Steamers Patents (Class 68/222)
  • Patent number: 11761145
    Abstract: A pressing appliance including a body including a handle and a steam emission head connected to the handle, the steam emission head including a treatment face configured to come into contact with the garment to be pressed, the treatment face having at least one steam outlet orifice and one heatable surface configured to contact the garment, wherein the treatment face includes a textile treatment surface extending over the entire periphery of the heatable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventors: Mathilde Sibeaud, Olivier Moine, Victor Perbet
  • Patent number: 11713542
    Abstract: An ironing panel and an ironing device are related to clothes ironing appliances. The temperature distribution of existing ironing panels is non-uniform during ironing. The ironing panel of the invention comprises a panel body provided with a patch having a patch ironing surface, the patch ironing surface and a main ironing surface are continuous to form a complete ironing surface, and a gap is reserved between the patch and the panel body to form a heat homogenizing cavity. When the ironing panel works, an electric heater transfers heat to the panel body, the main ironing surface away from the electric heater is maintained at a low temperature, and heat from the electric heater is indirectly transferred to the patch ironing surface via the main ironing surface and the heat homogenizing cavity rather than being directly transferred to the patch ironing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO KAIBO INIELLIGENT IRONING ELECTRIC APPLIANCE MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiebo Yan
  • Patent number: 11387669
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for providing power to a plurality of dispensers. For example, a supply coupler, such as an alternating current to direct current power converter, is coupled to an energy storage component and/or a load coupler of a power distribution apparatus. The supply coupler provides power over the load coupler to one or more dispensers for operation. The supply coupler provides power to the energy storage component for energy storage. Responsive to a load on the power distribution apparatus exceeding a supply current of the power provided by the supply coupler (e.g., multiple dispensers may attempt to perform concurrent dispense events), the energy storage component may discharge energy to provide additional power to one or more dispensers to facilitate concurrent dispense events. Because the power distribution apparatus may connect to multiple dispensers, a cord management device may be used for power cord management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jackson William Wegelin
  • Patent number: 11383210
    Abstract: A washing machine that includes a cabinet; an outer basket in the cabinet and configured to accommodate wash water; an inner basket in the outer basket and configured to accommodate laundry; a water supply valve unit in the cabinet and connected to an external water supply source, configured to receive wash water; and a micro-bubble generator configured to receive the wash water from the water supply valve unit, generate micro-bubbles, and supply the micro-bubbles to a washing space. The micro-bubble generator includes a dissolving unit configured to mix or dissolve gas into the wash water from the water supply valve unit. The dissolving unit includes: a water supply line connection connected indirectly to the water supply valve unit, configured to introduce the wash water; a supply hole providing a path in which gas is introduced into a dissolution space; and a dissolved water drain portion discharging the wash water in which gas is mixed or dissolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ui Kun Hwang, Man Ki Kim, Jae Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 11293131
    Abstract: A major appliance such as a laundry washing machine, a dryer, a cooking appliance or a dishwasher includes an internal steam generator fluidly coupled to a hand held steam accessory that is configured to be manually operated to perform a steaming operation external to the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher Hoppe, Daniel Trice
  • Patent number: 10907300
    Abstract: A portable steamer for use with an external container includes a steamer housing, a steam generator, an ironing arrangement, and engagement arrangement and a pumping device. The ironing arrangement includes an ironing head mounted on the steamer housing. The engagement arrangement is provided on a water inlet of the steamer housing for selectively engaging with the external container. The pumping device is provided in the steamer housing for pumping water from the external container to the steam generator. The steam generator is arranged to deliver steam to a steam outlet of the steamer housing while at the same time the ironing head is arranged to be utilized for flattening fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventors: Lin Yang, Hai Yang
  • Patent number: 10689795
