Garment steamer with improved steaming performances and functionalities

Abstract

The invention relates to a garment care device (GCD) comprising a steam generator (SG) having improved steaming performances and functionalities.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a garment steamer with improved steam performances. The invention may be used in the field of garment care. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Typically, steam generators used in irons and some steamer products utilise flash boiling to produce steam, whereby water which is dosed onto a hot steaming surface at one point or in some cases at two points, is instantaneously steamed off. In some other steam generators, especially in steamer products, a labyrinth design is used for limiting water spreading and improving steam generation. However, spreading of the water onto the main steaming surface is affected by the labyrinth design and protrusions on the steaming surface. The so-called “open” steam generator design concepts can be used to address in some extent the problem of the limited steam rate and scaling life. By term “open”, it is referred to a flat steaming surface without labyrinth extending onto it. As illustrated in Fig.l, known open steam generator design utilises an open steaming surface to generate steam which will pass through one or more side steam channel (SC) before steam is emitted out of the steam vents (SV). However, the side steam channel (SC) requires quite some space on the steam generator which could otherwise be used to generate more steam. There is also the problem of hot spots generation which is caused by water being unable to reach said spots around the steam channel (SC), as illustrated in Fig.2. When steaming orientation is sideways especially towards right side, as illustrated by Fig.3, the effective steam area is greatly reduced due to orientation and the area occupied by the steam channel (SC). This requires the steam generator to reduce the steam rate by a significant amount when used at such unfavourable orientation, which would otherwise lead to undesired spitting of water during usage. Steam output may also be perceived by user as inconsistent due to the step down. To detect usage orientation, an orientation sensor would also be required for angle detection, leading to increase manufacturing costs. In other words, in the current known labyrinth steam generator designs, like shown in Fig.4, the limitations arise from: - Limescale buildup clogging labyrinth steam generator paths, - Limited instantaneous steaming area. Depends on water travelling through the labyrinth path. This results in lower steam rate and weaker steam perception. - Steam perception will be poor and high chances of water leaking in labyrinth design in different orientations. This will lead to poor steam perception and spitting. The disadvantages of the current handheld steamer products are already known and that is the reason why there are sometimes weak, short limescale life and low steaming performance currently for products on the market. OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to propose a garment care device that avoids or mitigates abovementioned problems by, among other, generating more powerful steam at any angle. The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments. In another aspect of the invention, the garment care device (GCD) according to the invention comprises: - a bottom steam plate (SP) being heated, - a peripheral wall (PW) protruding from a periphery of the steam plate (SP), - a cover (CC) arranged on top of the peripheral wall (PW), the steam generator (SG) forming an internal volume (W) free of constrained steam paths above a central area (CA) of the steam plate (SP), - at least one water dosing point (WDP1, WDP2) arranged in the cover (CC), to provide water onto the steam plate (SP), resulting in water being vaporized by the steam plate (SP), wherein the at least one water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) comprises at least one flexible outlet structure being by-default fluidly closed when no water passes through it. The at least one flexible outlet structure improves the water spreading onto the steam plate (SP), and thus increase performances of water vaporisation. 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.l depicts a known steam generator having a side steam channel, Fig.2 depicts a known steam generator having a side steam channel with hot spots arising along the side steam channel, Fig.3 depicts a known steam generator having a side steam channel when inclined towards the side steam channel, Fig.4 depicts a known steam generator having two lateral side steam channels, with labyrinth steam path, Figs.5 to 21 depict various embodiments according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figs.5 to 21 depict various embodiments according to the invention. The garment care (GCD) device according to the invention comprises: - a bottom steam plate (SP) being heated, - a peripheral wall (PW) protruding from a periphery of the steam plate (SP), - a cover (CC) arranged on top of the peripheral wall (PW), the steam generator (SG) forming an internal volume (W) free of constrained steam paths above a central area (CA) of the steam plate (SP), - at least one water dosing point (WDP1, WDP2) arranged in the cover (CC), to provide water onto the steam plate (SP), resulting in water being vaporized by the steam plate (SP), wherein the at least one water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) comprises at least one flexible outlet structure being by-default fluidly closed when no water passes through it. By means of this the critical problem of water dripping and spitting is prevented. By ensuring the outlet is always closed when the pump is off, it prevents unwanted water from leaking onto the hot steam plate (SP), which would cause sudden, uncontrolled bursts of steam and hot water. This enhances safety and provides a consistent, predictable steam output. The steam plate (SP) defines a plain surface which does not comprise any structures forcing steam to follow a given path (i.e. no labyrinths / paths / channels...). In other words, the internal volume (W) is primarily non-obstructed. The main advantages of the improved design construction are to include a larger available steaming surface which effectively increases the steam rate and limescale life of the steam generator (SG). The steam generator (SG) also operates with lower peak temperature as heat is more effectively extracted from a larger steaming surface. The ironing