FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a garment steamer having a steamer head and a detachable docking unit for docking the steamer head.

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Garment steamers 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 garment steamer is a so-called stand garment steamer that comprises a base, which base houses a water reservoir and a steam generating unit. A steamer head (also called ironing device) is connected to the base by a flexible hose through which steam is delivered to the steamer head. The steamer head is provided with a steam plate, also known as a soleplate, delimiting one or more steam vents through which steam is discharged onto a fabric being treated.

The garment may be hung on a hanger during treatment by the garment steamer, with the user positioning the steamer head over the garment to remove creases.

Stand garment steamers tend to include a garment support feature and/or accessory, such as an ironing board or mat to assist the user to attain better and quicker de-wrinkling results. The ironing board is often mounted on a pole assembly.

In particular, such stand garment steamers can include a tiltable ironing board. Tilting of the ironing board enables garments to be orientated at different angles when being treated with steam. A horizontal orientation is often desired by the user because of the user being in the habit of ironing garments, especially long pants and formal shirts with long sleeves. When the user is not in the process of actively steaming a garment, user often wish to rest the steamer head on a docking unit, in other words a support device, by the side of the pole assembly or by the side of the ironing board.

Positioning such a docking unit so that the steamer head can be easily placed on and easily picked up from the docking unit can be challenging, particularly when the docking unit is to be conveniently used when the ironing board is tilted at different angular orientations, for example horizontal and vertical orientations.

EP 3926088 Al discloses a garment steamer having a base, a steamer head connected to the base via a hose, and a pole assembly connected to the base and extending upwards. A docking assembly is provided for docking the steamer head, with a support arm and a steamer head holder for releasably supporting the steamer head. A first pivoting coupling is provided between the support arm and the steamer head holder to enable rotary adjustment of the steamer head holder orientation, without any tool. The steamer head holder can be rotated to a desired position so that the steamer head faces away from the user.

EP 4026941 Al discloses a garment steamer comprising a pole assembly, an ironing board defining a surface and cooperating with the pole assembly to take a vertical orientation or a horizontal orientation, a steamer head for releasing steam, a holder for holding the steamer head, and a pivot coupling arranged between the ironing board and the holder. The pivot coupling comprises a first end attached to the ironing board and a second end attached to the holder. The holder is fixed relative to the second end. The pivot coupling has a rotation axis inclined by a first angle being in the range [+10; +65] degrees compared to the surface of the ironing board.

FR 3096992 Al discloses an apparatus for steaming laundry comprising a tool for ironing and/or smoothing a garment, at least one pole which supports an ironing board comprising a flat surface against which a garment to be ironed can be arranged for its treatment using the tool, and a support for placing the tool in a stable manner during the inactive phases of ironing and/or steaming.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to address one or more of the above-mentioned challenges. The invention is defined by the independent claim. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

To this end, the garment steamer of the present invention comprises: a base, a steamer head, a hose cord for connecting the base to the steamer head, a pole assembly comprising at least one pole, an ironing board mounted on the pole assembly, a docking unit for docking the steamer head during a non- active steaming period, a supporting arm having a first extremity for supporting the docking unit and a second extremity detachably connectable to the ironing board, the ironing board comprising a board coupling means allowing a translational relative movement between the supporting arm and the ironing board when the supporting arm is being attached to or detached from the board coupling means.

The supporting arm being detachably connectable to the ironing board may have various advantages. For example, this enables a more compact packaging of the garment steamer which in turn facilitate transportation and shipment. Alternatively or additionally, the capability to detach the supporting arm from the ironing board can enable the docking unit to be mounted elsewhere on the garment care device. The latter can assist the docking unit to be conveniently positioned for the user.

The translational relative movement is preferably parallel to the planar surface of the ironing board on which garments are arranged during treatment. This means that when the ironing board is oriented horizontally, the translational relative movement to connect and detach the supporting arm from the ironing board is an horizontal movement. This horizontal movement is considered to be more user-friendly than, for example, vertical, e.g. upwards or downwards, movement of the supporting arm in order for the supporting arm to connect to, or detach from, the ironing board.

The supporting arm has a dimension, e.g. a length dimension, that extends from the first extremity to the second extremity. The board coupling means can be regarded as defining a specific axis along which the translational relative movement is guided by the board coupling means during attachment of the supporting arm to or detachment of the supporting arm from the board coupling means.

