GB2437283A

GB2437283A - Steam iron

Info

Publication number: GB2437283A
Application number: GB0608042A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Mason; George Ralph Adkins
Original assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Current assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-22
Filing date: 2006-04-22
Publication date: 2007-10-24
Also published as: GB0608042D0

Abstract

The iron includes a sole plate 100 divided into two sections. The first sole plate 101 positioned at a forward region of the iron is coupled to a vaporization chamber 103, for generating steam. The first sole plate includes a plurality of steam outlet holes communicating with the chamber to dispense steam. The second sole plate 102 positioned at a rearward region of the iron is devoid of steam outlet holes. The vaporization chamber includes a heating element 105. A second heating element 106 is provided to heat the second sole plate 102. Control means may be provided for independent control of the two heating elements. The heating elements or second sole plate may be a ceramic material. Alternatively the second sole plate may be glass or stainless steel. A thermal insulator material may be positioned between the two sole plates.

Description

STEAM IRON

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a steam iron having a first sole plate and a second sole plate, the first and second sole plates operating to provide different ironing functionality.

Background to the Invention

Electric steam irons typically comprise a sole plate which is pressed down io onto the item of cloth to iron-out unwanted creases. To facilitate crease removal, most irons utilise a water vaporization chamber either housed within or remote from the main iron body, into which water is introduced, vapourised to form steam and then dispensed from the iron via steam outlet holes provided in the sole plate.

Heating of the vaporization chamber is generally provided by a tubular or flat resistive strip-type heating element which is typically coupled to a thermostat to maintain and control the operating temperature of the iron.

One disadvantage with conventional steam irons utilising a single heating element and control is the nonoptimised heat distribution between the vaporization chamber and the sole plate. In particular, the power output of the heating element is generally a compromise between a value sufficient to vapourise water within the chamber and a value sufficient to heat the sole plate at the desired temperature which will facilitate crease removal whilst not damaging the item of cloth.

US 6,263,596 and US 5,864,122 both disclose an electric steam iron having a sole plate coupled to a vaporization chamber. A first heating element heats the vaporization chamber whist a second heating element provides direct heating to the sole plate. A common heat regulation device controls the first and second heating elements whereby the vaporization chamber may be heated independently of the sole plate.

A further disadvantage with conventional steam irons resulting from the drive by manufacturers to increase the steam generation and dispersal rate, is the number and distribution of steam outlet holes within the sole plate. An increased number of such holes does increase the steam dispersal rate of the iron but reduces the available flat pressing surface' that contacts the item of cloth functioning to press-out unwanted creases.

US 5,532,455 attempts to address the problem of number of steam outlet holes verses flat ironing surface by providing an electric steam iron having two dedicated steaming regions separated by two dedicated drying regions, the drying regions being devoid of steam outlet holes. However, this document does not teach of the utilisation of two or more independent heating elements configured to allow the independent heating of each steaming and drying region.

There is therefore a need for a steam iron that is energy efficient in its operation to provide both a heated hot plate and vaporization chamber in addition to enabling a user to optimise the amount of steam dispersed from the sole plate whilst providing a sufficiently flat contact surface area to iron-out creases.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improved steam iron comprising at least two sole plates extending over the base of the iron. The first sole plate comprises a plurality of steam outlet holes in fluid communication with a vaporization chamber into which water is introduced and heated to form steam.

A second sole plate is specifically adapted to provide a flat, uniform pressing surface which, in use, is forced against the cloth to remove creases.

The vaporization chamber is heated by a first heating element whilst the second sole plate is heated by a second heating element. A single or a plurality of heating control and/or thermostat units may be utilised with the present invention serving to control the power output and hence the heating effect associated with each heating element.

The inventors have realised that optimum crease removal is achieved by having the first steaming' sole plate positioned at a forwardmost region of the iron whilst the second pressing' sole plate is positioned behind the first sole plate towards the rear or heel of the iron. Accordingly, as the iron is drawn over the item of cloth, during use, a region of creased material is first exposed to heated io steam followed by the flat pressing surface of the second sole plate so as to effectively remove creases.

According to a first aspect of the present invention that is provided a steam iron comprising: a vaporization chamber to generate steam from water introduced into said chamber; a first heating element to heat said chamber; a first sole plate positioned at a forward region of said iron coupled to said chamber and having a plurality of steam outlet holes communicating with said chamber to dispense steam from said first sole plate; a second sole plate positioned at a rearward region of said iron, said second sole plate being devoid of steam outlet holes; and a second heating element to heat said second sole plate.

