MULTI-POSITION IRONING BOARD

Abstract

Various embodiments include an ironing board comprising a work surface or board, an expandable leg assembly pivotably coupled to the board by a leg axle that enables movement of the leg assembly between a deployed position and a storage position, and a support assembly pivotably coupled to the board and configured for removable attachment to the leg assembly. When the leg assembly is in the deployed position, attachment of the support assembly to a first attachment point of the leg assembly positions the board in a horizontal board position, and attachment of the support assembly to a second attachment point of the leg assembly positions the board in an inclined board position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to ironing boards, and more specifically, to ironing boards with multiple board positions.

BACKGROUND

Ironing boards are well known in the household products field. Existing ironing boards can include a flat board attached to a front pair of legs and a rear pair of legs. Each pair of legs pivots about an axle to move the board between two positions: an open position and a collapsed position. In the open position, the front and rear legs are deployed for supporting the board in a horizontal position for ironing clothes. In the collapsed position, the front and rear legs are collapsed or flattened against the board for storage of the ironing board. The front and rear legs attach to the top of the board at two different points, with the legs pivoting from a point between the legs, and must be fully deployed in order to support the board in the open position. As a result, such ironing boards can support only open position for using the board.

Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an ironing board capable of being supported in multiple different positions when the legs are fully deployed.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a collapsible ironing board configured to support a planar work surface of the ironing board in multiple positions when the ironing board's legs are open and fully deployed. The ironing board is able to actuate between the different positions at least partially because the legs of the ironing board work differently than typical ironing board legs. For example, in a standard ironing board, the front and rear legs are attached to each other and pivot from a point between the leg ends that allows the legs to open like scissors. The legs of standard ironing boards are also attached to the board top at two different attachment points that enable the legs to support the ironing board in only one open position.

By contrast, various embodiments of the present disclosure include an ironing board where the front and rear legs are attached to each other and attached to the ironing board at a single common pivot and/or attachment point. In various embodiments, the top end of both the front and rear legs are pivotally connected to the ironing board such that the legs form an A-frame support structure when the legs are in the deployed, or open, position. Such a support structure formed by the pairs of legs enables the ironing board to pivot about the single attachment point where the pairs of legs and ironing board meet.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an ironing board comprising a board including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The ironing board further comprises a front leg pivotally coupled, via a leg axle, to the second surface of the board and a rear leg assembly pivotally coupled, via the leg axle, to the second surface of the board. The leg axle also connects the rear leg assembly to the front leg assembly such that the leg axle enables movement of the front and rear leg assemblies between a deployed position and a storage position. The ironing board also comprises a support assembly pivotally coupled to the second surface of the board and configured for removable attachment to the front leg assembly. When the front and rear leg assemblies are in the deployed position, attachment of the support assembly to a first attachment point of the front leg assembly positions the board in a horizontal board position and attachment of the support assembly to a second attachment point of the front leg assembly positions the board in an inclined board position.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an ironing board comprising a board including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The ironing board further comprises a leg assembly pivotally coupled, via a leg axle, to the second surface of the board such that the leg axle enables movement of the leg assembly between a deployed position and a storage position. The ironing board further comprises a support assembly pivotally coupled to the second surface of the board and configured for removable attachment to the leg assembly. When the leg assembly is in the deployed position, attachment of the support assembly to a first attachment point of the leg assembly positions the board in a horizontal board position, and attachment of the support assembly to a second attachment point of the leg assembly positions the board in an inclined board position.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an ironing board comprising a board including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The ironing board further comprises a leg assembly movably coupled to the second surface of the board, the leg assembly movable between a deployed position and a storage position. The ironing board further comprises a support assembly coupled to the board and configured for removable attachment to the leg assembly. When the leg assembly is in the deployed position, attachment of the support assembly to a first attachment point of the leg assembly positions the board in a horizontal board position, and attachment of the support assembly to a second attachment point of the leg assembly positions the board in an inclined board position.

