An ironing device

Abstract

An ironing device 1 includes a foot 2 and a trunk 3. The trunk comprises a handle 4 and a steamer head 5. The foot has a foot sole plate 6 and a connection fitting 7 adapted to allow the steamer hea

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ironing device. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ironing device configured to function as both a fabric iron and a fabric steamer. Background to the Invention It is common for fabric articles such as clothes, sheets, or the like to be processed to remove or reduce creases so as to improve their appearance. One common way this is achieved is by use of a fabric iron. Such a device typically comprises a flat heated sole plate. When passed over the surface of a fabric item laid on a flat surface, the heat of the sole plate combined with the pressure with which the sole plate is applied to the fabric item causes any creases within the item to be reduced or removed. One known type of fabric iron is a steam iron. In addition to a heated sole plate, the steam iron typically comprises a water tank which may be heated such that the water contained within is converted to steam. The steam is then released via at least one vent, onto the item. Steam irons may help improve the removal of creases from fabric as the steam may penetrate the component fibres, making them more pliable and therefore easier to iron. Another device commonly used to remove creases from fabric is a fabric steamer. The fabric steamer typically comprises a water tank and a heater used to heat the water and generate steam which can be directed, in use, towards the fabric. Typically, the steam is directed towards the fabric via one or more nozzles on a steamer head. When passed over the fabric surface, the steam causes creases within the fabric to be reduced or removed. Typically, a fabric steamer can be used to remove creases from free hanging fabric items rather than requiring use in combination with a flat surface. Some users own both a fabric iron and a fabric steamer and may choose which device to use based upon the specific scenario. For example, a user may choose to steam a fabric item instead of ironing it if they do not have an ironing board readily available. However, owning both a fabric iron and a fabric steamer is not only expensive, but also takes up more storage space in a user’s home. Accordingly, many users only own one of a fabric iron or a fabric steamer. In this case, a user is restricted to using the device they own regardless of whether it is the most suitable device to use in the specific scenario. It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome or alleviate at least one of the abovementioned or other problems. Summary of the Invention According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided an ironing device comprising a foot and a trunk, wherein the trunk comprises a handle and a steamer head, and wherein the foot comprises a foot sole plate and a connection fitting adapted to allow the steamer head to dock with the foot. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an ironing device comprising a foot and a trunk, wherein the trunk comprises a handle and a steamer head such that the trunk is operable as a fabric steamer, and wherein the foot comprises a foot sole plate and a connection fitting to allow the steamer head to dock with the foot, such that the docked device is operable as a fabric iron. Provision of an ironing device according to the broad aspect or first aspect is particularly advantageous as it provides a single device which may be used as either a fabric steamer or a fabric iron. By providing a ‘two-in-one’ device, users have the flexibility of choose to use the device in either form depending on the scenario without having to buy and subsequently store two separate devices. The connection fitting may comprise a recess. The recess may be shaped and sized to receive the steamer head. The recess may be provided on an opposing side of the foot to the foot sole plate. The connection fitting may comprise a foot electrical connector adapted to engage with a trunk electrical connector when the steamer head is docked with the foot. The electrical connector may be configured to enable electrical power to be supplied to the foot when the foot electrical connector is engaged with the trunk electrical connector. In some embodiments, the trunk electrical connector may comprise a male element and the foot electrical connector may comprise a female element. In alternative embodiments, the trunk electrical connector may comprise a female element and the foot electrical connector may comprise a male element. The electrical connector may comprise any suitable elements. Suitable elements include, but are not limited to, sub couplers, or the like. The connection fitting may comprise a locking mechanism configured to lock the steamer head within the connection fitting. The locking mechanism may be a releasable locking mechanism. This may allow the steamer head to be removed from the connection fitting as required. The locking mechanism may be released in response to actuation of a release control. The release control may be a push button, slider, magnetic component, or the like. The release control and / or the locking mechanism may be biased. The locking mechanism may comprise a locking element adapted to releasably engage with a locking slot. The locking slot may be shaped to receive the locking element. The locking element may be provided on the foot, and the locking slot may be provided on the trunk. Nevertheless, the skilled person would appreciate that alternatively, the locking element may be provided on the trunk, and the locking slot may be provided on the foot. Engagement of the locking element with the locking slot may define a locked position. Lack of engagement between the locking element and the locking slot may define an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking element may prevent separation of the foot and the trunk. The