Steamer

Abstract

A steamer designed with an ultra slim construction for easier carrying, packing and traveling without compromising efficient and effective steam generation and distribution is disclosed. The steamer comprises a housing characterized by a specific length, width, and height. Integrated within the housing is a reservoir designated for holding water or other liquid to be steamed. This reservoir is connected to the housing and supplies water to a steam generator positioned inside the housing. The steam generator is in fluid communication with the reservoir via a pump, facilitating the transfer of water. The steam generator converts the water into steam and is equipped with a plurality of steam outlets. These steam outlets are uniquely oriented vertically relative to one another along the height of the housing, contributing to the slim construction of the steamer and ensuring an optimal distribution of steam for various applications. This configuration enhances the steamer's portability, functionality and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of steaming tasks at home or while traveling.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a steamer, and particularly, a portable steamer having a slim profile and corresponding slim constructed heat exchanger for creating steam.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Steamers are appliances designed to remove wrinkles from, to clean, and to deodorize fabrics, such as clothing garments, draperies, upholstery, and other items. Steamers typically include a handheld wand for applying the steam. More recently, especially for use with garments, portable steamers have become more desirable. Portable steamers offer users with a hand-held source of steam.

Portable steamers are particularly useful when the steamer is a garment steamer, which is a type of steamer commonly used for cleaning and/or sanitizing clothes, textiles, or fabrics. Portable handheld garment steamers are desirable as they more easily allow a user to manipulate the steamer and control the direction that steam is projected by the steamer. Portable handheld garment steamers are particularly useful in taking wrinkles out of crumpled clothing, especially clothing crumpled by traveling in suitcases or travel bags. The more compact the steamer, the easier the steam is to manipulate and to pack for travel.

Portable handheld steamers are generally configured in a number of different ways. In most all cases, water is placed in a reservoir and heated to produce steam and that is emitted through nozzles that a user directs toward the fabric. In general, almost all portable handheld steamers include nozzles at the end of the steamers to project steam onto clothes. Typical garment steams usually have more than one or multiple nozzles (i.e., steam outlet openings) to form steam output. Such designs usually have steam outlets oriented in a horizontal manner and have relatively low pressure steam emissions over a relatively wide steam output area, which results in a relatively short distance of travel of the emitted steam and a relatively low-pressure stream of steam.

Heating elements are commonly positioned near the nozzles to heat water in a reservoir to produce the steam. In compact configurations, the heating element and/or steam may be positioned near a handle of the portable steamer, and thus to the hand of the user. Care needs to be taken to avoid positioning the heating element or steam too close to the handle to avoid burning a user. It has continued to be a design challenge to make portable steamers as portable and as compact as possible.

Therefore, a need exists for a portable steamer that has a slim profile without compromising the steamer's functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A steamer is provided that includes a housing, a reservoir containing water and a steam generator. The housing has a length, width and height. The reservoir is connected to the housing and supplies water to the steam generator positioned inside the housing. The steam generator is in fluid communication with the reservoir via a pump, facilitating the transfer of the water. The steam generator further includes a plurality of steam outlets for emitting steam. The plurality of steam outlets are oriented vertically relative to one another along the height of the housing. Such vertical orientation of the steam outlets creates an ultra slim steamer profile that not only reduces the carbon footprint of the steamer but also allows the steamer to be much easier to carry, pack and travel with.

In another example, the steamer of the present invention comprises a housing having a length, width and height, and the housing comprises of a plurality of steam outlets vertically oriented relative to one another along the height of the housing. The steamer further comprises a reservoir containing water that is connected to the housing and a steam generator in fluid communication with the reservoir via a pump. The steam generator generates steam that is emitted from the plurality of vertically oriented steam outlets.

In yet another example, the steamer of the present invention comprises a housing having a length, width and height. The width of the housing is at least two times shorter than the length of the housing and at least three times shorter than the height of the housing. The steamer also comprises a steam generator positioned within the housing having a length, width and height. Similar to the housing, the width of the steam generator is at least two times shorter than the length of the steam generator and at least three times shorter than the height of the steam generator. The steamer may further include a hook that can be moved from a closed position to an open position. The hook allows the steamer to be hung. Such configuration of the steamer enhances the steamer's portability, functionality and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of steaming tasks at home or while traveling.

