Abstract: A garment steaming device includes a housing having a reservoir for containing liquid therein, a head portion connected to the housing, and a steam generator contained within the head portion, the steam generator being in fluid communication with the reservoir for generating steam from the liquid contained in the reservoir. The steam generator includes a first layer and a second layer and at least one heating element sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer and the second layer define a steam flowpath that is configured such that steam flows back and forth between the first layer and the second layer before exiting the steam generator.

Abstract: A steam iron (10) comprises a steam generator (15) having a main body portion (15a) including an electrical heating element (16) to heat the steam generator (15), and an ironing plate (13) coupled to the steam generator (15) via a thermal coupling and configured to be passively heated by conduction of heat from the steam generator (15) via the thermal coupling. The thermal coupling between the steam generator (15) and the ironing plate (13) comprises an indirect thermal path formed by a flange (22) of the steam generator (15), the flange (22) being in contact with the ironing plate (13) and being spaced from the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15), the flange (22) also being configured to space the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15) from the ironing plate (13) to restrict the conduction of heat from the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15) to the ironing plate (13).

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand held appliance comprising a body, a handle having a first end connected to the body and a second end comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the handle towards the body, a fan unit for drawing fluid along the fluid flow path and a cable extending from the second end of the handle for supplying power to the fan unit wherein at least one wire from the cable is routed along a wall of the handle. The wall of the handle may comprise at least one recess extending longitudinally along the handle for accommodating the at least one wire from the cable. The cable may comprise two wires and the wall two recesses extending longitudinally along the handle one recess for accommodating each of the wires from the cable. The two recesses may be approximately diametrically opposite in the wall.

Abstract: Described are joint designs, tooling, and molding methods for a hollow object, such as an automobile bolster. The methods and structures provide a process and system that facilitates mold alignment, part alignment, material strength, design adaptability, efficient processing, reduced labor, increased production rates, reduced energy consumption per part, aesthetically pleasing surfaces, and reduces or eliminates the need for welding.

Abstract: A portable clothes steaming assembly for removing wrinkles from clothing after traveling includes a housing and a nozzle coupled to a front end of the housing. A tank is positioned in the housing to hold a liquid within the housing. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the tank. A heating element is positioned in the housing to heat the liquid in the tank whereby steam is expelled from the tank through the nozzle. An actuator is coupled to the housing and operationally coupled to the heating element for selectively heating the liquid. A power source is positioned in the housing and electrically coupled to the heating element.

Abstract: An iron (1), comprising: a water reservoir (10), configured to hold liquid water; a heatable soleplate (20), including at least one mist outlet opening (22); water atomization means (30), configured to atomize water from the water reservoir so as to generate a mist of water droplets at a mist generation site (32) mist distribution means (40), configured to distribute the mist from the mist generation site (32) to the at least one mist outlet opening (22), comprising: a distribution channel (42), extending from an air inlet (46), along the mist generation site (32), to the at least one mist outlet opening (22); and an air flow generator (44), disposed in or adjacent said distribution channel and configured to generate an airflow that transports the water droplets, from the mist generation site (32), through the distribution channel (42), to the at least one mist outlet opening (22).

Abstract: A clothes iron comprising a heated sole plate and a spray device for spraying water droplets of liquid on to a spray zone situated outside the surface covered by the sole plate wherein the clothes iron comprises applicator means extending outside the sole plate, wherein said applicator means comes into contact with the water droplets sprayed on the clothes to be ironed by said spray device before the sole plate reaches the spray zone while the clothes iron, resting on the sole plate thereof, is moved in translation toward the spray zone.

Abstract: Appliances, methods and systems in which steam can be applied to a fabric and a heated surface can be used to press and/or dry the fabric.

Abstract: A wrinkle removing apparatus for fabric articles is provided. The apparatus includes a casing defining a volume therein and a reservoir received in the casing and containing a liquid for providing treatment to the fabric article. A platen is carried by the casing and defines a plurality of openings for allowing flow-through of liquid. A heater may be proximal the platen for heating the platen to a treatment temperature. A transducer extends into the reservoir and is configured for atomizing the liquid into a vapor.

Abstract: A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.

