A fabric clamp

Abstract

The present application relates to a fabric clamp ( 9 ) for a garment steamer ( 1 ). The fabric clamp ( 9 ) has a first clamp portion ( 10 ) through which steam is emittable. The fabric clamp ( 9 ) also has a second clamp portion ( 12 ) which is movable relative to the first clamp portion ( 10 ) between a closed position and an open position. The second clamp portion ( 12 ) has a steam vent ( 40 ) through which steam from the first clamp portion ( 10 ) is emittable, and a heater for heating the second clamp portion ( 12 ). The present application also relates to a garment steamer ( 1 ) and an accessory for a garment steamer ( 1 ). This fabric clamp enables a user to remove creases and create pleats from fabric more effectively, and the integrated heater also helps to prevent condensation.

1 . A fabric clamp for a garment steamer, the fabric clamp comprising:
 a first clamp portion through which steam is emittable, and   a second clamp portion movable relative to the first clamp portion between a closed position and an open position, the second clamp portion comprising a steam vent through which steam from the first clamp portion is emittable, wherein the fabric clamp also comprises:   a heater for heating the second clamp portion to prevent steam emitted from the first clamp portion from condensing in the second clamp portion.   
     
     
         2 . The fabric clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the second clamp portion is rotatable relative to the first clamp portion between the closed position and the open position. 
     
     
         3 . The fabric clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the second clamp portion is biased towards the closed position. 
     
     
         4 . The fabric clamp according to  claim 3 , further comprising a lever configured to urge the second clamp portion away from first clamp portion into the open position. 
     
     
         5 . The fabric clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the second clamp portion comprises a first fabric contact surface and a second fabric contact surface on opposite sides of the second clamp portion. 
     
     
         6 . The fabric clamp according to  claim 5 , wherein the steam vent communicates between the first fabric contact surface and the second fabric contact surface. 
     
     
         7 . The fabric clamp according to  claim 5 , wherein the first fabric contact surface is spaced from, and extends at least substantially parallel to, the second fabric contact surface. 
     
     
         8 . The fabric clamp according to  claim 5 , wherein the heater is between the first fabric contact surface and the second fabric contact surface. 
     
     
         9 . The fabric clamp according to  claim 5 , wherein the first clamp portion comprises a third fabric contact surface facing said second fabric contact surface. 
     
     
         10 . The fabric clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the first clamp portion comprises a steam aperture through which steam is emittable. 
     
     
         11 . The fabric clamp according to  claim 10 , wherein the steam vent is aligned with the steam aperture. 
     
     
         12 . A garment steamer comprising:
 a garment steamer head having a steamer surface; and   a steam outlet formed in the steamer surface;   
       wherein the garment steamer comprises the fabric clamp according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         13 . An accessory for a garment steamer comprising the fabric clamp according to  claim 1 , wherein the first clamp portion comprises a mount for mounting the accessory to a garment steamer head. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The accessory according to  claim 14 , wherein the fabric clamp further comprises electrical contacts to electrically connect the heater with a power supply of a garment steamer. 
     
     
         16 . A garment steamer according to  claim 12 , wherein the fabric clamp is configured to mount over the steamer surface of the garment steamer head.