plate (IP) is preferably parallel to the steam plate (SP), and have substantially similar outer shapes. The ironing plate (IP) is for example rectangular, as illustrated. It could also have different shape, such as oval or ant other shape. Garment care device (GCD) may comprise a handle (HAN) to move the device against the garment to be treated by steam. If the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP) is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis hh of the handle (HAN), the steam plate (SP) is said to be oriented in “portrait orientation”, as illustrated in Fig.5. If the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP) is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis hh of the handle (HAN), the steam plate (SP) is said to be oriented in “landscape orientation”, as illustrated in Fig.l 1. The steam channel (SC) is positioned below the steam plate (SP) instead of along the side of the engine body. This effectively increases the steaming area which can be used to generate more steam instantaneously. This position of the steam channel (SC) prevents having hot spots at the periphery of the steam channel (SC). Some excess steam is distributed towards secondary steam vents (SV) located further away from the end of steam channel (SC). Preferably, the steam generator (SG) further comprises a substantially “U”-shaped heating element (HE) being in thermal heat transfer with said steam plate (SP). This is illustrated in Fig.7. In addition, the heat of the steam plate (SP) is transferred to the ironing plate (IP) via lateral thermal bridge arranged in-between. Preferably, the at least one water dosing point (WDP1, WDP2) comprises a first water dosing point (WDP1) and a second water dosing point (WDP2). Each of the said water dosing points (WDP1, WPD2) comprises one flexible outlet structure. This ensures that the anti-dripping and anti-spitting benefit of the closed outlet is applied to the entire dual-dosing system. It guarantees balanced performance, preventing one outlet from leaking while the other is sealed, which would lead to uneven steam generation. The first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2) separate the steam plate (SP) into two interconnected heating zones Z1 and Z2 in order to enhance water distribution and steam production, as illustrated in Fig.8. In other words, the steaming surface is provided with two hot steaming zones to enable dual dosing resulting in faster steam generation, lower hotspots, longer limescale life and higher steam rate without spitting. By simultaneously delivering water to both zones Z1 and Z2, the system generates more powerful, rapid, and voluminous steam. In other words, large amount of steam is generated instantaneously. This configuration also extends the product's lifespan by providing a larger surface area for scale accumulation, reducing the frequency of descaling. Preferably, the garment care device further comprises a temperature sensor (TS) mounted protruding from the steam plate (SP), the temperature sensor being arranged in-between the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2). Preferably, the steam plate (SP) forms a surface comprising a first grid pattern made of protruding truncated square pyramids. In the main steaming area of the steam plate (SP), in particular zone Z1 and zone Z2, 1x1 millimetre truncated square pyramid grids of height 0.5mm with a spacing of 1mm are used for better water spreading in both horizontal and vertical, as illustrated in Fig.9. The truncated square pyramids are also oriented in a manner that they are symmetrical in both landscape and portrait orientations of the rectangular steam plate for optimal water spreading regardless of orientation of the steam plate (SP). The square pyramids are oriented at 45 degrees compared to the xx axis. The truncated square pyramid also helps that water which is dosed by the water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) spreads over the steam plate (SP) without too fast falling when the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP) is oriented vertically. The small size of the pyramids also helps that the scale that could build on the steam plate flakes more easily. In some embodiments, the flexible outlet structure comprises a central channel extending along a longitudinal axis (II), the longitudinal axis (II) passing through the geometric center of the outlet opening. A plurality of elongated slits extends radially outward from the tip of a protruding body of the flexible outlet structure. The central channel facilitates guided water flow, whereas the elongated slits allow for controlled deformation of the outlet structure to permit water passage under pressure. In one embodiment, the elongated slits are arranged symmetrically around the longitudinal axis (II). Such symmetrical arrangement promotes uniform deformation and balanced sealing performance in all radial directions. In certain embodiments, the slits are angularly spaced apart from each other by an equal angle of 360 / N degrees, where N is the number of slits andN is equal to or greater than two. This equal angular spacing provides consistent mechanical response and uniform water flow distribution when the outlet structure opens. Preferably, the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2): - are aligned along a longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate (SP), or - are offset relative to each other compared to said longitudinal axis. If the garment care device (GCD) is only dedicated for having the steam plate (SP) oriented in portrait orientation (and not in landscape orientation), the two water dosing points (WDP1) and (WDP2) extends along the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP). Preferably, the two water dosing points (WDP1) and (WDP2) are offset along the xx-direction, compared to the temperature sensor (TS), as gravity will play a part in water spreading and steam generation. This means that the temperature sensor (TS) is not positioned in the middle of the two water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2). If the garment care device (GCD) is only dedicated for having the steam plate (SP) oriented in portrait orientation, both water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset in xx direction by a value OFF2 in the range 0 to 9mm. In other words, the centre of the two water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2), being distant by a value of X, are offset with respect to the centre of the temperature sensor (TS). This is illustrated in Fig.l 1. If the garment