Other devices, apparatus, systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention are or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention can be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the left side of one example of an implementation of a steamer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the left side of the steamer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the steamer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the steamer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the steamer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the steamer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the steamer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the steamer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the steamer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an internal view of the steam generator of the steamer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an internal view of the steam generator of the steamer of FIG. 1 isolated from the steamer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the left side of another example of an implementation of a steamer of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the left side of the steamer of FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this application, all “aspects,” “examples,” “embodiments,” and “implementations” described are considered to be non-limiting and non-exclusive. Accordingly, the fact that a specific “aspect,” “example,” “embodiment,” or “implementation” is explicitly described herein does not exclude other “aspects,” “examples,” “embodiments,” and “implementations” from the scope of the present disclosure even if not explicitly described. In this disclosure, the terms “aspect,” “example,” “embodiment,” and “implementation” are used interchangeably, i.e., are considered to have interchangeable meanings.

Further, in this application, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” or “about,” when modifying a specified numerical value, may be taken to encompass a range of values that include +/−10% of such numerical value. Further, terms such as “communicate,” and “in . . . communication with,” or “interfaces” or “interfaces with” (for example, a first component “communicates with” or “is in communication with” a second component) are used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic or fluidic relationship between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component is said to communicate or interface with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components may be present between, and/or operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second components.

For purposes of reference and description, the steamer 100, 1200 of the present invention is considered to have a horizontal x-axis (x), vertical y-axis (y) and a width z-axis (z), as shown in FIG. 1 along which the components of the steamer 100 are positioned relative to each other. Terms such as “axial” and “axially” are assumed to refer to the respective axis or any direction or axis parallel to the device axis, unless indicated otherwise or the context dictates otherwise. For convenience, movement relative to a device axis may alternatively encompass movement relative to an axis that is parallel to the device axis that is specifically illustrated in FIG. 1, unless the context dictates otherwise. Thus, linear translation “along the device axis z” is not limited to translation directly on (coincident with) the device axis, but also encompasses translation parallel to the device axis z, depending on the context. Similarly, rotation “about the device axis y” also encompasses rotation about an axis that is parallel to the device axis y, depending on the context.

Further, the steamer of the present invention is also considered to have a height (h), length (1) and width (w), as also shown most notably in FIG. 1.

As will be illustrated and discussed below, the steamer of the present invention has an ultra slim profile that allows it to be easily portable for carrying, packing and traveling. In particular, the width (w) of the steamer may be less than 3″. In other examples, the width of the steamer may be 2″ or less. In other examples, the width of the steamer may be between 1-3″. In other examples, the overall dimensions of the steamer may be 2″ width/4.75″ length/7″ height. In other words, the width of the steamer may be at least two times shorter than its length and at least three times shorter than its height. Such dimensions are an important feature of the invention, particularly, the short width of the steamer, particularly relative to the length and height of the steamer, creates an ultra slim profile that not only reduces the carbon footprint of the steamer but also allows the steamer to be much easier to carry, pack and travel with.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, one example of a garment steaming device or steamer 100 of the present invention is illustrated. The steamer 100 includes a housing 102 having a front 110, rear 112, left side 118 and right side 402 (shown in FIG. 4). The housing 102 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from the top (as best shown in FIG. 7), and includes an integrated handle 106 that extends downward proximate the rear of the housing 112. The handle 106 is dimensioned such that no part of the handle 106 extends past the exterior surfaces of the front side 110, rear side 112, left side 118, or right side 402 of the housing 102.

The handle 106 is furthered configured to include a trigger 108 for manual engagement by the user for releasing steam from the steamer 100. A power cord 122 may further be connected to the handle 106 to provide power from an external power source (e.g., electrical outlet) to the steamer 100. In other examples, the steamer 100 may be wireless and may incorporate its own power source, including but not limited to, a battery or rechargeable battery. The rear of the housing 112 further includes a power button 204 for powering steamer on and off.

