Bracket for docking iron head and steam device including the bracket

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bracket (100) for docking an iron head having a soleplate for handling clothes. The bracket comprises a resting platform (102) for supporting the soleplate thereon. The resting platform comprises a rear end (104) and a front end (106). The bracket comprises a back support member (112) for abutting the rear surface of the iron head thereon. The back support member protrudes from the rear end of the resting platform. A first transverse support member (114) protrudes from the left side of the resting platform, and a second transverse support member (116) protrudes from the right side of the resting platform. The upper part of the first transverse support member and the upper part of the second transverse support member extend toward each other to define, together with the back support member, a restricted rear area (118) of the bracket for accommodating the rear part of the iron head. At least one rear protrusion (120, 122) protrudes from the resting platform into the restricted rear area, and at least one front protrusion (124) protrudes from the resting platform near the front end. The at least one rear protruding portion protrudes further in height from the resting platform than the at least one front protruding portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bracket for docking an iron head.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a steam device comprising an iron head and a bracket for docking with the iron head.

[0003] The present invention can be used in the field of clothing care. Background Art

[0004] As is well known, steam appliances are used to iron or steam clothes to remove wrinkles by utilizing the heat and moisture of steam.

[0005] One type of steam appliance is a so-called "all-in-one" steam appliance, which comprises a base unit housing a water tank. An iron head (also known as a steamer head or handheld unit) is connected to the base unit via a flexible hose line, through which steam and / or water is delivered from the base unit to the iron head. A steam generator is included in the base unit and / or the iron head. The iron head is provided with a treatment plate, also known as a soleplate, defining one or more steam outlets, through which steam is discharged onto the fabric to be treated.

[0006] The steamer may include a support base, in other words, a frame to which the wand assembly is mounted. The support base helps minimize the risk of the wand assembly tipping over during use. Such a steamer may also include an ironing board for convenient steaming and / or ironing clothes. The ironing board may be supported by the wand assembly mounted to the support base.

[0007] The steam device may include a cradle onto which the iron head docks, for example, when a user places a garment on the ironing board.

[0008] Tilting of the iron head when it is docked on the bracket can be problematic, particularly when the aforementioned hose line connects the iron head to the base unit. Such tilting of the iron head risks exposing the soleplate, which can create a potential safety hazard as the user could accidentally come into contact with the exposed soleplate.

[0009] WO2020 / 053909A1 discloses a support base for an iron. The support base comprises a base body adapted to rest on a surface or work plane, and a multifunctional support element removably associated with the base body. The support element has a first use configuration, in which the support element is associated with the base body, and a second use configuration, in which the support element is removed from the base body.

[0010] US2019 / 376229A1 discloses a device for steam treatment of laundry. The device comprises a support device for supporting an ironing and / or smoothing tool during an inactive ironing and / or smoothing phase. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a bracket for docking an iron head which avoids or alleviates the above-mentioned problems.

[0012] The invention is defined by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0013] To this end, the bracket according to the invention comprises:

[0014] A placing platform for supporting the soleplate of the iron head thereon, the placing platform comprising a rear end and a front end,

[0015] a back support member for allowing the rear surface of the iron head to rest thereon, the back support member protruding from the rear end of the resting platform,

[0016] a first lateral support member protruding from a left side of the resting platform,

[0017] a second lateral support member projecting from a right side of the resting platform, the upper portion of the first lateral support member and the upper portion of the second lateral support member extending toward each other to define, together with the back support member, a restricted rear area of ​​a cradle for accommodating a rear portion of the iron head,

[0018] at least one rear projection that projects from the resting platform into the restricted rear area, and

[0019] At least one front protrusion protrudes from the resting platform proximate the front end, wherein the at least one rear protrusion protrudes further in height from the resting platform than the at least one front protrusion.

[0020] By having the bracket including the front and rear protruding portions protruding from the resting platform near the front and rear ends of the resting platform, when the iron head is docked on the bracket, the sole plate is lifted relative to the resting platform near the front and rear ends of the resting platform.

[0021] Like this, can minimize or prevent the direct contact between bottom plate and the resting platform, and therefore resting platform itself does not need to be made of the material that can withstand the high temperature of bottom plate.Therefore, lower cost material can be used for resting platform itself.

