Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide a fabric smoothing apparatus comprising: a microwavable base module comprising: a first substantially planar surface, and a divot spanning the perimeter of the first substantially planar surface; and a hand grip module comprising: a hand grip disposed on a top portion of a second substantially planar surface, and a lip disposed on a bottom portion of the second substantially planar surface, wherein the hand grip module is dimensioned to releasably secure the microwavable base module via the lip securing into the divot.

Abstract: The present application relates to steam iron (10) comprising a soleplate (12), a discharge element (14), a retaining member (16) and a collection compartment (17). The soleplate (12) comprises a steam chamber (13) for generating steam. The steam chamber (13) comprising an opening (13A) arranged at a rear end (R) of the soleplate (12). The discharge element (14) extends from the opening (13A). The collection compartment (17) is formed in the discharge element (14) for collecting calcified deposits (S) formed in the steam chamber (13). The retaining member (16) is arranged in the discharge element (14). T retaining member (16) extends over a front end portion (P1) of the collection compartment (17) to retain the calcified deposits (S) in the collection comportment (17). This invention prevents the calcified deposits from escaping from the collection compartment when the steam iron is tilted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite iron sole plate coated using sol-gel process with hydrolysis and condensation products of silanes with a metal precursor. The selected silanes are MTEOS and TEOS which give improved and tailored coatings for iron sole plates along with a metal precursor. The invention also relates to a novel method of producing iron sole plates having this coating, as well as an iron having such sole plate. The coating composition, when applied to an iron sole plate, found to be improving surface characteristics in terms of low friction, abrasion resistance, shine prevention and ease of cleaning due to its chemical stability and flatness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite iron sole plate coated using sol-gel process with hydrolysis and condensation products of silanes with a metal precursor. The selected silanes are MTEOS and TEOS which give improved and tailored coatings for iron sole plates along with a metal precursor. The invention also relates to a novel method of producing iron sole plates having this coating, as well as an iron having such sole plate. The coating composition, when applied to an iron sole plate, found to be improving surface characteristics in terms of low friction, abrasion resistance, shine prevention and ease of cleaning due to its chemical stability and flatness.

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 hand-held convertible iron is provided that includes a housing, a soleplate disposed on the housing for pressing a garment, the soleplate having a first portion and a second portion, a heating means having a first element and a second element, the first element being disposed adjacent to the first portion of the soleplate and the second element being disposed adjacent to the second portion, wherein the second portion of the soleplate is removably attached to the housing. A quick-disconnect electrical connection provides electrical power to the second element of the heating means when the second portion of the soleplate is attached to the housing.

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 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 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: A sole plate assembly for an electric hand iron, said sole plate assembly comprises a metal outer frame member; a metal retaining ring member shaped to fit inside said metal outer frame member; a flat sole glass or ceramic plate member shaped to fit in said metal retaining ring member; and a flexible seal member arranged to locate in said metal retaining ring member. The construction provides for improved ease of assembly, and a robust sole plate construction.

Abstract: A heating appliance including a metal substrate, at least a part of which is covered with a self-cleaning coating including at least one oxidation catalyst selected from the platinoid oxides, and at least one dopant of said oxidation catalyst selected from the rare-earth oxides. The self-cleaning coating is a bilayer coating including: an inner layer at least partially covering the metal substrate and including the dopant; and an outer layer in contact with the ambient air and including the oxidation catalyst. Also provided is a method for producing such a heating appliance.

Abstract: Clothing iron including a sole (1) having a bottom side with a sliding surface (11) coming into contact with cloth and comprising at least one steam-supplied recess (10), the recess (10) being bounded on its entire periphery by the sliding surface (11) in such a manner that the recess (10) forms a steam diffusion cavity that is surrounded by the sliding surface (11) when the sole (1) is applied to the cloth being ironed, characterized in that the depth of the recess (10) is greater than or equal to 1 mm.