locking mechanism may comprise a push rod connected to the locking element, movement of the push rod configured to move the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions. The push rod may be connected to the release control such that actuation of the release control may move the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may comprise a biasing element operable to bias the locking mechanism to the locked position. The biasing element may comprise a spring. In embodiments where the locking element is provided on the foot and the locking slot is provided on the trunk, when the steamer head is docked with the foot, the locking element may engage with the locking slot in the locked position. This may ‘lock’ the trunk in place on the foot such that the ironing device may function as a fabric iron. Subsequent actuation of the release control will move the locking mechanism to the unlock position such that the trunk may be removed from the connection fitting. This thereby enables the trunk to function as a fabric steamer. The locking mechanism may comprise a re-set spring. Without actuation of the release control, the biasing element retains the locking mechanism in the locked position thus preventing the trunk from detaching from the foot unexpectedly and causing a burning risk. The trunk may comprise a water tank. The handle may be provided between the steamer head and the water tank. The steamer head may comprise one or more vents. The steamer head may comprise a steamer head sole plate. Each vent may be provided in the steamer head sole plate. In instances where the steamer head comprises a steamer head sole plate, the recess may comprise a heat-resistant plate or coating. This may minimise the risk of the steamer head sole plate causing damage to the recess when the steamer head is docked after use. The trunk may comprise a vaporiser configured to vaporise water received from the water tank for output via the steamer head sole plate. The vaporiser may comprise a first vaporisation chamber and a second vaporisation chamber. The first vaporisation chamber and second vaporisation chamber may be connected by a channel. The channel may allow fluid to flow from the first vaporisation chamber to the second vaporisation chamber. The channel may be offset toward or provided at an edge of each of the first and second vaporisation chambers. The first vaporisation chamber may be adapted to receive water from the water tank and the second vaporisation chamber may be adapted to receive fluid from the first vaporisation chamber through the channel. The second vaporisation chamber may be connected to one or more vents on the steamer head. In this manner, water from the water tank may pass through the vaporisation chambers in turn then be output as steam. Providing such a first vaporisation chamber and a second vaporisation chamber is particularly advantageous as water from the water tank may be heated in the first vaporisation chamber to form a water vapour mixture. The water vapour mixture may then pass through the channel which may prevent cooling of the water vapour mixture and accelerate the flow into the second vaporisation chamber. In the second vaporisation chamber, the water vapour mixture may be heated again, thereby reducing the moisture content in the steam, to produce a dry steam to be output from the steamer head. The trunk may comprise a pump. The pump may be fluidly connected to the water tank. This may enable water from the water tank to be delivered to the vaporiser such that it may be converted to and subsequently output as steam. The vaporiser may comprise an upper cover, a lower cover, and an evaporator therebetween. The first vaporisation chamber may be defined between the evaporator and the upper cover. The second vaporisation chamber may be defined between the evaporator and the lower cover. The evaporator may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be formed from a material having a high thermal conductivity. Suitable materials include but are not limited to aluminium alloys and copper alloys. The heating element may comprise a heating plate. Alternatively, the heating element may comprise an elongate electrically conductive member. The elongate electrically conductive member may thereby define a heating tube. The elongate electrically conductive member may be provided within a heating shell. The heating shell may correspond to the shape of the heating tube. By providing the elongate electrically conductive member within the heating shell, water may be prevented from directly contacting the heating tube. The elongate electrically conductive member may comprise a plurality of curved portions. The elongate electrically conductive member may comprise at least two curved portions, at least three curved portions, at least four curved portions, or at least five curved portions. The elongate electrically conductive member may comprise no more than eight curved portions, no more than seven curved portions, no more than six curved portions. The elongate electrically conductive member may comprise between two and eight curved portions, between three and seven curved portions, or between four and six curved portions. The elongate electrically conductive member may have a substantially “M” shaped structure. This may help maximise the space occupancy within the vaporiser, thereby improving the heating effect of the elongate electrically conductive member during operation. The first vaporisation chamber may define a circuitous path between a hole for receiving water from the tank and the channel. The hole may be provided in the upper cover. The circuitous path may be a substantially spiral path. In this context, substantially spiral indicates that at least some outer sections of the circuitous path spiral around inner sections of the circuitous path. This may assist in promoting uniform heating of the fluid passing through the first vaporisation chamber. The circuitous path may be defined by one or more internal walls. The