In such embodiments, the dimension, e.g. length dimension, of the supporting arm is, for instance, aligned along the specific axis during the translational relative movement that attaches the supporting arm to or detaches the supporting arm from the board coupling means.

Alternatively or additionally, the board coupling means can comprise a snap-fit mechanism configured to secure the supporting arm in response to a defined point during the translational relative movement between the supporting arm and the ironing board being reached.

Since the arrangement of the docking unit enables the user to pick-up the steamer head in a pick-up direction at an angle to the horizontal along which the supporting arm translates to detach from the ironing board, the risk of unintentional detachment of the supporting arm from the ironing board when the user picks up the steamer head may be reduced.

The translational relative movement can be, for example, a sliding relative movement.

In some embodiments, the board coupling means comprises a board cavity opening-up on a periphery of the ironing board. The board cavity forms a hollow volume being adapted to receive the second extremity of the supporting arm.

The term “cavity” as used herein can be alternatively termed a “sheath” due to the cavity’s hollow volume that receives the second extremity of the supporting arm.

In some embodiments, the second extremity has an external surface. The board cavity is delimited by a wall having an internal surface.

The supporting arm can include top and bottom external surface portions that face in opposite directions relative to each other, a pair of side external surface portions that each extend between the top and bottom external surface portions, and a front external surface portion that extends between the top and bottom external surface portions and between the pair of side external surface portions at a front of the second extremity. In such embodiments, the hollow volume of the cavity may be delimited by an internal surface that contacts each of the top and bottom external surface portions, each of the pair of side external surface portions and the front external surface portion of the supporting arm when the supporting arm is secured to the board coupling means.

This may provide a relatively secure way of mounting the supporting arm, with concomitant reduction in wobbling of the docking unit during use.

In some embodiments, the external surface of the second extremity of the supporting arm has a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as said internal surface, for example with the cross-sectional shape being polygonal, e.g. substantially rectangular, square, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and so on.

Such a substantially polygonal shape can assist to avoid unwanted rotation of the supporting arm within the board cavity.

In other words, the board cavity and the second extremity are shaped such that the second extremity can be received in and engage with the internal surface of the board cavity.

Thus, the term “substantially the same” refers to the respective cross-sectional shapes of the internal surface and the external surface being sufficiently similar to enable the second extremity to be received in and engage with the internal surface of the board cavity.

The term “substantially the same” correspondingly encompasses the inclusion of surface features, such as protrusions and/or recesses, in one or both of the internal surface and the external surface provided that such surface features do not prevent the second extremity being received in and engaging with the internal surface of the board cavity.

In this connection, the internal surface of the wall delimiting the board cavity preferably comprises a plurality of linear protruding ribs.

Such plurality of linear protruding ribs can assist to engage and guide the second extremity into the board cavity whilst limiting a contact area between the external surface of the second extremity and the internal surface of the board cavity. The latter may help to minimise friction when connecting and detaching the supporting arm from the ironing board. Such protruding ribs can also help in terms of better controlling manufacturing tolerances compared to the scenario in which no protruding ribs are included.

The plurality of linear protruding ribs preferably each extend parallel to the axis along which the translational relative movement of the supporting arm connects to and detaches from the ironing board.

Alternatively or additionally, opposing portions of the internal surface of the board cavity can be provided with the protruding ribs.

Preferably, the ironing board extends longitudinally between a first extremity and a second extremity, and the board cavity opens-up at said first extremity and/or said second extremity. The first extremity preferably tapers towards a sharper end of the ironing board, which sharper end is opposite a broader end of the second extremity of the ironing board.

In at least some embodiments, the supporting arm comprises a flexible tongue with a protruding catch at the tongue’s extremity, and the wall delimiting the board cavity comprises a slot. The protruding catch is cooperable with the slot to lock the supporting arm in the board cavity.

The protruding catch and the slot form a snap-fit mechanism for locking/retaining the supporting arm in the board cavity. Such a snap-fit mechanism can provide a user-friendly way of connecting and detaching the supporting arm and the ironing board to and from each other.

Preferably, the flexible tongue and the protruding catch are arranged on a top surface of the supporting arm.