Abstract: Steam irons are known which provide steam to a fabric of a garment to be pressed through holes in a sole plate. The present invention relates to a steam iron comprising a main body (2), a steam generating unit (6) and a sole portion (4). The sole portion (4) comprises a steam cavity (20) and an outer rim (19) extending around the steam cavity (20), the outer rim (19) having a fabric contact surface (22) and the steam cavity (20) having a permeable element (42) disposed therein. Therefore, steam supplied into the steam cavity (20) from the steam generating unit (6) is supplied to a fabric to be pressed when the fabric contact surface (22) is located against said fabric.

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: 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 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 heating appliance including a metal substrate, at least a part of which is covered with a self-cleaning coating including at least one oxidation catalyst selected from the platinoid oxides, and at least one dopant of said oxidation catalyst selected from the rare-earth oxides. The self-cleaning coating is a bilayer coating including: an inner layer at least partially covering the metal substrate and including the dopant; and an outer layer in contact with the ambient air and including the oxidation catalyst. Also provided is a method for producing such a heating appliance.

Abstract: A sole plate assembly for an electric hand iron, said sole plate assembly comprises a metal outer frame member; a metal retaining ring member shaped to fit inside said metal outer frame member; a flat sole glass or ceramic plate member shaped to fit in said metal retaining ring member; and a flexible seal member arranged to locate in said metal retaining ring member. The construction provides for improved ease of assembly, and a robust sole plate construction.

Abstract: A steam ironing device includes a water supply device, a steam generator for generating steam, a heating element for heating the steam generator, at least one atomizating device, a valve provided in a flow path between the steam generator and the atomizing device, and an electric pump for delivering water from said water supply device to said steam generator. To obtain wet steam at the atomizing device, the ironing device includes a control device for controlling the power of the heating element of the steam generator, for controlling the flow rate of the pump, and for controlling the opening and closing of the valve, the valve being open if the ratio between the flow rate (g/min) of the pump and the power (W) of the heating element is in a range of 1:20 to 1:38.

Abstract: A device comprises a metal plate (4) and an element (2) for supporting the plate (4), wherein a portion (5) of the plate (4) is wrapped around the supporting element (2), wherein the plate (4) is coated with a sol-gel coating having a thickness which is in a range of 25 to 60 micrometers. In a manufacturing process of the device, the metal plate (4) is attached to the supporting element (2) by subjecting at least a portion (5) of the plate (4) to a process of mechanical deformation, wherein the sol-gel coating is applied to the plate (4) prior to attaching the plate (4) to the supporting element (2). Tests have proven that it is possible to have both the relatively thick coating and the mechanical deformation of at least a portion (5) of the plate (4) to which the coating is applied, without the formation of cracks in the coating.

Abstract: A portable, handheld iron (10) is provided having a pair of opposing soleplates (25, 35) with a lip (26, 36) for reaching hard to reach areas on a garment. The soleplates (25, 35) are disposed on respective upper and lower portions (20, 30) pivotally connected by a hinge (40). The upper and lower portions (20, 30) are moveable between open and closed positions. The longitudinal axes B of the upper and lower portions (20, 30) are offset from the plane of the soleplates (25, 35) by an offset angle ? when in the closed position. The offset angle ? provides the iron (10) with an ergonomic advantage in reaching hard to reach areas. In an embodiment, at least one of the soleplates (25, 35) is provided with a plurality of vents (27) for delivering wrinkle releasing steam.

Abstract: Clothing iron including a sole (1) having a bottom side with a sliding surface (11) coming into contact with cloth and comprising at least one steam-supplied recess (10), the recess (10) being bounded on its entire periphery by the sliding surface (11) in such a manner that the recess (10) forms a steam diffusion cavity that is surrounded by the sliding surface (11) when the sole (1) is applied to the cloth being ironed, characterized in that the sliding surface (11) represents less than 50% of the total surface of the bottom side of the sole (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to an ironing shoe (10) comprising a garment contact surface (15) and having a means for accommodating a garment care agent such as an anti microbial agent, wherein accommodating the means is formed at least by the garment contact surface accommodating the garment care agent, which garment contact surface is capable of transferring the garment care agent to a piece of garment. By contacting the garment contact surface with the piece of garment, as is done during ironing, the agent is transferred to the garment. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an ironing shoe.