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ironing head with an auxiliary accessory, which overcomes the defects of complicated disassembling and assembling operations caused by split configuration of an auxiliary accessory and a main body, the tendency to lose the auxiliary accessory, and the tendency to scald hands. The main body is provided with a neck adjacent to an ironing panel; the auxiliary accessory is movably sleeved on the neck to move back and forth on the neck; and lock-up structures for positioning the auxiliary accessory at the working position are disposed between the auxiliary accessory and the main body. The auxiliary accessory works near the ironing panel. The auxiliary accessory is bound with the machine body. During use, the service mode is changed only by changing the position of the auxiliary accessory. The configuration method of the auxiliary accessory ensures no contact with the ironing panel during movement, avoiding scalding of the hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: NINGBO KAIBO GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiebo Yan, Huomu Lin
  • Patent number: 10094059
    Abstract: A garment cleaning appliance comprises a housing (1) having a chamber (2) to receive garments to be cleaned, and a steam generator (6) for supplying steam to the chamber (2) to clean the garments in the chamber (2). The appliance also includes a condensing element (9) arranged to condense the steam such that condensate is directed onto the garments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Yanyan Wang, Yong Jiang, Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8966943
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus (100) includes a cabinet (10) comprising accommodating space (12) receiving laundry (1), a hot air supply device (22) supplying hot air to the accommodating space (12), a steam generating device (30) supplying steam to the accommodating space (12), a water supply part (60) rotatably provided in a predetermined portion of the cabinet (10), the water supply part (60) receiving water supplied to the steam generating device (30), and a water supply unit (80) allowing water to be supplied to the steam generating device (30) from the water supply part (60) as the water supply part is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Gyu Ryu, Chang Gyu Choi, Hye Yong Park, Jung Wook Moon, Kwang Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8893410
    Abstract: Appliances, methods and systems in which steam can be applied to a fabric and a heated surface can be used to press and/or dry the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Ognjen Vrdoljak, James Russell Varney, Mark Rosenzweig, Peggy Lam
  • Patent number: 8857228
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating steam comprised of a water reservoir chamber for holding a source of water, a steam chamber and a vertical partition there between. A water communication port is located at a vertical height within the vertical partition. The water communication port allows the source of water to pass from the water reservoir chamber to the steam chamber. A pair of electrodes is located in the steam chamber, the electrodes arranged to provide an electric current through water fed to the steam chamber. The vertical height determines a set level of water contacting the electrodes as the source of water is fed from the reservoir chamber to the steam chamber. Water feeding occurs as gas in the steam chamber is passed through the water communication port at periodic intervals and replaced by the source of water in the reservoir chamber to equalize pressure difference between the two chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: IWD Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, David R. McCloskey
  • Patent number: 8806786
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steamer head for a garment steamer comprising a main body (2) with a front end (8), a steam outlet (11) and an air inlet (25) formed in the front end (8). A suction force is applied to draw air through the air inlet (25) so that a fabric of a garment disposed proximate the front end (8) is drawn against the front end (8) by the suction force. Further, steam is applied to the fabric of a garment through the steam outlet (11). The front end (8) of the main body (2) comprises first and second surfaces (10, 2). The steam outlet (11) is formed in the first surface (10) and the air inlet (25) is formed in the second surface (12), so that the fabric is drawn against the second surface (12) and steam is applied to the fabric at the first surface (10). The first and second surfaces (10, 12) together forma convex surface. The present invention also relates to a garment steamer comprising a 10 steamer head and a method of removing creases from a garment using a garment steamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Yong Jiang, Sahil Wadhwa, Christianus Martinus Van Heesch
  • Patent number: 8621892
    Abstract: A cloth treating apparatus is disclosed, including a cabinet having a housing space for housing cloth, a water supply unit for supplying steam to the housing space selectively, and a water spray unit movably provided to one side of the cabinet to be connected to the water supply unit selectively for supplying the steam from the water supply unit to the cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Taechul Moon, Kayeon Kim, Ayeong Lee, Sogkie Hong, Junghwan Lee
