Patent Description:
The iron head and the cradle may be comprised by a steaming device.

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

Steaming devices are known to be used for ironing or steaming garments to remove creases through the use of heat and moisture from steam.

One type of steaming device is a so-called "all-in-one" steaming device that comprises a base unit, which base unit houses a water tank. An iron head, which can be alternatively referred to as a steamer head or a handheld unit, is connected to the base unit by a flexible hose cord through which steam and/or water is delivered from the base unit to the iron head. A steam generator is included in the base unit and/or the iron head. The iron head is provided with a treatment plate, also known as a soleplate, delimiting one or more steam vents through which steam is discharged onto a fabric being treated.

Steaming devices can include a support base, in other words a stand, to which a pole assembly is mounted. The support base assists to minimize the risk of the pole assembly toppling over during use. Such steaming devices can also include an ironing board for facilitating steaming and/or ironing of garments. Such an ironing board can be supported by the pole assembly mounted to the support base.

Steaming devices can include a cradle on which to dock the iron head, for example while the user is laying garments on the ironing board.

Tilting of the iron head when docked on the cradle can be problematic, particularly when the above-mentioned hose cord connects the iron head to the base unit. Such tilting of the iron head can risk exposing the soleplate, creating a potential safety concern due to the possibility of the user accidentally touching the thus exposed soleplate.

<CIT> discloses a support base for an iron. The support base comprises a base body suitable to be rested on a surface or a work plane, and a multi-function support element removably associated with the base body. The support element has a first configuration of use, in which it is associated with the base body, and a second configuration of use, in which it is removed from the base body.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus for steam treatment of laundry. The apparatus comprises a support device for supporting an ironing and/or smoothing tool during inactive ironing and/or smoothing phases.

It is an object of the invention to propose a cradle for docking an iron head that avoids or mitigates the above-mentioned problem.

By the cradle comprising front and rear protruding portions that protrude from the resting platform proximal to the front end and proximal to the rear end of the resting platform, when the iron head is docked on the cradle the soleplate is elevated relative to the resting platform proximal to both the front and rear ends of the resting platform.

In this way, direct contact between the soleplate and the resting platform can be minimized or prevented, and hence the resting platform need not itself be made from material capable of withstanding the high temperature of the soleplate. A lower cost material can therefore be used for the resting platform itself.

Due to the upper parts of the first and second lateral support members extending towards each other, over the the resting platform, to define the confined rear region, backwards tilting of the iron head can be restricted by the first and second lateral support members. For example, the first and second lateral support members restrict the backwards tilting by an upper surface of the iron head's casing contacting the first and second lateral support members.

Such tilting, even when restricted by the first and second lateral support members, can risk that the soleplate is exposed to a degree that creates a potential safety concern due to the possibility of the user accidentally touching the thus exposed soleplate.

The cradle accordingly includes at least one rear protruding portion that protrudes from the resting platform into the confined rear region, in other words proximal to the rear end of the resting platform, and at least one front protruding portion protruding from the resting platform proximal to the front end, with the at least one rear protruding portion protruding further in height from the resting platform than the at least one front protruding portion.

The rear protruding portion(s) protruding further in height from the resting platform than the front protruding portion(s) can raise a rearward portion of the soleplate relative to a front portion of the soleplate when the iron head is docked on the cradle.

The thus created moment can serve to limit the spacing between a front end of the soleplate and the resting platform.

The risk of the user accidentally contacting the soleplate due to the soleplate being exposed by tilting of the iron head docked on the cradle is correspondingly reduced.

The front and rear protruding portions can accordingly be regarded as fulfilling a dual purpose: minimizing/preventing contact of the resting platform by the soleplate proximal to the front and rear ends of the resting platform thereby to enable cheaper material to be used for fabricating the resting platform itself, and enhancing user safety by limiting the spacing between a front end of the soleplate and the resting platform when the iron head is docked on the cradle.