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: The invention relates to an iron (1) comprising a soleplate (3) having a garment-contact surface (5) and having a means for accommodating an antimicrobial agent. By contacting the garment-contact surface with the piece of garment, as is being done during ironing, the antibacterial agent is transferred to the garment. The antimicrobial agent is disposed on the garment by simply placing the iron on the garment and moving it over the garment surface. The garment stays fresher for a longer period of time. The invention further relates to a soleplate, a steam ironing device and methods of manufacturing an iron and a soleplate, respectively.

Abstract: A portable, handheld iron (10) is provided having a pair of opposing soleplates (25, 35) with a lip (26, 36) for reaching hard to reach areas on a garment. The soleplates (25, 35) are disposed on respective upper and lower portions (20, 30) pivotally connected by a hinge (40). The upper and lower portions (20, 30) are moveable between open and closed positions. The longitudinal axes B of the upper and lower portions (20, 30) are offset from the plane of the soleplates (25, 35) by an offset angle ? when in the closed position. The offset angle ? provides the iron (10) with an ergonomic advantage in reaching hard to reach areas. In an embodiment, at least one of the soleplates (25, 35) is provided with a plurality of vents (27) for delivering wrinkle releasing steam.

Abstract: A soleplate includes a metallic layer, a non-ferromagnetic layer and a ferromagnetic layer sandwiched between the metallic layer and non-ferromagnetic layer. The soleplate is used in an induction heating-based cordless iron. The electromagnetic field from an induction coil located in a stand, where the iron rests and gets charged, can pass beyond the non-ferromagnetic layer and heat the ferromagnetic layer efficiently. The non-ferromagnetic layer that is forming an ironing plate ensures a uniform heat transfer to the metallic layer for good steaming performance for effective cordless ironing.

Abstract: A soleplate unit of electric iron with improved front structure, comprising: a shallow groove provided on the bottom surface of the front side of the soleplate unit, a sheet set in said shallow groove and the front of the sheet extending outwardly from the front side of the soleplate unit. A high rigid surface layer is provided on the surface of the sheet, or the sheet is made of high rigid material. The sheet is tongue in shape, and two front sides of the sheet extend outwardly from the front side of the soleplate unit. The soleplate unit can also be provided with a sheet that extends outwardly from the front of the soleplate unit. It is very convenient for users to iron the face fabric near the button and the slide fastener.

Abstract: A steam discharge unit (1) comprises a chamber (10) for accommodating a flow of a water-steam mixture and heating the water-steam mixture, an inlet (11) to the chamber (10), and an outlet (12) from the chamber (10). In order to avoid water droplets from exiting the chamber (10) through the outlet (12) along with a flow of steam, special measures are taken, which comprise a barrier (20) arranged inside the chamber (10), in a flow path of a water-steam mixture from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12), and a hydrophobic surface (30) arranged preferably close to the outlet (12). In case water droplets remain inside the chamber (10) and tend to move towards the outlet (12), an actual release of the water droplets from the chamber (10) cannot take place by virtue of the presence of the barrier (20) and the hydrophobic surface (30) as mentioned.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a domestic appliance and specifically an ironing appliance having an external water reservoir connected to the appliance through a feeding tube. Water conveyed to the ironing unit is directly subjected to an independently heated inner plate where steam is directly produced and conveyed to the soleplate whose temperature being independently adjusted. The independently heated inner plate comprises a pair of covers set one above the other. The first cover receives water through its openings and channels and the second cover lying just below the first one to define an inner space allows conveyance of the water to the steam producing plate. The steam then reaches the soleplate to be applied to the cloth item being ironed.

Abstract: A hand-held convertible iron is provided that includes a housing, a soleplate disposed on the housing for pressing a garment, the soleplate having a first portion and a second portion, a heating means having a first element and a second element, the first element being disposed adjacent to the first portion of the soleplate and the second element being disposed adjacent to the second portion, wherein the second portion of the soleplate is removably attached to the housing. A quick-disconnect electrical connection provides electrical power to the second element of the heating means when the second portion of the soleplate is attached to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a domestic appliance, such as an iron, provided with a surface layer. The surface layer comprises an antimicrobial agent associated with a carrier, the carrier being inorganic and selected such that the antimicrobial activity of the surface layer according to JIS Z2801:2000 has a value of at least 2 after 100 hours of continuous use at a temperature of at least 230° C. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier is selected from the group consisting of a phosphate and a soluble silicate, while the antimicrobial agent is preferably selected from a group comprising ions of silver, zinc, copper, selenium, platinum or a combination thereof. The appliance stays fresher for a longer period of time than known hitherto. The invention further relates to an iron, a steam ironing device and a method of manufacturing the appliance.

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: 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: 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: Clothing iron including a sole (1) having a bottom side with a sliding surface (11) coming into contact with cloth and comprising at least one steam-supplied recess (10), the recess (10) being bounded on its entire periphery by the sliding surface (11) in such a manner that the recess (10) forms a steam diffusion cavity that is surrounded by the sliding surface (11) when the sole (1) is applied to the cloth being ironed, characterized in that the depth of the recess (10) is greater than or equal to 1 mm.

Abstract: Clothing iron including a sole (1) having a bottom side with a sliding surface (11) coming into contact with cloth and comprising at least one steam-supplied recess (10), the recess (10) being bounded on its entire periphery by the sliding surface (11) in such a manner that the recess (10) forms a steam diffusion cavity that is surrounded by the sliding surface (11) when the sole (1) is applied to the cloth being ironed, characterized in that the sliding surface (11) represents less than 50% of the total surface of the bottom side of the sole (1).

Abstract: An electric iron includes a soleplate and at least one heating element. The heating element includes multi-layer conductive coating of nano-thickness disposed on the soleplate. The heating element further includes electrodes disposed on the multi-layer conductive coating. The multi-layer conductive coating has a structure and composition which stabilize performance of the heating element at high temperatures. The soleplate can be made of ceramic glass. The electric iron can perform heating and ironing functions using alternating current electrical power, direct current electrical power, solar energy power, or one or more batteries.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the temperature of a soleplate of an iron, the method having the following steps: energizing a heater element associated with the soleplate, wherein heat energy is transferred from the heater element to the soleplate; and heating the soleplate from 60° C. to a temperature of greater than 100° C. in less than 45 seconds. A method and device for controlling an iron, the method having the following steps: setting a soleplate of the iron to a first temperature; and setting a steam boiler of the iron to a second temperature, wherein the first and second temperatures are different.

Abstract: A device comprises a metal plate (4) and an element (2) for supporting the plate (4), wherein a portion (5) of the plate (4) is wrapped around the supporting element (2), wherein the plate (4) is coated with a sol-gel coating having a thickness which is in a range of 25 to 60 micrometers. In a manufacturing process of the device, the metal plate (4) is attached to the supporting element (2) by subjecting at least a portion (5) of the plate (4) to a process of mechanical deformation, wherein the sol-gel coating is applied to the plate (4) prior to attaching the plate (4) to the supporting element (2). Tests have proven that it is possible to have both the relatively thick coating and the mechanical deformation of at least a portion (5) of the plate (4) to which the coating is applied, without the formation of cracks in the coating.

Abstract: An iron holder is provided allowing for fixation of an iron, such that the iron holder, and thereby also the iron housed therein, may be moved in all directions without the iron falling off the iron holder, while simultaneously keeping the heating surface of the iron in a covered position, such that said heating surface will not pose a threat to the health of the user or pose a risk for setting fire to flammable materials.

Abstract: An electric steam iron is described. The iron includes a water reservoir and a soleplate. The soleplate includes a base, a heating element, a constant steam chamber in fluid communication with a plurality of constant steam chamber apertures passing through the base, and a steam shot chamber. The steam shot chamber includes a front cavity and a steam shot channel in thermal communication with the heating element and in fluid communication with the front cavity, the front cavity including at least one steam shot chamber aperture passing through the base, the steam shot channel defining a pair of flow paths substantially overlying the heating element, each flow path having a re-entrant shape. The iron further includes a constant steam chamber water delivery means for delivering water from the water reservoir into the constant steam chamber, and a steam shot chamber water delivery means for delivering water from the water reservoir into the steam shot chamber in the soleplate.