In various embodiments, the ironing board includes front and rear leg assemblies that are connected to each other by a slider assembly or slider bracket. In such embodiments, the slider assembly is fixedly connected to the front leg assembly via a pin or rivet that holds the slider bracket in place while also enabling the slider bracket to pivot. The slider assembly is attached to the rear leg assembly via the locking pin or rivet that slides along a slot of the slider bracket and locks into one of two locking holes defined in the slot of the slider bracket. For example, the locking pin locks into a first locking hole when the front and rear leg assemblies are extended in the deployed position, and the locking pin locks into a second locking hole when the front and rear leg assemblies are collapsed in the storage position. In such embodiments, the locking pin can be released from its locking hole by flexing the slider bracket to cause the locking pin to slide through the locking hole and into the slot such that the locking pin can slide along the slot of the slider bracket.

In various embodiments, the ironing board includes a support assembly mounted on the underside of the ironing board between the common attachment point of the front and rear leg assemblies and the nose of the ironing board. In various embodiments, the support assembly is pivotally connected to the underside of the ironing board and includes a support clamp that can position and secure the ironing board in multiple different positions. In such embodiments, the support assembly enables the ironing board to be used in a horizontal board position, inclined board position, and a declined board position when the front and rear pairs of legs are in the deployed position.

Other objects, advantages, features, properties and relationships of the invention will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth illustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an ironing board with expandable legs in a deployed position and a board supported in a horizontal board position in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an underside perspective view of an ironing board with the expandable legs in a deployed position and showing the board supported in an inclined board position in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a topside perspective view of the ironing board of FIG. 2 with the expandable legs in a deployed position and showing the board supported in an inclined board position in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ironing board with the expandable legs and a support assembly in a collapsed position in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an ironing board with expandable legs and a support assembly to support a board in multiple positions with the expandable legs in a deployed position in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a slider assembly connected to expandable legs of an ironing board in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a slider assembly connected to expandable legs of an ironing board in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a slider bracket and a locking pin of an ironing board with expandable legs in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a support assembly of an ironing board to support a board in multiple positions with the expandable legs in a deployed position in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the support assembly of FIG. 9 in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a locking member of a support assembly of an ironing board disengaged from the expandable legs in a deployed position in accordance with certain embodiments; and