This makes it clearly visible for user when connecting and detaching the supporting arm and the ironing board to and from each other.

In some embodiments, the second extremity of the supporting arm is detachably connectable to the pole assembly via a pole assembly coupling means allowing a translational horizontal relative movement between the supporting arm and the pole assembly when the supporting arm is being attached to or detached from the pole assembly coupling means. In some embodiments, the pole assembly coupling means comprises a snap-fit mechanism configured to secure the supporting arm in response to a defined point during the translational horizontal relative movement between the supporting arm and the pole assembly being reached.

The supporting arm being detachably connectable to the pole assembly may have various advantages. For example, this enables a more compact packaging of the garment steamer which in turn facilitate transportation and shipment. Alternatively or additionally, the capability to detach the supporting arm from the pole assembly can enable the docking unit to be mounted elsewhere on the garment care device. The latter can assist the docking unit to be conveniently positioned for the user.

The translational horizontal relative movement to connect and detach the supporting arm from the pole assembly is considered to be more user-friendly than, for example, vertical, e.g. upwards or downwards, movement of the supporting arm in order for the supporting arm to connect to, or detach from, the pole assembly.

Since the arrangement of the docking unit enables the user to pick-up the steamer head in a pick-up direction at an angle to the horizontal along which the supporting arm translates to detach from the pole assembly, the risk of unintentional detachment of the supporting arm from the pole assembly when the user picks up the steamer head may be reduced.

The translational horizontal relative movement can be, for example, a horizontal sliding relative movement.

In some embodiments, the pole assembly coupling means comprises a first coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism comprises a first cavity arranged on the pole assembly, with the first cavity forming a hollow volume being adapted to receive the second extremity of the supporting arm.

In some embodiments, the pole assembly coupling means comprises a second coupling mechanism. The second coupling mechanism comprises a second cavity arranged on the pole assembly for receiving the second extremity of the supporting arm. In such embodiments, the second cavity forms a hollow volume being adapted to receive the second extremity of the supporting arm. The second cavity is preferably arranged at 180 degrees compared to said first cavity.

Thus, the supporting arm can be connected to opposite sides of the pole assembly. In this manner, the garment steamer can be comfortably used by both right-handed and left-handed users.

In some embodiments, the first cavity is delimited by a first wall having a first internal surface, and the external surface of the second extremity has a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as said first internal surface, for example with the cross-sectional shape of the external surface and the cross-sectional shape of the first internal surface being both polygonal, such as rectangular, square, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and so on, as described above in relation to the board cavity.

In other words, the first cavity and the second extremity of the supporting arm are shaped such that the second extremity can be received in and engage with the first internal surface of the first cavity.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the second cavity is delimited by a second wall having a second internal surface, and the external surface of the second extremity has a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as said second internal surface, for example with the cross-sectional shape of the external surface and the cross-sectional shape of the first internal surface being both polygonal, such as rectangular, square, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and so on, as described above in relation to the first cavity.

In other words, the second cavity and the second extremity of the supporting arm are shaped such that the second extremity can be received in and engage with the second internal surface of the second cavity.

In some embodiments, the first wall comprises a first slot, and the protruding catch is cooperable with the first slot to lock the supporting arm in the first cavity.

The protruding catch and the first slot form a snap-fit mechanism for locking/retaining the supporting arm in the first cavity. Such a snap-fit mechanism can provide a user-friendly way of connecting and detaching the supporting arm and the pole assembly to and from each other.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the second wall comprises a second slot, and the protruding catch is cooperable with the second slot to lock the supporting arm in the second cavity. The protruding catch and the second slot form a snap-fit mechanism for locking/retaining the supporting arm in the second cavity. Such a snap-fit mechanism can provide a user-friendly way of connecting and detaching the supporting arm and the pole assembly to and from each other.

The same design of snap-fit mechanism can be used to detachably connect the supporting arm to the ironing board as that used to detachably connect the supporting arm to the pole assembly. This may provide a consistent engagement method at the pole assembly and the ironing board locations of the garment steamer. This may further increase the user-friendliness of the garment steamer.

In some embodiments, the first internal surface comprises a first plurality of linear protruding ribs.

