GB2213052A

GB2213052A - Inflatable ironing table

Info

Publication number: GB2213052A
Application number: GB8828571A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eric Miller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-12-07
Filing date: 1988-12-07
Publication date: 1989-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2008-12-07
Also published as: GB8828571D0; GB2213052B; GB8728595D0

Abstract

A portable ironing table comprising an inflatable container (1) having a wall made of fluid tight flexible material, one part of the wall having secured thereto, preferably by an adhesive, a plurality of elongate members (7) which preferably are slats of woods. The members are arranged closely side by side and are connected hingedly. The table has a number of interconnected or separate compartments separated by partitioning walls (4) which confer rigidity to the table when inflated. The table can be deflated and rolled up with the slats facing outwards when not in use. <IMAGE>

Description

Ironing Table This invention relates to an ironing table and more particularly to an an-ironing table which is foldable to facilitate its portability or stowage in small spaces when not in use.

Ironing tables are known which are intended to stand upon an additional support for example a second table when in use. A disadvantage of existing ironing tables of this kind is that they incorporate a support arrangement which is rigid. As a consequence they are not capable of being collapsed or dismantled readily to enable them to be stored in travelling luggage or other small spaces. The present invention is directed to an ironing table which avoids these disadvantages.

Accordingly this invention provides a portable ironing table comprising an inflatable container having a wall made of fluid tight flexible material one part of the wall having secured thereto a plurality of elongate members made from heat resisting material arranged side by side and connected together hingedly.

This invention is illustrated but not restricted by the following drawings; Figure 1 is a view taken in plan showing one preferred form of an ironing table having a construction according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a an end view taken in vertical section along line AA' of Fig.l Figure 3 is a side view taken in vertical section of the table shown in Fig.l This invention is now desribed with reference to the above drawings. The table comprises a generally elongate bag (1) made conveniently of any flexible airtight material for example rubber or thermoplastics sheet material, for example polyvinyl chloride. The bag, which is shown in an inflated condition, is divided into a number of compartments (2) which are in communication through apertures (3). The use of a number of compartments has the advantage in that they are separated by partitioning walls (4) which confer rigidity to the table when inflated . The end compartment is provided with a tublure (5) fitted with a valve.The upper surface (6) of the container has bonded to it with a flexible adhesive a number of closely spaced slats of wood (7) each of which is in effect connected to its neighbour by a hinge which is formed by a part of the flexible wall of the container. The slats extend preferably the Eull width of the bag which can be conveniently from 15 to 30cms. The slats can have a width of about 1 to 2 cms and a thickness of 2 to 5 mm. Ideally when the table is in use the slats should be so close together as to touch one another. However in practice there is usually a small gap eg. 2-5mms between them The effect of these slats is twofold. Firstly they provide a firm surface on which the ironing action can be performed and secondly they provide a heat barrier between the hot iron and the inflated bag.

Prior to use the bag (1) is deflated and the table can be rolled up with the slats facing outwards. In order to use the table air or other readily available gas for example carbon dioxide is injected through tublure (4). This operation can be carried out orally or i # if s i desired with a small hand pump. Alternatively gas stored under pressure in a bottle can be used. The table unrolls as the bag begins to inflate. Finally when the bag has been fully inflated the slats-wood are aligned side by side in substantially one plane and form a firm table top on which the ironing operation can be carried out. The table when inflated can be placed on a secondary table so that it can be used at a more convenient height.

The construction of the table can be varied in different ways. For example the bag can be made of a single sheet of flexible material or it can be made from a number of smaller sheets which have been joined together by any suitable method for example heat sealing or use of adhesives. When a number of compartments are used they need not necessarily all connect with one another. However if some of the compartments are isolated from one another additional tublures will be necessary to enable all the compartments to be inflated. In general bonding of the slats directly to the wall of the bag is preferred. However if desired the slats can be bonded to a separate sheet of flexible material for example a textile fabric to form a combination which can then be secured by tapes or other means to the bag. A further method of securing the slats to the bag is to place both the bag and the combination in an outer sleeve or bag made preferably of a woven textile fabric. The slats themselves can be made of any rigid or semi-rigid material which is sufficiently heat resistant not to melt or degrade under conditions of use ie. during the passage of a hot iron over the material. Other materials which can be used as an alternative to wood are various fibrous and filamentous materials which have been impregnated with thermosetting resins.

Claims

1. A portable ironing table comprising an inflatable container having a wall made of fluid tight flexible material one part of the wall having secured thereto a plurality of elongate members made from heat resisting material, the members being arranged closely side by side and connected together hingedly.

2. A table according to Claim 1 wherein the members are in the form of slats

3. A table according to Claim 2 wherein the slats have a width of from 1 to 2 cms and a thickness of 2 to 5 mm.

4. A table according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the slats are spaced apart to an extent of 2 to 5 mm.

5. A table according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the slats are secured by adhesive to the wall of the container.

6. A table according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the members are secured to a separate sheet of flexible material.

7. A table according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container comprises a plurality of interconnecting compartments.

8. Ironing tables as hereinbefore described with particular reference to the drawings.