internal walls may project from either or both of the evaporator and the upper cover. The second vaporisation chamber may comprise a substantially axisymmetric structure. The axisymmetric structure may be defined by one or more internal walls. The internal walls may project from either or both of the evaporator and the lower cover. The axisymmetric structure may define a pair of winding paths between the channel and the vents. The axisymmetric structure may be adapted to minimise backflow when the vents are positioned above the channel. The volume ratio of the first vaporisation chamber to the second vaporisation chamber may be at least 1:1.1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, or 1:1.5. The volume ratio of the first vaporisation chamber to the second vaporisation chamber may be no more than 1:1.9, 1:1.8, 1:1.7, or 1:1.6. The volume ratio of the first vaporisation chamber to the second vaporisation chamber may be in the range of 1:1.1-1:1.9,1:1.2-1:1.8, 1:1.3-1:1.7, 1:1.4-1:1.6. Preferably, the volume ratio of the first vaporisation chamber to the second vaporisation chamber may be 1:1.5. The upper cover may be formed from a material having a high thermal resistance. Suitable materials include but are not limited to Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), or the like. The lower cover may be formed from a material having a high thermal resistance. Suitable materials include but are not limited to Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), or the like. The lower cover may comprise a plurality of apertures. In instances where the steamer head comprises a steamer head sole plate, the steamer head sole plate may be provided adjacent the lower cover. Where the steamer head sole plate comprises one or more vents, each vent may be configured to output steam from the second vaporisation chamber. The plurality of vents may correspond to the plurality of apertures in the lower cover. Alternatively, the lower cover may comprise the steamer head sole plate. The trunk may comprise a steam release button. The steam release button may be provided on the handle. This means it may be readily accessible by a user. In such embodiments, actuation of the steam release button may cause steam to be released from each vent. The foot may comprise at least one heating component configured to heat the foot sole plate. The or each heating component may be connected to the foot electrical connector of the connection fitting. The or each heating component may be provided distal to the recess in the foot. The or each heating component may extend along a major portion of an upper surface of the sole plate. The or each heating component may be in the form of a heating plate or a heating tube. Providing at least one heating component may assist in uniform heating of the foot sole plate during use as it may account for heat lost as a result of the ironing device outputting steam. The foot may comprise a steam aperture configured to direct steam from the steamer head toward the foot sole plate when the steamer head is docked with the foot. The steam aperture may extend between the recess and the foot sole plate. The steam aperture may comprise a substantially rectangular cross section. The steam aperture may be provided with a steam seal. The steam seal may form a wall around the steam aperture. The steam seal may help prevent the backflow or overflow of steam, thereby improving user safety. The steam aperture may be configured to direct steam toward fabric during use. The foot sole plate may comprise a steam guide configured to distribute steam from the steam aperture across the foot sole plate. The steam guide may comprise a groove. The groove may extend around at least a portion of lower surface of the foot sole plate. The groove may be substantially arc shaped. Provision of a steam guide may help improve the overall performance of the ironing device as the steam may be uniformly distributed across the foot sole plate via the groove during use. The water tank may be releasably mounted to the trunk via a water tank locking mechanism. The water tank may be releasably mounted to the distal end of the trunk. The water tank locking mechanism may comprise a push release mechanism, a push button latching mechanism, a push-push latching mechanism, or similar. This may allow the water tank to be removed from the trunk as required. The water tank locking mechanism may be biased. The trunk may comprise an opening configured to receive the water tank. The opening may have a substantially circular cross section. The shape of the water tank may conform to the opening. This may help minimise the likelihood of the water tank moving within the opening during use. The water tank may comprise a base. The base may be planar. The base may cover the opening. This is particularly advantageous as it provides a planar surface upon which the ironing device may be rested when it is operable as either a fabric steamer or a fabric iron. Provision of the steamer head and water tank at opposite ends of the trunk may assist balancing the weight of the trunk such that it may be stood up without toppling over, thereby causing a safety risk. The trunk may comprise an electrical power supply. The electrical power supply may comprise an internal battery. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical power supply may comprise a connection to an external power supply. The connection may comprise an electrical socket or, more usually, an electrical cable and plug. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an ironing device comprising a foot and a trunk, wherein the trunk comprises a handle and a steamer head, and wherein the foot comprises a foot sole plate and a connection fitting adapted to allow the steamer head to dock with the foot, wherein the trunk comprises a vaporiser configured to vaporise water for output via the steamer head wherein, the vaporiser comprises a first vaporisation chamber and a second vaporisation chamber, connected by a channel. The ironing device of the second aspect may include any of the optional features of the first aspect of the present invention. The steamer head may comprise a steamer head sole plate. The vaporiser may be configured to vaporise water received from a water tank for output via the steamer head sole plate. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ironing device comprising a foot and a trunk, wherein the trunk comprises a handle and a steamer head, and wherein the foot comprises a foot sole plate and a connection fitting adapted to allow the steamer head to dock with the foot, and wherein the device comprises a heating element comprising an elongate electrically conductive member comprising a plurality of curved portions. The ironing device of the third aspect may include any of the optional features of the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ironing device comprising a foot and a trunk, wherein the trunk comprises a handle and a steamer head, and wherein the foot comprises a foot sole plate and a connection fitting adapted to allow the steamer head to dock with the foot, and wherein the foot comprises at least one heating component configured to heat the foot sole plate. The ironing device of the fourth aspect may include any of the optional features of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect of the present invention. The or each heating component may be in the form of a heating plate or a heating tube. The or each heating component may be provided distal to the connection fitting. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ironing device comprising a foot and a trunk, wherein the trunk comprises a handle and a steamer head, and wherein the foot comprises a foot sole plate and a connection fitting adapted to allow the steamer head to dock with the foot, and wherein the device comprises a water tank releasably mounted to the trunk via a water tank locking mechanism. The ironing device of the fifth aspect may include any of the optional features of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or the fourth aspect of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an ironing device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the ironing device of figure 1 wherein the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position; Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of the foot of the ironing device of figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a schematic view of the locking mechanism of the ironing device of figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is a schematic exploded top view of the vaporiser of the ironing device of figures 1 to 4; Figure 6 is a schematic exploded bottom view of the vaporiser of the ironing device of figures 1 to 5; Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the vaporiser of the ironing device of figures 1 to 6; Figure 8 is a schematic bottom view of the ironing device of figures 1 to 6; Figure 9 is a schematic rear view of the ironing device of figures 1 to 8 wherein the water tank has been released; Figure 10 is a schematic top view of the water tank of the ironing device of figures Ito 9; Figure 11 is a schematic view of the water tank locking element of the water tank locking mechanism of the ironing device of figures 1 to 10; and Figure 12 is a schematic view of the tank locking slot of the water tank locking mechanism of the ironing device of figures 1 to 11. With reference initially to figures 1 and 2, there is shown schematically an ironing device 1 comprising a foot 2 and a trunk 3. The trunk 3 comprises a handle 4 and a steamer head 5 such that the trunk 3 is operable as a fabric steamer. The foot 2 comprises a foot sole plate 6 and a connection fitting 7 which allows the steamer head 5 to dock with the foot 2 such that the docked device is operable as a fabric iron. In this way, the ‘two-in-one’ ironing device 1 may be used as either a fabric steamer or as a fabric iron. This provides users with the flexibility to choose to use the device 1 in either form depending on the scenario. Advantageously, this means a user does not have to buy and subsequently store two separate devices. The connection fitting 7 comprises a recess 8 provided on the opposite side of the foot 2 to the foot sole plate 6. The recess 8 is shaped and sized to receive the steamer head 7. In this particular embodiment, the steamer head 7 comprises a steamer head sole plate 9 having a one or more vents 10 (seen in figures 5 and 6) configured to output steam towards fabric during use. The recess 8 comprises a heat-resistant plate or coating to minimise the risk of the steamer head sole plate 9 causing damage to the recess 8 when docked after use. The trunk 3 comprises an electrical power supply 11 in the form of a connection to an external power supply. The connection to an external power supply may comprise an electrical socket or, more usually, an electrical cable and plug. Nevertheless, the skilled person will appreciate that the electrical power supply 11 may alternatively comprise an internal battery. With additional reference now to figure 3, the connection fitting comprises a foot electrical connector 12 adapted to engage with a trunk electrical connector (not shown) when the steamer head 5 is docked with the foot 2. When the foot electrical connector 12 is engaged with the trunk electrical connector, the electrical connector is configured to enable electrical power to be supplied to the foot 2. In this embodiment, the foot electrical connector 12 comprises a male element, and the trunk electrical connector comprises a corresponding female element. Nevertheless, the skilled person will appreciate that in alternative embodiments, the trunk electrical connector may comprise a male element, and the foot electrical connector 12 may comprise a corresponding female element. In this embodiment, the foot electrical connector 12 comprises a sub coupler however, the skilled person will appreciate that other suitable electrical