[0022] Since the upper parts of the first and second transverse support members extend toward each other above the resting platform to define a restricted rear region, the rearward tilting of the iron head can be restricted by the first and second transverse support members. For example, the rearward tilting can be restricted by the first and second transverse support members by the upper surface of the iron head housing contacting the first and second transverse support members.

[0023] Even when restrained by the first and second lateral support members, such tilting may present a risk of exposing the floor to an extent that may create a potential safety hazard as a user may accidentally touch the floor so exposed.

[0024] Therefore, the bracket includes at least one rear protrusion and at least one front protrusion, wherein the at least one rear protrusion protrudes from the shelf platform into a confined rear area, in other words, close to the rear end of the shelf platform, and the at least one front protrusion protrudes from the shelf platform close to the front end, wherein the at least one rear protrusion protrudes farther in height from the shelf platform than the at least one front protrusion.

[0025] When the iron head is docked on the bracket, the rear protrusion(s) which protrude further in height from the resting platform than the front protrusion(s) can lift the rear portion of the sole plate relative to the front portion of the sole plate.

[0026] The torque thus generated can be used to limit the distance between the front end of the base plate and the resting platform.

[0027] Since the soleplate is exposed by tilting the iron head when docked on the bracket, the risk of the user accidentally touching the soleplate is correspondingly reduced.

[0028] The front and rear protrusions can therefore be considered to fulfil a dual purpose: to minimise / prevent contact between the sole plate and the resting platform near the front and rear ends of the resting platform, thereby enabling the use of cheaper materials for the resting platform itself, and to enhance user safety by limiting the spacing between the front end of the sole plate and the resting platform when the iron head is docked on the bracket.

[0029] In some embodiments, the at least one rear protrusion includes a first rear protrusion that protrudes into a restricted area near the left side, and a second rear protrusion that protrudes into a restricted area near the right side. The first rear protrusion and the second rear protrusion can help limit the tilting of the iron head relative to the resting platform on each side of the bracket.

[0030] In some embodiments, a central longitudinal axis extends between the rear end and the front end and bisects the resting platform, and the first rear protrusion and the second rear protrusion are symmetrically arranged on respective sides of the central longitudinal axis. This helps ensure that the iron head remains balanced when docked on the bracket.

[0031] In some embodiments, the at least one rear protrusion includes a ramp that slopes upward toward the rear end of the resting platform to a highest point of the at least one rear protrusion. The ramp can help a user guide the iron head onto the bracket, and in particular, can help the user position the rear surface of the iron head against the back support member.

[0032] For example, a ramp, for example in the form of one or more rails, slopes smoothly backwards towards the rear end of the resting platform.

[0033] In an embodiment where at least one rear protrusion includes a first rear protrusion and a second rear protrusion, the first rear protrusion may include a first slope that slopes upward toward the rear end of the rest platform to a highest point of the first rear protrusion, and wherein the second rear protrusion includes a second slope that slopes upward toward the rear end of the rest platform to a highest point of the second rear protrusion.

[0034] In some embodiments, at least one front protrusion is centrally located between the left and right sides. When the iron head is docked on the bracket, the central location of the front protrusion can help balance the iron head.

[0035] For example, at least one front protruding portion, for example each front protruding portion, is positioned along the longitudinal axis.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least one rear protrusion and / or at least one front protrusion comprises a heat-resistant material arranged to be in contact with the base plate. In other words, at least the highest point of the rear protrusion(s) and / or the front protrusion(s) is made of such a heat-resistant material.

[0037] Any suitable heat resistant material may be used, for example a heat resistant elastomeric material such as silicone rubber. Such a heat resistant elastomeric material may help to minimise the risk of scratching the soleplate when the iron head is docked on the bracket.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first and second lateral support members extend curvedly toward each other above the resting platform. Such curvature of the first and second lateral support members can help reduce the risk of the first and second lateral support members scratching the upper surface of the housing.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, such curved shape of the first and second lateral support members may follow the contour of the upper surface of the iron head housing so that the iron head fits tightly into the bracket.