In some embodiments, the at least one rear protruding portion comprises a first rear protruding portion protruding into the confined region proximal to the left side, and a second rear protruding portion protruding into the confined region proximal to the right side. The first and second rear protruding portions can assist to constrain tilting of the iron head relative to the resting platform at each side of the cradle.

In some embodiments, a central longitudinal axis extends between the rear end and the front end and bisects the resting platform, with the first rear protruding portion and the second rear protruding portion being symmetrically arranged on respective sides of the central longitudinal axis. This can assist to ensure that the iron head is balanced when docked on the cradle.

According to the invention, the at least one rear protruding portion comprises a ramp that inclines upwardly towards the rear end of the resting platform to a highest point of the at least one rear protruding portion. The ramp can assist the user to guide the iron head onto the cradle, and in particular can help the user to locate the rear surface of the iron head against the back support member.

For example, the ramp, e.g. in the form of one or more rails, inclines smoothly backwards towards the rear end of the resting platform.

In embodiments in which the at least one rear protruding portion comprises the first rear protruding portion and the second rear protruding portion, the first rear protruding portion can include a first ramp that inclines upwardly towards the rear end of the resting platform to a highest point of the first rear protruding portion, with the second rear protruding portion including a second ramp that inclines upwardly towards the rear end of the resting platform to a highest point of the second rear protruding portion.

In some embodiments, the at least one front protruding portion is centrally positioned between the left side and the right side. The central positioning of the front protruding portion can assist in balancing the iron head when docked on the cradle.

For example, the, e.g. each of the, at least one front protruding portion is positioned along the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the at least one rear protruding portion and/or the at least one front protruding portion comprises a heat resistant material arranged to make contact with the soleplate. In other words, at least the highest point of the rear protruding portion(s) and/or the front protruding portion(s) is made of such a heat resistant material.

Any suitable heat resistant material can be used, for example a heat resistant elastomeric material, e.g. silicone rubber. Such a heat resistant elastomeric material can assist to minimize the risk of the soleplate being scratched when the iron head is being docked on the cradle.

In some embodiments, the first lateral support member and the second lateral support member curvedly extend over the resting platform towards each other. This curving of the first and second lateral support members can assist to reduce the risk of scratching of the upper surface of the casing by the first and second lateral support members.

Alternatively or additionally, such a curving shape of the first and second lateral support members can follow the profile of the upper surface of the iron head's casing so that the iron head is a snug fit into the cradle.

In some embodiments, a surface of the first lateral support member that faces the resting platform preferably curves, e.g. together with the first lateral support member as a whole, over the resting platform and towards the second lateral support member, with a surface of the second lateral support member that faces the resting platform curving, e.g. together with the second lateral support member as a whole, over the resting platform and towards the first lateral support member.

In some embodiments, a height difference measured between a highest point of the at least one rear protruding portion and a highest point of the at least one front protruding portion is in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] mm.

A height difference larger than <NUM> can compromise ease of fitting of the iron head onto the cradle, while ensuring that the height difference is equal to or greater than <NUM> can assist to avoid excessive backwards tilting of the iron head docked on the cradle.

In some embodiments, the first lateral support member and the second lateral support member each project further in height from the resting platform than the back support member. Such a design can balance the requirement for the iron head to be securely dockable on the cradle with avoiding that too much material, e.g. plastic material, is used to fabricate the cradle.

Should, for instance, the back support member project higher, e.g. to reach the height of the first and second lateral support members, moulding considerations may mean that a relatively large opening on the resting platform is provided at the rear. This, in turn, can risk weakening the part strength and hence require a separate part for the rear protruding portion(s), thereby making construction more complicated and costly.

In at least some embodiments, first and second lateral edges of the resting platform each extend between the rear end and the front end of the resting platform, with the first lateral support member projecting from the first lateral edge proximal to the rear end, and the second lateral support member projecting from the second lateral edge proximal to the rear end.

In some embodiments, a width of the resting platform tapers from at or proximal to the rear end to the front end.