  • Publication number: 20130276485
    Abstract: A garment steamer has a housing with a reservoir and a boiler for converting water to steam. The housing includes a normally closed valve in a flow path between the reservoir and the boiler. A removable fill plug in a fill opening or inlet of the reservoir is configured to engage the valve to permit water to be communicated from the reservoir via an outlet to the boiler for conversion into steam. The plug-actuated valve isolates the boiler from the reservoir when the plug is removed, providing safer refilling when the boiler is hot. The garment steamer also includes a steam discharge head coupled by a hose to the housing and configured to direct steam onto a garment or similar item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Peggy Lam, Eric Wall, Kim Chun Chiu
  • Patent number: 8555533
    Abstract: A steam brush of the present invention, it relates to a household appliance equipped with an electric heater. The steam brush of the present invention, the inside of its housing is disposed with a water tank, a water pump and an electric heating plate, a switch disposed on said housing is respectively connected to the external power line and the electric heating plate; wherein said housing is cylinder-shaped, a steam outlet surface is disposed on the top surface of said housing; a base seat detachably supports said housing. The steam outlet surface of the steam brush can be far away from the desktop, so it is relatively safe. Said steam brush can expand its functions, which can be applied as indoor humidifier, electric iron or cosmetic tool for facial steaming, it is multi-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Chien Lin, Chih-hwa Lee, Chien-Chih Pan
  • Publication number: 20130219758
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steamer head for a garment steamer comprising a main body (2) with a front end (8), a steam outlet (11) and an air inlet (25) formed in the front end (8). A suction force is applied to draw air through the air inlet (25) so that a fabric of a garment disposed proximate the front end (8) is drawn against the front end (8) by the suction force. Further, steam is applied to the fabric of a garment through the steam outlet (11). The front end (8) of the main body (2) comprises first and second surfaces (10, 2). The steam outlet (11) is formed in the first surface (10) and the air inlet (25) is formed in the second surface (12), so that the fabric is drawn against the second surface (12) and steam is applied to the fabric at the first surface (10). The first and second surfaces (10, 12) together forma convex surface. The present invention also relates to a garment steamer comprising a 10 steamer head and a method of removing creases from a garment using a garment steamer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Yong Jiang, Sahil Wadhwa, Christianus Martinus Van Heesch
  • Patent number: 8510909
    Abstract: Electrical household appliance comprising a base (1) for the generation of steam, having a liquid tank (6) mounted removably on a receiving socket (10) and having a steam generator located outside of said tank (6), the steam generator being supplied by gravity by a supply line from the tank (6) and having a steam outlet through which the steam can escape towards a work tool, such as a crease-removing brush, said supply line comprising an inlet orifice located on the receiving socket (10), and said tank (6) comprising a closed enclosure (61) having only one outlet orifice (52) which connects the said inlet orifice when the tank is placed on the receiving socket (10), which appliance is characterized in that said tank (6) connects leaktightly onto said receiving socket (10) and in that said appliance has a vent line admitting air to the outlet orifice (52) of the tank, said vent line having one end connected to the exterior which is higher than the outlet orifice (52) of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Rowenta Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Dierk Spatz, Martin Krebs, Matthias Hahn
  • Patent number: 8485003
    Abstract: Steam wrinkle-removing appliance including a steam-producing base in which the steam can freely flow out through a hose to a wrinkle-removing tool such as a steam brush, characterized in that the hose is connected to the base by a swivel connector fitted into an adapted housing of the base and in that the steam tightness of the swivel connector is ensured by at least one circular rib (122A, 124) borne by the housing or by the connector, the circular rib (122A, 124) being fitted into a corresponding circular groove (80, 81), respectively provided in the connector or the housing, the width of the groove (80, 81) being slightly greater than the width of the rib so as to result in a gap allowing the connector to rotate freely in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rowenta Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Krebs, Jürgen Wenzlaw
  • Patent number: 8464562