care device (GCD) is dedicated for having the steam plate (SP) oriented in portrait orientation as well in landscape orientation, there is preferably an offset at one of the two water dosing points (WDP1) and (WDP2) laterally compared to the xx-direction (i.e. an offset along axis yy being perpendicular to axis xx). This means that the two water dosing points (WDP1) and (WDP2) are not aligned along the xx axis. If the garment care device (GCD) is dedicated for having the steam plate (SP) oriented in portrait orientation as well in landscape orientation, both water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset in xx direction by >0mm up to 9mm, and the rear dosing point (WDP1) is offset also in YY direction by a value OFF1 in the range 0 to 9 mm. This is illustrated in Figs. 12. Preferably, the at least one water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) comprises at least one flexible outlet structure being by-default fluidly closed when no water passes through it. This flexible outlet structure prevent water from dripping onto the steam plate SP when no water pressure exists in the flow path of the water dosing points, which could otherwise create undesired steam generation. Preferably, the at least one flexible outlet structure comprises: - a duckbill seal (DBS1, DBS2) made of silicon / rubber material, or - a seal comprising a plurality of flaps made of silicon / rubber material. A duckbill seal DBS1, DBS2 is illustrated in Figs.13 to 16. In some embodiments where N equals 2, the flexible outlet structure takes the form of a duckbill seal. The duckbill seal configuration allows for a pair of opposing slits that open under pressure and automatically close when the pressure is released, thereby preventing unwanted dripping or steam leakage. The preferred dimensions of duckbill seal (DBS1) and (DBS2) are illustrated in Figs.15 (seen from the side) and 17 (seen from the protruding part). In this preferred embodiment, flap thickness is 0.5 mm, flap angle if 77 degrees, flap tip thickness is 0.2 mm. The protruding part of the tip between tips and flat outer surface of the flap is 0.65 mm. Duckbill seal allows to distribute water evenly across the steaming plate (SP), and to reduce scale clogging due flapping action. Duckbill dosing seal helps to mitigate the impact of gravity by remaining closed until activated by water flow. In case two water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are used, this minimizes pressure variations caused by height differences between two water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2), ensuring more equitable water distribution. The duckbill dosing seal helps to maintaining consistent water distribution in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Pump primarily overcomes the resistance of the opening duckbill seal(s) rather than combating gravitational forces. In other words, duckbill seals act contrary to open dosing seals which are highly sensitive to variations in component dimensions, such as dosing and tube diameters. Another issue that was aimed to be solved is the unequal water distribution at different orientations due to variations in height in the case of dual dosing points with open dosing seals. Moreover, using open dosing seals, the presence of foreign particles can significantly disrupt water flow and distribution due to the unrestricted paths. In contrast, duckbill seals contribute to a higher system pressure, making it more resilient to blockages. The fluid closed nature of the duckbill seals prevents water from bypassing obstructions, facilitating their removal. Preferably, the duckbill seal is made of made of silicon / rubber material forming a flexible rubber body featuring a duckbill-shaped flap and a straight-cut opening. Silicone rubber can also be enhanced with a heat stabilizer, so that the seal can withstand high temperatures and maintain its material properties over time. The heat stabilizer improves thermal resistance, thereby extending the operational life of the outlet structure in the high-temperature environment of the steam generator. As example of two duckbill seals used for the first water dosing point (WDP1) and for the second water dosing point (WDP2) is illustrated in Fig 18. Unlike open dosing systems, duckbill seals remain closed when inactive, preventing water leakage caused by height differences between the two seals. Duckbill seals ensure a straight spray of water towards the steam plate (SP) at high velocity, resulting in a consistent steam generation and immediate steam output without delay. Maintaining the correct distance DI is important for optimal performance. Excessive proximity to the steaming surface can expose the seals to high temperatures, accelerating their degradation and potentially affecting water distribution. Additionally, it can cause water droplets to splash back. Conversely, positioning the seals too far from the steaming surface reduces water coverage. However, it does extend the product's lifespan by providing a larger area for scale accumulation. Therefore, determining the ideal seal height is essential for achieving efficient water distribution, powerful steam generation, and product longevity. Preferably the distance DI between the duckbill and the steam plate (SP) is in the range 5-10 mm, as illustrated in Fig.17. This spacing ensures adequate clearance for steam expansion and reduces the likelihood of thermal damage to the flexible outlet structure. Alternatively, the at least one flexible outlet structure is made of a seal comprising a plurality of flaps made of silicon / rubber material. Each flap is positioned between two adjacent slits. The use of elastomeric materials provides flexibility and durability, enabling the flaps to repeatedly deflect under water pressure and return to a closed position when the water supply ceases. The plurality of flaps acts similarly as the above-described duckbill, using same material. This is illustrated in Figs.l9A-19B. Fig,19A depicts a flexible outlet structure having a double slits being perpendicular, a triple slits being oriented at 120 degrees, and a dual slits forming a line. In an embodiment, the flap comprises a rib facing the central channel. The rib is configured to provide structural reinforcement to the flap and to bias the flap toward its original closed position. This design helps maintain the sealing effectiveness of the outlet structure and reduces leakage when the water supply is inactive. Preferably: - the first water dosing point (WDP1) comprises a first flexible outlet structure being bydefault fluidly