Abstract: A rechargeable clothing iron includes an iron body member defining an interior area and a battery assembly positioned therein, the battery assembly being movable between a deployed configuration operatively coupled to the iron body and a removed configuration displaced from the interior area. The battery assembly includes a battery electrically connected to current terminals in the interior area of the iron body member when the battery assembly is in the deployed configuration. A handle is coupled to the battery by which the battery is selectively movable to the extended configuration. A steam generation assembly includes a water reservoir and a heating element, the steam generation assembly being electrically connected to the battery assembly when the battery assembly is in the deployed configuration. A heat plate is fixedly attached to a bottom surface of the iron body and electrically connected to the heating element.

Abstract: An iron includes a housing, a sole plate coupled to the housing and having a plurality of openings formed therein, a water reservoir in the housing, a first steam chamber in selective fluid communication with the water reservoir via a first feed channel, and a heater in thermal communication with the sole plate and the first steam chamber. The heater heats the sole plate and water in the first steam chamber received from the water reservoir to generate steam. A steam nozzle is mounted to the housing and is in fluid communication with the first steam chamber for emitting at least a first volume of the steam. A three-position switch coupled to first and second valves includes a first position where the first and second valves are closed. In a second position, the first valve is open and the second valve is closed. In a third position, the second valve is open and the first valve is closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steamer head for a garment steamer comprising a main body (2) with a front end (8), a steam outlet (11) and an air inlet (25) formed in the front end (8). A suction force is applied to draw air through the air inlet (25) so that a fabric of a garment disposed proximate the front end (8) is drawn against the front end (8) by the suction force. Further, steam is applied to the fabric of a garment through the steam outlet (11). The front end (8) of the main body (2) comprises first and second surfaces (10, 2). The steam outlet (11) is formed in the first surface (10) and the air inlet (25) is formed in the second surface (12), so that the fabric is drawn against the second surface (12) and steam is applied to the fabric at the first surface (10). The first and second surfaces (10, 12) together forma convex surface. The present invention also relates to a garment steamer comprising a 10 steamer head and a method of removing creases from a garment using a garment steamer.

Abstract: A system and method for using color to indicate a state of a home appliance, such as an iron. The iron has a sole plate and a water tank in fluid communication with the sole plate, a heater for heating the sole plate, a sensor for sensing a temperature of the sole plate, a user interface for setting a desired temperature for the sole plate, and a controller in communication with user interface and the sensor for controlling the heater. An illumination device under the control of the controller is provided to illuminate the water tank, particularly the interior thereof, in a color that is representative of a state of the iron, such as a power condition of the iron and/or a temperature of the sole plate.

Abstract: A system and method for using color to indicate a state of a home appliance, such as an iron. The iron has a sole plate and a water tank in fluid communication with the sole plate, a heater for heating the sole plate, a sensor for sensing a temperature of the sole plate, a user interface for setting a desired temperature for the sole plate, and a controller in communication with user interface and the sensor for controlling the heater. An illumination device under the control of the controller is provided to illuminate the water tank, particularly the interior thereof, in a color that is representative of a state of the iron, such as a power condition of the iron and/or a temperature of the sole plate.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multifunctional electric iron, comprising: a steam brush and a base unit. Said steam brush can be used as a garment steamer by connecting to a power supply or a boiler, and said steam brush also can be used as an ordinary steam iron by assembling with the base unit.

Abstract: Provided is an ironing appliance, including a pump that has a pumping chamber provided with an inlet and an outlet, the pumping chamber including a movable wall having an outer surface contacting a piezoelectric actuator provided to move the movable wall while changing the volume of the pumping chamber by the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the pump is placed in the ironing appliance such that the outlet of the pumping chamber is located at a higher level than the inlet in a normal position for operating the appliance.

Abstract: A system and method for using color to indicate a state of a home appliance, such as an iron. The iron has a sole plate and a water tank in fluid communication with the sole plate, a heater for heating the sole plate, a sensor for sensing a temperature of the sole plate, a user interface for setting a desired temperature for the sole plate, and a controller in communication with user interface and the sensor for controlling the heater. An illumination device under the control of the controller is provided to illuminate the water tank, particularly the interior thereof, in a color that is representative of a state of the iron, such as a power condition of the iron and/or a temperature of the sole plate.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying vibrations to the iron sole of an ironing appliance to facilitate the movement of the iron sole over a fabric, thereby improving the effectiveness of the ironing appliance in removing wrinkles, especially on thicker fabrics.

