US3728805A - Multi-function steam iron - Google Patents

Multi-function steam iron Download PDF

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Publication number
US3728805A
US3728805A US00258424A US3728805DA US3728805A US 3728805 A US3728805 A US 3728805A US 00258424 A US00258424 A US 00258424A US 3728805D A US3728805D A US 3728805DA US 3728805 A US3728805 A US 3728805A
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United States
Prior art keywords
steam
water
soleplate
tank
iron
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US00258424A
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English (en)
Inventor
H Gowdy
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General Electric Co
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General Electric Co
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Assigned to BLACK & DECKER, INC., A CORP. OF DE reassignment BLACK & DECKER, INC., A CORP. OF DE ASSIGNS AS OF APRIL 27, 1984 THE ENTIRE INTEREST Assignors: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY A NY CORP.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F75/00—Hand irons
    • D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
    • D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
    • D06F75/14—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water in a reservoir carried by the iron
    • D06F75/18—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water in a reservoir carried by the iron the water being fed slowly, e.g. drop by drop, from the reservoir to a steam generator

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT l MULTli-IFUNCTIIDN STEAM TRON lflvemori Harold Ontario, Calif- The invention is directed to a self-cleaning steam iron with means to purge the iron through the soleplate by providing a substantially separate large opening in the [73] Assignee: General Electric Company, Bridgeport,Conn.
  • the invention herein pertains to a multi-function steam iron and, more particularly, to a self-cleaning steam iron using a substantially and separate large opening in the internal water tank with a valve control so the tank may be suddenly emptied and the resultant gush of water and steam completely purges the iron.
  • the same structure is also utilized by a separate control to provide intermittent or pulsing dumping of the water tank to provide an extra volume or surge of steam as required or to convert the iron to dry ironing.
  • the steam ports in the soleplate tend to collect lint from the ironing operation and some of this may subsequently find its way into the internal passage structure when the iron is upended and not in use.
  • the tap water contains minerals which produce loose flakes and deposits that plate out on the iron components and clog the passages.
  • Various means such as screens have been used to remove the impurities that are in flake form but eventually the screens plug up.
  • Some constructions provide brushes or other cleaning implements to partially free the passages of obstructions but these require removal of plugs or the equivalent as well as the additional time and scrubbing action necessary on the part of the user.
  • the invention is directed to a steam iron with a fill opening to an interior water tank and a steam generating soleplate with ports therein and which uses an on-and-off water valve to control a metered flow of water from the tank through an orifice and onto the soleplate to act as a flash boiler and generate steam.
  • the invention provides an improvement in means to completely and forcefully purge the iron through the soleplate. This includes a separate substantially large opening in the water tank spaced from and operable independently of the metering orifice and communicating directly with the inner and preferably hottest surface of the soleplate.
  • the large opening is valve-controlled by separately operable dump means on the iron handle so that the tank water can be suddenly dumped directly onto the hot soleplate to bypass the orifice and empty the tank rapidly through the soleplate ports.
  • Additional known structure to seal off the fill hole and close the interior of the iron to ambient pressure while steaming as well as balance tube means to equalize the pressure in closed balanced pressure systems may be used. By sizing the parts, it is possible to generate steam pressure to assist in dumping the tank and rapidly purge the entire iron.
  • the main object of the invention is to provide a self-cleaning steam iron which rapidly dumps the water tank is a quick action to completely purge the iron and also uses the same structure to provide momentary surges of steam by a separate control or to completely close off steam generation for dry ironing whereby the iron is multifunctional with common structure performing several functions.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partially in section and broken away, showing a spray iron with the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a partial perspective enlarged to show the interconnecting common structure for valve dumping and extra surge of steam;
  • FIG. 3 is a partial view of the quick-release mechanism as shown in FIG. 1 and,
  • FIG. 4 is a view, similar to FIG. 3 showing the release mechanism in a stage of operation.
  • the invention is applicable to flooded boiler steam irons like U.S. Pat. No. 3,156,054, teakettle boiler types like U.S. Pat. No. 2,810,218, both of common assignment, or the more common flash boiler type described herein with or without a manual or power spray attachment.
