IRONING DEVICE WITH ROTARY STEAM NOZZLES FOR SPRAYING STEAM RADIALLY THEREFROM AND A METHOD OF IRONING CLOTHES USING THE IRONING DEVICE

Abstract

An ironing device including a main body having a flat ironing plate, a water storage container, a heating element operatively connected to the water storage container and flat iron, a collapsible handle, an electrical control panel, fixed steam nozzles, rotary steam nozzles, and a motor that powers the electrical control panel, the heating element, and the rotary steam nozzles. Steam is released in every direction radially from the rotary steam nozzles while in circular motion. The temperature is controlled by a thermostat control, the amount of steam released from the plurality of fixed and rotary steam nozzles is controlled by a steam release control, and the rotational speed of the round rotary steam nozzles is controlled by a rotary control. A method of ironing a garment or fabric is also disclosed whereby the ironing device having rotary steam nozzles is used to steam and iron the garment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an ironing device with rotary steam nozzles for spraying steam radially therefrom. The present invention also relates to a method of ironing clothes using the ironing device.

2. Description of the Related Art

The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.

A domestic steam iron has the capability to generate steam and to subsequently release this steam through outlet openings provided in the soleplate of the iron. The steam, which is applied directly to a garment being ironed, helps to diminish the ironing effort and to improve the ironing result.

Modem steam irons may come equipped with a steam rate control, for example in the form of a turnable knob or a slider provided on the iron housing. While a low steam rate setting may suffice for efficiently ironing moderately creased clothes, a high steam rate setting may be selected to aid in the removal of tough wrinkles. The control allows the user at any time to select the steam rate setting that is appropriate for the garment at hand.

The importance of steam and controlling the steaming functions of clothes irons is well-recognized, and several different steaming irons are known. Ong, C. K. et al. [U.S. Pat. No. 8,522,463B2; U.S. Pat. No. 8,5282,40B2—each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety] disclosed an ironing device with a moveable handle, wherein steam is released from the iron by exerting a downward force upon the movable handle.

Nakada, S. et al. [U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,028A—incorporated herein by reference in its entirety] disclosed a portable travel steam iron with an aperture in the bottom portion of a water tank to control the release of water from the water tank to generate steam in a controlled fashion.

However, these references only disclose devices that spray steam in one direction using spray nozzles located within the hot iron plate. None of these devices provide a means for spraying steam in multiple directions from rotating nozzles located on the body of the ironing device. In view of the forgoing, the objective of the present invention is to provide an ironing device with rotary steam nozzles for dispensing steam radially therefrom. A method of using the ironing device with rotary steam nozzles is also provided.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an ironing device, which includes i) a main body comprising a flat ironing plate located on the bottom of the main body, wherein the flat iron is adapted to lie flat on a ground surface ii) a pointed tip integrally connected to a first end of the main body iii) a water storage container located within the main body iv) a heating element operatively connected to the water storage container and the flat iron v) a collapsible handle, which is integrally attached to a second end of main body by a hinge vi) an electrical control panel located on the handle vii) a plurality of fixed steam nozzles fluidly connected to the water storage container viii) a plurality of rotary steam nozzles fluidly connected to the water storage container and ix) a motor located within the main body that supplies power to the electrical control panel, the heating element, and the rotary steam nozzles. The electrical control panel of the ironing device includes a thermostat control for controlling temperature, a steam release control for controlling an amount of steam released from the plurality of fixed and rotary steam nozzles, and a rotary control for controlling the rotational speed of the round rotary steam nozzles.

In one embodiment, the main body further comprises a water entry opening located on the top of the body, opposite of the flat iron, and is fluidly connected to the water storage container by means of a conduit.

In one embodiment, the heating element is disposed along the inner space of the water storage container.

In one embodiment, the heating element is disposed along and sandwiched between the main body and the flat iron plate.

In one embodiment, the flat iron plate is made of a metal material, a ceramic material, or both.

In one embodiment, the handle is in an upright position, and the hinge allows the handle to fold towards the base upon exertion of a force thereon into a lower position.

In one embodiment, the handle further comprises a griping area located proximal to a top end of the handle, opposite of the main body, which is gripped to steer the movement of the ironing device.

In one embodiment, the control panel is located proximal to the handle gripping area, such that the temperature control, steam release control, and/or rotary control are operated while steering the ironing device.