Such first plurality of linear protruding ribs can assist to engage and guide the second extremity into the first cavity whilst limiting a contact area between the external surface of the second extremity and the first internal surface of the first cavity. The latter may help to minimise friction when connecting and detaching the supporting arm from the pole assembly. Such protruding ribs can also help in terms of better controlling manufacturing tolerances compared to the scenario in which no protruding ribs are included.

The first plurality of linear protruding ribs preferably each extend parallel to the axis along which the translational relative movement of the supporting arm connects to and detaches from the pole assembly.

Alternatively or additionally, opposing portions of the first internal surface can be provided with the protruding ribs.

This can assist to minimise wobbling of the supporting arm as the supporting arm is being inserted into the first cavity. Thus, the user is given an assurance of stability and quality of the supporting arm.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the second internal surface comprises a second plurality of linear protruding ribs. The second plurality of linear protruding ribs do have similar benefits as the first plurality of linear protruding ribs mentioned above.

In some embodiments, the first cavity is arranged at a first side of the pole assembly, and the second cavity is arranged at a second side of the pole assembly opposite to the first side, with the first and second cavities opening out in opposite directions relative to and from each other.

Preferably, the second cavity is structurally identical to the first cavity.

This allows the supporting arm to be easily attachable to the first cavity or the second cavity arranged on either side of the pole assembly because the same connecting/detaching protocol is used for inserting the second extremity of the supporting arm into/removing the second extremity from each of the first and second cavities.

In some embodiments, the docking unit is detachably mounted on the first extremity of the supporting arm by a coupling allowing the docking unit to be detached and re-attached in two angular directions being 180 degrees for each other.

This enables the docking unit to be rotated 180 degrees when the supporting arm is changed from the left side to the right side of the pole assembly, and vice versa, so that the docking unit can always be facing the most convenient direction for proper docking by user of the steamer head.

Preferably, the docking unit comprises a support plate for supporting the steamer head from underneath.

For example, a steam plate of the steamer head, which steam plate delimits at least one steam vent, is restable on the support plate.

Preferably, the support plate is tilted compared to the horizontal plane with an angle in the range 30-70 degrees.

This allows a convenient orientation of the steamer head when the steamer head is docked or undocked from the docking unit.

Preferably, the support plate comprises a side support member extending from a peripheral portion of support plate to laterally support the steamer head.

This allows a firm a stable docking of the steamer head in the docking unit. Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.1 depicts a garment steamer according to an example,

Fig.lA depicts a three-dimensional view of the garment steamer of Fig.l,

Fig.2 depicts a supporting arm, docking unit and steamer head of the garment steamer shown in Fig.l,

Fig.3 depicts part of a pole assembly coupling means by which the supporting arm is detachably coupled to a pole assembly of the garment steamer shown in Fig.l,

Fig.3A depicts a zoom-in view of Fig.3,

Fig.4 depicts another part of the pole assembly coupling means by which the supporting arm is detachably coupled,

Fig.4A depicts is a zoomed-in view of the supporting arm and a mounting portion of the docking unit according to the invention,

Fig.4B depicts a lateral view of the supporting arm and the docking unit according to the invention,

Fig.4C depicts is zoomed-in cross-sectional view of the coupling between the supporting arm and a mounting portion of the docking unit according to the invention,

Fig.5 depicts the steamer head in a first orientation in which the body of the steamer head substantially extends perpendicular to the supporting arm, for coupling the supporting arm to the pole assembly,

Fig.5 A depicts the steamer head in a second orientation being rotated by 180 degrees from the first orientation,

Fig.6 depicts a translational movement for coupling the supporting arm to an ironing board included in the garment steamer shown in Fig.l,

Fig.7 provides another view of the ironing board of the garment steamer shown in Fig-1,

Fig.8 depicts a board coupling means by which the supporting arm is detachably coupled to the ironing board of the garment steamer shown in Fig.l, and

Fig.9 provides another view of part of the board coupling means shown in Fig.8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig.l and Fig.lA depicts a garment care device 100 according to an example. The garment care device 100 comprises a base 102 and a steamer head 104. A hose cord 106 connects the base 102 to the steamer head 104.

At least one steam vent is provided in the steamer head 104, and in particular in a steam plate of the steamer head 104, for releasing steam to a garment to be treated.