Abstract: An iron according to the present invention includes an excessive temperature-rise preventing device coupled in series with a circuit of a heater, and an excessive temperature-rise preventing device securing part for attaching the excessive temperature-rise preventing device to a base. The base is disposed to be heatable by the heater with a different heating capacity. The excessive temperature-rise preventing device with a different operation temperature for breaking the circuit of the heater is selectively attached to the excessive temperature-rise preventing device securing part, in accordance with the heating capacity of the heater.

Abstract: A steam brush of the present invention, it relates to a household appliance equipped with an electric heater. The steam brush of the present invention, the inside of its housing is disposed with a water tank, a water pump and an electric heating plate, a switch disposed on said housing is respectively connected to the external power line and the electric heating plate; wherein said housing is cylinder-shaped, a steam outlet surface is disposed on the top surface of said housing; a base seat detachably supports said housing. The steam outlet surface of the steam brush can be far away from the desktop, so it is relatively safe. Said steam brush can expand its functions, which can be applied as indoor humidifier, electric iron or cosmetic tool for facial steaming, it is multi-use.

Abstract: A steam iron having a bipartite steam rate control, based on a combination of a user-control, which allows a user to consciously set a desired steam rate, and an intuitively operated handle, which may conditionally provide the steam rate control assembly with corrective, energy saving input.

Abstract: Piezoelectric pump for a household electric appliance having a moving wall interposed between a first casing element defining a pumping chamber with the moving wall, and a second casing element applying pressure to the periphery of the moving wall in order to hold the latter in position. The moving wall has an exterior face in contact with a piezoelectric actuator designed to cause the moving wall to move so as to bring about a periodic variation in the volume of the pumping chamber under the action of the piezoelectric actuator wherein the first casing element and the second casing element are held together under stress by an elastic clip, the elastic clip applying a pressure that tends to compress the first casing element onto the second casing element.

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 moveable 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: Steam irons with a steam valve that is controlled by an intuitively operated, usually pivotable handle may not provide consistent steam ironing behavior due to the fact that the force exerted on the handle by the user may change over time. To overcome or mitigate the problem, the present invention provides a steam iron (1), comprising a by-pass (9) around the handle-operated valve (7). The by-pass allows a relatively small but continuous water stream to be transported from a water reservoir (6) to steam outlet openings (12) in the soleplate (11) of the iron. Consequently, subject to an ample supply of water, the steam iron provides a minimum of steam ironing comfort throughout a steam ironing session.

Abstract: A convertible appliance and related method for treating a garment. The appliance includes a housing, a water tank disposed in the housing, a soleplate removably attached to the housing, a first steam chamber configured to generate and emit steam from the soleplate in a first configuration when the soleplate is attached to the housing, a second steam chamber configured to generate and emit steam from the housing in a second configuration when the soleplate is removed from the housing, a valve arrangement configured to fluidly connect the water tank to the first steam chamber when in the first configuration, and alternately, fluidly connect the water tank to the second chamber when in the second configuration.

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 steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.

Abstract: Steam wrinkle-removing appliance comprising a water tank (110) in direct communication with a steam-producing boiling chamber (60), said boiling chamber (60) comprising a heating unit (4) and a steam outlet (62) through which the steam can freely flow toward a wrinkle-removing element such as a steam brush, characterized in that the boiling chamber (60) is supplied with water from the tank (110) by means of several supply lines (70) with a small flow cross-section of less than 15 mm2, said supply lines extending lengthwise between an end (70A) opening into the tank (110) and an end (70B) opening into the boiling chamber (60) so as to generate head losses that limit the backflow of hot water or steam toward the tank (110).

Abstract: Appliance for the treatment of fabric articles comprising a water tank, a steam generator for diffusing steam in the direction of the fabric article and a water supply circuit of the steam generator comprising an electric pump, characterized in that said supply circuit comprises a flexible tube (12) and a device (13) for adjusting the flow of water sent to the steam generator comprising means (133) for compressing the flexible tube (12) so as to modify its cross-section of flow.

Abstract: An electric steam iron is disclosed as including a body, a soleplate with steam outlets, a steam chamber between the soleplate and the body, the steam chamber being in a fluid-communicable relationship with the steam outlet, a water tank within the body and in a fluid-communicable relationship with the steam chamber, a valve downstream of the water tank and upstream of the steam chamber. The valve has a valve orifice, and a controlling mechanism for controlling opening and closing of the valve orifice, the controlling mechanism including a valve closure member and a pin with an actuating head. The valve closure member is a magnet and the actuating head is made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic metal or metal alloy, the valve closure member being movable relative to the actuating head and the valve orifice between a valve closing position and a valve opening position.