Abstract: An air-feed device and boiler iron has a three-station guiding valve. The body contains an air inlet linking boiler and two air outlets located in two sides of a guiding valve. The first outlet links wet vapor snoot of iron and the second links heating plate of boiler. One end of a valve rod of the guiding valve is in the valve body and links to a fixed valve plug. The other end is led outside through an opening in the top of body. When the valve rod rests at any one of the stations, the valve plug blocks a desired combination of air outlets and/or inlets.

Abstract: The present invention features an iron being adapted to guide a user through an ironing task. In some embodiments, the iron comprises a plurality of fabric selector switches, a message controller, a speaker, a temperature sensor, and a microprocessor. In some embodiments, said fabric selector switches are operatively connected as inputs to said microprocessor, said temperature sensor is operatively connected to a sole plate of the iron to measure the temperature of the sole plate, and the temperature sensor is also operatively connected as inputs to said microprocessor.

Abstract: A garment de-wrinkling device (1) comprises an enclosure (10) for moistening garments (20). An ironing board (40) and an adjacent standby area (41), which are both permeable to steam, are arranged on top of the enclosure (10). During operation of the device (1), the ironing board (40) and a steam iron (30) are used to iron garments (20) which have first been moistened inside the enclosure (10). In the process, steam released by the iron (30) penetrates the garments (20) and enters the enclosure (10) through the ironing board (40). In this way, both the garments (20) on the ironing board (40) and those inside the enclosure (10) are treated by means of steam that is released by the iron (30), and steam is used in an efficient manner. A pressed look is obtained in that the garments (20) are subjected to a moistening process and a subsequent steam ironing process.

Abstract: A device having a tangible dual component reflecting control of an iron cord dilemma. An upper area reserves an opening accommodating said iron cord to facilitate a second addition integrating metal screws and wing nuts for substantial strength.

Abstract: Pressing iron having a body (1) connected to a cord (3), such as a power supply cord, and having a cord guide device (5) giving a preferential orientation to the cord (3) at the exit from the body, the cord guide device (5) being articulated on the body of the iron and being able to rock between a storage position in which the cord guide device (5) is disposed against the body of the iron and an ironing position in which the cord guide device (5) is spaced from the iron, wherein the iron has a magnetic assembly (7) generating a force tending to maintain the cord guide device (5) in storage position.

Abstract: An electric steam iron includes a steam generator with an output port, a switching device formed of a body and a movable member. The body has an inlet in air communication with the output port, a first outlet, a second outlet, a first passage in air communication with the inlet and the first outlet, and a second passage in air communication with the inlet and the second outlet. The movable member is disposed in the intersection between the first passage and the second passage and movable between a first position where steam goes out of the first outlet and a second position where steam goes out of the second passage. A cleaning device has a connector for connection to the body of the switching device to move the movable member from the first position to the second position and a nozzle connected to the connector for steam output.

Abstract: An appliance (10) for ironing and steaming fabric or clothing includes a base (12) housing a water reservoir (124) and boiler (112) for respectively creating steam and operating an iron. A steam outlet port and hose (20), and a steam wand (18) emit steam onto a fabric or garment. A clothing iron (7) is attached to base (12) via an electrical cord/hose combination (24). The base (12) is attached by a single power cord (46) which is plugged into a single electrical outlet which provides power to both the steamer and the iron.

Abstract: A clothes iron comprises a body (2) and a sole plate (3). The body (2) is supported on the sole plate (3) by means of laterally resilient springs (4). The springs permit sideways movement of the sole plate (3) relative to the body (2). A motor (8) has a shaft (9) that carries an eccentric portion (10) which is received within a socket provided in the upper face of the sole plate. Thus, operation of the motor will cause the sole plate to execute orbital oscillatory motion relative to the body, in the plane of the face of the sole plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ironing apparatus comprising a steam generator connected to an iron (2) by a first cord (20), characterized in that said steam generator is connected to a travel steamer (3) by a second cord (30) mounted on a reel (4).