FIGS. 12A-12C show a partial underside perspective view of a support assembly of an ironing board engaged with expandable legs in a deployed position and the support assembly disengaged from the expandable legs in a deployed position in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a partial topside perspective view of an ironing board in an inclined board position showing an attachment member positioned to hang a garment on the board in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a partial underside perspective view of an ironing board supported in an inclined board position and showing a leg attachment assembly for securing expandable legs of the ironing board in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a partial underside perspective view of an ironing board with expandable legs and a support assembly in a collapsed position and showing the expandable legs secured by a leg attachment assembly in accordance with certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more embodiments of the invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in order to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of this disclosure is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an ironing board having a plurality of legs attached to a planar work surface (or board) and configured to support the work surface in two or more different positions while the legs are in a fully deployed or open position. More specifically, when the ironing board legs are in the open position, the work surface or board can be selectively moved between multiple positions such as, for example, a horizontal position, inclined position, and/or declined position.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, shown is an exemplary ironing board 100 comprising a flat work surface or board 110, a front leg assembly 120, and a rear leg assembly 130, in accordance with embodiments. The board 110 includes a topside 112 (sometimes referred to herein as a first side) and an underside 114 (sometimes referred to herein as a second side). In the illustrated embodiment, the front leg assembly 120 includes a front pair of legs 122a and 122b (sometimes referred to herein as a first front leg and a second front leg) separated by a front leg first crossbar 124a, a front leg second crossbar 124b, and a front leg third crossbar 124c. In the illustrated embodiment, the front pair of legs 122a and 122b is operably attached to the underside 114 of the board 110 at a top end (sometimes referred to herein as a first end) of each front leg 122a, 122b. As such, during operation of the ironing board 100, the front leg assembly 120 can pivot or otherwise move relative to the board 110 between a storage, or closed, position and a deployed, or open, position. In the illustrated embodiment, the front leg assembly 120 also includes a pair of feet 126a and 126b at a bottom end (sometimes referred to herein as a second end) of each front leg 122a, 122b. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom ends of the first front leg 122a and the second front leg 122b angle outwardly such that a width between the pair of feet 126a and 126b is greater than a width between the top ends of the first front leg 122a and the second front leg 122b. However, it will be understood that alternative widths (e.g., less than or equal) between the feet and top ends of the first and second front legs can be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear leg assembly 130 includes a rear pair of legs 132a and 132b (sometimes referred to herein as a first rear leg and a second front leg) separated by a rear leg crossbar 134. The rear pair of legs 132a and 132b is operably attached to the underside 114 of the board 110 at a top end (sometimes referred to herein as a first end) of each rear leg 132a, 132b. As such, during operation of the ironing board 100, the rear leg assembly 130 can pivot or otherwise move relative to the board 110 between a storage, or closed, position and a deployed, or open, position. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear leg assembly 130 also includes a pair of feet 136a, 136b at a bottom end (sometimes referred to herein as a second end) of each rear leg 132a, 132b. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom ends of the first rear leg 132a and the second rear leg 132b angles outwardly such that a width between the pair of feet 136a and 136b is greater than a width between the top ends of the first rear leg 132a and the second rear leg 132b. However, it will be understood that alternative widths (e.g., less than or equal) between the feet and top ends of the first and second rear legs can be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are operably connected to the underside 114 of the board 110 such that the first front leg 122a, the second front leg 122b, the first rear leg 132a, and the second rear leg 132b pivot or otherwise move relative to the board between the storage position (shown in FIG. 4) and the deployed position (shown in FIGS. 1-3). More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a leg axle 138 pivotally connects the front pair of legs 122a and 122b, and rear pair of legs 132a and 132b to each other and to the underside 114 of the board 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the top end of the first rear leg 132a is positioned adjacent and laterally exterior to the top end of the first front leg 122a, and the top end of the second rear leg 132b is positioned adjacent and laterally exterior to the top end of the second front leg 122b.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the leg axle 138 extends through the front pair of legs 122a and 122b, the rear pair of legs 132a and 132b, and the underside 114 of the board 110 such that the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are pivotally connected to the board 110 at a single leg pivot or attachment point 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg axle 138 also extends through one or more bushings 139 that are disposed between the leg axle 138, the front pair of legs 122a and 122b, the rear pair of legs 132a and 132b, and the board 110. The bushings 139 provide a desired amount of separation between the front and rear legs 122a, 122b, 132a, and 132b, such that the legs can pivot or otherwise move with respect to the board 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, to open the ironing board 100 from the storage position to the deployed position, the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are moved such that the legs pivot about the single leg attachment point 116 to actuate the legs from the storage position to the deployed position. In the illustrated embodiment, movement of the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 from the storage position to the deployed position cause the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 form an A-frame support structure for the board 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the deployed position of the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130, forms an offset A-frame support structure where the single leg attachment point 116 is positioned at an off-set location between a nose end 118 and a tail end 119 of the board 110. That is, the leg axle 138 attaches the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 to the underside 114 of the board 110 such that there is a larger distance between the single leg attachment point 116 and the nose end 118 of the board than a distance between the single leg attachment point 116 and the tail end 119 of the board 110. As discussed further herein, the offset A-frame support structure provides stable support for the board 110 in the deployed position and also enables movement of the board 110 between different deployed board positions (e.g., horizontal position, inclined position, and/or declined position) when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ironing board 100 also includes a slider assembly 140 operably attached to the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130. The slider assembly 140 operates with the leg axle 138 to enable movement of the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 between the storage position and the deployed position. As best shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the slider assembly 140 includes a bracket 142 operably connected to the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130, a pin or rivet 143 that connects the bracket 142 to the front leg assembly 120, and a locking pin 144 that connects the bracket 142 to the rear leg assembly 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin or rivet 143 extends through a hole or other such opening defined in the bracket 142 and connects the bracket 142 to the first front leg 122a such that the bracket 142 can pivot with respect to the first front leg 122a of the front leg assembly 120. The locking pin 144 is fixedly attached to the first rear leg 132a and slidingly engages with the bracket 142 to connect the first rear leg 132a to the bracket 142.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 142 defines a slot 145, a first locking hole 146, and a second locking hole 147. In the Illustrated embodiment, the slot 145 extends longitudinally along the bracket 142 between the first locking hole 146 and second locking hole 147. As such, the locking pin 144 extends into and slidably engages the slot 145 such that the locking pin 144 can slide along the slot 145 between the first and second locking holes 146 and 147. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking pin 144 slides along the slot 145 and locks into one of the first and second locking holes 146 and 147 to lock the slider assembly 140 in place. To release the locking pin 144 from the locked position (i.e., when the locking pin 144 is locked into one of the first and second locking holes 146 and 147), the bracket 142 can be flexed towards the first rear leg 132a such that the locking pin 144 is released from the first or second locking holes 146 and 147. In various embodiments, the bracket 142 can include a bracket or tab (not shown) that can be used to flex the bracket and release the locking pin 144 from the locked position.