Abstract: A steam iron is disclosed. The steam iron at least includes a base, a handle and a mechanical pump, in which the base has a steam generator and a water tank. The handle is connected with the base. The handle has a storage space and a shell surrounding the storage space. The mechanical pump is set in the storage space of the handle. The mechanical pump is connected with the steam generator and the water tank, and the bailing member of the mechanical pump is adjacent to the handle. The invention provides the mechanical pump having the bailing member that has short length and mounted in the handle. Because the bailing member may be hidden in the handle, user can easily press the bailing member without driving up finger to press the bailing member. So, the problem is solved that common steam iron is discommodiously used.

Abstract: A convertible appliance and related method for treating a garment. The appliance includes a housing, a water tank disposed in the housing, a soleplate removably attached to the housing, a first steam chamber configured to generate and emit steam from the soleplate in a first configuration when the soleplate is attached to the housing, a second steam chamber configured to generate and emit steam from the housing in a second configuration when the soleplate is removed from the housing, a valve arrangement configured to fluidly connect the water tank to the first steam chamber when in the first configuration, and alternately, fluidly connect the water tank to the second chamber when in the second configuration.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for vapor smoothing a rapid manufactured three-dimensional object. A cabinet housing has a sealable interior. A heated vapor chamber in the interior of the cabinet housing contains solvent that is vaporizable to fill the vapor chamber with vapor for smoothing the object when the object is placed in the vapor chamber. A drying chamber is also provided in the interior of the cabinet housing that is separate from the vapor chamber for drying the object when the object is moved from the vapor chamber to the drying chamber.

Abstract: A steam appliance having a water pump controlled by an actuator or motion switch response to movement of the appliance is provided. In one embodiment, a micro-switch is turned ON and OFF by movement of a micro-switch actuator in operative engagement with the towel frame at the base if the appliance. In another embodiment, the actuator is operatively connected to a mechanical pump to activate the pump. The motor switch or actuator will be displaced whenever the unit is moved by a user, thus causing the pump to pump water to the boiler. Steam is then fed to a steam pad that may have a replaceable fabric pad fit snugly on the frame to distribute clean steam to a surface to be steamed.

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: Appliances, methods and systems in which steam can be applied to a fabric and a heated surface can be used to press and/or dry the fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ironing iron including a sole plate (1), wherein at least one V-shaped recess (6) is placed, said recess (6) being particularly defined by a removable insert (2) forming a contour relative to the plane of the sole plate (1) and comprising at least one steam outlet (3), the recess further communicating with at least one steam inlet (7).

Abstract: A dual-layer coating for application in a steam-generating device is disclosed. A impermeable first layer thermally insulates the heated surface, while a second, porous layer enlarges the contact area, leading to an efficient conversion of liquid into vapor.

Abstract: Steam irons with a steam valve that is controlled by an intuitively operated, usually pivotable handle may not provide consistent steam ironing behaviour due to the fact that the force exerted on the handle by the user may change over time. To overcome or mitigate the problem, the present invention provides a steam iron (1), comprising a by-pass (9) around the handle-operated valve (7). The by-pass allows a relatively small but continuous water stream to be transported from a water reservoir (6) to steam outlet openings (12) in the soleplate (11) of the iron. Consequently, subject to an ample supply of water, the steam iron provides a minimum of steam ironing comfort throughout a steam ironing session.

Abstract: An iron comprising a water tank, a blast unit, a steam generating unit and a steam spraying unit. The blast unit has a first inlet and a first outlet, the first inlet is connected to the inlet-pipe of the inlet of the water tank, wherein the blast unit generates steam rapidly in a limited space. The steam generating unit has a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet being connected to the inlet-pipe of the inlet of the water tank, wherein the steam generating unit heats the water to generate steam. The steam spraying unit connects the first and second outlet, has plural steam apertures, and sprays steam. Because a blast unit is arranged for the rapid steam generation in a limited space, the iron of the present invention obviates the disadvantages in the existing irons and improves steam blast strength, intensity at a low cost.