As further shown, a liquid or fluid (e.g., water) reservoir or tank 104 is connected to the housing 102. Water reservoir 104 is used for holding a fluid to be steamed such as water or other liquid. In particular, the water reservoir 104 may be fixed or releasably connected to the housing 102 and may have an opening to allow filling or refilling the reservoir 104 with water. The reservoir may extend downward approximate the front of the housing 110. The water reservoir 104 may further be contoured in conformance with the contours of the housing 102. Similar to the handle 106, the water reservoir 104 is dimensioned such that no part of the water reservoir 104 extends past the exterior surfaces of the front side 110, rear side 112, left side 118, or right side 402 of the housing 102. Such dimensional construction of the handle 106 and water reservoir 104 relative to housing 102 allows the steamer 100 to have an ultra slim profile, allowing the steamer 100 to be easier to carry, pack and travel with.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, water reservoir 104 is in fluid connection with steam outlets 116 such that the water from water reservoir is pumped to a steam generator 908 that is positioned above the water reservoir 104 and then emitted through steam outlets 116. Steam outlets 116 are positioned on the front of the housing 110. Steam plate 114 is also positioned on the front of the housing 110. Steam outlets 116 are oriented vertically along the height of the steamer 100. As shown, steam outlets 116 are oriented in straight vertical alignment with one another along the height of the steamer 100. Such vertical orientation of steam outlets 116 allows for the steamer 100 to maintain its slim profile. Further it should be understood that while FIG. 1 shows steamer 100 having five steam outlets 116, any number of steam outlets may be incorporated in steamer 100 without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are left and right side views of steamer 100. As shown, the handle 106 extends downward from the rear housing 112 and water reservoir 104 extends downward from the front housing 112, thereby created a gap or space between handle 106 and water reservoir 104 for a user to place his or her hand for operating steamer 100. As further shown. The exterior surfaces of the top of the housing 120, rear housing 112, and front housing 110 are substantially flat. Similarly, the exterior surfaces of the left and right side of the housing 118, 402 (as best shown in FIGS. 5-8) are also substantially flat. Such substantially flat exterior surfaces allows the steamer to have an ultra slim profile such that it can be easier to carry, pack and travel with.

As stated above, the width (W) of steamer 100 may be at least two times shorter than its length (L) and at least three times shorter than its height (H). Such dimensions, particularly, the short or skinny width of the steamer 100 relative to the length and height of the steamer 100, creates an ultra slim profile that not only reduces the carbon footprint of the steamer 100 but also allows the steamer to be much easier to carry, pack and travel with.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an exploded view of steamer 100 is shown, illustrating the primary components. As illustrated, the housing 102 is formed at least partially from a left side housing 118, right side housing 402, front housing 110 and a rear housing 112 that houses at least one or more control components such as a printed circuit board 920 for controlling the operation of the steamer 100 and water pump 922. The steamer 100 further includes a front housing 110 that receives a steam plate 114 having a plurality of steam outlets 116. The front housing 110 also covers a nozzle seal 902 that is positioned in front of a steam generator 908. The steam generator 908 is enclosed by left and right side steam generator housings 904, 906. The steam generator 908 is positioned in an interior space within housing 102 between left and right housing sides 118, 402.

The water pump 922 is in fluid communication with the water reservoir 104 and steam generator 908 through tubing, such as reservoir tubing 928 that connects via suction connector 926 having insert seal 924 to pump tube in 914 and pump tube out 916, to deliver fluid or water from the water reservoir 104 to steam generator 908. Pump tube in 914 facilities the flow of water from the reservoir 104 into the pump 922 and pump tube out 916 facilities the flow of water from the pump 922 to the steam generator 908. In other words, pump 922 moves the water from the reservoir 104 to the steam generator 908.

A water reservoir cover 930 may further be positioned on top of water reservoir 104. Water reservoir 104 may be fixed or releasably connected to housing 102.

FIG. 10 is an internal view of the steam generator 908 of steamer 100, and FIG. 11 is an internal view of the steam generator 908 of steamer 100 isolated from steamer 100. The steam generator 908 of the present invention is a device used to generate steam, which steam is then outputted by the steamer 100 through at least a plurality of steam outlets 116. As shown, steam generator 908 may include a chamber having channels or pathways 1002 that facilitates the flow of fluid from the fluid inlet 1006 towards steam outlets 1004. A heating element, such as an electrical heat pipe 1010 is located within the chamber of steam generator 908 and runs through or intersects the fluid flow pathways or channels 1002 at multiple points. The heat pipe 1010 is in electrical communication with the supply of electrical power for powering the heat pipe 1010. The heat pipe 1010 of steam generator 908 may be powered and heated electrically by a power source housed with the steamer (e.g., a battery) or from an external power source (e.g., through an electrical wall outlet).