Such tapering of the resting platform can mean that the resting platform is wider proximal to the rear end and narrower proximal to the front end.

This tapering resting platform can correspond to a tapering shape of the soleplate of the iron head. In this way, the shape of the resting platform can provide an intuitive guide for how the iron head should be orientated in order to be docked on the cradle.

According to another aspect there is provided a steaming device comprising:.

In some embodiments, the steaming device comprises a base unit comprising a water tank, and a hose cord connecting the iron head to the base unit.

In some embodiments, the hose cord is arranged to extend away from the rear surface of the iron head.

In such embodiments, there can be tendency for the iron head to tilt backwardly due to the weight of the hose cord. A moment generated by the weight of the hose cord, noting that the hose cord can have a length that is equal to or greater than <NUM> meter, can be more than the weight of the iron head, leading to backward tilting of the iron head when docked on the cradle.

The rear protruding portion(s) protruding further in height from the resting platform than the front protruding portion(s), causing the rearward portion of the soleplate to be raised when the iron head is docked on the cradle, can assist to counteract such hose cord-related tilting of the iron head.

In some embodiments, the iron head comprises a casing having an upper surface that faces away from the resting platform when the iron head is supported thereon, with a gap being provided between the upper surface and each of the first lateral support member and the second lateral support member when the iron head is docked on the cradle with all of the front and rear protruding portions being in contact with the soleplate.

A minimum distance across the gap is preferably in the range of [<NUM>; <NUM>] mm. Such a minimum distance can provide a balance between constraining tilting of the docked iron head with ensuring that docking of the iron head on the cradle is sufficiently easy for the user to implement.

In some embodiments, tilting of the iron head relative to the resting platform is constrained to less than <NUM> degrees, preferably to less than <NUM> degrees. This can assist to reduce the risk of the user accidentally contacting the soleplate due to the soleplate being exposed by tilting of the iron head docked on the cradle.

Particular aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner:.

<FIG> depicts a steaming device <NUM> according to an example. The steaming device <NUM> comprises an iron head <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the steaming device <NUM> comprises a base unit <NUM> comprising a water tank, and a hose cord <NUM> for connecting the iron head <NUM> to the base unit <NUM>. The water tank stores water used to generate steam. To this end, the steaming device <NUM> further comprises a steam generator to which the water stored in the water tank is supplied.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the iron head <NUM> comprises a soleplate <NUM> for treating garments. Steam is releasable to a garment being treated using the steaming device <NUM> via at least one steam vent delimited by the soleplate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the soleplate <NUM> tapers from at or proximal to a broader rear end of the soleplate <NUM> to a sharper front end of the soleplate <NUM>. Such a broader rear end of the soleplate <NUM> can be proximal to, or in some examples included in, a rear surface <NUM> of the iron head <NUM>.

In at least some embodiments, the iron head <NUM> comprises a casing <NUM>. Such a casing <NUM> can be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic material, e.g. an engineering thermoplastic.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an upper surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM> faces away from the soleplate <NUM>.

Preferably, the iron head <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> that, when grasped by the user, enables the iron head <NUM> to be held by the user and moved over a garment.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the hose cord <NUM> connects to the handle <NUM> of the iron head <NUM>. In such embodiments, the hose cord <NUM> can connect to, and rearwardly extend away from, the handle <NUM>. In alternative embodiments (not shown in the Figures), the hose cord <NUM> can connect to, and rearwardly extend away from, a portion of the casing <NUM> other than the handle <NUM>.

More generally, the hose cord <NUM> preferably extends rearwardly away from the rear surface <NUM> of the iron head <NUM>. This can assist to minimize the risk of the hose cord <NUM> impeding movement of the iron head <NUM>, in particular when the iron head <NUM> is being moved over a garment.

In some embodiments, the steam generator is included in the base unit <NUM>, and the steam generated by the steam generator is supplied to the iron head <NUM> via the hose cord <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the iron head <NUM> preferably includes a steam heater <NUM> arranged to re-heat steam and/or water received from the steam generator, prior to the steam exiting the iron head <NUM> via the at least one steam vent. The steam heater <NUM> may assist to minimise the risk of spitting of water onto the garment being treated.