The base 102 preferably comprises a water tank (not visible in the Figures). The water tank stores water used to generate steam. To this end, the garment care device 100 further comprises a steam generator (also not visible in the Figures) to which the water stored in the water tank is supplied.

In some embodiments, the steam generator is included in the base 102, and the steam generated by the steam generator is supplied to the steamer head 104 via the hose cord 106.

In such embodiments, the steamer head 104 preferably includes a steam heater (not visible in the Figures) arranged to re-heat the steam received from the steam generator, prior to the steam exiting the steamer head 104 via the at least one steam vent. The steam heater may assist to minimise the risk of spitting water droplets onto the garment being treated.

The garment care device 100 comprises a pole assembly 108. The pole assembly 108 preferably supports an ironing board 140. To this end, the pole assembly 108 comprises at least one pole. The pole assembly can be regarded, in other words, as a support assembly whose purpose is to support an ironing surface against which the garment being treated can be placed.

Thus, the garment care device 100 shown in Fig.l and Fig.lA can be regarded as a stand steamer.

The pole assembly 108 can be made of any suitable material, such as a metal or metal alloy, and/or an engineering thermoplastic. The ironing board 140 is preferably tiltable between a vertical orientation, as shown in Fig.l, and a horizontal orientation, as shown in Fig.l A. For example, the vertical orientation can be used for steaming hanging garments, and the horizontal orientation can be used for ironing.

The garment care device 100 comprises a docking unit 110 for docking the steamer head 104. The steamer head 104 can be docked in, in other words supported by, the docking unit 110 while the steamer head 104 is not being held by the user, in other words during a non-active steaming period.

It is noted that the docking unit 110 and the ironing board 140 can be made of any suitable mechanically robust material, such as an engineering thermoplastic.

With reference to Figs.2 and 6, the docking unit 110 preferably comprises a support plate 111 A arranged to support the steamer head 104 from underneath, and a side support member 11 IB extending from a peripheral portion of the support plate 111A to laterally support the steamer head 104.

The support plate 111A is preferably arranged such that the steamer head 104 is supported by the docking unit 110 at an angle relative to the horizontal plane. This can assist the user in easily picking up the steamer head 104 and easily returning the steamer head 104 to the docking unit 110.

Preferably, the support plate 111A is tilted compared to the horizontal plane with an angle in the range 30-70 degrees.

The side support member 11 IB can assist to retain the steamer head 104 on the docking unit 110 in spite of the support plate 111 A being angled relative to the horizontal.

The support plate 111A preferably comprises a surface comprising a thermally insulating material on which the steam plate of the steamer head 104 can rest.

The garment care device 100 further comprises a supporting arm 112 for supporting the docking unit 110. In the configuration shown in Fig.l, the docking unit 110 is connected to the pole assembly 108 via the supporting arm 112. Referring to Fig.2, the supporting arm 112 comprises a first extremity 114. The docking unit 110 is coupled to the supporting arm 112 at the first extremity 114.

In some embodiments, the docking unit 110 is detachably mounted on the first extremity 114 of the supporting arm 112 by a coupling allowing the docking unit 110 to be detached and reattached in two angular directions being 180 degrees for each other.

The docking unit 110 can thus be orientated such that it always faces the most convenient direction for proper docking of the steamer head 104 by user, whether the supporting arm 112 is attached to a cavity on the right side or to a cavity on the left side of pole assembly 108.

For example, Fig.5 depicts the steamer head 104 in a first orientation in which the body of the steamer head substantially extends perpendicular to the supporting arm 112 (the supporting arm 112 being received inside the first cavity 118A), while Fig.5A depicts the steamer head 104 in a second orientation being rotated by 180 degrees from the first orientation (the supporting arm 112 being received inside the second cavity 118B).

The detachable coupling of the docking unit 110 to the supporting arm 112 at the first extremity 114 can be implemented in any suitable manner.

For example, and referring to Figs.2 and 4, a protrusion 115A protruding from the first extremity 114 of the supporting arm 112 is releasably received within, and engages, a recess defined in a mounting portion 115B of the docking unit 110. The mounting portion 115B in this non- limiting example extends from an underside of the support plate 111A. The mounting portion 115B has a cylindrical symmetry, so that its rotation by 180 degrees still makes it possible the coupling between the mounting portion 115B and the protrusion 115A.

