Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical iron. An iron comprises a sole plate (1), of a glass or ceramic substrate bearing an electrical heating element. The electrical heating element comprises a transparent or translucent antimony tin oxide thin film which directly heats the glass or ceramic substrate.

Abstract: An electric hand iron comprises an electrically heated sole plate and an electrically operated water nozzle. The water nozzle is arranged to produce a water mist which produces a substantially uniform density moisture pattern, in response to a user activated control.

Abstract: A sole plate assembly for an electric hand iron, said sole plate assembly comprises a metal outer frame member; a metal retaining ring member shaped to fit inside said metal outer frame member; a flat sole glass or ceramic plate member shaped to fit in said metal retaining ring member; and a flexible seal member arranged to locate in said metal retaining ring member. The construction provides for improved ease of assembly, and a robust sole plate construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical iron. An iron comprises a sole plate, of a glass or ceramic substrate bearing an electrical heating element. The electrical heating element comprises a transparent or translucent antimony tin oxide thin film which directly heats the glass or ceramic substrate.

Abstract: An electric hand iron comprises an electrically heated sole plate and an electrically operated water nozzle. The water nozzle is arranged to produce a water mist which produces a substantially uniform density moisture pattern, in response to a user activated control.

Abstract: A sole plate assembly for an electric hand iron, said sole plate assembly comprises a metal outer frame member; a metal retaining ring member shaped to fit inside said metal outer frame member; a flat sole glass or ceramic plate member shaped to fit in said metal retaining ring member; and a flexible seal member arranged to locate in said metal retaining ring member. The construction provides for improved ease of assembly, and a robust sole plate construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical iron. An iron comprises a sole plate (1), of a glass or ceramic substrate bearing an electrical heating element. The electrical heating element comprises a transparent or translucent antimony tin oxide thin film which directly heats the glass or ceramic substrate.

Abstract: A blade sharpener having a sharpening mechanism that functions to sharpen a blade engaging the mechanism and being moved longitudinally relative to that mechanism. The sharpening mechanism is located within a hollow housing or scabbard for containing the blade, and means is provided to restrain the blade against inadvertent removal from the housing. The blade is moved into and out of the housing through a front end of the housing, and the restraining means becomes operative (automatically) when the blade is fully inserted. Locking means then functions to prevent release of the restraining means, and that locking means includes a plate movable in the longitudinal direction of the housing between locking and unlocking positions. The locking means is moved into the unlocking position by actuation of a press button located at the rear end of the housing, and automatically returns to the locking position when pressure is removed from the press button.