In alternative embodiments, the iron head <NUM> can comprise a steam chamber arranged to generate steam from water supplied, e.g. pumped, thereto from the water tank included in the base unit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the steaming device <NUM> comprises a pole assembly <NUM>. Such a pole assembly <NUM> can support an ironing board <NUM>.

Thus, the steaming device <NUM> shown in <FIG> can be regarded as a stand steamer.

The pole assembly <NUM> is preferably a telescopic pole assembly <NUM>. In such embodiments, height adjustment of the ironing board <NUM> can be implemented by extending and collapsing the telescopic pole assembly <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, the ironing board <NUM> is preferably tiltable between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation, with the latter being shown in <FIG>. The vertical orientation can be used for steaming hanging garments, and the horizontal orientation can be used for ironing.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the steaming device <NUM> includes a support base <NUM> arranged to support the base unit <NUM> and/or the pole assembly <NUM>.

The present disclosure more generally relates to a cradle <NUM> for docking the iron head <NUM>. Such a cradle <NUM> can be included in the steaming device <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Thus, the user can be supplied with the cradle <NUM> along with the iron head <NUM>.

The iron head <NUM> can be docked on, in other words supported by, the cradle <NUM> while the iron head <NUM> is not being held by the user, in other words during a non-active steaming period.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the cradle <NUM> is attachable to the ironing board <NUM> and/or to the pole assembly <NUM> via a support arm <NUM> that extends between the cradle <NUM> and the ironing board <NUM> or, as the case may be, the pole assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cradle <NUM> comprises a resting platform <NUM> for supporting the soleplate <NUM> of the iron head <NUM> thereon. The resting platform <NUM> comprises a rear end <NUM> and a front end <NUM>. The rear end <NUM> opposes the front end <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, a width of the resting platform <NUM> tapers from at or proximal to the rear end <NUM> to the front end <NUM>. Such tapering of the resting platform <NUM> can mean that the resting platform <NUM> is wider proximal to the rear end <NUM> and narrower proximal to the front end <NUM>.

This tapering resting platform <NUM> can correspond to the tapering shape of the soleplate <NUM> of the iron head <NUM>. In this way, the shape of the resting platform <NUM> can provide an intuitive guide for how the iron head <NUM> should be orientated in order to be docked on the cradle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, first and second lateral edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM> each extend between the rear end <NUM> and the front end <NUM>.

The cradle <NUM> includes a back support member <NUM> for the rear surface <NUM> of the iron head <NUM> to rest thereagainst. The back support member <NUM> projects from the rear end <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM>.

In some embodiments, and as best shown in <FIG>, the rear surface <NUM> of the iron head <NUM> includes a rear-facing surface of the casing <NUM>. In such embodiments, the casing <NUM> backwardly protrudes further than the rear end of the soleplate <NUM>, such that the casing <NUM>, rather than the soleplate <NUM>, contacts the back support member <NUM> when the iron head <NUM> is docked on the cradle <NUM>.

Such a design can assist to protect the back support member <NUM> from the heat of the soleplate <NUM>, due to the rear end of the soleplate <NUM> being prevented by the backwardly protruding casing <NUM> from contacting the back support member <NUM> when the iron head <NUM> is docked on the cradle <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, a first lateral support member <NUM> projects from a left side of the resting platform <NUM>, and a second lateral support member <NUM> projects from a right side of the resting platform <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, an upper part of the first lateral support member <NUM> and an upper part of the second lateral support member <NUM> extend towards each other, over the resting platform <NUM>, to define, together with the back support member <NUM>, a confined rear region <NUM> of the cradle <NUM> for accommodating a rear part of the iron head <NUM>.