Preferably, the heating element control means is capable of the independent control of the first and second heating elements so as to provide an independent heating effect at the first and second sole plates.

Preferably, the heating elements and the vaporization chamber are encased within separate housings, preferably made from a thermal insulating material.

The heating elements may be tubular or flat resistive heating elements using material and methods known in the art. Preferably, the heating elements are a ceramic material.

So as to enhance the independent temperature control of the steaming' region and pressing' region of the iron, the first and second sole plates may be formed nonintegrally. Each separate sole plate may be secured to the iron independently using known materials and method. Preferably, the first sole plate is separated from the second sole plate at a region between the front and rear of the iron. A thermal insulating material may be positioned between sole plates to enhance the temperature independence.

The front and rear sole plates may comprise different materials or the same io material may be used for each sole plate. Preferably, the front sole plate comprises stainless steel and the rear sole plate comprises a ceramic or glass.

By utilising independent heating elements for the vaporization chamber and second sole plate, the iron of the present invention is optimised for energy efficiency. For example, the first heating element may operate to provide a power output of 1200 Watts whilst the second heating element may simultaneously provide a power output of 500 Watts. The power supplied to each different region of the iron may therefore be selected to achieve the desired result, be this the creation of steam or a flat heated pressing service. This type of configuration is particularly advantageous where the steam iron is used in a nonsteaming mode according to the present invention.

The energy efficiency of the present invention is furthered enhanced where nonintegrally formed sole plates are utilised. By utilising spacially separate sole plates, minimal thermal energy transfer is achieved between the two plates so as to provide better temperature control and independence, in turn, requiring less thermostatic control and energy to maintain the desired temperature at selected regions of the sole plate.

Additionally, the dual-role performance of the iron is enhanced over conventional steam irons as the materials selected for the first and second sole plates may be chosen to achieve the desired effect. Considerations for the choice of materials include its corrosion resistance, surface roughness (smoothness), thermal conductivity and possibly weight. In particular the material used for the second and rearmost sole plate ideally comprises a high thermal conductivity, is wear resistant in addition to having a smooth surface finish devoid of surface roughness.

Alternatively, the dedicated steaming and pressing regions of the iron sole plate my be distinguished by means of a transfer which is adhered to the outer surface of the sole plate by conventional methods. The transfer may be coloured to further enhance the distinction between the different sole plate regions.

Additionally different regions may be distinguished by applying printing ink to the outer surface of the sole plate in particular coloured printing ink. Both the transfer and the printing ink may comprise conventional materials known in the art, being capable of withstanding the elevated temperatures at the sole plate.

Where the sole plate comprises a ceramic material coating, the steaming and pressing regions of the sole plate may be separated using a laser etching process to mark the outer surface of the sole plate. Additional, the steaming and pressing regions may also be subdivided by application of a transfer, printing ink or using laser etching. In particular, the steaming region may be subdivided into a region dedicated to provide constant steam and specific steam surge regions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the split sole plate portion of the iron of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional side elevation view of the iron components of figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a rear elevation view of the iron components of figure 2; Figure 4 illustrates a side elevation view of the iron components of figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates a front elevation view of the iron components of figure 4; io Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of the rear and front sole plates, the front plate comprising a plurality of steam outlet holes, without the rear heating element and vaporization chamber of figure 1; Figure 7 illustrates a plan view of the iron of figure 5.

Detailed Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

Within this specification, reference to a first sole plate and a second sole plate include both a single sole plate divided into first and second sole plate regions via grooves, channels, transfers, printing ink or by laser etching and a sole plate formed by at least two separate individual sole plates not forming a single sole plate.

Referring to figures 1 to 7, the iron comprises a sole plate 100 positioned at the base of the iron suitable for contacting and pressing down upon the cloth or fabric material to be ironed. Sole plate 100 is divided into two sections, a first sole plate 101 and a second sole plate 102. The first sole plate 101 extends from a front portion of the iron 108 towards a mid-region 107 along the length of the iron. The second sole plate 102 extends from a heel portion of the iron 109 towards the mid-region 107. Being common to conventional steam irons, the sole plate tapers inwardly towards the front portion of the iron 108 whilst the rear portion of the sole plate comprises a greater width than the front whereby the footprint created by the sole plate defines a conventional tear-drop shape.

io Front and rear sole plates 101, 102 are secured in position at the iron main body (not shown) using conventional affixing means known in the art.

A vaporization chamber 103 is mounted on top of front sole plate 101. A heating element 105 extends within the body of the vaporization chamber and is is enclosed by casing 104. Both the varporisation chamber and heating element are mounted on a skid plate 110 which is secured directly on top of the front sole plate 101.

A second heating element and casing 106 are mounted on top of the second and rearmost sole plate 102. To provide a secure mount for the second heating element, a rear skid plate 112 is positioned between the upper surface of sole plate 102 and the heating element and casing 106. Both the front and rear sole plates 101, 102 are aligned in the same plane and abut one another at a region approximately midway between the front and rear portions of the iron, 108, 109, respectively. A securing member 112 is positioned at the junction between the front and rear sole plates to provide structural support and maintain alignment of the front and rear sole plates.

The front heating element 105 and rear heating element 201, referring to figure 2, are connected to at least one thermostat and/or current regulator (not shown) so as to control the operating temperature of both heating elements.

Referring to figure 2, the vaporization chamber comprises outer casing 103 partially defining an upper level vaporization region 202 and a lower vaporization region 200. The lower vaporization region 200 is positioned immediately above and in fluid communication with the upper surface of the front sole plate 101.

Referring to figure 6, front sole plate 101 comprises a plurality of steam outlet holes 600 positioned at a region of the sole plate directly underneath lower vaporization region 200. Drainage channels 601 are provided between adjacent steam outlet holes 600, being formed as slight recesses in the upper surface of sole plate 101. Rear sole plate 102 is devoid of steam outlet holes and io comprises a substantially uniform lower surface preferably having a high surface smoothness.

According to the specific implementation of the present invention, both heating elements 105, 201 are controlled via the same thermocontrol system (not is shown) known in the art to provide a heating effect at the vaporization chamber 103 and rear sole plate 102 respectively.

In use, water is fed into the upper vaporization region 202 where it is heated by the front heating element 105 to form steam. Water and water vapour then pass to the lower vaporization region 200 where the fluid is further heated to increase the steam concentration. The steam is then dispensed from the sole plate 101 via the steam outlet holes 600.

Simultaneously, the rear sole plate 102 is heated independently from the vaporization chamber 103 via the second heating element 201. As the iron of the present invention comprises two independent heating elements, energy saving is achieved by heating separate regions of the iron to the desired temperature. In particular, front heating element 105 is capable of providing a power output of 1200 Watts, being sufficient to vapourise water within the vaporization regions 200, 202. The rear heating element 202 is capable of providing a simultaneous heating effect with an associated power output of approximately 500 Watts. This power output being sufficient to provide the required operating temperature of the flat pressing surface at the rear sole plate 102.

As the iron of the present invention utilises separate forwardmost and rearmost sole plates, different materials may be used for each sole plate. Front sole plate 101 comprises stainless steel whilst rear sole plate 102 may comprise stainless steel, a ceramic or glass.

The iron of the present invention comprises a more controlled temperature io profile across the entire sole plate 100 due to the provision of dedicated steaming and pressing regions.

Claims

Claims: 1. A steam iron comprising: a vaporization chamber to generate

steam from water introduced into said chamber; a first heating element to heat said chamber; a first sole plate positioned at a forward region of said iron coupled to said io chamber and having a plurality of steam outlet holes communicating with said chamber to dispense steam from said first sole plate; a second sole plate positioned at a rearward region of said iron, said second sole plate being devoid of steam outlet holes; and a second heating element to heat said second sole plate.

2. The iron as claimed in claim I further comprising heating element control means to control a heating effect provided by said first and second heating elements.

3. The iron as claimed in claim 2 wherein said control means is capable of the independent control of said first and second heating elements to provide an independent heating effect by said first and second sole plates.

4. The iron as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a first casing to house said chamber and said first heating element.

5. The iron as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a second casing to house said second heating element.

6. The iron as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first heating element is a ceramic material.

7. The iron as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said second heating element is a ceramic material.

8. The iron as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first sole plate and said second plate are formed nonintegrally.

9. The iron as claimed in claim 8 wherein said first sole plate is separated from said second sole plate at a region between a from and rear of said iron.

10. The iron as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a thermal is insulator material positioned between said first and second sole plates.

11. The iron as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein said front sole plate comprises stainless steel.

12. The iron as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein said first sole plate comprises a first type of material and said second sole plate comprises a second type of material.

13. The iron as claimed in claim 12 wherein said rear sole plate comprises stainless steel.

14. The iron as claimed in claim 12 wherein said rear sole plate comprises a ceramic.

15. The iron as claimed in claim 12 wherein said rear sole plate comprises glass.

16. The iron as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said first sole plate extends over approximately half the length of said iron.

17. The iron as claimed in any preceding claim wherein second sole plate extends over approximately half the length of said iron.