As shown in both FIGS. 10 and 11, the heat pipe 1010 runs through or intersects various sections or points along the fluid flow pathways or channels 1002, thereby allowing the fluid that enters into the steam generator chamber via pump tube in 914 and pump tube out 916 to contact the heat pipe 1010 along multiple different points along the fluid flow pathway or channel 1002 so that the fluid can be heated and be heated enough times such that the fluid can be converted into steam before it is pressured out through steam outlets 1004 and 116. In other words, the heat pipe 1010 running through the fluid flow pathways or channels 1002 is designed to maximize the surface area of the fluid so that heat can be adequately transferred from the heat pipe 1010 to the fluid at a temperature that will create steam.

In one example of the operation of the present invention, water from reservoir 104 is pumped into the chamber of the steam generator 908 from the outlet end 1008 of pump tube out 916. The water then flows through the fluid flow pathways/channels 1002. While flowing through the fluid flow pathways/channels 1002, the water makes contact with the heat pipe 1010 at multiple points along the fluid flow pathway/channel 1002, thereby allowing the heat from the heat pipe to be transferred to the water. As the water flows through the pathways/channels 1002 and gets heated by heat pipe 1010, the heat converts the water to steam. The steam then continuously flows through the pathways/channels 1002 and eventually released out from steam outlets 1004 and 116.

As further shown in FIG. 10, an important feature of the present invention is the vertical orientation of the steam generator 908. In particular, the steam generator 908 includes vertically oriented steam outlets 1004 that are generally aligned with the vertical orientation of steam outlets 116. The steam outlets 1004, 116 are oriented vertically along the height of steamer 100. Such vertical orientation of steam outlets 1004, 116 allows for steamer 100 to maintain its slim profile. Similarly to steamer 100, steam generator 908 may also have a width that is at least two times shorter than its length and at least three times shorter than its height. Such construction and orientation of steam generator 908 allows steamer 100 maintain its slim profile so that it is much easier to carry, pack and travel with.

While FIGS. 10 and 11 show the fluid flow pathways/channels 1002 taking the form of a spiral construction, it should be understood that the fluid flow pathways/channels 1002 can also take the form of a back and forth winding construction (e.g., zig zag) or any other construction that allows for enough time to pass so that the fluid can be adequately converted into steam before it is released from steam outlets 1004, 116. It should further be understood that single, dual or multiple fluid flow pathways/channels 1002 may be incorporated in steam generator 908. Other than the designs specifically discussed herein, the present illustration is not limiting the invention to a particular pathway/channel design nor is it limiting the invention to the use of a single, dual or multiple pathway/channel.

FIG. 11 is an internal view of steam generator 908 isolated from steamer 100. FIG. 11 specifically illustrates the flow of the fluid through the fluid flow pathways/channels 1002 after it enters the fluid inlet 1006 of steam generator 908. The fluid flow pathways/channels 1002 are formed between channel walls 1102. Such fluid flow is shown or illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 11. As further shown in FIG. 11, point A is a particular point in steam generator 908 in which the fluid flow path diverts into dual pathways/channels 1006. Such duality in pathways is important to allow the steam to exit through all of the steam outlets 116 in a more simultaneous and/or uniform manner. In other words, point A allows the steam to flow in separate directions, where one direction allows the steam to reach at least the top two steam outlets 116 and the other direction allowing the steam to reach at least the bottom two or three steam outlets 116.

Given that that steam outlets 116 are oriented vertically along the height of steamer 100, a single pathway/channel would make the steam flow in only one direction and thus start exiting first from the steam outlets 116 nearest in flow to fluid inlet 1006, thereby limiting or compromising the amount of steam or any steam from being released out from those steam outlets 116 furthest in flow from fluid inlet 1006. A divider 1104 may also be utilized to further support the steam to exit out from all the steam outlets simultaneously and/or uniformly. In other words, divider 1104 may allow steam that is entering in one direction from point A to only being able to reach one set of steam outlets (e.g., the top two steam outlets as illustrated in FIG. 11), and may allow steam that is entering from a different direction from point A to only being able to reach a different set of steam outlets (e.g., the bottom three steam outlets as illustrated in FIG. 11).

