUM>. Eleven of the steam vents are obscured by the external cover <NUM>, and the remaining four steam vents are not obscured by the external cover <NUM>. In other words, the external cover <NUM> overlaps the steam exit <NUM> by a factor of <NUM>/<NUM>=<NUM>%.

<FIG> depicts a garment care device with an external cover <NUM> which fully overlaps with the steam exit <NUM> delimited by the steam plate <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the steam plate <NUM> of a garment care device and the external cover <NUM>. <FIG> also shows two exemplary possibilities in terms of the size and shape of the pad <NUM>. In one possibility, the pad 106A is larger and has a half-moon cross-sectional shape, and in the other possibility the pad 106B is smaller and has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

<FIG> shows a steam plate <NUM> of a garment care device, an external cover <NUM>, and the positions of four temperature sensors <NUM> arranged to measure the temperature of the pad <NUM> held by the holding means <NUM>.

In the symmetrical arrangement of the temperature sensors <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the distances L1 and L2 are both <NUM>.

It was found that when the temperature of the steam plate <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM>, the temperature of the pad <NUM>, and thus the chemical compound contained therein, was <NUM> to <NUM>. This is considered to be due, in this example, to the above-described heat energy transfer from the steam plate <NUM> to the pad <NUM> by convection and radiation.

Thus, the temperature of the steam plate <NUM> can be used to release the chemical compound, for example without additionally requiring steam exiting the steam exit <NUM> to contact the pad <NUM>.

<FIG> provides views of a garment care device without an accessory and pad (left side), and with an accessory <NUM> and pad <NUM> (right side).

In some embodiments, the external cover <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> at its periphery. For example, the external cover <NUM> comprises a top part <NUM>, e.g. over which top part <NUM> the steam from the steam exit <NUM> can pass, with the recess <NUM> being provided in the top part <NUM>. An example of this is shown in <FIG> (right side).

The recess <NUM> can facilitate removal of the pad <NUM>, and/or viewing of the pad <NUM> in the holding means <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as in the example shown in <FIG>, the accessory <NUM> comprises a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM>, with the first part <NUM> being attachable to the housing of the garment care device <NUM> and/or to the steam plate <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the compartment <NUM> is provided in the second part <NUM>, and the second part <NUM> is movable relative to the first part <NUM> in order to enable adoption of an opened position P1 and a closed position P2.

More generally, the holding means <NUM> is adapted to take the opened position P1 so that the pad <NUM> can be inserted into the holding means <NUM>, and a closed position in which the holding means <NUM> extends substantially parallel to the steam plate <NUM>. This may facilitate removal of a spent pad <NUM> after use, and insertion of a replacement pad <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, when in the opened position P1, the pad <NUM> is insertable into the compartment <NUM> in the direction of the arrow <NUM>.

The first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> can comprise, or be formed of, any suitable material. For example, the first part and/or second part is or are made of nylon or polycarbonate (PC).

The second part <NUM> preferably comprises a seal <NUM>, such as a gasket, around the periphery of the second part. The seal <NUM> is adapted to contact the periphery of the steam plate <NUM> in the closed position. This assists to minimise or avoid leakage of steam and/or condensed water at the periphery of the accessory, as previously described.

Preferably, a pivoting coupling <NUM> is arranged between the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM>. The pivoting coupling <NUM> thus allows moving of the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> relative to each other in order to enable adoption of the opened position P1 and the closed position P2.

The holding means <NUM> preferably further comprise a lever <NUM> for rotating the holding means. The lever <NUM> can, for example, be provided for facilitating rotating of the second part <NUM> relative to the first part <NUM> in order to enable adoption of the opened position P1 and the closed position P2.

The lever <NUM> is preferably arranged below the housing when the garment care device <NUM> is orientated for use. The term "below" in this context refers to the steam plate <NUM> extending vertically. Since steam produced by the garment care devices rises, at least initially, it is preferable to position the lever <NUM> beneath the housing to avoid the steam.

In some embodiments, the garment care device <NUM> comprises an actuator <NUM> for triggering the generation of steam by user, as previously described. In such examples, the garment care device can also include the lever <NUM>, with the lever <NUM> extending to a position proximal to the actuator <NUM>. The term "proximal" means that, for example, an end of the lever <NUM> is within <NUM> or <NUM> of a part of the actuator <NUM> which is nearest to the end of the lever <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> thus extends to a position, e.g. in front of the actuator <NUM>, so that the lever <NUM> can be easily reached by the user's finger in order to move the lever <NUM>. This can be particularly useful in examples in which the garment care device <NUM> is a garment steamer.

The accessory <NUM> is preferably configured to be biased into the closed position P2. The accessory <NUM> is thus configured such that movement of the second part <NUM> relative to the first part <NUM> overcomes the bias in order to enable adoption of the opened position P1.