As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the locking pin 144 includes a first cylindrical portion 144a, a second cylindrical portion 144b connected to the first cylindrical portion 144a, and a third cylindrical portion 144c connected to the second cylindrical portion 144b and the first rear leg 132a. The first cylindrical portion 144a has a first pin diameter larger than a diameter of the first and second locking holes 146 and 147, the second cylindrical portion 144b has a second pin diameter smaller than the first pin diameter and substantially the same dimension (i.e., within manufacturing tolerances) as the first and second locking holes 146 and 147, and the third cylindrical portion 144c has a third pin diameter smaller than second pin diameter and substantially equal to the width or other dimension of the slot 145 of the bracket 142.

In the illustrated example, when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position, the locking pin 144 is engaged with the first locking hole 146 to lock the slider assembly 140 (and the legs) into the deployed position. More specifically, the first cylindrical portion 144a of the locking pin 144 is engaged to an outer surface of the bracket 142, and the second cylindrical portion 144b of the locking pin 144 is locked or otherwise held within the first locking hole 146. As such, the locking pin 144 is locked into the first locking hole 146 to maintain the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 in the deployed position. Conversely, when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the storage position, the locking pin 144 is engaged with the second locking hole 147 to lock the slider assembly 140 (and the legs) into the storage position. More specifically, the first cylindrical portion 144a of the locking pin 144 is engaged to an outer surface of the bracket 142, and the second cylindrical portion 144b of the locking pin 144 is locked or otherwise held within the second locking hole 147. As such, the locking pin 144 is locked into the second locking hole 147 to maintain the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 in the storage position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slider assembly 140 (along with the leg axle 138) enables the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 to move between the storage position and deployed position. For example, when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are moved into the deployed position, the locking pin 144 locks into the first locking hole 146 to lock the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 into the deployed position. To move the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 from the deployed position to the storage position, the locking pin 144 can be disengaged or unlocked from the first locking hole 146 by compressing or flexing the bracket 142 towards the first rear leg 132a. Flexing the bracket 142 towards the first rear leg 132a causes the third cylindrical portion 144c of the locking pin 144 to align with and extend through the first locking hole 146 and align with the slot 145 of the bracket 142. Once the third cylindrical portion 144c of the locking pin 144 aligns with the slot 145, the front and rear leg assemblies 120 can be moved from the deployed position to the storage position. In the illustrated embodiment, movement of the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 from the deployed position causes the locking pin 144 to slide along the slot 145 of the bracket from the first locking hole 146 towards the second locking hole 147. Once the locking pin 144 reaches the second locking hole 147, the third cylindrical portion 144c of the locking pin 144 enters the second locking hole 147. Release or unflexing the bracket 142 causes the first cylindrical portion 144a to engage the outer surface of the bracket 142 and the second cylindrical portion 144b locks into the second locking hole 147 to maintain the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 in the collapsed position.