closed when no water passes through it, the first flexible outlet structure comprises a first duckbill seal made of silicon / rubber material, the first duckbill seals comprise a longitudinal first pair of slits (SI) throughout which water can pass under water pressure, - the second water dosing point (WDP2) comprises a second flexible outlet structure being by-default fluidly closed when no water passes through it, the second flexible outlet structure comprises a second duckbill seal made of silicon / rubber material, the second duckbill seals comprise a longitudinal second pair of slits (S2) throughout which water can pass under water pressure, The first pair of slits and the second pair of slits are: -  parallel to each other + / - 20 degrees, and either the first water dosing point and the second water dosing point extend substantially along the longitudinal axis (xx) of the steam plate, or the pairs of slits extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (xx), or - perpendicular to each other + / - 20 degrees, either the two water dosing points are offset relative to the longitudinal axis (xx), or one pair of slits extends substantially along the longitudinal axis (xx).. In another words, the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2) are either (i) aligned along a longitudinal axis (XX) of the steam plate (SP) or (ii) offset from each other relative to said longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second duckbill seals comprises a pair of slits. When the dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are aligned along the longitudinal axis (XX), the slit pairs of the first and second duckbill seals are oriented substantially parallel to each other, with an angular deviation of at most ±20°. When one of the dosing points is offset relative to the longitudinal axis (XX), the slit pairs of the first and second duckbill seals are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other, with an angular deviation of at most ±20°. In the latter case, at least one slit of one of the duckbill seals extends substantially along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the steam plate. This arrangement allows for tailored water distribution patterns and optimized steaming performance depending on the dosing point arrangement. This is a sophisticated engineering solution for achieving orientation-independent performance. Orienting the slits parallel when the dosing points are aligned on the main axis encourages a wide, even spread. Orienting them perpendicularly when the points are offset allows one pair of slits to direct water laterally across the plate, actively counteracting the pull of gravity in vertical use. This ensures even water distribution and consistent steam generation in any orientation. the first slit SI and the second slit S2 are parallel to each other + / - 20 degrees, while the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2) extends substantially along the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP). This configuration is preferred when the steam plate (SP) is primarily intended to be used in the vertical direction (axis xx being vertical compared to ground). The orientation of the pair of slits is also important, as water tends to spread more effectively along the direction of the seal's slit than perpendicular to it. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in vertical orientations where gravity can influence water flow. When the steam plate (SP) is primarily used in vertical portrait orientation, the duckbill seal slits should preferably be positioned with a slight forward offset from the centre (i.e. from the temperature sensor (TS)). In other words, as illustrated, the second pair of slits S2 is further away from the temperature sensor (TS) than the first pair of slits S1. This configuration optimizes water distribution by encouraging lateral water flow and preventing water from pooling at the bottom of the steaming surface. The offset further aids in countering the effects of gravity. As illustrated in Figs. 21A and 21B, the first pair of slits SI and the second pair of slits S2 are perpendicular to each other + / - 20 degrees, while one pair of slits S2 extends substantially along the longitudinal axis xx of the steam plate (SP). This configuration is preferred when the steam plate (SP) is intended to be used either in the vertical direction (axis xx being vertical compared to ground) or in horizontal direction (axis xx being parallel compared to ground). This arrangement balances water distribution, while minimizing hot spots and preventing water accumulation regardless of the steam plate (SP) orientation. More specifically, the angle between first slit SI and the second slit S2 is 70 degrees, given the tilt difference of angle A=20 degrees of slit S1 compared to an axis perpendicular to axis xx. In certain embodiments, each flap of the flexible outlet structure has a width in the range of 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm. The flap thickness is in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, and more preferably 0.45 mm to 0.65 mm. The tip thickness is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, and more preferably 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm. The flap angle is equal to or less than 90 degrees, preferably between 40 degrees and 90 degrees, and more preferably between 60 degrees and 80 degrees. These dimensional parameters have been found to provide an optimal balance between sealing reliability and ease of flap deflection under water pressure. In some embodiments, each slit of the flexible outlet structure has a length corresponding to 25% to 50% of the flap width. This proportion ensures that the slit length is sufficient to enable the flap to deform for water passage while maintaining enough material at the flap base for mechanical integrity. In some embodiments, the flexible outlet structure is made of a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of 30 to 70. This hardness range provides sufficient flexibility for the outlet structure to open under water pressure while maintaining adequate stiffness to prevent leakage under low or no pressure conditions. Preferably, the at least one flexible outlet structure comprises: - a duckbill seal (DBS1, DBS2) made of silicon / rubber material, or - a seal comprising a plurality of flaps made of silicon / rubber material. It is noted that various features of the invention can also be combined differently together, or used in isolation. 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.