Abstract: Provided is an iron which enables ironing to be performed efficiently through both forward and backward movements of the iron and which provides improved usability thereof when moved backward in the direction of a rear end portion of a soleplate. A support is provided for supporting an iron main body to be in a self-standing state where the soleplate, which has the front and rear end portions each formed in a pointed shape, is substantially vertically disposed. The support has first and second support portions that are provided to both sides of the rear end portion so as to protrude backward from the iron main body, and has a third support portion provided at a rear portion of a grip part. A space that allows the rear end portion of the soleplate to be visible is provided between the first and second support portions.

Abstract: A steam iron includes a sensor for detecting and measuring movement of the steam iron. The sensor is coupled to an actuator that regulates the flow of steam via a valve located between a steam chamber and steam outlets. The sensor can detect movement in three directions (X, Y, Z) and adjust steam generation based on speed of movement of the iron and tilt angle. A pre-heater is used to pre-heat water in a water chamber. The pre-heated water is provided to a steam chamber where it is later converted to steam.

Abstract: A steaming device (100) comprises a boiler (300) configured for heating water to steam. A control device (230,400) is provided for controlling a water flow to the boiler (300), and the boiler (300) is provided with a rinsing drain (320) for letting out rinsing water; and a stopper (330) for covering the rinsing drain (320) and for activating the control device (230, 400). The stopper (330) has a first position for starting a rinsing process, in which first position the rinsing drain (320) is opened by the stopper (330) and the stopper (330) is configured to activate the control device (230,400). The stopper (330) has a second position for ending the rinsing process, in which second position the rinsing drain (320) is closed by the stopper (330) and the stopper (330) is configured to de-activate the control device (230, 400).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam generating apparatus (50) comprising a boiler (52) for receiving water to be heated, an opening (54, 126) in a wall of the boiler, the opening being closable by closing means (56, 128, 136), and a steam duct (58) for conducting steam generated in the boiler (52) to steam applying means (60), wherein a by-pass duct (62, 130) by-passing the steam duct (58) is provided for discharging steam from the boiler (52) to the steam applying means (60). The present invention further relates to a method of operating a steam generating apparatus (50).

Abstract: A hand-held clothes steam ironing apparatus includes first and second elongated substantially rectangular arm members having an inner portion and an outer portion, a hinge mechanism rotatably connecting the two arm members at one narrow end of each such that said inner portions are substantially opposing. Imbedded in inner portions of each arm members is at least one heat plate, this heat plates containing a plurality of steam orifices distributed longitudinally along the heat plate with fluid communication between the orifices. An electrical power supply is wired in adjacent the hinge mechanism and electrically connects to the heat plates with power control capability between the two for regulating the amount of power supplied to the heat plates. Water tanks with removable caps are attached to outer portions of each of the body members, and water conduits run between each water tank and the heat plates in the corresponding arm members.

Abstract: A handheld telescopic ironing device for pressing clothing, fabric and the like comprising two handles joined at the distal end with a pivotal hinge, each handle comprised of an elongated hollow outer handle housing and at least one elongated hollow inner handle housing concentrically aligned and telescopically mounted within outer handle housing with a locking means to hold the with inner handle housing and outer handle housing at extended or contracted lengths. Attached to the two handles are heads each having a pressing surface mounted on a hollow head housing so that the two pressing surfaces oppose each other. The telescopic ironing device is further comprised of at least one heating element disposed within one or more of internal cavities of the head housing and has an optional steam feature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electric iron comprising: at least one base unit a main body provided with a water inlet, a water outlet and a water tank connected between said inlet and said outlet; said base unit and said main body may connected or disconnected by a connecting unit; said base unit provided with a water passage which can connected with said water outlet when in assembly with said main body, a steam outlet, a chamber connected between said water passage and said steam outlet and a heating plate used for heating said chamber. Since the base unit can disconnected to the main body, user can choice different heating plates based on different clothing ironing conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a steam iron comprising a housing with a handle, a water container, a steam control device and a vapor chamber provided with an electric heating plate, wherein the steam control device comprising a pressure sensor mounted on the handle of said housing, a control board with a microprocessor and an execution unit for providing the water into said chamber or providing the vapor generated by a evaporator into said chamber for secondly heated; the execution unit is controlled by the control board by the pressure signal provided by said pressure sensor.