For example, the rear part of the iron head <NUM> accommodated by the confined rear region <NUM> of the cradle <NUM> includes a rearward portion of the casing <NUM> and a rearward portion of the soleplate <NUM>, e.g. that terminates at the broader rear end of the soleplate <NUM>.

It is noted that the rear part of the iron head <NUM> is distinguished from the rear surface <NUM> of the iron head <NUM> due to the rear surface <NUM> of the iron head <NUM> being the surface of the iron head <NUM> that rests against the back support member <NUM> of the cradle <NUM>, and the rear part of the iron head <NUM> being the part of the iron head <NUM> that resides in the confined rear region <NUM> of the cradle <NUM> defined by the back support member <NUM> together with the upper parts of the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM> extending towards each other and over the resting platform <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the first lateral support member <NUM> projects from the first lateral edge <NUM> proximal to the rear end <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM>, and the second lateral support member <NUM> projects from the second lateral edge <NUM> proximal to the rear end <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM>.

In some embodiments, and as best shown in <FIG>, the first lateral support member <NUM> and the second lateral support member <NUM> each project further in height from the resting platform <NUM> than the back support member <NUM>. Such a design can balance the requirement for the iron head <NUM> to be securely dockable on the cradle <NUM> with avoiding that too much material, e.g. plastic material, is used to fabricate the cradle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, there can be tendency for the iron head <NUM> to tilt backwardly, for example due to the weight of the hose cord <NUM>. A moment generated by the weight of the hose cord <NUM>, noting that the hose cord <NUM> can have a length that is equal to or greater than <NUM> meter, can be more than the weight of the iron head <NUM>, leading to backward tilting (illustrated by a curved arrow) of the iron head <NUM> when docked on the cradle <NUM>.

Due to the upper parts of the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM> extending towards each other, over the the resting platform <NUM>, to define the confined rear region <NUM>, the backwards tilting of the iron head <NUM> can be restricted by the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM> restrict the backwards tilting by the upper surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM> contacting the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM>.

Such tilting, even when restricted by the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM>, can risk that the soleplate <NUM> is exposed to a degree that creates a potential safety concern due to the possibility of the user accidentally touching the thus exposed soleplate <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cradle <NUM> accordingly includes at least one rear protruding portion <NUM>, <NUM> that protrudes from the resting platform <NUM> into the confined rear region <NUM>, in other words proximal to the rear end <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM>, and at least one front protruding portion <NUM> protruding from the resting platform <NUM> proximal to the front end <NUM>, with the at least one rear protruding portion <NUM>, <NUM> protruding further in height from the resting platform <NUM> than the at least one front protruding portion <NUM>.

The, e.g. each of the, at least one rear protruding portion <NUM>, <NUM> protruding further in height from the resting platform <NUM> than the front protruding portion(s) <NUM> can raise the rearward portion of the soleplate <NUM> relative to a front portion of the soleplate <NUM> when the iron head <NUM> is docked on the cradle <NUM>.

The thus created moment can serve to limit the spacing between the front end of the soleplate <NUM> and the resting platform <NUM>.

The risk of the user accidentally contacting the soleplate <NUM> due to the soleplate <NUM> being exposed by tilting of the iron head <NUM> docked on the cradle <NUM> is correspondingly reduced.

Moreover, by the cradle <NUM> comprising front and rear protruding portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that protrude from the resting platform <NUM> proximal to the front end <NUM> and proximal to the rear end <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM>, the soleplate <NUM> is elevated relative to the resting platform <NUM> proximal to both the front and rear ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>.

In this way, direct contact between the soleplate <NUM> and the resting platform <NUM> can be minimized or prevented, and hence the resting platform <NUM> need not itself be made from material capable of withstanding the high temperature of the soleplate <NUM>. A lower cost material can therefore be used for the resting platform <NUM> itself.

Referring to <FIG>, the rear protruding portion(s) <NUM>, <NUM> protruding further in height from the resting platform <NUM> than the front protruding portion(s) <NUM> can reduce a minimum distance D1 across a gap between the upper surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and each of the first lateral support member <NUM> and the second lateral support member <NUM> when the iron head <NUM> is docked on the cradle <NUM> with all of the front and rear protruding portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> being in contact with the soleplate <NUM>.