Conversely, when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the storage position, the locking pin 144 can be disengaged or unlocked from the second locking hole 147 by compressing or flexing the bracket 142 towards the first rear leg 132a. As a result, the third cylindrical portion 144c of the locking pin 144 extends through the second locking hole 147 and aligns with the slot 145 of the bracket 142. Once the third cylindrical portion 144c of the locking pin 144 is aligned with the slot 145, rotation of the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 from the storage position to the deployed position causes the locking pin 144 to slide along the slot 145 of the bracket from the second locking hole 147 towards the first locking hole 146. Once the locking pin 144 reaches the first locking hole 146, the third cylindrical portion 144c of the locking pin 144 enters the first locking hole 146. Release or unflexing the bracket 142 causes the first cylindrical portion 144a to engage the outer surface of the bracket 142 and the second cylindrical portion 144b to lock into the first locking hole 146 to maintain the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 in the deployed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ironing board 100 further includes a support assembly 150 operably connected to the underside 114 of the board 110. The support assembly 150 includes a longitudinal portion 152, a transverse portion 154 connected to the longitudinal portion 152, a support axle 156 connected to the transverse portion 154, and a support clamp 158 connected to the longitudinal portion 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse portion 154 is connected to a first end of the longitudinal portion 152 via a weld, epoxy, threaded connection, or other such connection to form a T-bar support structure for the board 110. It will be appreciated that while the support assembly 150 is shown as a T-bar structure, other configurations of the support assembly are possible.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support axle 156 pivotally connects the transverse portion 154 of the support assembly 150 to the underside 114 of the board 110 at a support assembly attachment point 117. The support axle 156 enables the support assembly 150 to pivot about the support assembly attachment point 117 of the board 110 between a support assembly storage position (as shown in FIG. 4) and multiple different support assembly deployed positions (as shown in FIGS. 1-3). In the illustrated embodiment, the support clamp 158 of the support assembly 150 is connected to a second end of the longitudinal portion 152 of the support assembly 150. The support clamp 158 is configured to removably attach the support assembly 150 to different locations of the front leg assembly 120. As such, the support assembly 150 supports the board 110 in different board positions (e.g. horizontal position, inclined position, or declined position) when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position.

As best shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, an embodiment of the ironing board 100 further includes a leg attachment assembly 190 connected to the underside 114 of the board 110. The leg attachment assembly 190 includes a body 192 and a leg clamp 194. The leg clamp 194 is connected to and supported by the body 192. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 192 is coupled to the underside 114 of the board 110 via a fastener 196 such as a bolt, screw, pin other such fastening mechanism. The body 192 further provides a support to position the leg clamp 194 on the underside of the board 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg clamp 194 is connected to the body via one or more fasteners such as a bolt, screw, pin, or other such fastening mechanism; however, it will be understood that the leg attachment assembly 190 can be alternatively configured such that the body 192 and leg clamp 194 form a unitary structure. In the illustrated position, the leg attachment assembly 190 is axially aligned with the transverse portion 154 and support axle 156 of the support assembly 150; however, it will be understood that the leg attachment assembly 190 can be coupled to different locations of the underside 114 of the board 110, as desired.

As best shown in FIG. 15, when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the storage position, the front pair of legs 122a, and 122b are held or otherwise secured by the leg clamp 194 of the leg attachment assembly 190 to keep the legs from easily swinging or otherwise moving away from the board 110. Additionally, when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position, and the board 110 is in the declined position (not shown), the leg attachment assembly 190 can attach to the front pair of legs 122a and 122b to hold the board in place. It will be understood that while the illustrated embodiment shows two leg attachment assemblies 190, an alternative number of leg attachment assemblies can be used.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the support assembly 150 supports the board 110 in a first board position (sometimes referred to herein as the horizontal board position or ironing position) when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position and the support clamp 158 is attached to a first attachment point 128a on the front leg first crossbar 124a of the front leg assembly 120. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support assembly 150 supports the board 110 in a second board position (sometimes referred to herein as the inclined board position or steaming position) when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position and the support clamp 158 is attached to a second attachment point 128b on the front leg second crossbar 124b of the front leg assembly 120. In one embodiment (not shown), the support assembly 150 supports the board 110 in a third board position (referred to herein as the declined board position) when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position and the support clamp 158 is attached to a third attachment point 128c on the front leg third crossbar 124c of the front leg assembly 120. According to embodiments, the board 110 can be substantially parallel to the floor beneath the ironing board 100 when the board 110 is in the horizontal position, and the board 110 can extend at an angle relative to the floor when in the inclined or declined positions. For example, the board 110 may be disposed at an obtuse angle, an acute angle, or any other appropriate angle for placing the board 110 upright when in the inclined position.