Such biasing can be implemented in any suitable manner. In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the lever <NUM> is spring-mounted such that the second part <NUM> exerts a force on the first part <NUM> when the lever <NUM> is not being moved. This allows the second part <NUM> to return such that the accessory <NUM> adopts the closed position P2 when the lever <NUM> is not moved by the user.

An exemplary spring mechanism 178A, 178B, 178C is shown in <FIG>, with the spring mechanism comprising a torsion spring 178A for biasing the accessory <NUM>, including the lever <NUM>, into the closed position P2, a pin 178B which extends along the pivoting axis of the pivoting coupling <NUM>, and a securing clip 178C.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the pivoting coupling <NUM> comprises an axis of rotation AR which is set back relative to the external surface <NUM> of the steam plate <NUM>. Thus, the axis of rotation AR can be regarded as being arranged at a rear distance D2 relative to the external surface <NUM> of the steam plate <NUM>.

Setting the pivoting coupling <NUM> back relative to the external surface <NUM> can, for example, permit the lever <NUM> to be provided closer to elongate handle portion <NUM> for ease of reaching by the user's finger(s).

<FIG> provide views of an accessory <NUM> according to another non-limiting example. In this example, the pivoting coupling <NUM> has an axis of rotation AR adjacent to the external surface <NUM> of the steam plate <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the compartment <NUM> included in the second part <NUM>. In this example, the internal cover <NUM> comprises, or is defined by a plurality of ribs <NUM>, in this example curved ribs <NUM>, which extend across the second part <NUM>, with a plurality of openings <NUM> between the ribs <NUM>.

Preferably, the first part <NUM> comprises a retaining member <NUM>, such as one or more bars, for pressing the pad <NUM> against the second part <NUM> when the accessory <NUM> is in the closed position P2. Such a retaining member <NUM> in the form of a bar is included in the example shown in <FIG>, as best shown in <FIG>.

The retaining member <NUM> can ensure securement of the pad <NUM> when the garment care device <NUM> is being manipulated by user, in particular during steaming of a garment.

Such a retaining member <NUM> can further serve to maintain a gap between the steam plate <NUM> and the pad <NUM>. Such a gap can permit the chemical compound to be carried by convection currents towards the steam exiting the steam exit <NUM>, as previously described.

Further evident in <FIG> is a fastener <NUM> adapted to clip the accessory <NUM>, and in this case the first part <NUM>, to the periphery of the steam plate <NUM>. For example, the fastener <NUM> may engage with a complementary hole or recess provided in the steam plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the holding means <NUM> comprise at least one side portion 190A, 190B between the internal cover <NUM> and the external cover <NUM>, with at least part of each side portion 190A, 190B comprising an opening.

The side portion(s) 190A can be on the left and/or right vertical side of the holding means <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively or additionally, the side portion(s) 190B can be on the top and/or bottom horizontal side of the holding means <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The arrows in <FIG> and <FIG> represent the emergence of steam from the garment care device when the accessory <NUM> is attached thereto.

<FIG> schematically depict exemplary garment care devices <NUM> with each being in the form of a steam iron or a steam generator iron.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the external cover <NUM> does not overlap with the steam exit <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the external cover <NUM> partially overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>. Two of the steam vents are obscured by the external cover <NUM>, and the remaining seven steam vents are not obscured by the external cover <NUM>. In other words, the external cover <NUM> overlaps the steam exit <NUM> by a factor of <NUM>/<NUM>=<NUM>%.

While in the example shown in <FIG>, the external cover <NUM> fully overlaps with the steam exit <NUM>.

Based on the preceding examples where the external cover <NUM> partially overlaps the steam exit <NUM> by a certain factor, it can be generalized that it is advantageous to have this factor in the range [<NUM>;<NUM>] %.

This range for the overlap factor is a good balance between having sufficient amount of steam directed towards the (internal face of the) external cover for heating the pad <NUM> and thus improving the diffusion of the chemical compound, and having sufficient amount of steam directed towards the garments being treated to achieve an efficient de-wrinkling.

Claim 1:
A garment care device (<NUM>) comprising:
a steam plate (<NUM>) comprising a steam exit (<NUM>), the steam plate having a given first area (S1) inscribed within a first outer periphery boundary (PB1) of the steam plate regardless of any through hole/opening or non-through hole/opening feature(s) located within the first outer periphery boundary (PB1), and
an accessory (<NUM>) comprising:
a holding means (<NUM>) adapted to hold a pad (<NUM>) containing a chemical compound, the holding means comprising an external cover (<NUM>) extending substantially parallel to the steam plate,
said external cover having a given second area (S2), the given second area being defined as the plain area being inscribed within a second outer periphery boundary (PB2) of the external cover which is within the first outer periphery boundary (PB1) of the steam plate regardless of any protrusion(s) and non-flat plain pattem(s) arranged on the external cover (<NUM>) and located within the second outer periphery boundary (PB2), but with the area of any through hole/opening feature(s) in the external cover (<NUM>) not being counted in the calculation of the given second area (S2),
characterized in that the ratio of said second area to said first area is in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] %.