In one embodiment, the rotary steam nozzle is circular and comprises a fixed axis in the center of the circle, a rotating circular part, and a plurality of spray points located around the circumference of the rotating circular part, such that steam is released from the rotating spray points while the rotating circular part is in circular motion, releasing steam in every direction radially from the fixed axis.

In one embodiment, the fixed steam nozzles are located in the pointed tip, the main body, or both.

In one embodiment, the rotary steam nozzles are located in the main body.

In one embodiment, the motor is an electric motor, a combustion motor, or an actuator.

In one embodiment, the motor is an electric motor, and the electric motor is powered by a wall-powered electrical cable.

In one embodiment, the motor is an actuator and the actuator is mechanically connected to the rotary steam nozzles through a mechanical mechanism.

In one embodiment, the ironing device further comprises a rotating wheel located in a recess within the flat ironing plate and oriented to rotate towards or away from the pointed tip, wherein the wheel is mechanically connected to the actuator, such that movement of the ironing device in a forward or backward direction causes the wheel to rotate, which supplies power to and rotates the rotary nozzles through the mechanical mechanism of the actuator.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of ironing a garment or fabric with the ironing device of the present invention, in one or more of its embodiments. The method involves heating the flat ironing plate by supplying power to the heating element, contacting the flat ironing plate to a surface of the garment or fabric, and steaming the garment or fabric with steam from the fixed and/or rotary steam nozzles prior to, or during the contacting, or both.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises rotating the rotary steam nozzles during the steaming.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the wax applicator ironing device.

FIG. 2 is a close-up illustration of a fixed steam nozzle 109 spraying steam in a fixed direction.

FIG. 3 is a close-up illustration of a rotary steam nozzle 110 spraying steam radially in multiple directions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views

Referring now to FIG. 1, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an ironing device, which includes a main body 101 comprising a flat ironing plate 102 located on the bottom of the main body, wherein the flat iron is adapted to lie flat on a ground surface.

In one embodiment, the flat iron plate is made of a metal material, a ceramic material, or both. In the present invention, the flat iron plate is made of a metal material, which is, aluminum, titanium, copper, iron, or alloys of iron such as stainless steel. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that is widely used in construction and other applications because of its high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and low cost. Steels can be broadly categorized into four groups based on their chemical compositions: carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels, and tool steels. In the present invention, the flat iron plate can be made of any type of steel listed above. In one embodiment, the flat iron plate is made of a ceramic material, which includes, but is not limited to, kaolinite, alumina, silicon carbide, or tungsten carbide.

The ironing device of the present invention includes a pointed tip 103 integrally connected to a first end of the main body.

In one embodiment, the ironing device may have a flat surface 104 located on a second end of the main body opposite of the pointed tip, wherein the plane of the flat surface is perpendicular to the plane of the flat iron plate. In this scenario, the ironing device may be stood on its end in an upright position, with the pointed tip pointed upwardly, when the ironing device is not in use such that the flat iron plate does not rest upon and cause heat damage to the garment being ironed.

Further, the ironing device has a water storage container located within the main body. The water storage container is a hollow vessel where water may be stored. In one embodiment, the water storage container is made of a waterproof material. Waterproof generally describes objects relatively unaffected by water or resisting the ingress of water. This includes barriers such as an outer-membrane, outer-wrapping, outer-compartment, coating, or sealant that are used to prevent in liquid contained within the water storage container from leaking out of the storage container. These barriers or the storage container composition itself may be comprised of rubber, plastics (epoxy, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, fiberglass, etc.), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, wax, water proof fabrics (e.g. Gore-Tex), bituminous asphalts, mineral materials (cements, clays, etc.), metals (brass, copper, steel etc.), and mixtures thereof. The water storage container may be fully enclosed within the main body of the ironing device. Alternatively, the water storage container may be partially enclosed within the main body, and a portion of the container may protrude from the body.

In one embodiment, the main body further comprises a water entry opening located on the top of the body, opposite of the flat iron, and is fluidly connected to the water storage container by means of a conduit. The water entry opening is located such that when the iron is in use, or alternatively standing on its end, the water is contained within the storage container and cannot escape through the water entry opening. On the other hand, when the ironing device is flipped upside down, such that the plane of flat ironing plate faces skyward, any water contained within the water storage container may escape through the water entry opening, effectively draining the storage container.