[0040] In some embodiments, the surface of the first transverse support member facing the resting platform is preferably bent over the resting platform and toward the second transverse support member, for example, bent together with the first transverse support member as a whole, wherein the surface of the second transverse support member facing the resting platform is bent over the resting platform and toward the first transverse support member, for example, bent together with the second transverse support member as a whole.

[0041] In some embodiments, the height difference measured between the highest point of at least one rear protrusion and the highest point of at least one front protrusion is in the range of [1; 3] mm.

[0042] A height difference greater than 3mm may affect the ease with which the iron head can be secured to the bracket, whereas ensuring that the height difference is equal to or greater than 1mm may help to prevent the iron head from tilting too far backwards when docked on the bracket.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first and second lateral support members each protrude further from the resting platform than the back support member in height. This design can balance the requirement that the iron head can be securely docked on the bracket without using excessive material (e.g., plastic material) to manufacture the bracket.

[0044] For example, if the back support member protrudes higher, for example to the height of the first and second lateral support members, molding considerations may mean providing a relatively large opening in the resting platform at the rear. This in turn risks weakening the component and thus necessitating separate components for the rear protruding portion(s), making the structure more complex and expensive.

[0045] In at least some embodiments, the first and second lateral edges of the shelving platform each extend between a rear end and a front end of the shelving platform, wherein the first lateral support member protrudes from the first lateral edge near the rear end and the second lateral support member protrudes from the second lateral edge near the rear end.

[0046] In some embodiments, the width of the resting platform gradually decreases from the rear end or near the rear end to the front end.

[0047] This tapering of the rest platform may mean that the rest platform is wider towards the rear end and narrower towards the front end.

[0048] This tapered resting platform can correspond to the tapered shape of the sole plate of the iron head.In this way, the shape of the resting platform can provide intuitive guidance for how the iron head should be oriented in order to be docked on the bracket.

[0049] According to another aspect, there is provided a steam device comprising:

[0050] an iron head having a sole plate, and

[0051] A bracket according to any embodiment described herein.

[0052] In some embodiments, the steam device comprises a base unit including a water tank and a hose line connecting the iron head to the base unit.

[0053] In some embodiments, the hose line is arranged to extend away from the rear surface of the iron head.

[0054] In such an embodiment, the iron head may have a tendency to tilt backwards due to the weight of the hose cord. The moment generated by the weight of the hose cord, noting that the hose cord may have a length equal to or greater than 1 meter, may be greater than the weight of the iron head, causing the iron head to tilt backwards when docked on the bracket.

[0055] The rear projection(s) protrude further in height from the resting platform than the front projection(s) so that when the iron head is docked on the bracket, the rear portion of the sole plate is raised, which helps to counteract this hose-cord related tilting of the iron head.

[0056] In some embodiments, the iron head includes a housing having an upper surface that faces away from the resting platform when the iron head is supported on the resting platform, wherein when the iron head is docked on the bracket and all of the front protrusion and the rear protrusion are in contact with the sole plate, a gap is provided between the upper surface and each of the first and second lateral support members.

[0057] The minimum distance across the gap is preferably in the range of [1; 4] mm. This minimum distance can provide a balance between limiting tilting of the docked iron head and ensuring that docking of the iron head on the bracket is easy enough for the user to perform.

[0058] In some embodiments, the tilt of the iron head relative to the resting platform is limited to less than 3 degrees, preferably less than 2 degrees. This helps to reduce the risk of a user accidentally contacting the soleplate due to the soleplate being exposed by tilting the iron head when docked on the bracket.

