Flexible Steam Frame For Steam Appliance

Abstract

A flexible steam frame for use with a steam appliance having a rigid base and a plurality of flexible members that extend from the base to form a skeleton about a space for steam distribution. A hose with holes may extend from the base to the end of the skeleton to improve distribution. The base may include a handle which is coupled to a steam appliance. The wires may extend from the base, turn at a right angle and return to the base. The members may be metallic or plastic members in two spaced apart planes in an arc between about 20 to 90 degrees, or may be a plurality of wires which define a cylindrical form or a space having a substantially triangularly shaped profile. A matching towel with an opening on one or two sides is placed over the members and secured by elements attached to the opening(s).

1 . A flexible steam frame for a steam appliance, comprising:
 a base member having a steam inlet and a steam outlet; and   a plurality of flexible elements extending from the base at the steam outlet to form an internal space for distribution of steam.   
     
     
         2 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 1 , including a plurality of flexible bands in a first plane and a second plane extending from the base at the outlet; and
 the first and second planes spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other to create a space therebetween.   
     
     
         3 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 2 , wherein the flexible bands are arranged to emanate from the base in a fan shape. 
     
     
         4 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 3 , wherein the edges of the bands form an arc. 
     
     
         5 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 4 , wherein the arc extends between about 20 to 90 degrees. 
     
     
         6 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 2 , wherein the planes are between about one-fourth to one inch apart. 
     
     
         7 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 2 , wherein the distal ends of the bands are bent towards and overlap the bend ends of the bands in the opposed plane. 
     
     
         8 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 1 , including a plurality of flexible wires extending from the base at the outlet and bent at the distal end and returning to the base to create a space therebetween. 
     
     
         9 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 8 , wherein the flexible wires are arranged to emanate from the base in two substantially parallel planes. 
     
     
         10 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 8 , including a circular base at the distal end of the handle and the wires emanate from the circumference of the circular base to create a cylindrical space therebetween. 
     
     
         11 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 1 , including a hose with openings along the length and a closed end connected to the steam outlet and extending to the end of the elements. 
     
     
         12 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 11 , including a spring wrapped around the hose. 
     
     
         13 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 10 , wherein the wires are at least partially curved or twisted. 
     
     
         14 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 1 , wherein the internal space has a substantially triangularly shaped cross-sectional profile. 
     
     
         15 . A flexible steam frame for a steam appliance comprising:
 a base member having a steam inlet and a steam outlet;   a plurality of flexible elements in a first and a second plane extending from the base member; and   a fabric member positioned over the plurality of flexible elements and at least a portion of the base;   wherein the plurality of flexible elements are configured and dimensioned to flex or bend when the fabric member is positioned over the plurality of flexible elements to form an internal space for the distribution of steam.   
     
     
         16 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 15 , wherein the internal space has a substantially triangularly shaped cross-sectional profile. 
     
     
         17 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 15 , wherein at least the distal ends of the first and second planes move towards one another when the fabric member is positioned over the plurality of flexible elements. 
     
     
         18 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 15 , wherein after the fabric member is positioned over the plurality of flexible elements, the distal portions of the first and second planes are spaced closer together than the proximal portions of the first and second planes. 
     
     
         19 . The flexible steam frame of  claim 15 , wherein the distal end of the first plane contacts the distal end of the second plane after the fabric member is positioned over the plurality of flexible elements.