connector elements may also be used. With particular reference to figures 3 and 4, the connection fitting 7 comprises a locking mechanism 14 configured to releasably lock the steamer head 5 within the connection fitting 7. This allows the steamer head 5 to be removed from the connection fitting 7 as required such that the trunk 3 may be operable as a fabric steamer. The locking mechanism 14 may be released in response to actuation of a release control in the form of a push button 18 (seen best in figure 4) although the skilled person will appreciate that the alternative release controls such as sliders, or the like may also be used. The locking mechanism 14 comprises a locking element 15 adapted to releasably engage with a locking slot (not shown) shaped to receive the locking element 15. Although in this embodiment, the locking element 15 is provided on the foot 2, and the locking slot is provided on the trunk 3, the skilled person will appreciate that in alternative embodiments, the locking element 15 may be provided on the trunk 3, and the locking slot may be provided on the foot 2. Engagement of the locking element 15 with the locking slot defines a locked position wherein the locking element 15 prevents separation of the foot 2 and the trunk 3. Lack of engagement between the locking element 15 and the locking slot defines an unlocked position in which the trunk 3 may be separated from the foot 2. The locking mechanism 14 comprises a push rod 17 connected to the locking element 15 and configured to move the locking mechanism 14 between the locked and unlocked positions. The push rod 17 is also connected to the push button 18 such that actuation of the push button 18 moves the locking mechanism 14 between the locked and unlocked positions. The locking mechanism also comprises a biasing element comprising a spring 19 operable to bias the locking mechanism 14 in the locked position. When the steamer head 5 is docked with the foot 2, the locking element 15 engages with the locking slot in the locked position. This Tocks’ the trunk 3 in place on the foot 2 such that the ironing device 1 may function as a fabric iron. Subsequent actuation of the push button 18 moves the locking mechanism 14 to the unlock position such that the trunk 3 may be removed from the connection fitting 7. This enables the trunk 3 to function as a fabric steamer. Without actuation of the push button 18, the biasing element retains the locking mechanism 14 in the locked position thus preventing the trunk 3 from detaching from the foot 2 unexpectedly and causing a burning risk. The trunk 3 also comprises a water tank 20 (shown in figures 9 and 10), provided at an end distal to the steamer head 5. The handle 4 extends between the steamer head 5 and the water tank 20. With reference now to figures 5 to 7, the trunk 3 comprises a vaporiser 21 configured to vaporise water received from the water tank 20 for output via the steamer head sole plate 9. The vaporiser comprises a first vaporisation chamber 22 and a second vaporisation chamber 23 connected by a channel 24 which allows fluid to flow from the first vaporisation chamber 22 to the second vaporisation chamber 23. The vaporiser 21 substantially conforms to the shape of the steamer head 5 having a substantially teardrop shaped cross section. The channel 24 is offset toward an edge of each of the first vaporisation chamber 22 and the second vaporisation chamber 23 which is distal to the tip of the tear drop shape. The first vaporisation chamber 22 is adapted to receive water from the water tank 20, and the second vaporisation chamber is adapted to receive fluid from the first vaporisation chamber 22 through the channel 24. The second vaporisation chamber 23 is connected to the one or more vents 10 on the steamer head sole plate 9 such that water from the water tank 20 may pass through the vaporisation chambers 22, 23 and in turn be output as steam via the one or more vents 10. Provision of a first vaporisation chamber 22 and a second vaporisation chamber 23 is particularly advantageous as water from the water tank 20 may be heated in the first vaporisation chamber 22 to form a water vapour mixture. The water vapour mixture may then pass through the channel 24 which may prevent cooling of the water vapour mixture and accelerate the flow into the second vaporisation chamber 23. In the second vaporisation chamber 23, the water vapour mixture may be heated again, thereby reducing the moisture content in the steam, to produce a dry steam to be output from the steamer head 5. The trunk 3 also comprises a pump (not shown) which is fluidly connected to the water tank 20. The pump enables water from the water tank 20 to be delivered to the vaporiser 21 such that it may be converted to and subsequently output as steam. The vaporiser 21 comprises an upper cover 25, a lower cover 26, and an evaporator 27 therebetween. The first vaporisation chamber 22 is defined between the evaporator 27 and the upper cover 25, and the second vaporisation chamber 23 is defined between the evaporator 27 and the lower cover 26. The evaporator 27 comprises a heating element in the form of a heating tube 28 formed from a material such as an aluminium alloy or a copper alloy which has a high thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, the skilled person will appreciate that the heating element may also be a heating plate. In this particular embodiment, the volume ratio of the first vaporisation chamber 22 to the second vaporisation chamber 23 is approximately 1:1.5 however, the skilled person will appreciate that the ratio may be in the range of 1:1.1 - 1:1.9. The heating tube 28 is defined by an electrically conductive member. The heating tube 28 is provided within a heating shell (not shown). This helps prevent water within the vaporiser 21 from directly contacting the tube. The heating tube 28 comprises a plurality of curved portions 28a, 28b, 28c which define a substantially “M” shaped structure. This helps maximise the space occupancy within the