IRONING DEVICE
An electrically-powered ironing device having a sole plate on an upper arm and a sole plate on a lower arm, wherein the arms can be moved into different positions to allow a user various ways of using the device. More specifically, the ironing device includes two arms, at least two sole plates with at least one sole plate located on each arm, a plurality of heat settings, a hinge connecting the two arms together, and a power source.
This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 15/110,942, filed Jul. 11, 2016, titled IRONING DEVICE, which is a 371 application of International Application PCT/US15/10742, filed Jan. 9, 2015, titled IRONING DEVICE, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/925,399, filed Jan. 9, 2014, titled IRONING DEVICE.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSUREThe disclosed invention relates to an ironing device with two soleplates that is lightweight and portable and can be used in several different positions, using one or both soleplates to apply heat to a surface or fabric.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONCurrent ironing devices are traditionally used in the home and are utilized to remove creases from a fabric. Further, they typically require a firm, heat-resistant surface, such as an ironing board, to press the fabric against, they have one soleplate on the bottom surface, and are heavy. While these features work well for a user in a location where an ironing board can be used, such as a house or hotel, numerous people travel frequently for reasons such as work or pleasure and do not have access to an ironing device or, even if they have access, do not have the ability, or desire, to use a heavy ironing device to keep their clothes smooth and wrinkle-free. For example, a user on a business trip may want to quickly smooth out portions of the user's shirt prior to a meeting, but the hotel may not have an iron in the room or the user may already be at the meeting location and, therefore, not have access to an iron. Therefore, an ironing device is needed that is small and light enough to be portable and that does not require use of an ironing board.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates to an electrically-powered ironing device with two soleplates that can be used as an alternative and/or supplemental solution to current ironing products. The device is multi-functional and has multiple heat settings to allow for temperature control by a user. The device is versatile, and various versions of it can be used in several different positions, using both soleplates or using only one of the soleplates to apply heat to a surface or fabric.
Reference is made throughout the present disclosure to certain aspects of one embodiment of the ironing device described herein. Such references to aspects of the presently described device do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, any examples set forth in this disclosure are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the disclosed ironing device. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the described invention. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover applications or embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The presently disclosed device is a multi-functional ironing device to be used as an alternative and/or supplemental solution to current ironing products. It is mobile, small and lightweight. For example, in one embodiment the device weighs about one pound and two arms are twelve inches in length. Additionally, multiple heat settings, illustrated in one embodiment in
In some embodiments, the disclosed device includes two soleplates that are heated with a heating element that is controlled by, for example, a conventional thermostat or an electronic control. In one embodiment, the heating element can be a thick film heater for controlled heating, but other heating element types can be used. The design of the first and second soleplates makes the user interface quick and effective for all ironing tasks. The size of the first and second soleplates combined with their ability to heat quickly and accurately allow for substantial surface area to be covered in a minimal amount of time. In some embodiments, the first and second soleplates are tapered to a point to facilitate workability around small details in fabric or seams in clothing.
The ultimate function of the disclosed ironing device is to give the user the option of convenient heating/ironing/pressing in two or more forms for their clothing, accessories, or fabric needs.
The device can be turned on using a button or switch, and can then be powered by an electric current. For example, as illustrated in
The device uses a heating process known as Joule Heating, which can be calculated with the following equation:
(heat energy)=(electrical current)*(resistance)*(time)
As a result of this equation, it can be seen that in order for the device to become hot enough to smooth out wrinkled clothing it will need higher electrical current and resistance within the first and second soleplates. This current can be controlled by means such as, but not limited to, heat setting buttons, a regulatory wheel, or a slide control. Moving the control in a positive direction will increase electrical current, whereas moving the control in a negative direction will decrease electrical current. While electrical current is increasing or decreasing, resistance is set in the manufacturing stage by a selection of soleplate material, in this case ceramic, aluminum, titanium, or a para-amid synthetic fiber (for example: Kevlar).
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the device can determine if a target temperature is attainable by the device. For example, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the device can check whether a target temperature selection has been reached and, if not, it can change the temperature. For example, as illustrated in
Also illustrated in
In some embodiments, the temperatures can be indicated to the user by having LED lights located next to a range of temperatures in two columns, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
The device can also continuously check to see if a fault has occurred, as illustrated in
The device can have a casing made from a solid material such as injection molded plastic. Soleplates can be attached to each end of the device. The soleplates, in some embodiments, can be made from a heat-conducting material, such as ceramic, aluminum, or titanium, with a non-stick smooth glide coating to prevent static and stickiness. The soleplates may include tourmaline to provide smoother ironing as well. The soleplates may come to a point at their ends for fine detail ironing work.
The present invention can be adapted to consumer needs or to meet a higher technical standard. Basic features that can be added or taken away would be a steam setting, strictly one-sided heat, a spring mechanism at the hinge, strict form arms, multiple plate heads, a split spring handle and more limited control settings. In some embodiments, the hinge or joint may be modified to allow the lower arm to be pulled around to meet the upper arm. This would create the same compactness when using only the one-sided heat option.
In some embodiments, the device has a first soleplate and a second soleplate that comprise an upper portion and a lower portion, one or both of which contain heating elements in the respective head that can be controlled by, for example, a conventional thermostat or an electronic control, and that can heat the soleplate. In one embodiment, the heating element can be a thick film heater for controlled heating. In some embodiments, the device will have a water reservoir for steam functionality that is located directly above or below one or both soleplates. In some embodiments, the device allows for attachment of a steam cloth or other water absorbent materials to one or both soleplates.