    Abstract: An apparatus for steaming a garment comprising an expandable enclosure having a wall circumscribing a hollow space therein, the hollow space accessible through a re-closeable opening in the wall. A clothes hanging element and stretch element contained within the hollow space, the clothes hanging element for holding the garment and the stretch element for stretching the garment. A steam generator connected to provide steam to the hollow space. The steam generator has a water reservoir chamber and a steam chamber with a partition there between. At least one pair of electrodes is arranged within the steam chamber to provide an electric current that resistively heats a source of water to create steam. A water communication port in the partition allows water to pass from the water reservoir chamber to the steam chamber in a manner that self-regulates the amount of steam generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Michael G. Colburn, David R. McCloskey
  • Publication number: 20130086954
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clothing steam ironing apparatus, comprising an ironing component (3) with an ironing panel, steam ejection holes (7) for ejecting steam to iron a clothing and air suction holes (8) for generating a suck force to the clothing are provided in the ironing panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Yunfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8336474
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing wrinkle-free garment seams and garments made therefrom comprises (a) placing a bonding element comprising a thermal adhesive between garment components; (b) stitching along a seam line; and (c) applying heat and/or pressure to cause the adhesive to melt and flow along the seam to bond at least one garment component. The thermal adhesive has a melting point of higher than about 150° C., preferably in the range about 160° C. to about 190° C. Alternatively, a bonding element comprising any adhesive material and having a substantially U shape is used to make various seams, such as a yoke seam, a shoulder seam, a side seam, a pocket seam, a hem button stay seam, a sleeve seam, a collar seam, etc. Wrinkle free garments, such as shirts, pants, blouses, skirts, etc., incorporating the seams are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Yugao Zhang, Tian-Xi Li, Bai-Shun Chen
  • Patent number: 8272152
    Abstract: The invention is a steamer head, which includes a steamer body having a front face having at least one steam hole, the steam hole being in fluid communication with a steam chamber; and a crease panel assembly movably connected to the steamer body, the crease panel having a crease panel face, wherein the crease panel face has at least a portion in substantially parallel orientation to the front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Products of Tomorrow, Inc.
    Inventor: Juan Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8151496
    Abstract: This invention discloses a multifunctional electric iron, comprising: a steam brush and a base unit. Said steam brush can be used as a garment steamer by connecting to a power supply or a boiler, and said steam brush also can be used as an ordinary steam iron by assembling with the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-hwa Lee, Chien-Chih Pan
  • Patent number: 8109119
    Abstract: A steam generating device and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The steam generating device includes a lower housing, which contains water, in which a heater is arranged, and which has a vertical length longer than a horizontal length, an upper housing including a steam chamber for containing steam generated as the water is heated, a water level sensor for sensing a water level of the water chamber, and a receptacle for covering the water level sensor, the receptacle including an opening for allowing water to be introduced into the receptacle. In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to easily install the steam generating device, to achieve a superior performance, to prevent the water level sensor from malfunctioning, and to prevent spots from being formed on laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: In Geun Ahn, Kyu Won Lee, Seong Il Moon
  • Publication number: 20100186463
    Abstract: A diffuser with an absorbent substrate for holding a steam diffusible composition, such as a fragrance for mounting on a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The steam appliance has a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler to generate steam fed into a steam frame with a fabric pad or steam pocket mounted thereon. The steam envelopes the diffuser to dispense a fragrance or other material in the absorbable substrate into the generated steam in response to a user use or movement of the appliance. When steam is generated and passes the diffuser, the composition is heated to a temperature it will vaporize and be distributed with the steam through the fabric pad or steam pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Ognjen Vrdoljak, Charles Boulos
  • Publication number: 20100031707
    Abstract: Steam wrinkle-removing appliance comprising a steam-producing base in which the steam can freely flow out through a hose to a wrinkle-removing tool such as a steam brush, characterized in that the hose is connected to the base by means of a swivel connector fitted into an adapted housing of said base and in that the steam tightness of the swivel connector is ensured by means of at least one circular rib (122A, 124) borne by the housing or by the connector, said circular rib (122A, 124) being fitted into a corresponding circular groove (80, 81), respectively provided in the connector or the housing, the width of said groove (80, 81) being slightly greater than the width of said rib so as to result in a gap allowing the connector to rotate freely in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Krebs, Jürgen Wenzlaw