[0059] Detailed explanation and other aspects of the present invention will be given below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Certain aspects of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like components or sub-steps are represented in the same manner:

[0061] Figure 1 depicts a steam device according to an example,

[0062] Figure 2 depicts a bracket for docking an iron head according to the invention,

[0063] Figure 3 Provided Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the bracket shown,

[0064] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Provided are connected to Figure 2 and Figure 3 External and internal views of the iron head on the stand shown,

[0065] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Depicts the tilt of the iron head docked on the bracket,

[0066] Figure 6 depicts an iron head docked on a bracket which does not include rear projection(s) which project further in height from the resting platform of the bracket than the front projection(s) and therefore does not conform to the invention as defined in claim 1 of the appended claims,

[0067] Figure 7 depicts an iron head according to the present invention docked on a bracket, the bracket comprising rear projection(s) which project further in height from a resting platform of the bracket than the front projection(s),

[0068] Figure 8 Provided Figure 6 A perspective view of the components of the iron head and bracket shown, and

[0069] Figure 9 Provided Figure 7 A perspective view of the components of the iron head and bracket are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Figure 1 A steam device 10 according to an example is depicted. The steam device 10 comprises an iron head 14.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the steam device 10 includes a base unit 12 including a water tank and a hose line 20 for connecting an iron head 14 to the base unit 12. The water tank stores water for generating steam. To this end, the steam device 10 also includes a steam generator to which the water stored in the water tank is supplied.

[0072] refer to Figure 1 4 , the iron head 14 includes a sole plate 16 for treating clothes. Steam can be released to clothes treated using the steam device 10 via at least one steam outlet defined by the sole plate 16.

[0073] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the sole plate 16 tapers from a wider rear end of the sole plate 16 at or near the wider rear end to a more pointed front end of the sole plate 16. This wider rear end of the sole plate 16 may be near the rear surface 18 of the iron head 14 or, in some examples, be included in the rear surface 18 of the iron head 14.

[0074] In at least some embodiments, the iron head 14 includes a housing 22. Such housing 22 may be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic material, for example an engineering thermoplastic.

[0075] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the upper surface 24 of the housing 22 faces away from the base plate 16 .

[0076] Preferably, the iron head 14 includes a handle 25 which, when grasped by a user, enables the iron head 14 to be held by a user and moved over clothing.

[0077] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the hose line 20 is connected to the handle 25 of the iron head 14. In such an embodiment, the hose line 20 can be connected to the handle 25 and extend rearwardly away from the handle 25. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the hose line 20 can be connected to a portion of the housing 22 other than the handle 25 and extend rearwardly away from that portion.

[0078] More generally, the hose cord 20 preferably extends rearwardly away from the rear surface 18 of the iron head 14. This may help to minimise the risk of the hose cord 20 obstructing movement of the iron head 14, particularly when the iron head 14 is moved over clothing.

[0079] In some embodiments, a steam generator is included in the base unit 12 , and steam generated by the steam generator is supplied to the iron head 14 via the hose line 20 .

[0080] In such an embodiment, the iron head 14 preferably comprises a steam heater 27 arranged to reheat steam and / or water received from the steam generator before the steam leaves the iron head 14 via the at least one steam outlet. The steam heater 27 may help to minimise the risk of water splashing onto the treated garments.

[0081] In an alternative embodiment, the iron head 14 may comprise a steam chamber arranged to generate steam from water supplied (eg pumped) thereto from a water tank comprised in the base unit 12 .

[0082] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the steam device 10 includes a rod assembly 26. Such a rod assembly 26 can support an ironing board 28.

[0083] therefore, Figure 1 The steam apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be considered a vertical steam engine.

[0084] The pole assembly 26 is preferably a telescopic pole assembly 26. In such an embodiment, height adjustment of the ironing board 28 can be implemented by extending and folding the telescopic pole assembly 26.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, the ironing board 28 is preferably tiltable between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation, wherein the latter is tiltable between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. Figure 1 The vertical orientation can be used for steaming clothes, while the horizontal orientation can be used for ironing.

[0086] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the steam device 10 includes a support base 30 arranged to support the base unit 12 and / or the wand assembly 26 .

[0087] The present disclosure relates more generally to a bracket 100 for docking an iron head 14. Figure 1 As shown, such a bracket 100 may be included in the steam device 10. Thus, the bracket 100 and the iron head 14 may be provided to the user.

[0088] When the iron head 14 is not held by a user, in other words during inactive steaming, the iron head 14 may be docked on the bracket 100 , in other words supported by the bracket 100 .

[0089] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 100 may be attached to the ironing board 28 and / or the pole assembly 26 via a support arm 101 that extends between the bracket 100 and the ironing board 28 or pole assembly 26 as the case may be.

