Abstract: A liquifier includes a liquifier jar mounted on a base. The base has an open bottom end to which a rigid frame member is secured. An elastomer cover is secured to a bottom surface of the rigid frame member. The cover has a pivotal door formed therewith. The door has a hinge formed integral with said cover. A rocker switch is pivotably mounted within the base. The rigid frame member includes a follower extending into the path of movement of the rocker switch. When the rocker switch is pivoted into engagement with the follower, the switch is turned into an on state for actuating the liquifier. A first portion of the cover is in spaced relation to the frame member to form a battery compartment therebetween.

Abstract: An improved process for producing integral, composite handles having cushioned comfort grips, for appliances such as electric steam irons, comprising a first step of injection molding a one-piece handle substrate of strong, rigid, resinous composition having the desired predetermined shape and design, including a recessed, wrap-around area corresponding to the area of the handle which will be gripped by the hand of the eventual user of appliance. The present process comprises a second step of injection molding an integral, outer, soft, contoured layer of foamed resin into the recessed, wrap-around area of the rigid plastic handle substrate, to form a smooth, compressible, comfort grip surface area of the composite handle for engagement with the hand of the user.

Abstract: An improved process for producing integral, composite handles having cushioned comfort grips, for appliances such as electric steam irons, comprising a first step of injection molding a one-piece handle substrate of strong, rigid, resinous composition having the desired predetermined shape and design, including a recessed, wrap-around area corresponding to the area of the handle which will be gripped by the hand of the eventual user of appliance. The present process comprises a second step of injection molding an integral, outer, soft, contoured layer of foamed resin into the recessed, wrap-around area of the rigid plastic handle substrate, to form a smooth, compressible, comfort grip surface area of the composite handle for engagement with the hand of the user.

Abstract: A steam iron having a water tank with an internal air trap and external gear mounts. The air trap holds a volume of air when the iron is being filled with water, but receives water when the iron is moved to a horizontal position to prevent water from spilling out of a water fill spout. The iron has gears that connect a temperature control of the iron to a water metering valve. The gears are stabily rotatably mounted directed to the water tank on the gear mounts.

Abstract: An electric steam iron, with a soleplate, has a water reservoir which feeds a primary steam generating area and secondary surge steam generating areas. The primary steam generating area feeds steam to a distribution chamber through a first passage, and the surge steam areas feed steam through a second passage which is separate and remote of the first passage.

Abstract: An electric iron includes a storage base. The iron includes a switch for selectively connecting the iron to a source of electrical power. The iron is automatically disconnected from the source of electrical power when the iron is placed in the storage base.