  • Publication number: 20100024492
    Abstract: A portable steamer (1) comprises a housing (14) that includes a water reservoir (8) and boiler or heater (9), as well as internal structures (10, 11) designed to inhibit steam emission and to prevent inadvertent leaking and emission of water and steam, and a folding handle (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony Kit Lun Leung
  • Publication number: 20090313767
    Abstract: A cordless handheld steamer comprising an interior chamber containing a steam generation unit and a water reservoir. The water reservoir generally encompasses the steam generation unit and the steam generation unit contains a heating element. A precise temperature control unit monitors the heating element's temperature to maintain an optimum steam producing temperature without overheating. The heating element is powered only by an on-board battery pack. A user determined amount of water is pumped from the water reservoir to the flash boiler chamber where the water is converted to steam and the steam travels through a plenum to a target area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ANTIMICROBIAL TEST LABORATORIES, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Dennis Tanner, Timothy Richard Hillsamer
  • Publication number: 20090255302
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment steamer for unrumpling clothing such as trousers, jackets, one-piece, or the like while emitting steam, more particularly, to a garment steamer having a grabbing means capable of bringing trousers to the stretch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Gyung-Hee Haan
  • Patent number: 7487651
    Abstract: A device for generating and supplying steam is provided. The device has a body, a steam generation unit, a first side panel attached to the body, a second side panel attached to the body, a power cord attached to the steam generation unit, a supply hose for supplying the steam from the steam generation unit to a point of use of the steam, a first wrapping location formed between the body and the first side panel, and a second wrapping location formed between the body and the second side panel. The first wrapping location is for wrapping the power cord for storage, and the second wrapping location is for wrapping the supply hose for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Rosenzweig, Terry Robertson, Chad Reese
  • Patent number: 7444840
    Abstract: A garment refreshing appliance comprising: an enclosure for receiving at least one garment to be refreshed, a support positioned in said enclosure to receive and suspend said garment in said enclosure, an air moving device arranged to circulate a flow of air within said enclosure, and an air duct associated with said air moving device to direct said circulating flow of air within said enclosure, said air duct having a plurality of flow directing vanes associated therewith to direct said recirculating flow of air against said garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Floyd G. Jackson, James C. Perso, Robert J. Pinkowski, Viktor N. Kopyrin
  • Publication number: 20080209774
    Abstract: The invention concerns an ironing apparatus comprising a steam generator connected to an iron (2) by a first cord (20), characterized in that said steam generator is connected to a travel steamer (3) by a second cord (30) mounted on a reel (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jean Philippe Robin
  • Publication number: 20080052971
    Abstract: An apparatus composed of: a steam generating base delimited by a periphery; a fabric smoothing appliance; and a cord connecting the base to the appliance, the cord having a length, a transverse width and a transverse height, the base being provided with a cavity for storing the cord, the cavity having an elongated form and extending in length along the periphery of the base, and the cavity being provided with at least one opening for the introduction of the cord into the cavity. The cavity is defined by a sheath extending in length as a prolongation of the opening for receiving the cord, and the cavity has a transverse cross section adapted to permit passage and maintenance of the cord in the form of a single loop extending along the length of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Giovalle, Christophe Turck
  • Publication number: 20080034813
    Abstract: A drip-free garment steamer includes a steamer body having an inlet end and an outlet end, and defining an inner cavity through which steam passes. A plate at least partially covers the outlet end of the steamer body. A plurality of nozzles extend from the plate into the inner cavity of the steamer body, the nozzles defining apertures through the plate for the passage of steam from the inner cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew J. Tobias
  • Patent number: 7237409