Fig.4A depicts is a zoomed-in view of the supporting arm 112 and the mounting portion 115B of the docking unit 110 according to the invention, while Fig.4B depicts a lateral view of the supporting arm and the docking unit according to the invention,

Fig.4C depicts a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of the coupling between the supporting arm and the mounting portion 115B of the docking unit 110 according to the invention.

The docking unit 110 is for example detachably mounted to the supporting arm 112 via a “pin and hole” mechanism. When the button 117 is actuated by the user (the button 117 being spring-loaded by a spring 121), the pin 119 (which moves together with the button 117) retracts from the hole 120 formed in the mounting portion 115B, and the mounting portion 115B of the docking unit 110 can thus be detached from the protrusion 115A of the supporting arm 112. When the button is released by the user, the force exerted by the spring causes the pin 119 to extend into the hole 120 and thus lock the docking unit in place on the supporting arm 112.

Referring to Figs.l and 2, a second extremity 116 of the supporting arm 112 is detachably connectable to the pole assembly 108.

The supporting arm 112 being detachably connectable to the pole assembly 108 may have various advantages. For example, this enables detachment of the docking unit 110 so that the garment steamer 100 is easier to store after use. Alternatively or additionally, the capability to detach the supporting arm 112 from the pole assembly 108 can enable the docking unit 110 to be mounted elsewhere on the garment care device 100, as will be described in more detail herein below. The latter can assist the docking unit 110 to be conveniently positioned for the user, for instance according to the orientation of the ironing board 140, e.g. the horizontal or vertical orientation.

The second extremity 116 is detachably connectable to the pole assembly 108 via a pole assembly coupling means allowing a translational horizontal relative movement between the supporting arm 112 and the pole assembly 108 when the supporting arm is being attached to or detached from the pole assembly coupling means.

Such translational horizontal relative movement is considered to be more user-friendly than, for example, vertical, e.g. upwards or downwards, movement of the supporting arm 112 in order for the supporting arm 112 to connect to, or detach from, the pole assembly 108.

As best shown in Figs.l, 4 and 5, the supporting arm 112 has a dimension, e.g. a length dimension, that extends from the first extremity 114 to the second extremity 116, with the pole assembly coupling means defining a specific axis HA along which the translational horizontal relative movement is required to take place to attach the supporting arm 112 to and detach the supporting arm 112 from the pole assembly coupling means. In such embodiments, the dimension, e.g. length dimension, of the supporting arm 112 is aligned along the specific axis HA during the translational horizontal relative movement to attach the supporting arm 112 to and detach the supporting arm 112 from the pole assembly coupling means.

Since the arrangement of the docking unit 110 enables the user to pick-up the steamer head 104 in a direction PD at an angle to the horizontal along which the supporting arm 112 translates to detach from the pole assembly 108, the risk of unintentional detachment of the supporting arm 112 from the pole assembly 108 when the user picks up the steamer head 104 is reduced. In other words, the steamer head pick-up direction PD is not parallel to the direction of translational horizontal relative movement along which the supporting arm translates to detach from the pole assembly.

The axis HA along which the horizontal relative movement (i.e. horizontal translation) takes place is shown in Fig.l, when the garment steamer 100 is orientated for use. Irrespective of whether the garment steamer 100 is orientated for use where the ironing board 140 is oriented vertically as shown in Fig 1 or the ironing board is not in vertical orientation for example horizontal or tilted at an angle, in at least some embodiments, the axis HA extends transverse, e.g. perpendicular, to a longitudinal direction LD of the ironing surface.

Axis HA is the direction of the translational horizontal relative movement. The pick-up direction PD is at an angle to the axis HA along which the translational horizontal relative movement is allowed by the pole assembly coupling means. The pick-up direction PD is not parallel to HA so that it will not accidentally detach the supporting arm while picking up the steamer head.

In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figs.3 and 5, the pole assembly coupling means comprises a first coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism comprises a first cavity 118A arranged on/at the pole assembly 108, with the first cavity 118A forming a hollow volume being adapted to receive the second extremity 116 of the supporting arm 112.