Abstract: A method for cooling a soleplate of an iron, the method comprising: flowing a cooling fluid adjacent at least a portion of the soleplate; and transferring heat energy from the soleplate to the cooling fluid. A device for removing wrinkles from fabric, the device comprising: a soleplate; a heater element associated with the soleplate so as to heat the soleplate; and a housing of the soleplate and heater element connected to one of the soleplate and heater element, wherein the housing comprises a cooling fluid vent, wherein a cooling fluid is passable through the cooling fluid vent so that heat energy is transferred from one of the soleplate and the heater element to the cooling fluid. A device for removing wrinkles from fabric, the device comprising: a soleplate comprising a thickness less than 2.

Abstract: A steam ironing system (2) comprises a steam iron (10) and a boiler system (25) having a boiler (30) for generating steam, wherein the steam iron (10) and the boiler (30) are connected to each other through a steam hose (35). During operation of the boiler system (25), scale is formed in the boiler (30). For the purpose of removing the scale from the boiler (30), a rinsing process is performed on the boiler system (25) at regular intervals. During the rinsing process, a rinse valve (38) connected to a water outlet (37) positioned at a bottom of the boiler (30) is opened, and water is discharged from the boiler (30) to a rinse container (55). In the process, scale particles are carried along with the flow of water. Preferably, pressure is built up inside the boiler (30) prior to opening the rinse valve (38), so that the water is forcibly ejected from the boiler (30), whereby the effectiveness of the rinsing process is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance for ironing or steaming linen, comprising a device which is used spread an additive over the linen and a container for said additive (20). The invention is characterised in that the additive container (20) comprises a substrate (22) bearing microcapsules and in that said microcapsules are carried progressively by a flow of fluid discharged by the device in order to spread the additive over the linen, said flow conveying the microcapsules outside of the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention features an iron being adapted to guide a user through an ironing task. In some embodiments, the iron comprises a plurality of fabric selector switches, a message controller, a speaker, a temperature sensor, and a microprocessor. In some embodiments, said fabric selector switches are operatively connected as inputs to said microprocessor, said temperature sensor is operatively connected to a sole plate of the iron to measure the temperature of the sole plate, and the temperature sensor is also operatively connected as inputs to said microprocessor.

Abstract: An iron for use while ironing clothes and other fabrics. The iron is a standard iron with a light attached to the front end of the iron, with the light shining downward and forward while the iron is a downward position and is in use.

Abstract: A combination steam cleaner and steam iron includes a steam generator, a steam cleaner and a steam iron. The steam generator includes a voltage control device serially connected to a boiler element for boiling water to produce steam. The steam cleaner is attachable to the steam generator, a nozzle that dispenses the steam, and a circuit designed to supply power to the boiler element when the steam cleaner is attached to the steam generator. The steam iron is attachable to the steam generator, includes an iron heating element for heating the iron, and includes a circuit designed to supply power to the iron heating element in addition to supplying power to the boiler element, when the steam iron is attached to the steam generator. The steam generator also includes a steam release valve that supplies the steam and which is controlled by respective switches within the steam cleaner and iron.

Abstract: A combination steam cleaner and steam iron includes a steam generator, a steam cleaner and a steam iron. The steam generator includes first and second boiling elements for boiling water to produce steam. The steam cleaner is attachable to the steam generator to receive the steam, a nozzle that dispenses the steam, and a circuit designed to supply power to the second boiling element when the steam cleaner is attached to the steam generator. The steam iron is attachable to the steam generator, includes an iron heating element for heating the iron, and includes a circuit designed to supply power to the iron heating element, but not to the second boiling element, when the steam iron is attached to the steam generator. The steam generator also includes a steam release valve that supplies the steam and which is controlled by respective switches within the steam cleaner and steam iron.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a steam iron (1) equippped with an electrically heatable soleplate (9) and having a residual heat warning device (16) which operates preferably independently of the line voltage and issues a flashing warning signal via a light emitting diode (17) when the temperature of the soleplate (9) exceeds a threshold temperature of about 60° C. Due to a capacitor which is chargeable during operation of the iron, a preferred warning system is operable also when the iron is disconnected from the supply after use.

Abstract: A rapid cool iron has a body and a low specific heat sole plate having an element bonded to or formed upon a top surface, said body and said sole plate being separated by an air gap to allow for the free flow of air over said top surface of said sole plate. Also taught is a fan to more rapidly cool the sole plate through forced convection. Also taught is a controller that is configured to only apply power when the rapid cool iron is in a horizontal orientation. Also taught is a steam generator which may be independent from or integrated with the sole plate, an external water reservoir/stand which includes a water filter, an ergonomically designed tilt handle with integrated controls and a grip sensor, and a forward facing light to illuminate the material being ironed.