    Abstract: A safety valve mounted in a steam cleaner is provided. The safety valve comprises a cap assembly, an actuation assembly, and a lock assembly. A rotation of the cap is adapted to detach the cap assembly when the steam cleaner is not operating or steam pressure inside the steam cleaner has not reach a safety value since the legs of the clutch are engaged with the notches of the driving disk. Responsive to generated steam reaching the safety value, the steam passes through the valve to lift the pushing member for compressing both the actuating member and the spring and disengaging the legs from the notches prior to exiting the steam cleaner such that rotating the cap will not rotate the lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Uni-Splendor Corp
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 7051462
    Abstract: A combination steam cleaner and steam iron includes a steam generator, a steam cleaner and a steam iron. The steam generator includes a voltage control device serially connected to a boiler element for boiling water to produce steam. The steam cleaner is attachable to the steam generator, a nozzle that dispenses the steam, and a circuit designed to supply power to the boiler element when the steam cleaner is attached to the steam generator. The steam iron is attachable to the steam generator, includes an iron heating element for heating the iron, and includes a circuit designed to supply power to the iron heating element in addition to supplying power to the boiler element, when the steam iron is attached to the steam generator. The steam generator also includes a steam release valve that supplies the steam and which is controlled by respective switches within the steam cleaner and iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating, LLC
    Inventor: Maximilian Rosenzweig
  • Patent number: 6986217
    Abstract: A hand held appliance for use in applying steam to a garment or other item made of fabric includes a pump, a boiler and a switch. Power is applied through the switch to the pump. The pump pumps water from the water tank to the boiler. The water is converted to steam in the boiler and is expelled from the appliance through a set of nozzles. The appliance may include optional attachments for performing other operations on garments or fabric, for example, applying pressure, brushing, scrubbing or lint removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Kit Lun Leung, Chung Shun Tse
  • Patent number: 6895626
    Abstract: A retaining device for a steam swab includes a first primary clamp, a second primary clamp and an auxiliary clamp. Each of the first primary clamp, the second primary clamp and the auxiliary clamp are respectively pivotal relative to the upper casing and are provided with bosses so that a fabric of the steam swab is able to be securely clamped by the first primary clamp, the second primary clamp and the auxiliary clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Sam Tsai
  • Patent number: 6886373
    Abstract: There is provided a garment steamer for domestic use that cooperates with a variety of different attachments to provide a variety of different steam or vapor emitting effects. The garment steamer also has an ionic and/or ozone generating/emitting feature to facilitate neutralizing odor and removing undesirable particulate from a garment. The garment steamer may also have a hanger and rod assembly in which a collapsible hanger selectively cooperates with a telescopic rod, which is connected to a base, such that the hanger can be selectively positioned at any location along the height of the rod and/or disengaged from the rod. The garment steamer also includes a fluid heating assembly enclosed in the base, a separable fluid container in separable fluid communication with the fluid heating assembly, and a separable hose in separable fluid communication with the fluid heating assembly, as well as with the variety of different attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Carrubba, Vito James Carlucci, Kam Fai Fung
  • Patent number: 6840068
    Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to an appliance suitable for refreshing/cleaning cloth items in a refreshing/cleaning cycle, said appliance comprising a collapsible or expandable container that is made from a material that defines an interior void space, a container opening, a humidity provider, a heating element, at least one vent and/or filter, and an air circulation device, wherein said appliance further comprises a device to prevent accidental opening of the appliance's container by the user while a refreshing/cleaning cycle is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Merih Pasin, Tim Maria Joris Van Hauwermeiren, Carol Smith
  • Publication number: 20040163184
    Abstract: A clothes freshening device includes an enclosure to hold at least one garment to be freshened. A chemical mister is in fluid communication with the enclosure, the chemical mister producing a fog that is circulated around the garment to freshen the garment. If desired, a steam generator can be in fluid communication with the enclosure, the steam generator producing steam that is circulated around the garment to de-wrinkle the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Royal Appliance Mfg.