Referring to Fig.2, the second extremity 116 of the supporting arm 112 has an external surface 120. As shown in Fig.3, the first cavity 118A is delimited by a first wall 122A having a first internal surface 124A. In such embodiments, the external surface 120 preferably has a cross- sectional shape substantially the same as the first internal surface 124A. In other words, the first cavity 118A and the second extremity 116 are shaped such that the second extremity 116 can be received in and engage with the first internal surface 124 A.

Thus, the term “substantially the same” refers to the respective cross-sectional shapes of the first internal surface 124A and the external surface 120 being sufficiently similar to enable the second extremity 116 to be received in and engage with the first internal surface 124A of the first cavity 118A.

The term “substantially the same” correspondingly encompasses the inclusion of surface features, such as protrusions and/or recesses, in one or both of the first internal surface 124A and the external surface 120 provided that such surface features do not prevent the second extremity 116 being received in and engaging with the first internal surface 124A of the first cavity 118A.

In this connection, and as best shown in Fig.3A depicting a zoom-in view of Fig.3, the first internal surface 124A of the first wall 122A delimiting the first cavity 118A preferably comprises a first plurality of linear protruding ribs 126A.

Such first plurality of linear protruding ribs 126 A can assist to engage and guide the second extremity 116 into the first cavity 118A whilst limiting a contact area between the external surface 120 of the second extremity 116 and the first internal surface 124A of the first cavity 118A. The latter may help to minimise friction when connecting and detaching the supporting arm 112 from the pole assembly 108. Such first plurality of linear protruding ribs 126A can also help in terms of better controlling manufacturing tolerances compared to the scenario in which no protruding ribs 126A would be included.

The first plurality of linear protruding ribs 126 A preferably each extend parallel to the axis HA.

Alternatively or additionally, opposing portions of the first internal surface 124A of the first cavity 118A can be provided with the protruding ribs 126 A. This can assist to minimise wobbling of the supporting arm 112 as the second extremity 116 is being inserted into the first cavity 118A. Thus, the user is given an assurance of stability and firm connection of the supporting arm 112.

In at least some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the external surface 120 and the cross-sectional shape of the first internal surface 124A of the first wall 122A delimiting the first cavity 118A are both substantially rectangular.

Such a substantially rectangular shape may assist to avoid unwanted rotation of the supporting arm 112 within the first cavity 118A. However, other polygonal cross-sectional shapes, such as square, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and so on, can also be contemplated for this purpose.

In at least some embodiments, the supporting arm 112 comprises a flexible tongue 130 with a protruding catch 132 at the tongue’s extremity. The first wall 122A comprises a first slot 134A, the protruding catch being cooperable with the first slot to lock the supporting arm in the first cavity. Preferably, the flexible tongue 130 and the protruding catch 132 are arranged on a top surface of the supporting arm 112.

The protruding catch and the first slot forms a snap-fit mechanism for locking/retaining the supporting arm in the first cavity. An example of this is best shown in Figs.2 to 5.

When the supporting arm 112 is being translated along the axis HA in order to be received in the first cavity 118A, the protruding catch 132 initially contacts the first wall 122A whose first internal surface 124A delimits the first cavity 118A so as to cause the tongue 130 to flex and allow the second extremity 116 to be received in the first cavity 118A. Upon subsequent advancement along the axis HA, the protruding catch 132 reaches alignment with the first slot 134A and at this point the resilience of the tongue 130 causes the protruding catch 132 to locate into the first slot 134A, thereby locking the supporting arm 112 in the first cavity 118A.

As shown in Fig.8, a button 135 is arranged between the first and second extremities 114, 116. The button 135 is arranged on the tongue 130 distal to the protruding catch 132. The button 135, the tongue 130 and the protruding catch 132 are arranged on the top surface of the supporting arm 112 such that the button is plainly visible to the user when the docking unit 110 is connected to the pole assembly 108 via the supporting arm 112. This greatly improved the user friendliness when detaching the supporting arm 112 from pole assembly 108. When the user wishes to detach the supporting arm 112 from the pole assembly 108, the user may depress the button 135, for example with a finger, to cause the tongue 130 to flex and bring the protruding catch 132 out of the first slot 134A, whereupon the supporting arm 112 can be withdrawn from the first cavity 118A along the axis HA.

This may assist in making the user intuitively aware of how to release the snap-fit mechanism.