Abstract: A steaming system (100) comprises a steam generator (120), a removable water tank (130) for holding and supplying water to the steam generator (120); and a dosing device (140) for supplying an amount of a water treatment agent to the water tank (130). The dosing device is configured to be triggered by a movement of the water tank (130) relative to the steam generator (120).

Abstract: A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.

Abstract: A steam appliance having a water pump controlled by an actuator or motion switch response to movement of the appliance is provided. In one embodiment, a micro-switch is turned ON and OFF by movement of a micro-switch actuator in operative engagement with the towel frame at the base if the appliance. In another embodiment, the actuator is operatively connected to a mechanical pump to activate the pump. The motor switch or actuator will be displaced whenever the unit is moved by a user, thus causing the pump to pump water to the boiler. Steam is then fed to a steam pad that may have a replaceable fabric pad fit snugly on the frame to distribute clean steam to a surface to be steamed.

Abstract: The clothing iron holder with water reservoir (10) is a protective accessory for use with a clothing iron (12) or the like. The holder (10) includes a water reservoir (16) and is sized and shaped to receive a clothing iron (12). The holder (10) has an opening (30) for releasably covering the iron's water fill opening (14) so that if the iron (12) is inadvertently tipped over or falls, water exiting the water fill opening (14) is received within the water reservoir (16). Further, when received within the holder (10), a lower face (42) of the clothing iron (12) is supported by an upper surface of the central portion (22), and the upper surface preferably has a heat-resistant padded layer (40) formed thereon.

Abstract: A steam ironing device (10) provides an ionized steam output using an ionizing arrangement (30). The ionization process, in particular the high energy electric discharge used for ionization, breaks down steam particles into finer particles. As a result, a greater proportion of the steam particles generated can penetrate into the fabric of the garment being ironed, to improve fabric treatment and fabric moistening. Air ionization can also be used. The ionization process is improved by limiting the temperature of the steam.

Abstract: Steam iron comprising a sole (1) in thermal communication with a heating body (5) equipped with a steam chamber (53), the steam chamber (53) communicating with a reservoir (7) by means of a supply circuit comprising a flow control valve (10) whose degree of opening is controlled by a thermally deformable element (16) in thermal communication with the heating body (5), characterized in that the opening of the control valve (10) is braked, beginning at an intermediate temperature, by a stabilizing element (18) that exerts a force that opposes the force generated by the thermally deformable element (16).

Abstract: A water fill device for a steam iron is provided with a shield in front of the outlet port thereof designed to enhance the appearance of the iron and to provide consumers with increased confidence in the avoidance of water spillage or leakage through the water fill device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a steam iron, which comprises a base, a main body and a control board. The base comprises a water tank, a steam generator and a pump that is connected between the water tank and the steam generator. The main body comprises a controlling switch and an adjusting device for users controlling the steam iron. The control board is used to control the power of the pump to adjust the quantity of water that is pumped into the steam generator from the water tank and the quantity of steam generated by the steam generator. The control board is divided into at least two parts: a first part is connected to the controlling switch and the adjusting device and a second part is connected to the pump, and there is a signal line between the two parts.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ironing appliance comprising a base (1) including a vessel (2) for producing steam under pressure provided with a filling orifice (3) closed with a removable plug (5), characterized in that the apparatus comprises linking means (6) connecting the removable plug (5) and the base (1) when the plug is in an open position providing access to the filling orifice (3).

Abstract: A steam iron having a soleplate and a steam generator comprises a heater circuit (40) having two parallel loops (44, 45), wherein a main soleplate heating element (41) is arranged in a first loop (44), and wherein an auxiliary soleplate heating element (42) and a steam generator heating element (43) are arranged in a second loop (45). In the second loop (45), a selector switch (46) is arranged, for either connecting the auxiliary soleplate heating element (42) or the steam generator heating element (43) to an electric power source (50). A position of the selector switch (46) is determinative of an operating condition of the heater circuit (40). In one possible operating condition, both soleplate heating elements (41, 42) are connected to the electric power source (50). In this operating condition, the soleplate is heated up fast, as all available electric power is used for heating the soleplate.