It is noted, for the avoidance of doubt, that <FIG> illustrate the iron head <NUM> when the soleplate <NUM> is in full contact with all of the front and rear protruding portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that protrude from the resting platform <NUM>, in other words before a possible backward tilting of the iron head <NUM>.

In this connection, the minimum distance D1 across the gap is larger in the case of the cradle <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, which does not include rear protruding portion(s) <NUM>, <NUM> protruding further in height from the resting platform <NUM> than front protruding portion(s) <NUM>, than in the case of the cradle <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. This is due to the latter including the rear protruding portion(s) <NUM>, <NUM> protruding further in height from the resting platform <NUM> than front protruding portion(s) <NUM>.

Preferably, a minimum distance D1 across the gap is in the range of [<NUM>; <NUM>] mm. Such a minimum distance D1 can provide a balance between constraining tilting of the docked iron head <NUM> with ensuring that docking of the iron head <NUM> on the cradle <NUM> is sufficiently easy for the user to implement.

It is reiterated that backwards tilting of the iron head <NUM> docked on the cradle <NUM> can be restricted, e.g. stopped, by the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, tilting of the iron head <NUM> relative to the resting platform <NUM> is constrained to less than <NUM> degrees, preferably to less than <NUM> degrees. This can assist to reduce the risk of the user accidentally contacting the soleplate <NUM> due to the soleplate <NUM> being exposed by tilting of the iron head <NUM> docked on the cradle <NUM>.

Such a maximum tilt angle can be directly and positively verified by measuring the angle between the respective planes of the surface of the resting platform <NUM> (from which surface the front and rear protruding portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> protrude), and the surface of the soleplate <NUM> when the docked iron head <NUM>, with the rear surface <NUM> against the back support member <NUM> and the soleplate <NUM> being in contact with each of the rear protruding portion(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, is backwardly tilted so that the upper surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM> contacts one or both of the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, and referring to <FIG>, a height difference HD measured between a highest point of the at least one rear protruding portion <NUM>, <NUM> and a highest point of the at least one front protruding portion <NUM> is in the range [<NUM>; <NUM>] mm.

A height difference HD larger than <NUM> can compromise ease of fitting of the iron head <NUM> onto the cradle <NUM>, while ensuring that the height difference HD is equal to or greater than <NUM> can assist to avoid excessive backwards tilting of the iron head <NUM> docked on the cradle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the at least one rear protruding portion <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a first rear protruding portion <NUM> protruding into the confined region <NUM> proximal to the left side, and a second rear protruding portion <NUM> protruding into the confined region <NUM> proximal to the right side. The first and second rear protruding portions <NUM>, <NUM> can assist to constrain tilting of the iron head <NUM> relative to the resting platform <NUM> at each side of the cradle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a central longitudinal axis LA extends between the rear end <NUM> and the front end <NUM> and bisects the resting platform <NUM>, with the first rear protruding portion <NUM> and the second rear protruding portion <NUM> being symmetrically arranged on respective sides of the central longitudinal axis LA. This can assist to ensure that the iron head <NUM> is balanced when docked on the cradle <NUM>.

According to the invention, at least one rear protruding portion <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a ramp <NUM>; <NUM> that inclines upwardly towards the rear end <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM> to a highest point of the at least one rear protruding portion <NUM>, <NUM>. The ramp <NUM>; <NUM> can assist the user to guide the iron head <NUM> onto the cradle <NUM>, and in particular can help the user to locate the rear surface <NUM> of the iron head <NUM> against the back support member <NUM>.

For example, the ramp <NUM>; <NUM>, e.g. in the form of one or more rails, inclines smoothly backwards towards the rear end <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM>.