Configuration 1
In one embodiment, the use of a hinge or joint 206, 704 between and connecting the upper arm 102, 702 and lower arm 104, 708 of the device permits the device to move from an open position, as illustrated in
The ironing device can have a graphic heat setting indicator that uses lights, words, or a combination of both to display how hot the device is, as illustrated in
Some embodiments of the ironing device may be equipped with an automatic shutoff feature, which turns off the device after a set amount of time, for example, 20 minutes, in case a user forgets to shut off the device after completion of an ironing job. Before turning itself off, lights on the graphic heat setting indicator can flash for a set amount of time, for example, 10 seconds, allowing said user the opportunity to stop the shutoff process. Until the lights stop flashing, a user can simply press a button such as, but not limited to, a heat setting button, the regulatory wheel, or a slide control 106, 602 to continue using the ironing device. The device can turn itself off when the lights stop blinking if nothing is pressed or moved.
The device can be of various shapes and sizes, with each arm configured on either side of the joint to fit together when the device is closed. For example, the device may be about 13 inches long when closed and about 26 inches long when opened completely. The device may have dimensions such as approximately 2 inches wide, with each arm being about 0.75 inches deep. In some embodiments, the upper handle can have a slight curve for better ergonomics, thus easier for gripping and increased comfort. In some embodiments, the upper and lower arms complement each other so that they fit together, as illustrated in
Configuration 2
In one embodiment, the device has the option to be used in a closed position, as described above and as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the head of the upper portion of the device can be detached and the device can have an on/off button or switch 1212 located under the handle of the head, a steam control button or switch 1214 located on the top portion of the head of the upper portion of the device to provide for a burst of steam when desired, and visible temperature controls/indicator 1216 on the top portion of the head of the upper portion of the device. When the device is turned on, a user can use the device in the closed position to press material using the upper and lower soleplates 1220 or a user can use the device in the traditional iron position, wherein the soleplate on the upper head is used to press various materials.
Configuration 3
In one embodiment, the device has the option to be used in a closed position, as described above and as illustrated in
In this embodiment, the lower arm 1402 is complementary to the upper arm 1406 in a way that the lower portion of the lower arm 1402, which can be covered with a heat-insulating surface, has a complementary profile to the lower portion of the upper arm 1406, as illustrated in
When the device is turned on, a user can use the device in the closed position to press material using the upper and lower soleplates 1422 or a user can use the device in the traditional iron position, wherein the lower arm's soleplate is used to press various materials.
Configuration 4
In one embodiment, the device has the option to be used in a closed position, as illustrated in
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention.
Claims
1. An electrically-powered ironing device comprising:
- a first arm with a proximal end and a distal end;
- a second arm with a proximal end and a distal end;
- a first heat conducting soleplate at the distal end of the first arm heated by a first heating element;
- a second heat conducting soleplate at the distal end of the second arm heated by a second heating element;
- a power cord connected at the proximal end of at least one of the first arm or the second arm;
- a hinge;
- an on button;
- an off button;
- wherein: the first arm and the second arm are connected via the hinge at their proximal ends; and the first arm and second arm are structured and configured to rotate 360 degrees at their connected, proximal ends.
2. The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the device is further comprised of a water reservoir and steam control.
3. The ironing device of claim 1, further comprising:
- temperature controls;
- a temperature sensor;
- a power driver; and
- a current sensor;
- wherein: the first heating element is on and the second heating element is on when the on button is pressed and the first heat conducting soleplate and the second heat conducting soleplate are facing each other; and the first heating element is on and the second heating element is off when the on button is pressed and the second arm has been moved away from the first arm.
4. The ironing device of claim 1, wherein the first arm is removable from the second arm.
5. An electrically-powered ironing device comprising:
- a first arm with a proximal end and a distal end;
- a second arm with a proximal end and a distal end;
- a first heat conducting soleplate at the distal end of the first arm heated by a first heating element;
- a second heat conducting soleplate at the distal end of the second arm heated by a second heating element; and
- a power cord;
- wherein: the first arm and the second arm are connected via the hinge at their proximal ends; at least a portion of the first arm is removable from the rest of the device; the removable portion of the first arm includes at least a gripping portion of the first arm, the first heat conducting soleplate, and the first heating element; and the removable portion of the first arm is enabled to function as an iron.
6. The ironing device of claim 5, wherein the power cord is connectable to the removable portion of the first arm.
7. The ironing device of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the second arm complements a bottom surface of the first arm.
8. The ironing device of claim 7, wherein the second arm is enabled to rotate to create a complementary fit underneath the first arm.
9. An electrically-powered ironing device comprising:
- a first arm with a proximal end and a distal end;
- a second arm with a proximal end and a distal end;
- a first heat conducting soleplate at the distal end of the first arm heated by a first heating element; and
- a second heat conducting soleplate at the distal end of the second arm heated by a second heating element;
- wherein: the first and second arms each have a rotatable head at the distal end of their arms, the upper soleplate is attached to the upper rotatable head, the lower soleplate is attached to the lower rotatable head, and the heads are rotatable from a stacked position with the soleplates facing each other to a side-by-side position with the soleplates facing the same direction.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 24, 2018
Publication Date: Jan 24, 2019
Inventors: Natalie Herrild (Lakeville, MN), Erik Nelson (Minneapolis, MN), Rohit Deokar (Minneapolis, MN), Arjun Dubhashi (Minneapolis, MN), Zofia Kaminski (Fall Creek, WI), Daniel R. Rude (Cottage Grove, MN), Kate Valind (Austin, TX)
Application Number: 16/139,718