In some embodiments, and referring to Fig.5, the pole assembly coupling means comprises a second coupling mechanism. The second coupling mechanism comprises a second cavity 118B arranged on the pole assembly 108 for receiving the second extremity 116 of the supporting arm 112. In such embodiments, the second cavity 118B forms a hollow volume being adapted to receive the second extremity 116 of the supporting arm 112.

The second cavity 118B is preferably arranged at 180 degrees compared to said first cavity 118A. Thus, the supporting arm 112 can be connected to opposite sides of the pole assembly 108. In this manner, the garment steamer 100 can be comfortably used by both right-handed and left-handed users.

In some embodiments, and as best shown in Fig.5, the first cavity 118A is arranged at a first side SI of the pole assembly 108, and the second cavity 118B is arranged at a second side S2 of the pole assembly 108 being opposite to the first side SI, with the first and second cavities 118A, 118B opening out in opposite directions relative to each other.

The second cavity 118B is preferably delimited by a second wall 122B having a second internal surface 124B. In such embodiments, the external surface 120 of the second extremity 116 of the supporting arm 112 has a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as the second internal surface 124B, for example with the cross-sectional shape being both polygonal, e.g. substantially rectangular, as described above in relation to the first cavity 118A.

The second internal surface preferably comprises a second plurality of linear protruding ribs, as also described above in relation to the first cavity 118A. In at least some embodiments, the second wall 122B comprises a second slot 134B, and the protruding catch 132 is cooperable with the second slot to lock the supporting arm in the second cavity.

The protruding catch 132 and the second slot 134B form a snap-fit mechanism for locking/retaining the supporting arm in the second cavity, similarly as described above in respect of the first cavity 118A.

In some embodiments, the second cavity 118B is structurally identical to the first cavity 118A. This allows the supporting arm 112 to be easily attachable to the first cavity 118A or the second cavity 118B arranged on either side SI, S2 of the pole assembly because the same connecting/detaching protocol is used for inserting the second extremity 116 of the supporting arm into/removing the second extremity 116 from each of the first and second cavities 118A, 118B.

In some embodiments, and referring to Figs.6 to 9, the ironing board 140 comprises a board coupling means allowing a translational relative movement between the supporting arm and the ironing board.

The board coupling means defines a further specific axis along which the translational relative movement is required to take place, in other words guided by the board coupling means, during attachment of the supporting arm 112 to and detachment of the supporting arm 112 from the board coupling means.

In such embodiments, the dimension, e.g. length dimension, of the supporting arm 112 is aligned along the further specific axis during the translational relative movement to attach the supporting arm 112 to and detach the supporting arm 112 from the board coupling means.

The translational relative movement is preferably parallel to the planar surface of the ironing board on which garments are arranged during treatment. The board coupling means comprises a board cavity 118C opening-up on a periphery of the ironing board. The board cavity forms a hollow volume being adapted to receive the second extremity 116 of the supporting arm 112.

The board cavity 118C is delimited by a wall 122C having an internal surface 124C. The internal surface 124C has a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as the external surface substantially rectangular, as described above in relation to the first cavity 118A and the second cavity 118B.

As best shown in Fig.9, the internal surface 124C preferably comprises a plurality of linear protruding ribs 126C, as similarly described above in relation to the first cavity 118A and the second cavity 118B.

In at least some embodiments, a slot 134C is arranged in the wall 122C delimiting the board cavity 118C, with the above-described protruding catch 132 being cooperable with the slot 134C to lock the supporting arm 112 in the board cavity 118C. Thus, the same design of snap- fit mechanism can be used to detachably connect the supporting arm 112 to the ironing board 140 as that used to detachably connect the supporting arm 112 to the pole assembly 108.

This may provide a consistent engagement method at the pole assembly 108 and the ironing board 140 locations of the garment steamer 100. This may further increase the user-friendliness of the garment steamer 100.

In some embodiments, the ironing board 140 extends longitudinally between a first extremity 142 and a second extremity 144, with the board cavity 118C opening-up at said first extremity and/or said second extremity.

The first extremity 142 preferably tapers towards a sharper end 146 of the ironing board 140, which may correspond to the tip of the ironing board.

The sharper end 146 is opposite a broader end 148 of the second extremity 144 of the ironing board 140, which may correspond to the shoulder of the ironing board.

In the various figures, the board cavity 118C opens-up at the broader end 148.

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