In embodiments in which the at least one rear protruding portion <NUM>, <NUM> comprises the first rear protruding portion <NUM> and the second rear protruding portion <NUM>, the first rear protruding portion <NUM> can include a first ramp <NUM> that inclines upwardly towards the rear end <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM> to a highest point of the first rear protruding portion <NUM>, with the second rear protruding portion <NUM> including a second ramp <NUM> that inclines upwardly towards the rear end <NUM> of the resting platform <NUM> to a highest point of the second rear protruding portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the, e.g. each of the, at least one front protruding portion <NUM> is centrally positioned between the left side and the right side of the resting platform <NUM>. For example, the, e.g. each of the, at least one front protruding portion <NUM> is positioned along the longitudinal axis LA.

Such central positioning of the front protruding portion(s) <NUM> can assist in balancing the iron head <NUM> when docked on the cradle <NUM>.

In at least some embodiments, the at least one rear protruding portion <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the at least one front protruding portion <NUM> comprises a heat resistant material arranged to make contact with the soleplate <NUM>. In other words, at least the highest point of the rear protruding portion(s) <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the front protruding portion(s) is made of such a heat resistant material.

Any suitable heat resistant material can be used, for example a heat resistant elastomeric material, e.g. silicone rubber. Such a heat resistant elastomeric material can assist to minimize the risk of the soleplate <NUM> being scratched when the iron head <NUM> is being docked on the cradle <NUM>.

At this point it is noted that the cradle <NUM>, e.g. parts of the cradle <NUM> other than the rear and front protruding portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, can be made of any suitable mechanically robust material, such as an engineering thermoplastic.

The first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM> restricting the tilting of the iron head <NUM> can risk damage to, e.g. scratching of, the upper surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM>, particularly when the upper surface <NUM> makes contact with relatively sharp edges of the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM>. Such damage can, in particular, occur when the user docks the iron head <NUM> on the cradle <NUM> and removes the iron head <NUM> from the cradle <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, such a curving shape of the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM> can follow the profile of the upper surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM> so that the iron head <NUM> is a snug fit into the cradle <NUM>.

Accordingly in some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the first lateral support member <NUM> and the second lateral support member <NUM> curvedly extend over the resting platform <NUM> towards each other. This curving of the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM> can assist to reduce the risk of scratching of the upper surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM> by the first and second lateral support members <NUM>, <NUM>.

In such embodiments, a surface of the first lateral support member <NUM> that faces the resting platform <NUM> preferably curves, e.g. together with the first lateral support member <NUM> as a whole, over the resting platform <NUM> and towards the second lateral support member <NUM>, with a surface of the second lateral support member <NUM> that faces the resting platform <NUM> curving, e.g. together with the second lateral support member as a whole, over the resting platform <NUM> and towards the first lateral support member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cradle (<NUM>) for docking an iron head (<NUM>), the iron head having a soleplate (<NUM>) for treating garments, the cradle comprising:
- a resting platform (<NUM>) for supporting the soleplate thereon, the resting platform comprising a rear end (<NUM>) and a front end (<NUM>),
- a back support member (<NUM>) for a rear surface (<NUM>) of the iron head to rest thereagainst, the back support member projecting from the rear end of the resting platform,
- a first lateral support member (<NUM>) projecting from a left side of the resting platform,
- a second lateral support member (<NUM>) projecting from a right side of the resting platform, an upper part of the first lateral support member and an upper part of the second lateral support member extending towards each other to define, together with the back support member, a confined rear region (<NUM>) of the cradle for accommodating a rear part of the iron head,
- at least one rear protruding portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) protruding from the resting platform into the confined rear region, and
- at least one front protruding portion (<NUM>) protruding from the resting platform proximal to the front end, characterised in that the at least one rear protruding portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) protrudes further in height from the resting platform (<NUM>) than the at least one front protruding portion (<NUM>),
wherein the at least one rear protruding portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a ramp (<NUM>, <NUM>) that inclines upwardly towards the rear end (<NUM>) of the resting platform (<NUM>) to a highest point of the at least one rear protruding portion (<NUM>, <NUM>).