Abstract: An electric pressing iron in which a plate-shaped soleplate made of an aluminum material with a low silicon content is bonded to the iron body by a temperature-resistant adhesive, wherein the surface of the soleplate is provided with a hard and wear-resistant aluminum oxide coating. Because the soleplate is made of an aluminum material with a low silicon content, anodizing produces an aluminum oxide coating of a particularly uniform coloring, with a temperature-resistant as well as corrosion- and scratch-resistant ironing surface that affords particular economy of manufacture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a smoothing iron having an approximately triangular metal soleplate including a sliding surface 4 and an edge area 6 encircling the sliding surface and overlapping it partially. The edge area 6 is bent in an upward and inward direction at an angle of 35.degree., maximum, relative to the sliding surface 4. At the tips of the triangle, the edge area includes a slot 8 formed by the side edges of a notch cut in the blanked metal soleplate. The edge area is angled by a forming operation involving several steps.

Abstract: A soleplate for a steam iron includes a plurality of beads. Each bead incorporates therein at least two steam outlet openings. The steam outlet openings located on the side close to the outer edge of the soleplate are larger than the steam outlet openings located on the side remote from the outer edge of the soleplate. The larger steam outlet openings are arranged in the front portion of the soleplate, with the smaller steam outlet openings arranged in the rear portion. The number of steam outlet openings per bead increases towards the pointed end of the soleplate.

Abstract: A water proportioning device for steam irons, has a valve (52) arranged between a water reservoir (1) and a steam-generating chamber (2). The valve includes a valve member (5) having a valve opening (7) and a valve pin (9) in sealing engagement within the valve opening (7) and provided with a longitudinal groove (15). The valve pin (9) is rotatable within the valve opening (7) and movable from a closed position into an open position and vice versa by a rotary motion. The valve member (5) includes a skirt (6) encompassing the valve pin (9) and having a radial opening (18). In the closed position, one end of the longitudinal groove (15) is within the skirt (6), while in the open position the end of the longitudinal groove (15) is in communication with the opening (18) in the skirt (6).