[0090] refer to Figures 2 to 4B The bracket 100 includes a resting platform 102 for supporting the sole plate 16 of the iron head 14 thereon. The resting platform 102 includes a rear end 104 and a front end 106. The rear end 104 is opposite to the front end 106.

[0091] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 4B As shown, the width of the storage platform 102 gradually decreases from the rear end 104 or the rear end near the bottom plate to the front end 106. This tapering of the storage platform 102 means that the storage platform 102 is wider near the rear end 104 and narrower near the front end 106.

[0092] This tapered resting platform 102 can correspond to the tapered shape of the sole plate 16 of the iron head 14. In this way, the shape of the resting platform 102 can provide an intuitive guide for how the iron head 14 should be oriented in order to be docked on the bracket 100.

[0093] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 4B As shown, the first lateral edge 108 and the second lateral edge 110 of the resting platform 102 each extend between the rear end 104 and the front end 106 .

[0094] The bracket 100 includes a back support member 112 for resting the rear surface 18 of the iron head 14 thereon.

[0095] In some embodiments, and as Figure 4B As best shown, the rear surface 18 of the iron head 14 comprises the rearward-facing surface of the housing 22. In this embodiment, the housing 22 projects further rearward than the rear end of the sole plate 16 so that when the iron head 14 is docked on the cradle 100, the housing 22, rather than the sole plate 16, contacts the back support member 112.

[0096] This design can help protect the back support member 112 from the heat of the sole plate 16 because the rear end of the sole plate 16 is prevented from contacting the back support member 112 by the rearwardly protruding housing 22 when the iron head 14 is docked on the bracket.

[0097] Continue to refer Figures 2 to 4B , a first lateral support member 114 protrudes from a left side of the resting platform 102 , and a second lateral support member 116 protrudes from a right side of the resting platform 102 .

[0098] like Figure 2As best shown in FIG, the upper portion of the first and second lateral support members 114 and 116 extend toward each other above the resting platform 102 to define, with the back support member 112 , a confined rear region 118 of the bracket 100 for accommodating the rear portion of the iron head 14 .

[0099] For example, the rear components of the iron head 14 housed by the restricted rear region 118 of the bracket 100 include a rear portion of the housing 22 and a rear portion of the sole plate 16 , terminating at a wider rear end of the sole plate 16 .

[0100] It should be noted that the rear part of the iron head 14 is different from the rear surface 18 of the iron head 14, because the rear surface 18 of the iron head 14 is the surface of the iron head 14 that rests against the back support member 112 of the bracket 100, and the rear part of the iron head 14 is the part of the iron head 14 that is located in a restricted rear area 118 of the bracket 100, which is defined by the back support member 112 together with the upper parts of the first and second lateral support members 114, 116, which extend toward each other and across the resting platform 102.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 4B As shown, a first lateral support member 114 protrudes from the first lateral edge 108 proximate the rear end 104 of the resting platform 102 , and a second lateral support member 116 protrudes from the second lateral edge 110 proximate the rear end 104 of the resting platform 102 .

[0102] In some embodiments, and as Figure 3 As best shown in FIG, the first lateral support member 114 and the second lateral support member 116 each protrude further in height from the resting platform 102 than the back support member 112. This design can balance the need for the iron head 14 to be securely docked on the bracket 100 without using excessive material (e.g., plastic material) to manufacture the bracket 100.

[0103] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the iron head 14 may have a tendency to tilt backwards, for example due to the weight of the hose cord 20. The moment generated by the weight of the hose cord 20 (note that the hose cord 20 may have a length equal to or greater than 1 meter) may be greater than the weight of the iron head 14, causing the iron head 14 to tilt backwards when docked on the bracket 100 (indicated by the curved arrow).

[0104] Since the upper parts of the first and second lateral support members 114, 116 extend toward each other above the resting platform 102 to define a restricted rear region 118, rearward tilting of the iron head 14 can be restricted by the first and second lateral support members 114, 116. For example, the first and second lateral support members 114, 116 restrict rearward tilting by contacting the upper surface 24 of the housing 22 with the first and second lateral support members 114, 116.