    Inventors: Steven D. Waldron, Robert N. McKee, Michael Merriman, Mark E. Reindle
  • Publication number: 20040144140
    Abstract: A steamer attachment (10) allows a user to selectively dispense steam from a steamer (12). The attachment (10) broadly comprises a body (14), a first and second steam distributor (16,18) located in a head (20) of the body (14), and a valve (22) located in a handle (24) of the body (14). The first distributor (16) preferably comprises a nozzle (52) to concentrate the steam and a brush (54). The second distributor (18) preferably comprises a plurality of holes (56) to disperse the steam. The second distributor (18) may also include a detachable diffusor (58) to further disperse the steam. The valve (22) preferably opens a first path toward the first distributor (16) before closing a second path toward the second distributor (18). Thus, the steam always has at least one available path, in order to prevent pressure buildup within the steamer (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Benny Lee
  • Publication number: 20040050118
    Abstract: There is provided a garment steamer for domestic use that cooperates with a variety of different attachments to provide a variety of different steam or vapor emitting effects. The garment steamer also has an ionic and/or ozone generating/emitting feature to facilitate neutralizing odor and removing undesirable particulate from a garment. The garment steamer may also have a hanger and rod assembly in which a collapsible hanger selectively cooperates with a telescopic rod, which is connected to a base, such that the hanger can be selectively positioned at any location along the height of the rod and/or disengaged from the rod. The garment steamer also includes a fluid heating assembly enclosed in the base, a separable fluid container in separable fluid communication with the fluid heating assembly, and a separable hose in separable fluid communication with the fluid heating assembly, as well as with the variety of different attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: CONAIR CIP, INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Carrubba, Vito James Carlucci, Kam Fai Fung
  • Patent number: 6295691
    Abstract: A vapor cleaning device having a boiler installed in a case for boiling water. Water vapor is guided to a cleaning tool by a high temperature conduit having a holder. A variety of cleaning tools, and an extension piece may be attached to the holder. The extension piece includes ends that may be connected to another extension piece, the variety of cleaning tools and the holder. A strap attached to the case enables the cleaning device to be easily transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Chung Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 6112367
    Abstract: The appliance comprises a portable and electrical self-contained assembly comprising a case of plastics material defining a housing in which there are disposed an instant steam generator operating at atmospheric pressure with a porous water storage body and electrical heater resistance elements, and a steam distributor for diffusing steam through a series of front orifices. The case is extended by a squeegee carrier fitted with a squeegee blade projecting from the front of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Superba
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Burr, Guy Richard, Remy Dussoul
  • Patent number: 6061935
    Abstract: A dual appliance for steam treating garments having a central reservoir and an electrical water pump to supply water to a steamer or a steam iron. Separate braided flexible cables supply water and power to the steamer and to the steam iron, to which the respective cables are respectively permanently connected. Plugs are provided at the ends of the cables for connection to a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Chiaphua Industries Limited
    Inventor: Chiu Yeung Lee
  • Patent number: 6032391
    Abstract: An iron having an iron main body and an electromagnetic valve which controls flow and stop of ironing steam. The iron is provided with a first tube for ironing steam, which sends ironing steam to the iron main body in open state of the electromagnetic valve, a second tube for heating steam, which sends heating steam to its end side along the first tube and heats approximately whole length of the first tube, and a third tube, which returns the steam from the end side of the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Naomoto Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isoji Yao
  • Patent number: 6031969
    Abstract: The omnidirectional portable appliance for steam cleaning surfaces both hard and flexible, comprises a case provided with a handle, a water feed orifice, an electricity power cord, a cleaning head, a steam generator included in the case and a venturi device [means for selectively] delivering steam to the cleaning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Superba
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Burr, Nicolas Schmitz
  • Patent number: 5609047
    Abstract: A portable garment steaming device for use in the home which emits steam through a retractable nozzle plate of a safety nozzle assembly which when retracted prevents against accidental touching of the hot nozzle plate. The garment steaming device also includes a clothes hanger assembly for hanging the article of clothing to be steamed. A water bottle compartment for supplying water to be generated as steam for the safety nozzle assembly is further provided which is detachably mounted for refilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignees: Nadia Wechsler, Ephraim Wechsler
    Inventors: Robert R. Hellman, Jr., Nadia Wechsler, Ephraim Wechsler
  • Patent number: 5581919
    Abstract: A device includes a heating body and a steam-chamber head which form the housing for a steam chamber. The inside walls of the heating body and of the steam-chamber head form an annular steam chamber. An impeller is disposed in the steam chamber as a rotary component. Via a feed supply line, water is supplied to the steam chamber in the vicinity of the vanes of the impeller. By way of the rapidly rotating impeller, the water is atomized into tiny droplets and reaches the hot wall of the steam chamber, where the droplets are vaporized. Good heat transmission and quick evaporation are made possible, i.e., a large amount of steam can reach the consuming appliance via a steam connection within a short time. The scale deposited can easily be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AG
    Inventors: Mikael Torma, Pius Poredos