It should also be understood that while the present invention shows five steam outlets 1004, 116, any number of steam outlets 1004, 116 may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly, while divider 1104 is shown to separate or divide the top two steam outlets from the bottom three steam outlets, divider 1104 may divide any number of steam outlets 1004, 116 from one another without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, if only two steam outlets are present, divider 1104 may divide the two outlets from one another, or if only four steam outlets are present, divider 1104 may divide the top two outlets from the bottom two outlets or the top three outlets from the bottom one outlet.

As stated above, steamer 100 of the present invention may includes a steam release or trigger 108 for a user to control the steam produced by steamer 100. Other user control inputs may also be incorporated in steamer 100, including but not limited to, the amount of steam to be released, direction of the steam that is released, and temperature controls for controlling the amount of heat to be transferred to the water/fluid. An integrated circuit and/or controller 920 may also be provided to control the operation of the steamer, and to respond to user control inputs.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another example of a steamer 1200 of the present invention. Other than the ornamental design differences, namely the connection between handle 1206 and water reservoir 1204 on the bottom of steamer 1200 to create an internal opening for a user to place his or her hand for operating the steamer, steamer 1200 incorporates all of the same components, functionalities and operations as steamer 100 shown in FIGS. 1-11. Further, the dimensional directions of length (L), height (H) and width (W) as illustrated in FIG. 1 apply in the same manner and direction as in FIGS. 12 and 13.

Similar to steamer 100, steamer 1200 includes a housing 1202 having a front 1210, rear 1212, left side 1214 and right side (not shown). The housing 1202 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from the top and includes an integrated handle 1206 that extends downward from the rear of the housing 1212. The handle 1206 is dimensioned such that no part of the handle 1206 extends past the front side 1210, rear side 1212, left side 1214, or right side (not shown) of housing 1202. The handle 1206 is furthered configured to include a trigger 1208 for manual engagement by the user for releasing steam from steamer 1200. A power cord may further be connected to the handle 1206 to provide power from an external power source (e.g., electrical outlet) to the steamer 1200. The rear of the housing 1212 further includes a power button 1218.

As further shown, a water or fluid reservoir or tank 1204 is connected to housing 1202. In particular, the water reservoir 1204 may be fixed or releasably connected to the housing 1202 and may extend downward from the front of the housing 1210. Similar to the handle 1206, the water reservoir 1204 is dimensioned such that no part of the water reservoir 1204 extends past the front side 1210, rear side 1212, left side 1214, or right side (not shown) of housing 1202. Steam plate 1302 and steam outlets 1304 are further positioned on the front of the housing 110.

Steamer 1200 also illustrates the incorporation of a hanger 1220 hingedly attached to housing 1202 near top housing 1216. Hanger 1220 may include a hook 1224 for allowing a user to hang the steamer 1200, for example, on a clothes hanger or other structure. Hanger moves between an open position and closed position. Both FIGS. 12 and 13 show hanger 1220 in an open position. Hanger 1220 further includes a cover 1222 that extends along the length of steamer 1200 when hanger 1220 is in an open position. Such cover 1222, allows hanger 1220 to be flush with the exterior surface of the rear housing 1212 of steamer 1200 when the hanger 1220 is in a closed position. In fact, when in a closed position, hanger 1220 may be entirely flush with the exterior surfaces of both the rear and top housing 1212, 1216 of steamer 1200.

Further, when moved to the closed position, hook 1224 gets inserted into a hook groove 1226 formed at least partially by top housing 1216 and rear housing 1212 and may be secured within hook groove 1226 by any securing mechanism known in the art, including but not limited to, friction fit, clips, magnets, or any combination thereof. To move handle 1220 to the open position, a release button (not shown) may be actuated or a user may simply press the hook on one end to release it from hook groove 1226. It should further be understood that the handle 1220 and hook groove 1226 construction as shown in steamer 1200 may also be incorporated in steamer 100.

