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[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to steamer attachments. More particularly, the present invention provides a steamer attachment that allows a user to selectively dispense steam from different apertures of a steamer.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Steamers are frequently used in homes and businesses to clean and/or remove wrinkles from clothes, drapes and other items. However, tasks, such as removing spots and wrinkles, are generally at odds and require different attachments. Specifically, removing spots typically requires that steam is concentrated directly on the spot. Conversely, efficiently removing wrinkles typically requires that steam is dispersed over a wider surface area of clothes.
[0005] Therefore, people currently have to change attachments between such tasks. In order to change attachments, the steamer must be shut-off to avoid steam burns and other hazards. Once the steamer has cooled down, the person may switch attachments and turn the steamer back on. Finally, the user must wait for the steamer to heat back up. Thus, switching attachments can be very time consuming.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved steamer attachment that overcomes the limitations of the prior art.
[0007] The present invention overcomes the above-identified problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of steamer attachments. More particularly, the present invention provides a steamer attachment that allows a user to selectively dispense steam from different apertures of a steamer to remove both spots and wrinkles with the same attachment. The steamer itself is conventional and preferably includes a hose and an internal steam generator. The steamer also preferably includes a telescoping clothes support with a clothes hanging bracket. Thus, clothes may be hung from the bracket while the user steams them using the attachment. The steamer also preferably includes two front wheels and two rear casters, thereby allowing the user to easily maneuver the steamer without having to lift the steamer. The wheels and casters become especially important when the steamer has been filled with water and is especially heavy.
[0008] The attachment of the present invention broadly comprises a body having a head portion and a handle portion, a first and second steam distributor located in the head, and a valve located in the handle. The head is preferably aligned perpendicularly to the handle and includes a flange substantially centered along a top arcuate surface of a substantially flat face. The flange is preferably rounded and houses the first distributor. The face preferably includes the top arcuate surface which meets a bottom arcuate surface at opposing ends and houses the second distributor. Thus, the head preferably forms an oblong shape with no sharp corners, thereby making the head easy to manage and guide over the clothes being steamed.
[0009] The handle preferably includes knurled surfaces on either side and a contoured front surface, thereby providing a secure and comfortable grip. The valve is preferably located near a top end of the front surface, thereby allowing the user to operate the valve without releasing the handle. The handle may be either permanently joined to the hose of the steamer or secured to a fitting of the hose.
[0010] The first distributor preferably comprises a nozzle substantially centered within the flange and able to dispense steam generated by the steam generator of the steamer. The nozzle preferably concentrates the steam and may include a brush. The nozzle and the brush have been found to be highly effective for removing spots from the clothes.
[0011] The second distributor preferably comprises a plurality of evenly spaced holes which are preferably linearly arranged horizontally across the face in order to disperse the steam. The second distributor may also include a detachable diffusor to further disperse and actually diffuse the steam. The holes and the diffusor have been found to be highly effective for general steaming, such as wrinkle removal.
[0012] The valve preferably directs the steam from the steam generator toward the first distributor, the second distributor, or both. More specifically, the valve preferably opens a first path toward the first distributor before closing a second path toward the second distributor. Additionally, with the valve in a mid-position, the steam may be directed to both distributors through both paths simultaneously. Thus, the steam always has at least one available path, in order to prevent pressure buildup within the steamer.
[0013] In use, the user fills the steamer with water, secures the attachment to the hose, turns the steamer on, and hangs the clothes on the bracket. The user may select which distributor to use by operation of the valve. For example, the user may select the first distributor to concentrate the steam on a spot on the clothes. The user may also secure the brush to the nozzle and use the brush to scrub the spot.
[0014] Alternatively, the user may select the second distributor to disperse the steam over the clothes, for general steaming. The user may secure the diffusor over the holes to further disperse the steam. In either case, the user may switch between distributors without turning the steamer off or risking pressure buildup.
[0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0016]
[0017]
[0018]
[0019] Referring to
[0020] The steamer
[0021] The body
[0022] The handle
[0023] The first distributor
[0024] The second distributor
[0025] The valve
[0026] While the present invention has been described above, it is understood that other materials and/or dimensions can be substituted. For example, the head
[0027] In use, the userfills the steamer
[0028] Alternatively, the user may select the second distributor
[0029] Having thus described a preferred embodiment of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following: