US3646317A

US3646317A - Hand steaming device

Info

Publication number: US3646317A
Application number: US86215A
Authority: US
Inventors: Leonard Osrow
Original assignee: OSROW PRODUCTS CO Inc
Current assignee: OSROW PRODUCTS CORP
Priority date: 1970-11-02
Filing date: 1970-11-02
Publication date: 1972-02-29
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-28

Abstract

A hand steaming device including a reservoir casing having a cover attached thereto. Located on the cover is steam discharge means and water intake means with the water intake means adapted to receive water which can flow through the cover to the reservoir casing. An electrode casing in which steam is produced is secured to the cover and includes a restricted steam discharge opening and means is provided for guiding the steam produced in the electrode casing through the restricted discharge opening to the steam discharge means. A pair of spaced-apart electrodes extend partially into the electrode casing and means is provided for allowing the water to flow from the reservoir casing to the electrode casing when the electrode casing restricted discharge opening is able to discharge steam as rapidly as it is produced and for reversing this transfer when the electrode casing restricted steam discharge opening is not able to discharge steam as rapidly as it is produced. Means is provided for moving moisture trapped in the steam before it reaches the steam discharge means. The cover has accessory attaching means adjacent the steam discharge means to which can be attached a brush or a roller accessory.

Description

United States Patent Osrow [54] HAND STEAMING DEVICE [72] Inventor: Leonard Osrow, Great Neck, NY.

Osrow Products Company, Inc., Glen Cove, NY.

[22] Filed: Nov. 2, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 86,215

[73] Assignee:

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,885,527 5/1959 Tone et a1 ..219/285 X 2,847,734 8/1958 Tauben ..21/119 3,351,737 11/1967 Katzman et a]. ...2l9/275 X 1,124,884 1/1915 Gemignani ..38/69 2,849,736 9/1958 Kohle .68/222 X 1,453,433 5/1923 Brunel1i.. ..68/222 X 3,470,719 10/1969 Frank ..219/271 X 2,818,486 12/1957 Schmitt et al v ..219/275 3,308,267 3/1967 Fenstermaker... ...219/285 X 3,098,926 7/ 1963 Katzman ..219/289 X 1 Feb. 29, 1972 2,686,694 8/1954 Freeman ..68/222X Primary Examiner-C. L. Albritton Attorney-Kirschstein, Kirschstein, Ottinger & Frank [57] ABSTRACT A hand steaming device including a reservoir casing having a cover attached thereto. Located on the cover is steam discharge means and water intake means with the water intake means adapted to receive water which can flow through the cover to the reservoir casing. An electrode casing in which steam is produced is secured to the cover and includes a restricted steam discharge opening and means is provided for guiding the steam produced in the electrode casing through the restricted discharge opening to the steam discharge means. A pair of spaced-apart electrodes extend partially into the electrode casing and means is provided for allowing the water to flow from the reservoir casing to the electrode casing when the electrode casing restricted discharge opening is able to discharge steam as rapidly as it is produced and for reversing this transfer when the electrode casing restricted steam discharge opening is not able to discharge steam as rapidly. as it is produced. Means is provided for moving moisture trapped in the steam before it reaches the steam discharge means. The cover has accessory attaching means adjacent the steam discharge means to which can be attached a brush or a roller accessory.

27 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures PATENIEUFEBZS I972 3,646,317

SHEET 1 [IF 3 INVENTOR LEONARD OSROW Y lwblmfugl L AJM MM MK ATTORNEYS PATENTEUFEBES I972 3,646,317

sum 3 0r 3 I {u v .NVEN-TOR Fl BY LEONARD OSROW Kowdw MLAdA- ATTORNEYS HAND STEAMING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention Hand Steamer 2. Description of the Prior Art v Hand steamers have been used for many years for pressing clothing, removing wrinkles from clothing, steaming drapes, etc. There have been many different types of hand steamers used in the past with varying degrees of success. One type of hand steamer was an immersion type wherein an electrical heating element was placed in a reservoir of water and when energized caused the water to boil and produce steam. The steam was then directed through a nozzle of some sort against whatever item was to be steamed. Another kind of hand steamer known in the prior art involved having a pair of spaced-apart electrodes located in a reservoir of water. Usually table salt was added to the water in order to ensure that current could be passed between the electrodes. When current was passed between the electrodes the water boiled creating steam which was then directed against an article of clothing, etc. With many of the prior art hand steamers which included a pair of spaced-apart electrodes, when the level of water in the reservoir was too high and the conductivity of the water was too good, e.g., because of a high level of inorganic salts in the tap water or the adding of too much table salt, an excess of current (higher than that for which the steamer was designed) flowing between the electrodes resulted in steam being generated more rapidly than required, and more rapidly than could be safely discharged through the discharge nozzle in a home appliance. Also under such conditions the current drawn by the steamer exceeded the current that the electric parts were designed to pass.

A further drawback of many prior art steamers was that the steam produced included droplets of water which tended to stain the item being steamed and which retarded removing wrinkles etc.

Still another drawback with many prior art hand steamers of both the immersion type and the type that utilized spacedapart electrodes in a reservoir of water was that it was possible for a person either intentionally or inadvertently to insert a piece of metal through the discharge nozzle into contact with an electrical component of the steamer, thus giving himself a severe shock.

Also prior art hand-held steamers had no adjuncts that could enable a steamer to crease or to roll out wrinkles in conjunction with the steam being applied thereto, as for example, to use a roller with the application of the steam for resetting creases of trousers, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved hand steamer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hand steamer wherein the steamer produces steam by having two energized electrodes located in a reservoir containing water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means for regulating the amount of steam that is produced in a steamer which utilizes spaced-apart electrodes in a reservoir of water, this regardless of the level and electrical conductivity of the water in the reservoir.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hand steamer having a pair of spaced-apart electrodes in a reservoir of water wherein access to the electrodes and the conductors therefor is prevented.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hand steamer of the type hereinabove described wherein the steamer includes a detachable roller which can be rolled against an item while steam is directed there against.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a steamer having detachable means to brush an item while the item is being steamed.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a steamer that can produce steam with a minimum of water therein.

Thus there is provided a steamer which achieves the objects of the invention as well as other objects not specifically herein set forth, and that is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

Briefly, in one aspect of the present invention, the foregoing and other objects are achieved in a hand steamer device having a reservoir casing and a cover attached thereto. The cover includes a steam-guiding channel which is positioned adjacent a steam discharge slot. The slot is at the bottom of a concave channel that tends to stretch fabric when pressed against the same so as to flatten and remove mild wrinkles during steaming. Secured to the cover are a pair of conductors which project externally therefrom and which may be connected to any conventional source of AC power. Each conductor projects through a wall in the cover and is connected to an electrode. The electrodes are separated from each other at their uppermost portions by a partition and extend downwardly and in parallel relation into an electrode casing which is attached to the steamer cover. The electrode casing is enclosed on its sides and bottom with the exception of there being an opening at the bottom thereof and the reservoir casing surrounds the electrode casing. Additionally, there is a restricted opening at the top of the electrode casing through which steam flows to' the steam-guiding channel as will hereinafter be described. A baffle is located on top of the electrode casing and extends toward the steam-guiding channel and the steam produced impinges on the baffle and on a shelf which extends towards said baffle where the moisture in the steam is trapped and falls into the reservoir casing and the steam then passes between the shelf and baffle to the channel. The shelf prevents flow of water from the reservoir casing to the channel in normal handling of the steamer even when the discharge slot is tilted downwardly. An opening for water is located in the cover and is adapted to receive water which flows into the reservoir casmg.

In normal operation an AC voltage is applied to the conductors which project outwardly from the cover and hence to each of the electrodes. Water is in the reservoir casing and via the opening at the bottom of the electrode casing enters the electrode casing and is normally maintained at the same level as the water in the reservoir casing. The voltage to the electrodes induces flow of current through the water that causes the water in the electrode casing to boil and steam is produced which is directed to the steam-guiding channel as hereinabove described and is discharged through the steam discharge slot.

If more than the designed safe amount of current flows to the electrodes and steam is formed more rapidly than can readily flow through the restricted opening at the top of the electrode casing, the pressure of the steam will build up in the electrode casing due to the restricted area of the discharge opening, forcing the water out of the electrode casing through the opening in the bottom thereof into the reservoir casing to thereby reduce the area of the electrodes immersed in the water and thus to reduce the rate of current flow and steam formation. This automatic current and steam limitation occurs because the aforesaid restricted opening is of a limited area and hence acts to retard the rapid discharge of steam thus building up the pressure of the steam in the electrode casing to produce the above described result.

If desired, a brush or roller may be detachably attached to the steamer to be used in conjunction therewith.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes may be made of the embodiment set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein described or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a steamer embodying the present invention with a roller attached thereto;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the steamer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially broken away front view of the assembled electrode casing and steamer cover of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 7-7 of FIG. 2; FIG. 8 is a partially broken front view of the reservoir casing of the steamer;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the steamer;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 11--l1 ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the handle for the steamer;

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the handle of the steamer;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of a roller attachment for the steamer;

FIG. 15 is atop plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the roller structure shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 17l7 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a brush attachment for the steamer of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the structure shown in FIG. 18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings a steamer 10 according to the present invention is illustrated. The steamer includes a water reservoir casing 12 having a handle 14. A cover 16 is secured to the top of the reservoir casing 12 and a cap 17 has its skirt press fitted into an opening located on top section 16a of cover 16 (FIG. 9). As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 cover 16 includes a base section 16b and a steam-guiding upper curved portion 16c which extends upwardly and away from base 16b. To eliminate shock hazard, the casing, handle and cap are fabricated from plastic.

A rear wall 16d of cover 16 includes a rearwardly opening cavity 16c with there being a cavity base wall 16f (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). The cavity does not extend to the opposed sides 16g and 16h of cover 16 (FIG. 3) since it is narrower in width than the width of rear wall 16d (FIG. 5). Secured to cavity base wall 16] in a spaced-apart relation are

conductor pins

18 and 20. Each conductor pin includes an integral nut at the portion of the pin adjacent the outside surface of cavity wall 16f and a threaded shaft extends from each nut through the cavity base wall into the interior of cover 16. Parallel walls 16j and 16k (FIG. 5) extend inwardly from cavity base wall 16f to a partition 16m (FIG. 4) which extends transversely between the sides 16g and 16h of the cover. Partition l6n extends from cavity base wall 16f to partition 16m and defines

electrode head chambers

24 and 26. The threaded shafts of the conductor pins extend respectively into the electrode chambers. Partition l6n extends above cavity base wall 16f and runs all the way to rear wall 16d (FIG. 4). The bottoms of

electrode head chambers

24 and 26 are each substantially closed by a horizontal partition 16p. Walls l6j'and 16k as well as a portion of partitions l6n and 16mand an extension of cavity base wall 16f within cover 16 depend beneath the electrode chambers to a common horizontal plane. An L-shaped slot extends through partition 16p in each electrode chamber for a reason that will soon be apparent. A pin support horizontal flange l6q (FIG. 3) extends from wall 16], is coplanar with partition 16p and has edges parallel and spaced from side 16h. A pin l6r depends from the flange I6q, and in a like fashion, a flange 16s extends from wall 16k, is coplanar with partition 16p and has a pin l6r' depending therefrom.

A skirt 16: extends about the periphery of base 16b and is parallel to a depending annular wall l6u that projects beneath it. Skirt 16! is about one-fourth the height of annular wall 16a and is in surrounding relation thereto and the top of reservoir casing 12 is secured as by cement between the skirt and annular wall to the steamer cover.

A baffle plate 28 includes a slot 281: at its center portion with flanges depending from the underside of said baffle and flanking the slot. The flanges also flank the top of partition l6n and baffle 28 is secured as by cement in this position to prevent access to the top of the electrode head chambers and for other reasons that will soon be apparent. Baffle 28 has four edges and is configured so that one edge thereof is in contact with the inner surface of wall 16d and the other edges are flanked by sides 16g and 16h with the fourth edge extending slightly past partition 16m and being parallel thereto. A water trapping shelf 16v extends inwardly from the front wall 16w of base section 16b and is parallel to top section 1611. The free end of shelf 16v and free end of baffle 28 are adjacent to each other for a reason that will soon be apparent.

A discharge plate 30 is secured to the uppermost portion of steamer section and includes a rectangular slot 30a which is the steam discharge slot. The slot is located and runs along the bottom of a concave channel 30b. A hollow steam guiding member 32 having a rear wall 320, with an opening therein defines a passageway and is fixed relative to cover plate 30 with the passageway in communication with discharge slot 30a. The sidewalls 32b and 32c are spaced from the sides of the cover for a reason that will soon be apparent.

Located within each of the electrode head chambers are the tops of

metal electrodes

34 and 36 and as the electrodes are identical to each other a description of one electrode will suffice for an understanding of the invention. Electrode 34 includes an L-shaped upper portion and has threaded into it the threaded end of the conductor which extends into electrode head chamber 24 (FIG. 5). The upper portion of electrode 34 extends through the L-shaped opening in the bottom of electrode chamber 24 and immediately therebeneath the narrow leg of the electrode is bent so as to be parallel to and spaced from the wider leg (FIG. 3) so that the portion of the electrode beneath the partition 16p is U-shaped. Electrode 36 is similarly situated and arranged with respect to chamber 26.

An electrode casing 38 which includes parallel back and

front walls

38a and 38b (FIG. 4) and

sides

38c and 38d (FIG. 3) which are inclined downwardly with respect to each other has

horizontal flanges

38c and 38f extending away from the uppermost portion of

sides

38c and 38d. Each flange includes a hole which receives the pins l6r, 16r' that depend from flanges l6q and 16s respectively and is cemented thereto. The uppermost portion of

walls

38a and 38b is cut away (FIG. 6) and slot 38g extends across the bottom of electrode casing 38 and through

walls

38a and 38b to provide a passageway between the interior of the electrode casing and the interior of the reservoir casing. A restricted opening r is formed in the portion of the openings in walls 380 and 38b that is not closed by partition 16m and wall 16f (FIGS. 3 and 6).

Located underneath the portion of cover 16 in which the steam guide channel 32 is located are parallel accessory supporting members 16y and 16x. Each member includes two walls that are parallel to each other and which extend from the under surface of the curved portion of cover 16 which includes the steam-guiding channel to a location nearly directly beneath plate 30. A bottom wall extends between the parallel walls and a slot extends for a substantial portion of the length of the bottom wall rearwardly from the front edge of said wall. The space between the bottom wall and parallel wall cooperate with the slot to form a T-shaped passageway for reception of accessories beneath the plate 30.

Handle 14 includes a vertical T-shaped locking member 14a (FIG. 11) extending from the inside surface 14b thereof with the vertical edges of the locking member inclined towards each other. Reservoir casing 12 includes a T-shaped slot 12a which extends from the bottom of the reservoir to a short distance from the top thereof. The slot is open at the bottom and closed at its uppermost portion and the sides thereof are inclined towards each other in an upward direction and T- shaped locking member 14a is slidably wedge fitted therein.

A roller attachment 44 shown in FIGS. 13 through 16 includes a plate 44a with

arms

44b and 440 extending upwardly from opposed edges thereof. Plate 44a is generally rectangular in cross section except that the portion of the plate between the arms is generally arcuate (FIGS. 14 and 15). A plastic roller 44d is freely rotatable and supported between the tops of the arms and is spaced from plate 44a. Located adjacent rear edge 44:: of plate 44a are raised T-shaped locking members 44f and 44g. The locking members are identical to each other in configuration and are each raised to a position such that their heads are parallel to plate 44a. The locking members are of such size and shape and are so positioned with respect to each other that each locking member can be received in a different accessory T-shaped passageway beneath the steam discharge portion of the steamer with the locking members abutted against the rear edges of the slots in the bottom walls forming the neck of the T-shaped passageway. The roller is disposed slightly below the path of steam leaving the discharge slot 30a.

A brush attachment 46 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 includes a plate 460 having tufts of bristles 46b extending from its forward edge 46c. Locking

members

46d and 46e integral with plate 4611 are parallel to the plate and raised therefrom as well as being positioned such that each locking member can be received within a T-shaped accessory passageway formed beneath the steam discharge portion of the steamer.

In normal operation cap 17 is removed and water is poured into the cover and passes via the gap between baffle 28 and shelf 16v to the reservoir casing. The water enters the electrode casing through opening 38g and when the steamer is idle it is at the same level as the water in the reservoir casing. Preferably, the reservoir casing is filled only about half way which prevents spillage when the steamer is held with the electrodes in a horizontal position. A measuring cup can be provided for this purpose. Shelf 16v prevents spillage at lesser angles of tilting while

walls

32b and 320 prevent spillage when the steamer is held so discharge slot 30a is vertical or in'a near vertical position. If necessary a little salt can be added to the water to ensure that the water will be able to conduct current. The amount of salt, if any, to be added will depend upon the amount and kind of inorganic salts in the local tap water. With power applied to the electrodes the water in the electrode casing rises in temperature and starts to boil producing steam above the water in said casing. The level of water in the electrode casing determines the current flow between the electrodes. Thus, if the electrode casing is full there will be more current flow between the electrodes since more of the electrodes will be immersed in water and vice versa. The steam produced in the electrode casing leaves the casing through the restricted opening at the top thereof.

A major portion of the steam produced impinges on the bottom of baffle 28 and on shelf 16v with the moisture content therein collecting and falling into the reservoir casing. The steam then passes between the baffle and shelf through member 32 to slot 30a. Of course, some steam will not impinge against the baffle or shelf and will pass between these elements or about the edges of the baffle directly to member 32. The rear wall 32a (FIG. 5) traps moisture from the steam as the steam is directed to plate 30. This assists along with the baffle and shelf in making the steam as dry as possible to prevent spitting.

If more than the designed safe amount of current is applied to the electrodes and steam is formed more rapidly than can flow through the restricted openings at the top of the electrode casing, the pressure of the steam will build up within the electrode casing forcing some water out of said casing through the opening in the bottom thereof into the reservoir casing. This will immediately and automatically limit the amount of steam that can be fonned since less water is in the electrode casing. Additionally, the amount of current passed between the electrodes is reduced since less water is in the electrode casing and less of the electrodes are immersed.

When the steamer is used the fabric being steamed stretches over the arcuate concave plate aiding in removing large wrinkles, etc. The use of the roller against a freshly steamed surface assists in forming creases and in stretching a fabric so that the creases therein can be removed. By having the roller plastic the steam issuing from slot 30a will not condense thereon and no water droplets will be transferred from the roller onto a fabric being steamed and will not leave water stains, etc. The brush attachment may be connected to the accessory attaching means and passed over freshly steamed fabric to remove lint therefrom.

Walls

32b and 32c are not in contact with ambient air on their outside surfaces but said surfaces are in contact with steam and thus are relatively warm and will not condense any steam which assists in preventing the discharge of water droplets.

It is to be noted that casing 38 aside from assisting in controlling the amount of steam that is produced also increases the rate at which said steam can be produced. This is because the electrodes are immersed in a relatively small quantity of water in the electrode casing which can be rapidly brought to a boil and are not immersed in the larger quantity of water in the reservoir casing which would take a substantially longer period of time to be converted to steam.

Baffle 28 and shelf 16v prevent the insertion of metal implements into the electrode chambers through the steam discharge slot 300 and through the opening on top portion 16a when cap 18 is removed and thus preclude shock hazards.

It is to be noted that the electrodes are spaced from the walls of the electrode casing so that if salts cake on the reservoir walls as a result of precipitation (e.g., Ca(l-lCO CaCO there will not be a short circuit through the caked salt between the electrodes. Baffle 28 also prevents a continuous path of caked salt from one electrode chamber to the other over the top edge and caked salt cannot accumulate there. This helps prevent current from being transferred directly between the electrodes.

It thus will be seen that there is provided a device which achieves the various objects of the invention and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein described or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described the present invention there is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent:

1. A hand-held steamer for treating clothing and the like comprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, selectively closeable water intake means fixed relative to said casing for receiving water for the reservoir casing, an electrode casing, two electrodes in said casing to produce steam in the casing by flow of current between the electrodes, said electrode casing being located in said reservoir casing and extending partially below the level of water in the reservoir, said electrode casing having a restricted steam discharge opening, a steam discharge means in continuous communication with said restricted steam discharge opening for receiving the steam issuing from the steam discharge opening and via which steam is directed against clothing and the like and means providing a passageway adjacent the bottom of the electrode casing for allowing water to flow from the reservoir casing into the electrode casing, the water flowing out of the electrode casing when the restricted discharge opening prevents discharge of steam as rapidly as it is produced whereby to reduce the flow of current between the electrodes.

2. A hand-held steamer according to claim 1 wherein said steam discharge means is located on said cover, a steam-guiding member fixed relative to said cover, said steam-guiding member defining a continuously open steam-guiding channel with said steam-guiding channel in communication with said steam discharge means.

3. A hand-held steamer according to claim 2 wherein said steam discharge means includes a plate secured to said cover, said plate including a steam discharge slot with said steamguiding channel in communication with said discharge slot.

4. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, water intake means for receiving water for the reservoir casing, an electrode casing, two electrodes in said casing to produce steam in the casing by flow of current between the electrodes, said electrode casing being located in said reservoir casing and extending partially below the level of water in the reservoir, said electrode casing having restricted steam discharge opening, a steam discharge means for receiving the steam issuing from the steam discharge opening and means providing a passageway adjacent the bottom of the electrode casing for allowing water to flow from the reservoir casing into the electrode casing, the water flowing out the electrode casing when the restricted discharge opening prevents discharge of steam as rapidly as it is produced whereby to reduce the flow of current between the electrodes, said cover including a first wall, a cavity formed in said first wall and including a cavity base wall, a pair of opposed parallel walls extending from said cavity wall into the interior of said cover, a first partition extending from said cavity wall to the interior of said cover with said opposed walls flanking said first partition, said cover including opposed sides, a second partition extending between said opposed sides and in contact with the said opposed walls and said first partition to form electrode head chambers, a top portion of each of said electrodes received in the respective electrode head chambers, means extending through said cavity base wall and into each of said electrode head chambers and in circuit with each of said electrodes for enabling said electrodes to be connected to a power source.

5. A hand-held steamer according to claim 4 further comprising a third partition defining a bottom for each of said electrode head chambers and each of said electrodes extending through said third partition and into said electrode casing.

6. A hand-held steamer according to claim 5 wherein a flange extends outwardly from each of said opposed parallel walls, a pin depends from each of said flanges, said electrode casing including opposed flanges at it uppermost portion with each of said flanges including pin-receiving openings, said pins received in said pin-receiving openings in said flanges to hold the electrode casing in place.

7. A hand-held steamer according to claim 1 wherein said steam discharge means includes a plate secured to said cover, said plate including a single steam discharge slot, said slot extending transversely of said plate and arranged so as to enable clothing and the like to be stretched thereover.

8. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, water intake means for receiving water for the reservoir casing, an electrode casing, two electrodes in said casing to produce steam in the casing by flow of current between the electrodes, said electrode casing being located in said reservoir casing and extending partially below the level of water in the reservoir, said electrode casing having a restricted steam discharge opening, a steam discharge means for receiving the steam issuing from the steam discharge opening and means providing a passageway adjacent the bottom of the electrode casing for allowing water to flow from the reservoir casing into the electrode casing, the water flowing out the electrode casing when the restricted discharge opening prevents discharge of steam as rapidly as it is produced whereby to reduce the flow of current between the electrodes, said steam discharge means including a plate secured to said cover, said plate including a single steam discharge slot, a steam-guiding member being fixed relative to said cover, said steam-guiding with said steam-guiding channel in 9. A hand-held steamer according to claim 1 wherein said cover includes accessory detachable attaching means adjacent said steamer discharge means.

10. A hand-held steamer according to claim 9 further including a roller attachment, said roller attachment including a freely rotatable roller with said attachment secured to said ac cessory attachment means on said cover.

11. A hand-held steamer according to claim 9 further including a brush attachment, said brush attachment including at least one brush secured to said brush attachment with said attachment secured to said accessory attaching means on the said cover.

12. A handheld steamer according to claim 7 wherein said plate is externally concave whereby clothing and the like which is being steamed can be stretched thereover.

13. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, a steam discharge means on said cover, water intake means for receiving water which can be transferred to the reservoir, means for converting water placed in the reservoir to steam and for guiding the steam so produced to the steam discharge means, and an accessory detachable attaching means being located on said cover adjacent said steam discharge means for rigidly securing an accessory in a position adjacent said steam discharge means and preventing accessory from moving relative to said cover.

14. A hand-held steamer according to claim 13 further a including a brush attachment, said brush attachment having at least one brush and including attaching means with said attaching means secured to said accessory attaching means on the said cover and said brushes extending past said steam discharge means.

15. A hand-held steamer according to claim 13 further including a roller attachment, said roller attachment including a freely rotatable smooth surfaced roller with said roller attachment secured to said accessory attachment means on said cover. 7

16. A hand-held steamer according to claim 15 wherein said roller is plastic whereby steam does not condense thereon.

17. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, a steam discharge means located on said cover, selectively closeable and removable water intake means fixed relative to said cover for receiving water which can be transferred to the reservoir, a pair of spaced-apart electrodes electrodes for producing steam and means for allowing the electrodes to be immersed in water that is directed to the reservoir, means including at least one surface area against which the steam impinges and on which the moisture therein is trapped before the steam reaches the steam discharge means, means fixed relative to said cover and above said electrode for preventing access to said electrodes when said selectively closeable and removable water intake means is positioned to transfer water to the reservoir and defining at least one surface area against which the steam impinges.

18. further claim 17 further including a shelf secured to said cover and extending toward said means secured to said cover and preventing access to said electrodes but spaced therefrom, 'said shelf including at least one surface area against which the steam impinges.

19. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, water intake means for receiving water to be transferred to the reservoir casing, two electrodes which can be partially immersed in the water producing steam by the flow of current between the electrodes, said cover including a first wall, a cavity formed in said first wall and including a cavity base wall, a pair of opposed parallel walls extending from said cavity wall into the interior of said cover, a first partition extending from said cavity wall to the interior of said cover with said opposed walls flanking said first partition, said cover including opposed sides, a second partition extending between said opposed sides and in contact with the said opposed walls and a first partition to form two electrode head chambers, the top portion of each of said electrodes received in the respective electrode head chambers, means extending through said cavity base wall and into each of said for enabling said electrodes to be connected to a power source, and a steam discharge means for receiving the steam produced.

20. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 further comprising means including at least one surface area against which the steam impinges and on which the moisture therein is trapped before the steam reaches the steam discharge means, a bafi'le secured to said cover and extending over the uppermost portion of said electrode chambers to prevent access to said electrodes and defining at least one surface area against which the steam impinges.

21. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 further comprising a member having an internal channel attached to said rear wall with said rear wall having an opening extending therethrough and said sidewalls of saidmember spaced from and adjacent the respective sides of said cover.

22. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 further including means for preventing spillage when said cover sides are horizontal.

23. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 further including an accessory detachable attaching means located on said cover adjacent said steam discharge means.

24. A hand-held steamer for steaming clothing and the like including a reservoir, means for receiving water which can be transferred to the reservoir, a steam discharge means, means for converting water placed in the reservoir to steam and for guiding the plate through which steam is discharged whereby the clothing and the like can be stretched against said externally concave plate so as to be steamed.

25. A hand-held steamer according to claim 24 wherein said plate includes a single discharge slot with said slot extending transversely across said plate.

26. A hand-held steamer including a reservoir, means for receiving water which can be transferred to the reservoir, a steam discharge means, means for converting water placed in the reservoir to steam and for guiding the steam so produced to the steam discharge means, a freely rotatable plastic roller selectively secured adjacent said steam discharge means for applying a rolling force to an item being steamed whereby steam issuing from the steam discharge means does not condense on said roller due to its plastic composition.

27. A hand-held steamer according to claim 26 wherein said roller is positioned slightly below said steam discharge means.

age I UMTED STATES PATENT orricr CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTEQN Patent No. 1 646,317 Dated u y 29, 1972 Inventor) Leonard Osrow It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

i In claim 18, firso' line, insert before "further" --A hand held steamer according to claim 17 Signed and sealed this 22nd day of August 1972.

SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M,FLETCER,JR. v ROBERT GOT'I'SCHALK Attesting Officer 7 Commissioner of Patents UNHED STATES PATENT @FFEQE 5/89 A m? v eemmcma oF eoamcmow Patent 646'3l7 Dated ruary 29, 1972 Inventor(s) Leonard IOW It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In claim 18, first line, insert before "further" --A hand held steamer according to claim 17 Signed and sealed this 22nd day of August 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD I LFLETCHERJR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents

Claims

3. A hand-held steamer according to claim 2 wherein said steam discharge means includes a plate secured to said cover, said plate including a steam discharge Slot with said steam-guiding channel in communication with said discharge slot.

8. A hand-held steamer comprising a reservoir casing defining a reservoir, a cover secured to said reservoir casing, water intake means for receiving water for the reservoir casing, an electrode casing, two electrodes in said casing to produce steam in the casing by flow of current between the electrodes, said electrode casing being located in said reservoir casing and extending partially below the level of water in the reservoir, said electrode casing having a restricted steam discharge opening, a steam discharge means for receiving the steam issuing from the steam discharge opening and means providing a passageway adjacent the bottom of the electrode casing for allowing water to flow from the reservoir casing into the electrode casing, the water flowing out the electrode casing when the restricted discharge opening prevents discharge of steam as rapidly as it is produced whereby to reduce the flow of current between the electrodes, said steam discharge means including a plate secured to said cover, said plate including a single steam discharge slot, a steam-guiding member being fixed relative to said cover, said steam-guiding with said steam-guiding channel in

9. A hand-held steamer according to claim 1 wherein said cover inclUdes accessory detachable attaching means adjacent said steamer discharge means.

10. A hand-held steamer according to claim 9 further including a roller attachment, said roller attachment including a freely rotatable roller with said attachment secured to said accessory attachment means on said cover.

12. A hand-held steamer according to claim 7 wherein said plate is externally concave whereby clothing and the like which is being steamed can be stretched thereover.

15. A hand-held steamer according to claim 13 further including a roller attachment, said roller attachment including a freely rotatable smooth surfaced roller with said roller attachment secured to said accessory attachment means on said cover.

18. further claim 17 further including a shelf secured to said cover and extending toward said means secured to said cover and preventing access to said electrodes but spaced therefrom, said shelf including at least one surface area against which the steam impinges.

20. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 further comprising means including at least one surface area against which the steam impinges and on which the moisture therein is trapped before the steam reaches the steam discharge means, a baffle secured to said cover and extending over the uppermost portion of said electrode chambers to prevent access to said electrodes and defining at least one surface area against which the steam impinges.

21. A hand-held steamer according to claim 19 further comprising a member having an internal channel attached to said rear wall with said rear wall having an opening extending therethrough and said sidewalls of said member spaced from and adjacent the respective sides of said cover.