Claims

1. A garment care device (GCD) comprising a steam generator (SG): the steam generator (SG) comprising:- a bottom steam plate (SP) being heated,-   a peripheral wall (PW) protruding from a periphery of the steam plate (SP),-   a cover (CC) arranged on top of the peripheral wall (PW), the steam generator(SG) forming an internal volume (W) free of constrained steam paths above a central area (CA) of the steam plate (SP),- at least one water dosing point (WDP1, WDP2) arranged in the cover (CC), to provide water onto the steam plate (SP), resulting in water being vaporized by the steam plate (SP), wherein the at least one water dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) comprises at least one flexible outlet structure being by-default fluidly closed when no water passes through it.

2. The garment care device (GCD) as in claim 1, wherein each of the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2) comprises one flexible outlet structure.

3. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the flexible outlet structure comprises:- a central channel extending along a longitudinal axis (II), the longitudinal axis passing through the geometric center of the outlet opening; and- a plurality of elongated slits extending radially outward from the tip of the protruding body.

4. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the elongated slits are arranged symmetrically around the longitudinal axis (II).

5. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the slits are angularly spaced apart from each other by an equal angle of 360 / N degrees, where N is the number of slits and N > 2.

6. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible outlet structure comprises a plurality of flaps made of silicon / rubber material, each flap being located between two adjacent slits.

7. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap comprises a rib facing the central channel, the rib being configured to provide structural support and to bias the flap toward its original closed position.

8. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the silicon / rubber material is enhanced with a heat stabilizer.

9. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance (DI) between the flexible outlet structure and the steam plate (SP) is in the range of 5 to 10 mm.

10. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 5, insofar as N equals 2, and any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the flexible outlet structure is a duckbill seal.

11. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first water dosing point (WDP1) and the second water dosing point (WDP2):- are either (i) aligned along a longitudinal axis (XX) of the steam plate (SP), or (ii) offset from each other relative to said longitudinal axis; and wherein- each of the first and second duckbill seals comprises a pair of slits, and- when the dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are aligned along the longitudinal axis (XX), the respective slit pairs of the first and second duckbill seals are oriented substantially parallel to each other, with an angular deviation of at most ±20°; and- when either of the two dosing points (WDP1, WDP2) are offset relative to said longitudinal axis, the respective slit pairs of the first and second duckbill seals are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other, with an angular deviation of at most ±20°, and wherein at least one pair of slit of one of the duckbill seals extends substantially along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the steam plate.

12. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the flap has- a width in the range of 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm;- a thickness in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm, but more preferably 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, but more preferably 0.45 mm to 0.65 mm;- a tip thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, but more preferably 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, but more preferably 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm; and- a flap angle equal to or less than 180 degrees, but more preferably between 40 degrees and 90 degrees, but more preferably between 60 degrees and 80 degrees.

13. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein each slit has a length corresponding to 25% to 50% of the flap width.

14. The garment care device (GCD) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible outlet structure is made of a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of 30 to 70.

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