Abstract: A combination radio and electric ironing device. Standard radio components and an electrical heating element are built into the thermoplastic casing of the device, which is made of lightweight and durable polymeric material. The electrical heating element is flat bottomed and forms the iron portion of the invention. Standard radio components include an on/off switch, an AM/FM tuner, an AM/FM switch, an AM/FM dial face, two speakers and a retractable antenna. The iron portion of the invention includes an on/off switch and a slidable adjustment bar to control the temperature of the iron. The combination radio and electric ironing device also has a convenient handle and utilizes a standard electrical outlet.

Abstract: An iron comprises a heating element (97), heating-control (96) for the heating element (97), and a motion detector. The motion detector can be an electrostatic detector (35) which determines an amount of electrostatic charges present at the fabric. The motion detector can be a humidity detector (60) which detects a resistivity of the fabric between two electrodes (62.sub.a, 62.sub.b) which are in contact with the fabric. A counting circuit (89) calculates a number of halfwaves of an electric signal supplied by one of the detectors and determines whether the iron is in use or is not in use. Moreover, the degree of humidity of the fabric can be determined by a measurement circuit (99).

Abstract: An iron comprises a heating element (97) and heating-control means (96) for the heating element. It has a humidity detector (60) which measures the degree of humidity of the fabric and which influences the electric power dissipated in the heating element. In order to measure the degree of humidity a circuit (99) measures the resistivity of the fabric between two contact electrodes (62a, 62b) and subsequently averages the electric signal resulting from the movement of the iron on the fabric. A circuit (89) may be added which measures the rhythm of the variations of said electric signal and which thus detects whether the iron is in use or not in use.

Abstract: A steam generator for domestic and industrial use, of the type which has a boiler (5) provided with a resistance heater element (17) and a steam and energy take-off unit (10) for supplying steam and electrical power to an external user item, such as a smoothing iron. At least a first solenoid valve (7) and a second solenoid valve (8) are connected between the boiler (5) and the take-off unit (10) to give rise to at least three separate levels of output steam rate. An electronic controller is coupled to the resistance heater element (17), steam and electrical power take-off unit (10), the power source and the solenoid valves (7,8) for automatically and proportionally exchanging electrical power applied to the resistance heater element (17) with electrical power applied to the external user item, thereby effectively exchanging the amount of steam available for use by, and the electrical power applied to, the external user item.

Abstract: A carpet iron adapter plate of the type primarily intended for attachment to the sole plate of a carpet iron for extending the working surface of the iron so that wider carpet tape can be used. The adapter plate comprises a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface has a recessed portion formed therein that is configured to receive at least a portion of the sole plate of the carpet iron therein. The adapter plate has at least two arms attached to the top surface of the base, each arm having first and second ends. The first end of one of the arms is attached proximal to one edge of the base and the first end of another one of the arms is attached proximal to an opposing edge of the base.

Abstract: A smokeless carpet seaming iron for melting an adhesive on a carpet tape wherein non-contaminated air is discharged into the ambient from the seamer includes a housing which contains a vent outlet and an open bottom. First and second filters are disposed internally of said housing and are accessible externally of said housing for removal and replacement. An electrically heated sole plate is disposed internally of said housing for creating heat at said open bottom of said housing. And a motor and a fan with filters are disposed internally of said housing between the first and second filters for creating a suction within said housing drawing smoke and fumes created during the carpet seaming operation through the open bottom into the housing for filtration by the first and second filters before discharge through a vent head to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An electric iron arrangement has a housing provided with electrical contacts through which the heating means of the iron can be energized, a base for supporting the iron when not in use, and a detachable power cord having a connector engageable with the contacts of the iron and enabling the iron to be used for cordless or corded ironing. A three-position actuator is provided on the base for selectively actuating cooperating locking devices in the base and connector to:(1) lock the connector to the iron to allow for corded ironing,(2) lock the connector to the base to allow for cordless ironing, or(3) lock the connector to both the iron and the base to allow for transport of the iron and base as a unit.