In the present invention, the ironing device also includes a heating element operatively connected to the water storage container and the flat iron. The heating element may be, but is not limited to a metal heating element such as Nichrome, a ceramic heating element such as PTC ceramic, a composite heating element such as incoloy and magnesium oxide, or a combination heating element. Positive thermal coefficient (PTC) ceramic materials are materials that have a highly nonlinear thermal response, and become highly resistive above a composition-dependent threshold temperature. Unlike most ceramics, which have a negative thermal coefficient, this class of ceramics has a positive coefficient, similar to most metals. The PTC ceramic can be, but is not limited to barium titanate and lead titanate ceramic composites. In one embodiment, the heating element of the present invention comprises a PTC ceramic.

In one embodiment, the heating element is disposed along the inner space of the water storage container. In one embodiment, the heating element is disposed along and sandwiched between the main body and the flat iron plate. Further, it is envisioned that the heating element extends into both the water storage container and along the flat ironing plate, such that the same heating element may both heat the water and the flat ironing plate concurrently.

The ironing device has a collapsible handle 105, which is integrally attached to a second end of main body by a hinge 106.

In one embodiment, the handle is in an upright position, and the hinge allows the handle to fold towards the base upon exertion of a force thereon into a lower position.

In one embodiment, the handle further comprises a griping area 107 located proximal to a top end of the handle, opposite of the main body, which is gripped to steer the movement of the ironing device. When wet, many materials can be slippery, meaning there is little resistance or friction between the material and an object to be gripped. Anti-slip properties can be added to such materials in the forms of tapes, coatings, sealants, or textured surfaces. In one embodiment, anti-slip textured surfaces or grips may be added to the handle to define the gripping area and to provide added friction and reduce slipping during grasping. The anti-slip textured surface may be, but is not limited to, a rubber fiber. Synthetic rubber, invariably a polymer, is any type of artificial elastomer mainly synthesized from petroleum byproducts. An elastomer is a material with the mechanical (or material) property that it can undergo much more elastic deformation under stress than most materials and still return to its previous size without permanent deformation. Natural rubber is mainly poly-cis-isoprene, containing traces of impurities like protein, dirt etc. Although it exhibits many excellent properties in terms of mechanical performance, natural rubber is often inferior to certain synthetic rubbers, especially with respect to its thermal stability and its compatibility with petroleum products. Synthetic rubber is made by the polymerization of a variety of petroleum-based precursors called monomers. The most prevalent synthetic rubbers are styrene-butadiene rubbers (SBR) derived from the copolymerization of styrene and 1,3-butadiene. Examples of rubber include a styrene-butadiene rubber, a nitrile-butadiene rubber, a urethane rubber, an isoprene rubber, an acryl rubber, a chloroprene rubber, a butyl rubber, a butadiene rubber, a fluorine rubber, an epichlorohydrin rubber, an ethylene-propylene rubber, natural rubbers, and the like.

The ironing device further includes an electrical control panel 108, which is located on the handle. The electrical control panel of the ironing device includes a thermostat control for controlling temperature, a steam release control for controlling an amount of steam released from the plurality of fixed and rotary steam nozzles, and a rotary control for controlling the rotational speed of the round rotary steam nozzles. In one embodiment, the control panel is located proximal to the handle gripping area, such that the temperature control, steam release control, and/or rotary control are operated while steering the ironing device. In one embodiment, the electrical control panel contains actuators for controlling the temperature, the steam release, and the rotational speed of the rotary nozzles. In terms of the present invention, an actuator refers to any mechanical component that accepts the transfer of force or movement and applies the operating force to a mechanical system. The actuator may refer to a button, a toggle, a rocker, a switch, or any mechanical linkage such as a scale, a lever, or a gear. In terms of the present invention, a mechanical system manages power to accomplish a task that involves forces and movement. A mechanical system consists of (i) a power source and actuators that generate forces and movement, (ii) a system of mechanisms that shape the actuator input to achieve a specific application of output forces and movement.