vaporiser 21, thereby improving the heating effect of the heating tube 28 during operation. The upper cover 25 comprises a hole 29 for receiving water from the water tank 20, and the first vaporisation chamber 22 defines a circuitous path 30 between the hole 29 and the channel 24. In this embodiment, the circuitous path 30 is a substantially spiral path having an outer section which starts 30a adjacent to the hole 29, spirals around an inner section thereof, and ends 30b at the channel 24. The spiral nature of the circuitous path 30 assists in promoting uniform heating of fluid passing through the first vaporisation chamber 22. The circuitous path is defined by one or more internal walls 31 projecting from the evaporator 27 toward the upper cover 25. The second vaporisation chamber 23 comprises a substantially axisymmetric structure defined by one or more internal walls 32 projecting from the either or both of the lower cover 26 and the evaporator 27. The axisymmetric structure defines a pair of winding paths 33 which begin 33a at the channel 24 and end 33b at the one or more vents 10 of the steamer head sole plate 9. In this embodiment, the pair of winding paths 33 encourage fluid to flow over the entire surface of the second vaporisation chamber 23. In particular, as the one or more vents 10 are positioned distal to the channel 24, the axisymmetric structure is adapted to minimise backflow of fluid toward the channel 24 when the trunk 3 is in use as a fabric steamer. In this particular embodiment, the lower cover 26 comprises the steamer head sole plate 9. Nevertheless, the skilled person will appreciate that in alternative embodiments, the lower cover 26 may comprise a plurality of apertures, and a steamer head sole plate 9 may be provided adjacent the lower cover 26. In such embodiments, the one or more vents 10 of the steamer head sole plate 9 may correspond to the plurality of apertures in the lower cover 26. The one or more vents 10 are configured to output steam from the second vaporisation chamber 23 upon actuation of a readily accessible steam release button 34 provided on the handle 4 of the trunk 3. In this particular embodiment, the foot 2 comprises two heating components 36 (shown in figure 3) configured to heat the foot sole plate 6. The heating components 36 extend along the length of an upper surface of the foot sole plate 6. Each heating component 36 comprises an electrical heating plate connected to the foot electrical connector 12 of the connection fitting 7. The heating components 36 assist in the uniform heating of the foot sole plate 6 during use and thereby account for heat lost as a result of the ironing device 1 outputting steam. With reference to figures 3 and 8, the foot 2 further comprises a steam aperture 37 provided within the recess 8 configured to direct steam from the steamer head 5 towards the foot sole plate 6 when the steamer head 5 is docked with the foot 2. The steam aperture 37 extends between the recess 8 and the foot sole plate 6. In this embodiment, the steam aperture 37 has a substantially rectangular cross section and is provided with a steam seal 38 which forms a wall around the steam aperture 37. The steam seal 38 prevents the backflow and / or overflow of steam, thereby improving user safety. Although in this embodiment, there is only a single steam aperture 37, the skilled person will appreciate that there may also be more than one steam aperture. The steam aperture 37 is configured to direct steam from the steamer head 5 toward fabric during use. The lower surface of the sole plate 6 comprises a steam guide 40 configured to distribute steam from the steam aperture 37 across the sole plate 6. The steam guide 40 comprises a groove which extends in a substantially arc shaped manner around the outer edge of the sole plate 6. The steam guide 40 helps improve overall performance of the ironing device 1 as it assists in uniformly distributing the steam across the sole plate 6 via the groove during use. With reference now to figures 9 to 12, the water tank 20 is releasably mounted to the trunk 3 via a water tank locking mechanism 41. The water tank 20 is mounted to the end of the trunk 3 opposing the steamer head 5 to assist in balancing the weight of the trunk 3 such that it may be stood up without toppling over. The water tank locking mechanism 41 comprises a push release mechanism which allows the water tank 20 to be removed from the trunk 3 as required. The trunk 3 comprises an opening 42 configured to receive the water tank 20 which is shaped to conform to the opening 42. The water tank 20 comprises a planar base 20a which covers the opening 42 such that it provides a planar surface upon which the ironing device 1 may be rested when it is operable as either a fabric steamer or a fabric iron. The water tank locking mechanism 41 comprises a water tank locking element 43 and a water tank locking slot 44 shaped to receive the water tank locking element 43. In this embodiment, the water tank locking element 43 comprises a substantially cuboidal portion 43a and a substantially trapezoidal prismatic portion 43b configured to be inserted into the water tank locking slot 44. The water tank locking slot 44 comprises a pair of clamping arms 44a configured to clamp the water tank locking element 43 in position. The water tank locking mechanism 41 comprises a biasing element in the form of a spring 45, operable to bias the water tank locking mechanism 41 such that the water tank 20 remains mounted to the trunk 3. In use, a user may depress the water tank 20 into the opening 42 to release the water tank locking mechanism 41. This may enable the user to remove the water tank 20 from the trunk 3 as required to refill it with water. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ironing device comprising a foot and a trunk, wherein the trunk comprises a handle and a steamer head, and wherein the foot comprises a foot sole plate and a connection fitting adapted to allow the steamer head to dock with the foot.