It will be understood that terms such as “communicate” and “in . . . communication with” (for example, a first component “communicates with” or “is in communication with” a second component) are used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic or fluidic relationship between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component is said to communicate with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components may be present between, and/or operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second components.

It will be understood that various aspects or details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A steamer comprising: a housing having a length, width and height;a reservoir containing water, where the reservoir is connected to the housing;a steam generator positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the reservoir via a pump, where the steam generator generates steam from the water and includes a plurality of steam outlets, where the plurality of steam outlets are oriented vertically relative to one another along the height of the housing.

2. The steamer of claim 1, where the width of the housing is at least two times shorter than the length of the housing and at least three times shorter than the height of the housing.

3. The steamer of claim 1, where the steamer further comprises a handle, where the handle extends downward along the height of the steamer from one end of the housing and where the reservoir extends downward along the height of the steamer from an opposing end of the housing.

4. The steamer of claim 1, where the housing has a top, rear, left and right side, and where no part of the reservoir extends past the exterior surfaces of the top, rear, left and right side of the housing.

5. The steamer of claim 4, where the steamer comprises a handle connected to the housing, where no part of the handle extends past the exterior surfaces of the top, rear, left and right side of the housing.

6. The steamer of claim 1, where the steam generator has a length, width and height, where the width of the steam generator is at least two times shorter than the length of the steam generator and at least three times shorter than the height of the steam generator.

7. The steamer of claim 1, where the steam generator includes a plurality of fluid flow pathways.

8. The steamer of claim 1, where the steamer includes a hook that can be moved from a closed position to an open position, where the hook, when in its open position, allows the steamer to be hung via the hook.

9. A steamer comprising: a housing having a length, width and height, where the housing comprises a plurality of steam outlets vertically oriented relative to one another along the height of the housing;a reservoir containing water, where the reservoir is connected to the housing;a steam generator positioned within the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir via a pump, where the steam generator generates steam that is emitted from the plurality of steam outlets.

10. The steamer of claim 9, where the steam generator comprises a plurality of steam outlets aligned with the vertical orientation of the steam outlets of the housing.

11. The steamer of claim 9, where the steam generator includes at least one fluid flow pathway that runs between a fluid inlet of the steam generator and at least one steam outlet of the steam generator.

12. The steamer of claim 11, where at least one heat pipe intersects multiple sections of the at least one fluid flow pathway.

13. The steamer of claim 9, where the steam generator includes at least a first steam outlet and at least a second steam outlet positioned below the first steam outlet, where the steam generator further includes a first and second fluid flow pathway, where the first fluid flow pathway is in fluid communication with the first steam outlet and the second fluid flow pathway is in fluid communication with the second steam outlet.

14. The steamer of claim 9, where the steamer includes a hook that can be moved from a closed position to an open position, where the hook, when in its open position, allows the steamer to be hung via the hook.

15. A steamer comprising: a housing having a length, width and height, where the width is at least two times shorter than the length and at least three times shorter than the height;a reservoir containing water, where the reservoir is connected to the housing;a plurality of steam outlets positioned on the housing;a steam generator positioned within the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir via a pump, where the steam generator generates steam that is emitted from the plurality of steam outlets.

16. The steamer of claim 15, where the steam generator has a length, width and height, where the width of the steam generator is at least two times shorter than the length of the steam generator and at least three times shorter than the height of the steam generator.

17. The steamer of claim 15, where the housing has a top, rear, left and right side, and where no part of the reservoir extends past the exterior surfaces of the top, rear, left and right side of the housing.

18. The steamer of claim 17, where the steamer comprises a handle connected to the housing, where no part of the handle extends past the exterior surfaces of the top, rear, left and right side of the housing.

19. The steamer of claim 16, where the steam generator includes at least a first steam outlet and at least a second steam outlet positioned below the first steam outlet, where the steam generator further includes a first and second fluid flow pathway, where the first fluid flow pathway is in fluid communication with the first steam outlet and the second fluid flow pathway is in fluid communication with the second steam outlet.

20. The steamer of claim 15, where the steamer includes a hook that can be moved from a closed position to an open position, where the hook, when in its open position, allows the steamer to be hung via the hook.