Abstract: An electric iron includes a control panel, a circuit board, and a temperature sensor provided on a soleplate. The temperature sensor is connected to the circuit board which is in turn connected to the control panel. The control panel includes a synchronizing temperature display, a temperature setting button, and a plurality of temperature setting indicators. The temperature setting button is employed to set a desired temperature, and the synchronizing temperature display is employed to indicate the actual temperature at the soleplate during ironing.

Abstract: A low temperature steam control system of an electric steam iron includes a low temperature water discharge valve and a high temperature water discharge valve, which may be controlled by a low temperature bi-metal plate and a high temperature bi-metal plate respectively. Each bi-metal plate may include two overlaying metal plates with different thermal expansion coefficients. When the soleplate is heated by a heating element to a first temperature, the low temperature bi-metal plate can flex and open the low temperature water discharge valve allowing water to flow from a water tank into a vaporization chamber. When the soleplate is further heated by the heating element to a second temperature, the high temperature bi-metal plate can flex and open the high temperature water discharge valve allowing additional water to flow from the water tank into the vaporization chamber.

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: Iron's soleplate comprising a body that is a single ceramic plate (1) having an ironing outer side and an inner side (11), and a heating element having at least one screen-printed resistance (2) on said inner side of the ceramic plate. The ceramic plate is made of alumina or a glass-ceramic material and is provided with some steam outlets (3). The ironing outer side of the ceramic plate is uniformly granulated, in order to form a plurality of micro-channels for uniformly distributing the steam, or else is smooth and is provided with some channels for distributing the steam too.

Abstract: An electric iron capable of quickly cooling comprising: an ironing base and a housing, herein a soleplate is disposed on the bottom of the ironing base, while the housing comprising a shell covered on the upside of the soleplate of the ironing base, and a chamber enclosed by the shell. To improve the safety just after using, the present iron is characterized by that the shell is provided with a plurality of vents, and the soleplate is provided with a plurality of cooling fins which is protruded into the chamber, and a fan is installed in the chamber to emit the hot air to the chamber with the aid of the cooling fins, and discharge the hot air from the vent by the running of the fan, so as to cool quickly and improve the safety of the iron just after using.

Abstract: A soleplate unit of electric iron with improved front structure, comprising: a shallow groove provided on the bottom surface of the front side of the soleplate unit, a sheet set in said shallow groove and the front of the sheet extending outwardly from the front side of the soleplate unit. A high rigid surface layer is provided on the surface of the sheet, or the sheet is made of high rigid material. The sheet is tongue in shape, and two front sides of the sheet extend outwardly from the front side of the soleplate unit. The soleplate unit can also be provided with a sheet that extends outwardly from the front of the soleplate unit. It is very convenient for users to iron the face fabric near the button and the slide fastener.

Abstract: Disclosed is an iron having a soleplate capable of easily pleating cloth, as well as ironing the cloth. The iron 10 includes a soleplate 13 and a body positioned on the soleplate and having a switch 12 and a handle 11 installed thereon. A connecting plate 14, which is provided with operating spaces 16 formed on front and rear surfaces thereof, is fixed to a bottom of the body. Guides 15 are formed on the front and rear surfaces, opposite to the operating spaces. The soleplate 13 provided with a space 19 corresponding to the guides 15 is assembled to the guides 15 using fastening bolts 20, which is inserted into a spring 21. The heat coils 17 serving as a heat source are built in the connecting plate 14 and the soleplate 13, respectively. The heat coil in the connecting plate 14 is connected to the heat coil in the soleplate 13 by a heat-coil connector 18, so that the cloth is pushed into a pleating part 22 through a mouth 23 provided between the connecting plate 14 and the soleplate 13 to pleat the cloth.

Abstract: The invention relates to an iron (1) comprising a soleplate (3) having a garment-contact surface (5) and having a means for accommodating an antimicrobial agent. By contacting the garment-contact surface with the piece of garment, as is being done during ironing, the antibacterial agent is transferred to the garment. The antimicrobial agent is disposed on the garment by simply placing the iron on the garment and moving it over the garment surface. The garment stays fresher for a longer period of time. The invention further relates to a soleplate, a steam ironing device and methods of manufacturing an iron and a soleplate, respectively.