2. The ironing device according to claim 1 wherein the connection fitting comprises a recess shaped and sized to receive the steamer head.

3. The ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the connection fitting comprises a foot electrical connector adapted to engage with a trunk electrical connector when the steamer head is docked with the foot.

4. The ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the connection fitting comprises a releasable locking mechanism configured to lock the steamer head within the connection fitting.

5. The ironing device according to claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a biasing element operable to bias the locking mechanism to a locked position.

6. The ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the trunk comprises a vaporiser configured to vaporise water received from the tank for output via the steamer head sole plate.

7. The ironing device according to claim 6 wherein the vaporiser comprises a first vaporisation chamber and a second vaporisation chamber connected by a channel.

8. The ironing device according to claim 7 wherein the first vaporisation chamber defines a circuitous path between a hole for receiving water from a water tank and the channel.

9. The ironing device according to any one of claims 8 or 9 wherein the second vaporisation chamber comprises a substantially axisymmetric structure defined by one or more internal walls.

10. The ironing device according to any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein the vaporiser comprises an upper cover, a lower cover, and an evaporator therebetween.

11. The ironing device according to claim 10 wherein the evaporator comprises a heating element comprising an elongate electrically conductive member,wherein the elongate electrically conductive member comprises a plurality of curved portions.

12. The ironing device according to claim 8 wherein the water tank is releasably mounted to the trunk via a water tank locking mechanism.5 13. The ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the steamer headcomprises a steamer head sole plate having one or more vents, each vent configured to output steam from the second vaporisation chamber.

14. The ironing device according to claim 2 wherein the foot comprises a steam aperture configured to direct steam from the steamer head toward foot sole plate10 when the steamer head is docked with the foot.

15. The ironing device according to claim 14 wherein the foot sole plate comprises a steam guide configured to distribute steam from at least one steam aperture across the foot sole plate.15

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