As best shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the support clamp 158 comprises a clamp housing 160, and a locking member 162 connected to the clamp housing 160 via the clamp axle 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp housing 160 comprises a first housing portion 160a and a second housing portion 160b that circumferentially surround the longitudinal portion 152 of the support assembly 150. The first and second housing portions 160a, 160b are fastened together, via screws or other such fastening mechanism, to operably connect the support clamp 158 to the support assembly 150. In the illustrated example, the clamp axle 164 pivotally connects the locking member 162 to the clamp housing 160. More specifically, the clamp axle 164 extends through an axle bore defined in each of the locking member 162, and first housing portion 160a to pivotally connect the locking member 162 to the clamp housing 160. As such, the clamp axle 164 defines a clamp pivot point 166 of the locking member 162 and the clamp axle 164 enables the locking member 162 to pivot or move about the clamp pivot point 166 relative to the clamp housing 160.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support clamp 158 further includes a clamp actuating member 168 (e.g., sometimes referred to herein as the clamp handle) extending from the locking member 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp actuating member 168 and the locking member 162 form a unitary structure such that compression and/or release of the clamp actuating member 168 causes the locking member 162 to pivot about the clamp pivot point 166. It should be appreciated that while the locking member 162 and clamp actuating member 168 are shown as a unitary structure, the clamp actuating member and locking member can also be configured as separate components that are connected or fixedly attached to one another.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support clamp 158 includes a tension member (e.g. a spring) (not shown) operably connected to the locking member 162, and the clamp housing 160 that actuates the support clamp 158 between an unlocked position and a locked position. For example, the clamp actuating member 168 may be configured as a compressible handle that enables actuation of the locking member 162 between the locked position and an unlocked position of the support clamp 158. More specifically, compression of the clamp actuating member 168 generates a force that is greater than a biasing force generated by the tension member such that when the clamp actuating member 168 is compressed the locking member 162 pivots about the clamp pivot point 166 from the locked position into the unlocked position. Conversely, release of the clamp actuating member 168 causes the biasing force of the tension member to bias or otherwise move the locking member 162 from the unlocked position to the locked position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly 150 further includes one or more locators 172 configured as a ring that circumferentially surrounds a portion of the front leg assembly 120. In the illustrated example, a pair of locators 172 are mounted onto the front leg assembly 120 and spaced apart to define an attachment area for the support assembly 150. As such, when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position, the pair of locators 172 can be used to align the support assembly 150 with the front leg assembly 120. It should be appreciated that while the locators 172 are shown as rings, other locators, such as colored markings, can be used for alignment of the support assembly with the front leg assembly.

For example, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first pair of locators 172 is mounted onto the front leg first crossbar 124a to define the first attachment point 128a. As such, when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position, the support assembly 150 can be aligned with the first pair of locators 172 to attach the support clamp 158 to the first attachment point 128a and support the board 110 in the horizontal board position. In the illustrated embodiment, a second pair of locators 172 is mounted onto the front leg second crossbar 124b to define the second attachment point 128b. As such, when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position, the support assembly 150 can be aligned with the second pair of locators 172 to attach the support clamp 158 to the second attachment point 128b to support the board 110 in the inclined board position. In certain embodiments, a third pair of locators (not shown) can be mounted onto the front leg third crossbar 124c to define the third attachment point 128c. As such, when the front and rear leg assemblies 120 and 130 are in the deployed position, the support assembly 150 can be aligned with the third pair of locators to attach the support clamp 158 to the third attachment point 128c to support the board 110 in the declined position.