The mechanical mechanism of a mechanical system is assembled from components called machine elements. These elements provide structure for the system and control its movement. The structural components are, generally, the frame members, bearings, splines, springs, seals, fasteners and covers. The assemblies that control movement are also called mechanisms. Mechanisms are generally classified as gears and gear trains, which includes belt drives and chain drives, cam and follower mechanisms, and linkages, though there are other special mechanisms such as clamping linkages, indexing mechanisms, escapements and friction devices such as brakes and clutches. Other mechanical mechanisms include levers, wheel and axles, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, and screws.

In one embodiment, the steam release control may be used to control the desired steam rate, or the amount of steam released from the ironing device. For instance, when ironing mildly creased clothes or garments, a user may select a low steam rate. When ironing heavily creased or wrinkled garments, a user may select a more appropriate higher steam rate. By way of example, the steam release control may comprise a mechanical steam release control, i.e. does not comprise any electric or electrically controlled components. In one embodiment, the steam release control assembly may comprise an electric pump that pumps water from the water storage container at a higher or lower rate depending on the selected steam rate.

The ironing device also comprises a plurality of fixed steam nozzles 109 fluidly connected to the water storage container. The fixed steam nozzles 109 are depicted in FIG. 1, and a close up view is depicted in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the fixed steam nozzles are located in the pointed tip, the main body, or both. The fixed steam nozzles may also be located in the flat ironing plate. In one embodiment, the plurality of fixed steam nozzles are distributed at a variety of horizontally and vertically separated levels on the main body and/or the pointed tip. In one embodiment, the plurality of horizontally and vertically distributed fixed steam nozzles are distributed evenly on the ironing device. These nozzles direct the spray of steam generally towards the garment being ironed, when the device is positioned such that the face of the flat ironing plate rests on top of the garment. In one embodiment, these nozzles are fixed and direct the steam in a fixed direction. However, it is envisioned that the fixed steam nozzles may point in a direction independent of one another, and direct the steam in an array of vertical and horizontal directions. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the steam nozzles may be directionally adjustable, such that the direction of the steam spray can be adjusted an array of vertical and horizontal directions.

Further, the ironing device incorporates a plurality of rotary steam nozzles 110 fluidly connected to the water storage container. Referring now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the rotary steam nozzle is circular and comprises a fixed axis 301 in the center of the circle, a rotating circular part 302, and a plurality of spray points located around the circumference of the rotating circular part, such that steam is released from the rotating spray points while the rotating circular part is in circular motion, releasing steam in every direction radially from the fixed axis.

In an alternative embodiment, the rotary steam nozzles consist of a steam nozzle with a rotating part in the path of the exiting steam, such as a fan blade, wherein rotation of the rotating part diverts and deflects the steam from the nozzle in multiple directions. It may also be envisioned that the fan blades are hollow and contain small apertures, and the steam must pass through the fan blades, and out of the small apertures while the fan blades rotate, thus releasing steam in multiple directions.

In one embodiment, the rotary steam nozzles revolve around a circular axis by 360°. Further, the rotary steam nozzles may rotate around a fixed axis at 1-3,000 revolution per minute. Alternatively, the rotary steam nozzles may rotate less than a full circle, including but not limited to, 0-180° or 0-270°.

In addition to steam nozzles located in the flat ironing plate, in one embodiment, the rotary steam nozzles are located in the main body. In one embodiment, the plurality of rotary steam nozzles are distributed at a variety of horizontally and vertically separated levels on the main body. In one embodiment, the plurality of horizontally and vertically distributed rotary steam nozzles are distributed evenly on the ironing device. These nozzles direct the spray of steam generally towards the garment being ironed, when the device is positioned such that the face of the flat ironing plate rests on top of the garment. It is envisioned that the rotary steam nozzles may point in a direction independent of one another, and direct the steam in an array of vertical and horizontal directions. Further, it is envisioned that the steam nozzles may be directionally adjustable relative to their fixed axis, and may be adjusted to direct the spray at an array of vertical and horizontal directions.

The ironing device further includes a motor located within the main body that supplies power to the electrical control panel, the heating element, and the rotary steam nozzles.

A motor is a device that creates motion. In one embodiment, the motor is an electric motor, a combustion motor, or an actuator.

In one embodiment, the motor is an electric motor, and the electric motor is powered by a wall-powered electrical cable or a battery. It is envisioned that the battery may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery that can be recharged using a wall-powered electrical cable.

In one embodiment, the motor is an actuator and the actuator is mechanically connected to the rotary steam nozzles through a mechanical mechanism.