[0105] Even when restrained by the first and second lateral support members 114, 116, such tilting risks exposing the base plate 16 to a degree that creates a potential safety hazard due to the possibility of a user accidentally touching the base plate 16 so exposed.

[0106] Reference again Figure 2 and Figure 4B , the bracket 100 accordingly includes at least one rear protrusion 120, 122 and at least one front protrusion 124, wherein the at least one rear protrusion protrudes from the shelf platform 102 into the restricted rear area 118, in other words, close to the rear end 104 of the shelf platform 102, and the at least one front protrusion protrudes from the shelf platform 102 to near the front end 106, wherein the at least one rear protrusion 120, 122 protrudes farther in height from the shelf platform 102 than the at least one front protrusion.

[0107] When the iron head 14 is docked on the bracket 100, at least one rear protrusion 120, 122 (e.g., each of the rear protrusions) protrudes further in height from the resting platform 102 than the front protrusion(s) 124, thereby raising the rear portion of the sole plate 16 relative to the front portion of the sole plate 16.

[0108] The torque thus generated can be used to limit the distance between the front end of the base plate 16 and the resting platform 102 .

[0109] Since the sole plate 16 is exposed due to the tilt of the iron head 14 docked on the bracket 100 , the risk of the user accidentally touching the sole plate 16 is correspondingly reduced.

[0110] Furthermore, by including the front and rear projections 124, 122 of the bracket 100 protruding from the shelf platform 102 proximate the front and rear ends 104, 106 of the shelf platform 102, the base plate 16 is elevated relative to the shelf platform 102 proximate the front and rear ends 104, 106 of the shelf platform 102. Figure 4B Best shown.

[0111] In this way, direct contact between the base plate 16 and the resting platform 102 can be minimized or prevented, so the resting platform 102 itself does not need to be made of a material that can withstand the high temperature of the base plate 16. Therefore, lower cost materials can be used for the resting platform 102 itself.

[0112] refer to Figures 6 to 9 When the iron head 14 is docked on the bracket 100 and all of the front protrusion 124 and the rear protrusions 120 and 122 are in contact with the sole plate 16, the rear protrusion(s) 120 and 122 protruding farther in height from the resting platform 102 than the front protrusion(s) 124 can reduce the minimum distance D1 across the gap between the upper surface 24 of the housing 22 and each of the first and second lateral support members 114 and 116.

[0113] It should be noted that, for the avoidance of doubt, Figures 6 to 9 The iron head 14 is shown when the sole plate 16 is in full contact with all of the front and rear projections 124, 122 that project from the resting platform 102, in other words, before the iron head 14 can tilt rearwardly.

[0114] In this regard, Figure 6 and Figure 8 The case of the bracket 100 shown, with Figure 7 and Figure 9 The minimum distance D1 across the gap is greater than in the case of the illustrated bracket 100, which does not include the rear protrusion(s) 120, 122 that protrude further in height from the resting platform 102 than the front protrusion(s) 124. This is because the latter includes the rear protrusion(s) 120, 122 that protrude further in height from the resting platform 102 than the front protrusion(s) 124.

[0115] Preferably, the minimum distance D1 across the gap is in the range of [1; 4] mm. This minimum distance D1 can provide a balance between restricting the tilting of the docked iron head 14 and ensuring that docking of the iron head 14 on the bracket 100 is easy enough for the user to perform.

[0116] It should be reiterated that the backward tilting of the iron head 14 when docked on the bracket 100 can be limited, for example, stopped, by the first and second lateral support members 114, 116. In some embodiments, the tilting of the iron head 14 relative to the resting platform 102 is limited to less than 3 degrees, preferably less than 2 degrees. This helps reduce the risk of the soleplate 16 being exposed due to the tilting of the iron head 14 when docked on the bracket 100, causing the user to accidentally contact the soleplate 16.

[0117] When the docked iron head 14 is tilted rearwardly so that the upper surface 24 of the housing 22 contacts one or both of the first and second lateral support members 114, 116, such maximum tilt angle can be directly and positively verified by measuring the angles between the surface of the resting platform 102 (from which the front and rear projections 124, 120, 122 project) and corresponding planes of the surface of the sole plate 16, with the rear surface 18 abutting the rear support member 112 and the sole plate 16 in contact with each of the rear projection(s) 120, 122.