As discussed herein, the support assembly 150 is used to move and support the board 110 in different board positions (e.g., horizontal board position, inclined board position, and declined board position). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, when the board is in the inclined position, the support clamp 158 is connected to the front leg second cross bar 124b at the second attachment point 128b. As shown in 12A-12C, to move the board 110 from the inclined position into one of the other board positions (e.g., the horizontal position or the declined position), compression of the clamp actuating member 168 causes the support clamp 158 to disengage from the front leg second crossbar 124b. Once the support clamp 158 is disengaged, the board 110 can be actuated into the desired position. For example, to move the board 110 from the inclined position into the horizontal position, the support assembly 150 is moved to align the support clamp 158 to the first attachment point 128a of the front leg first crossbar 124a. Such movement of the support assembly 150 caused the board 110 to pivot about the single leg attachment point 116 and position the board 110 into the horizontal board position. Once the support clamp 158 is aligned to the first attachment point 128a, release of the clamp actuating member 168 causes the expansion of the clamp actuating member 168 and the support clamp 158 to engages the front leg first crossbar 124a and support the board 110 in the horizontal position.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 13 certain embodiments of the ironing board 100 include an attachment member 180, such as a strap that can be used to hang or position garments such as a shirt, dress, pants, and the like on the board 110, as needed. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end of the attachment member 180 is fixedly attached to the underside 114 of the board 110 and a second end of the attachment member 180 is removably attached to the underside 114 of the board 110. For example, as best shown in FIG. 13, when the board 110 is in the inclined position the second end of the attachment member 180 can be removed from the underside 114 of the board 110 and flipped around the nose end 118 to hang down along a portion of the topside 112 of the board 110. As such, the attachment member 180 receives a hanger and positions the garment on the topside 112 of the board 110 for steaming or ironing of the garment. In various embodiments, the second end of the attachment member 180 includes a magnet, a snap, velcro, or other such attachment mechanism that removably attaches the second end of the attachment member 180 to the underside 114 of the board 110. As such, the attachment member 180 can be attached to the underside 114 of the board 110 out of the way when not needed.

In various embodiments, the ironing board 100 further includes a panel 198 attached to front leg cross bars 124a and 124b of the front leg assembly 120, as shown in FIG. 15. The panel 198 may be configured (e.g., in size, shape, and location) to keep the support assembly 150 from extending through the opening defined by the front pair of legs 122a and 122b and the front leg cross bars 124a and 124b. The panel 198 may be made of fabric or any other suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 198 includes multiple straps for removably attaching the panel 198 to the front leg cross bars 124a, 124b. In other embodiments, alternative attachment mechanisms such as, ties, rings, clamps, and the like may be used for attaching the panel to the front leg assembly. In several of the figures (e.g., FIGS. 1-5), the ironing board 100 is shown without the panel 198 in place for clarity reasons.

Various other example embodiments of the present disclosure (which are not shown) provide alternative configurations of an ironing board including a board, a leg assembly movably coupled to the board and configured to move between a deployed position and a storage position, and a support assembly coupled to the board and configured to removably attach the board to the leg assembly. In such embodiments, when the board is in the deployed position the leg assembly may form a rectangular support structure, square support structure, triangular support structure, or other shaped support structure for the board. In such embodiments, the board includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and the leg assembly is movably coupled to the second surface. Furthermore, when the leg assembly is in the deployed position, the support assembly can be attached to a first attachment point of the leg assembly to position the board in a horizontal board position. Alternatively, when the leg assembly is in the deployed position, the support assembly can be attached to a second attachment point of the leg assembly to position the board in an inclined position. In one such embodiment, the leg assembly includes a front pair of legs and a rear pair of legs pivotally coupled to the second surface of the board such that when the leg assembly is in the deployed position the front pair of legs and rear pair of legs extend from the second surface of the board to form a rectangular support structure. Conversely, when the leg assembly is in the storage position, the front pair of legs and rear pair of legs fold underneath the board for easy storage of the ironing board.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalent thereof.

Claims

1. An ironing board comprising:

a board including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;

a front leg assembly pivotably coupled, via a leg axle, to the second surface of the board;

a rear leg assembly pivotably coupled, via the leg axle, to the second surface of the board and to the front leg assembly, wherein the leg axle enables movement of the front and rear leg assemblies between a deployed position and a storage position;

a support assembly pivotably coupled to the second surface of the board and configured for removable attachment to the front leg assembly, wherein when the front and rear leg assemblies are in the deployed position, attachment of the support assembly to a first attachment point of the front leg assembly positions the board in a horizontal board position, and attachment of the support assembly to a second attachment point of the front leg assembly positions the board in an inclined board position.

2. The ironing board of claim 1, wherein a first end of the front leg assembly is pivotably coupled, via the leg axle, to a first end of the rear leg assembly such that the front and rear leg assemblies are pivotably coupled to the board at a single pivot point.

3. The ironing board of claim 2, wherein movement of the support assembly between the first attachment point and the second attachment point causes the board to pivot about the single pivot point to respectively position the board between the horizontal board position and the inclined board position.