Abstract: A cordless electric iron assembly has an iron removably mounted on a power supply stand adapted to be connected to a power supply. Separable mating electric terminals interposed between the iron and stand establish an electrical connection between the electric heater in the iron and the stand so long as the iron is placed on the stand. A detector on the stand detects the presence or absence of the iron on the stand and is used to activate an adjustable counter in response to removal of the iron from the stand. The counter activates an audible alarm after the elapse of a predetermined time period during which the iron is removed from the stand and in use to signal that the iron should be returned to the stand for reheating. A carrying case is detachable from the stand and accommodates the iron positioned on the stand with the mating terminals connected for storage of the iron during non-use.

Abstract: A steam smoothing iron having a removable cartridge (1) which contains a product for demineralizing the water intended to be introduced into the vaporization chamber (2) of the iron. The cartridge (1) is arranged between the water outlet (3) of the water storage container (4) of the iron and the vaporization chamber (2).

Abstract: An electric steam iron has two heating elements (21, 41), each of high wattage. The elements heat the soleplate (20) and a water tank of a steam generator (40). The elements are connected in such a way that they cannot be switched on simultaneously. The quantity of steam which is delivered by the iron during ironing is regulated by an electronic circuit (FIG. 2) which controls the heating of the steam generator. The heating takes place in a manner in which the steam delivery varies depending on the steam requirements during an ironing cycle (FIGS. 4a-4e). The steam generator can be designed as a pressure tank in which a buffer stock of steam is formed during an interruption in ironing, so that at the beginning of an ironing cycle a large quantity of steam can be delivered and at the same time the soleplate can be heated up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing wrinkles from a table skirt includes a cylinder capable of holding the table skirt and having a porous portion. The apparatus further includes devices for rotating the cylinder and for delivering steam from an outside source through the cylinder so that the steam passes through the porous portion and removes the wrinkles.

Abstract: A color image reading apparatus according to the present invention processes by shifting of a sensor element one by one, output signals from three sensor elements consisting of each one picture element of a one-dimensional image sensor sensing one of three primary colors respectively. The sensor elements read any image so that printing data can be increased apparently up to three times of the picture element density of the sensor. A circuit is provided for thinning out the printing data for assuring adaptability to various printers.

Abstract: An electric flat-iron safety device includes a magnet pivotally supported in a flat-iron and arranged to actuate a first magnetically operated switch only when the flat-iron is in a horizontal ironing position and to actuate a second magnetically operated switch only when the flat-iron as tilted to a vertical rest position. Should the flat-iron remain motionless in the horizontal ironing position for a first predetermined time interval shorter than the time necessary for the flat-iron to reach its normal operating temperature, closure of the first switch by the magnet causes a resettable dual interval timing circuit to interrupt the power supply to the flat-iron. If the flat-iron remains motionless in the vertical tilted rest position for a second predetermined time for a interval longer than the time necessary for the flat-iron to reach its normal operating temperature, closure of the second switch by the magnet causes the dual interval timing circuit to interrupt the power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating steam at domestic level comprises a steam jet iron having an ironing plate formed with steam delivery orifices, a steam manifold removably associated with the ironing plate at the steam delivery orifices, and a delivery conduit hydraulically connected to the steam manifold.

Abstract: A combination hair-dryer and garment ironing apparatus includes a housing having an air inlet and a pair of air outlets. A blower and electric heater in the housing create a flow of heated air through the housing. A permanent, non-removable iron assembly is provided on the housing and includes a sole plate disposed in the path of the heated air flow through the housing. The sole plate forms a portion of a wall of the housing and has an exposed generally flat ironing surface. A heated air diverter member within the housing is selectively movable between a first dryer position in which substantially all of the heated air flowing through the housing is diverted from contact with the sole plate and is exhausted through one of the outlets and a second iron position in which a substantial portion of the heated air flow is diverted into contact with at least a portion of the sole plate for impingement heating of the sole plate to an ironing temperature and is exhausted from the other air outlet.

Abstract: A combined vacuum cleaner and steam iron comprising a housing having a substantially flat bottom, which housing being provided with a chamber for containing water and another chamber for collecting dust, a heating device mounted in the water chamber by which steam is generated and thus discharged through a passage out of the water chamber, means for connecting various suction tubes, which means being formed integrally with the housing, a casing connected with the housing, in which casing a motor and a fan are provided for generating a suction force which is operable to introduce the dust through the suction tube into the dust chamber.