[0118] In some embodiments, and with reference to Figure 3 , a height difference HD measured between the highest point of at least one rear protrusion 120, 122 and the highest point of at least one front protrusion 124 is in the range of [1; 3] mm.

[0119] A height difference HD greater than 3 mm may impair the ease with which the iron head 14 can be assembled to the bracket 100 , while ensuring that the height difference HD is equal to or greater than 1 mm may help prevent the iron head 14 docked on the bracket 100 from tilting excessively backward.

[0120] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the at least one rear protrusion 120, 122 includes a first rear protrusion 120 that protrudes into the restricted area 118 near the left side, and a second rear protrusion 122 that protrudes into the restricted area 118 near the right side. The first rear protrusion 120 and the second rear protrusion 122 can help limit the tilting of the iron head 14 relative to the resting platform 102 at each side of the bracket 100.

[0121] In some embodiments, a central longitudinal axis LA extends between the rear end 104 and the front end 106 and bisects the resting platform 102 , wherein the first rear protrusion 120 and the second rear protrusion 122 are symmetrically arranged on respective sides of the central longitudinal axis LA. This helps ensure that the iron head 14 remains balanced when docked on the bracket 100.

[0122] In some embodiments, and still with reference to Figure 2 Each of the at least one rear protrusion 120, 122, for example, includes a ramp 126, 128 that slopes upward toward the rear end 104 of the resting platform 102 to a highest point of the at least one rear protrusion 120, 122. The ramps 126, 128 can help a user guide the iron head 14 onto the bracket 100, and in particular, can help a user position the rear surface 18 of the iron head 14 against the back support member 112.

[0123] For example, a ramp 126 ; 128 (eg, in the form of one or more rails) smoothly slopes rearwardly toward the rear end 104 of the resting platform 102 .

[0124] In an embodiment where at least one rear protrusion 120, 122 includes a first rear protrusion 120 and a second rear protrusion 122, the first rear protrusion 120 may include a first slope 126 that slopes upward toward the rear end 104 of the shelf platform 102 to a highest point of the first rear protrusion 120, wherein the second rear protrusion 122 includes a second slope 128 that slopes upward toward the rear end 104 of the shelf platform 102 to a highest point of the second rear protrusion.

[0125] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, each of the at least one front projection 124 is centrally located between the left and right sides of the resting platform 102. For example, each of the at least one front projection 124 is positioned along the longitudinal axis LA.

[0126] This central positioning of the front projection(s) 124 may help balance the iron head 14 when docked on the bracket 100 .

[0127] In at least some embodiments, at least one rear projection 120, 122 and / or at least one front projection 124 comprises a heat-resistant material that is arranged to contact the base plate 16. In other words, at least the highest point of the rear projection(s) 120, 122 and / or the front projection(s) is made of such a heat-resistant material.

[0128] Any suitable heat-resistant material may be used, such as a heat-resistant elastic material, such as silicone rubber. Such a heat-resistant elastic material may help to minimize the risk of scratching the soleplate 16 when the iron head 14 is docked on the bracket 100.

[0129] At this point, it should be noted that the bracket 100, eg, components of the bracket 100 other than the rear projections 120, 122 and the front projection 124, may be made of any suitable mechanically strong material, such as an engineering thermoplastic.

[0130] The first and second lateral support members 114, 116, which limit the tilting of the iron head 14, may risk damaging (e.g., scratching) the upper surface 24 of the housing 22, particularly when the upper surface 24 comes into contact with the relatively sharp edges of the first and second lateral support members 114, 116. Such damage may occur, in particular, when a user docks the iron head 14 on and removes it from the bracket 100. Alternatively or additionally, the curved shape of the first and second lateral support members 114, 116 may follow the contours of the upper surface 24 of the housing 22, allowing the iron head 14 to fit snugly within the bracket 100.

[0131] Therefore, in some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 9 As shown, the first and second lateral support members 114, 116 are curved and extend toward each other above the resting platform 102. This curvature of the first and second lateral support members 114, 116 can help reduce the risk of the first and second lateral support members 114, 116 scratching the upper surface 24 of the housing 22.