4. The ironing board of claim 1, wherein the deployed position of the front and rear leg assemblies forms an A-frame support structure for the board.

5. The ironing board of claim 1, wherein the front leg assembly comprises a first front leg and a second front leg separated by a front leg first crossbar and a front leg second crossbar extending between the first and second front legs.

6. The ironing board of claim 5, wherein the first attachment point is along the front leg first crossbar, and the second attachment point is along the front leg second crossbar.

7. The ironing board of claim 5, wherein the support assembly comprises a support clamp configured for removable attachment to the front leg first crossbar and the front leg second crossbar of the front leg assembly.

8. The ironing board of claim 7, further comprising a pair of first locators positioned on the front leg first crossbar to align the support clamp to the front leg first crossbar and a pair of second locators positioned on the front leg second crossbar to align the support clamp to the front leg second crossbar.

9. The ironing board of claim 7, wherein the support assembly comprises a clamp actuation member operably coupled to the support clamp, wherein the support clamp attaches to the front leg assembly when the clamp actuation member is in an expanded position and releases the front leg assembly when the clamp actuation member is in a compressed position.

10. The ironing board of claim 1, further comprising an attachment member fixedly attached to the board at a first end of the attachment member and removably attached to the board at a second end of the attachment member.

11. The ironing board of claim 10, wherein the second end of the attachment member is configured for removable attachment to the second surface the board when in the horizontal board position, and removable attachment to the first surface of the board when in the inclined board position.

12. The ironing board of claim 1, further comprising a slider assembly operably coupled to the front leg assembly and the rear leg assembly, wherein the slider assembly moves between a first position when the front and rear leg assemblies are in the deployed position and a second position when the front and rear leg assemblies are in the storage position.

13. The ironing board of claim 12, wherein the slider assembly comprises a bracket coupled to the front leg assembly via a pin and coupled to the rear leg assembly via a locking pin the locking pin is slidingly engaged to a slot defined by the bracket.

14. The ironing board of claim 13, wherein the slider assembly defines a slot extending along the bracket and the locking pin slidingly engages the slot.

15. The ironing board of claim 14, wherein the slider assembly defines a first locking hole at a first end of the slot and a second locking hole at a second end of the slot, wherein the locking pin is coupled to the first locking hole when the front and rear leg assemblies are in the deployed position, and wherein the locking pin is coupled to the second locking hole when the front and rear leg assemblies are in the storage position.

16. An ironing board comprising:

a board including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;

a leg assembly pivotably coupled, via a leg axle, to the second surface of the board, wherein the leg axle enables movement of the leg assembly between a deployed position and a storage position;

a support assembly pivotably coupled to the second surface of the board and configured for removable attachment to the leg assembly, wherein when the leg assembly is in the deployed position, attachment of the support assembly to a first attachment point of the leg assembly positions the board in a horizontal board position, and attachment of the support assembly to a second attachment point of the leg assembly positions the board in an inclined board position.

17. The ironing board of claim 16, wherein the leg assembly comprises a front leg assembly and a rear leg assembly, and wherein the front leg assembly comprises a first front leg and a second front leg separated by a front leg first crossbar and a front leg second crossbar extending between the first and second front legs.

18. The ironing board of claim 17, wherein the support assembly comprises a support clamp configured for removable attachment to the front leg first crossbar and the front leg second crossbar of the front leg assembly.

19. The ironing board of claim 18, wherein a first end of the front leg assembly is pivotably coupled, via the leg axle, to a first end of the rear leg assembly such that the front and rear leg assemblies are pivotably coupled to the board at a single pivot point, and wherein movement of the support clamp between the first attachment point and the second attachment point causes the board to pivot about the single pivot point to respectively position the board between the horizontal board position and the inclined board position.

20. An ironing board comprising:

a board including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a leg assembly movably coupled to the second surface of the board, the leg assembly movable between a deployed position and a storage position; and a support assembly coupled to the board and configured for removable attachment to the leg assembly, wherein when the leg assembly is in the deployed position, attachment of the support assembly to a first attachment point of the leg assembly positions the board in a horizontal board position, and attachment of the support assembly to a second attachment point of the leg assembly positions the board in an inclined board position.