In one embodiment, the ironing device further comprises a rotating wheel located in a recess within the flat ironing plate and oriented to rotate towards or away from the pointed tip, wherein the wheel is mechanically connected to the actuator, such that movement of the ironing device in a forward or backward direction causes the wheel to rotate, which supplies power to and rotates the rotary nozzles through the mechanical mechanism of the actuator. In one embodiment, the ironing device has a plurality of wheels, and the wheels are all mechanically connected to the same actuator.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of ironing a garment or fabric with the ironing device of the present invention, in one or more of its embodiments. The method involves heating the flat ironing plate by supplying power to the heating element, contacting the flat ironing plate to a surface of the garment or fabric, and steaming the garment or fabric with steam from the fixed and/or rotary steam nozzles prior to, or during the contacting, or both.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises rotating the rotary steam nozzles during the steaming. It is envisaged that this method may involve controlling the rotational speed of the rotary steam nozzles using the rotary control of the control panel, or alternatively, by moving the ironing device containing a rotating wheel in the forward or backwards direction, such that the wheel spins and actuates rotational movement of the rotary steam nozzles.

Claims

1: An ironing device, comprising:

a main body comprising a flat ironing plate located on the bottom of the main body, wherein the flat iron is adapted to lie flat on a ground surface;

a pointed tip integrally connected to a first end of the main body;

a water storage container located within the main body;

a heating element operatively connected to the water storage container and the flat iron;

a collapsible handle, which is integrally attached to a second end of main body by a hinge;

an electrical control panel located on the handle;

a plurality of fixed steam nozzles fluidly connected to the water storage container;

a plurality of rotary steam nozzles fluidly connected to the water storage container; and

a motor located within the main body that supplies power to the electrical control panel, the heating element, and the rotary steam nozzles;

wherein the electrical control panel comprises a thermostat control for controlling temperature, a steam release control for controlling an amount of steam released from the plurality of fixed and rotary steam nozzles, and a rotary control for controlling the rotational speed of the round rotary steam nozzles.

2: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises a water entry opening located on the top of the body, opposite of the flat iron, and is fluidly connected to the water storage container by means of a conduit.

3: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the heating element is disposed along the inner space of the water storage container.

4: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the heating element is disposed along and sandwiched between the main body and the flat iron plate.

5: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the flat iron plate is made of a metal material, a ceramic material, or both.

6: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the handle is in an upright position, and the hinge allows the handle to fold towards the base upon exertion of a force thereon into a lower position.

7: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the handle further comprises a griping area located proximal to a top end of the handle, opposite of the main body, which is gripped to steer the movement of the ironing device.

8: The ironing device of claim 7, wherein the control panel is located proximal to the handle gripping area, such that the temperature control, steam release control, and/or rotary control are operated while steering the ironing device.

9: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the rotary steam nozzle is circular and comprises a fixed axis in the center of the circle, a rotating circular part, and a plurality of spray points located around the circumference of the rotating circular part, such that steam is released from the rotating spray points while the rotating circular part is in circular motion, releasing steam in every direction radially from the fixed axis.

10: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the fixed steam nozzles are located in the pointed tip, the main body, or both.

11: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the rotary steam nozzles are located in the main body.

12: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the motor is an electric motor, combustion motor, or an actuator.

13: The ironing device of claim 12, wherein the motor is an electric motor, and the electric motor is powered by a wall-powered electrical cable.

14: The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the motor is an actuator and the actuator is mechanically connected to the rotary steam nozzles through a mechanical mechanism.

15: The ironing device of claim 14, further comprising a rotating wheel located in a recess within the flat ironing plate and oriented to rotate towards or away from the pointed tip, wherein the wheel is mechanically connected to the actuator, such that movement of the ironing device in a forward or backward direction causes the wheel to rotate, which supplies power to and rotates the rotary nozzles through the mechanical mechanism of the actuator.

16: A method of ironing a garment or fabric with the ironing device of claim 1, comprising

heating the flat ironing plate by supplying power to the heating element,

contacting the flat ironing plate to a surface of the garment or fabric,

steaming the garment or fabric with steam from the fixed and/or rotary steam nozzles prior to, or during the contacting, or both.

17: The method of claim 16, further comprising

rotating the rotary steam nozzles during the steaming.