[0132] In this embodiment, the surface of the first lateral support member 114 facing the resting platform 102 is preferably bent over the resting platform 102 and toward the second lateral support member 116, for example, bent together with the first lateral support member 114 as a whole, wherein the surface of the second lateral support member 116 facing the resting platform 102 is bent over the resting platform 102 and toward the first lateral support member 114, for example, bent together with the second lateral support member as a whole.

[0133] The above embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical methods of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical methods of the present invention may be modified or replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of protection 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 numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A bracket (100) for docking an iron head (14), the iron head having a sole plate (16) for processing clothes, the bracket comprising: A shelf platform (102) is used to support the bottom plate thereon, and the shelf platform includes a rear end (104) and a front end (106). a back support member (112) for the rear surface (18) of the iron head to rest against, the back support member protruding from the rear end of the resting platform, a first transverse supporting member (114), the first transverse supporting member protruding from the left side of the resting platform, a second lateral support member (116) projecting from a right side of the resting platform, an upper portion of the first lateral support member and an upper portion of the second lateral support member extending toward each other to define, together with the back support member, a restricted rear region (118) of the bracket for accommodating a rear portion of the iron head, at least one rear projection (120, 122) that projects from the resting platform into the restricted rear area, and at least one front protrusion (124), the at least one front protrusion protruding from the resting platform near the front end, wherein the at least one rear protrusion protrudes further in height from the resting platform than the at least one front protrusion, Characterized in that the at least one rear protrusion (120, 122) comprises a slope (126; 128) that slopes upward toward the rear end (104) of the resting platform (102) to a highest point of the at least one rear protrusion.

2. The bracket (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one rear protrusion (120, 122) includes a first rear protrusion (120) that protrudes into the restricted rear area (118) near the left side, and a second rear protrusion (122) that protrudes into the restricted rear area near the right side.

3. The bracket (100) according to claim 2, wherein a central longitudinal axis (LA) extends between the rear end (104) and the front end (106) and divides the resting platform (102) into two, wherein the first rear protrusion (120) and the second rear protrusion (122) are symmetrically arranged on respective sides of the central longitudinal axis.

4. The bracket (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one front protrusion (124) is located in the center between the left side and the right side.

5. The bracket (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one rear protruding portion (120, 122) and / or the at least one front protruding portion (124) comprises a heat-resistant material arranged to be in contact with the bottom plate (16).

6. The bracket (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first lateral support member (114) and the second lateral support member (116) extend curvedly toward each other above the resting platform (102).

7. The bracket (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a height difference (HD) measured between a highest point of the at least one rear protruding portion (120, 122) and a highest point of the at least one front protruding portion (124) is in the range of [1; 3] mm.

8. The bracket (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first lateral support member (114) and the second lateral support member (116) each protrude further in height from the resting platform (102) than the back support member (112).

9. The bracket (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first lateral edge (108) and the second lateral edge (110) of the resting platform (102) each extend between the rear end (104) and the front end (106) of the resting platform, The first lateral support member (114) protrudes from the first lateral edge (108) proximate the rear end, and The second lateral support member (116) protrudes from the second lateral edge (110) proximate the rear end.

10. A steam device (10), comprising: an iron head (14) having a sole plate (16), and The bracket (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The steam device (10) according to claim 10, comprising: a base unit (12), the base unit comprising a water tank, and A hose line (20) is arranged to extend away from the rear surface (18) of the iron head (14), the hose line connecting the iron head to the base unit.

12. The steam device (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the iron head (14) comprises a housing (22) having an upper surface (24), the upper surface facing away from the resting platform when the iron head is supported on the resting platform (102), and providing a gap between the upper surface and each of the first lateral support member (114) and the second lateral support member (116) when the iron head is docked on the bracket (100), wherein all of the front protrusion (124) and the rear protrusion (120, 122) are in contact with the sole plate (16).

13. The steam device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the minimum distance (D1) across the gap is in the range of [1; 4] mm.

14. The steam device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the tilt of the iron head (14) relative to the resting platform (102) is limited to less than 3 degrees.

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