  • the present invention is an improvement on that disclosed in application Ser. No. 187,0[0 filed Oct. 6, I971 of common assignment and which is directed to the selfcleaning feature per se.
  • the present invention adds an additional extra surge of steam feature using generally common structure to provide a multifunction iron. Referring first to FIG.
  • Soleplate 10 may be cast aluminum with an electrical heating element 18 cast in position.
  • the heating element is generally of the sheath type and extends in a loop beginning at the rear of the iron along one side to the forward end and then rearwardly along the other side. Thus, substantially uniform heat distribution is provided to the soleplate.
  • the iron includes means for generating steam by providing interior water tank 20 which may have a conventional vertical suitably shaped riser tube means 22 in the forward portion for housing various operating mechanisms.
  • soleplate has a steam generator cavity or boiler 24 to receive metered water.
  • the water and steam is started and stopped or controlled by steam control means including water valve structure generally indicated at 26 and activated by suitable means such as steam knob 28 and a connected and spring-biased common connector 30.
  • Water is metered from tank through orifice 32 into boiler 24, the resulting steam being distributed and directed through passages 34 under coverplate 36 and out ports 12 onto the fabric being ironed.
  • a manual spray attachment 38 of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,183,611, if used, may be operated by control 40.
  • Temperature control 42 operates to thermostatically control the heat generated in the soleplate.
  • fill opening 44 communicates with the tank.
  • valve 46 on the water valve structure 26 sealing the inlet passage to the tank.
  • this draining operation is now unnecessary and the iron is completely selfcleaning.
  • this is achieved by providing the bottom of tank 20 with a substantially large opening 48 that is spaced and separate from the usual metering orifice 32.
  • Any suitable equivalent form of large opening may be used that is the functional equivalent of opening 48 and that empties or dumps the tank rapidly when opened.
  • the opening is thus defined as substantially large and spaced and separate and this is intended to include any other unrestricted flow opening that bypasses the metering orifice and quickly opens the tank to dump it.
  • this is in the form of a separate and distinctly spaced bottom opening 48 as shown in FIG. 1.
  • this is a plugged hole in the bottom of water tank 20 to rapidly dump the tank.
  • the opening 48 is disposed to communicate directly with the inner surface of soleplate l0 and this is achieved by a directing shroud 50 that passes through opening 52 in coverplate 36 that connects the openings.
  • the large opening thus communicates directly with the soleplate by being brought down by shroud 50 close to but spaced from the inner surface of soleplate 10 as shown in FIG. 1.
  • spray control button 40 is connected to operate a manual diaphragm pump generally indicated at 54 and of the type shown in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 3,183,611 patent and also in the FIG.
  • the coverplate opening 52 is disposed directly above thehottest part of the soleplate adjacent heater element 18. While not required, this location is preferable because it provides a large quantity' of flash steam with subsequent benefits as will become apparent.
  • the shroud 50 By directing the shroud 50 down toward the inner surface of soleplate 10, the dumped water from tank 20 must escape below the shroud in order to reach ports 12 and exit from the iron. Because of the small clearance the water is impeded in spreading and escaping under the shroud. At the same time, a large quantity of steam is generated.
  • the shroud is spaced from the coverplate slightly to provide an annulus 60 for the normal passage of steam from generator 24 to passages 34 and out ports 12.
  • the metering orifice 32 is substantially bypassed and the water tank 20 is completely dumped immediately onto the hot soleplate where a large quantity of steam is quickly generated and the mixture of water and steam passing under the shroud and into the steam path tends briefly to impede the normal flow of steam through annulus 60 and to ports 12, the impeding means thus consisting at least partly of the dumping water. Also, some of the suddenly generated steam blocks and passes through annulus 60 and back into the iron to momentarily increase the pressure on the surface of the water in the tank interior via the balance tube and assist in dumping the tank. As a result, the iron is completely and forcefully purged of all steam and water. In the event the pressure build-up is too rapid any suitable safety valve or vent, such as shown dotted at 62, may be provided if necessary although the parts may be sized generally to avoid the need for an extra vent.
  • any suitable safety valve or vent such as shown dotted at 62, may be provided if necessary although the parts may be sized generally to avoid the need for an extra vent.
  • a manual dump button 64 which, to avoid inadvertent dumping, is spaced from steam knob 28 and may be conveniently disposed on the side of the handle as shown in FIG. 4 of said 010 copending application and as seen in FIG. 2 herein.
  • This dump button is operable on or connected to the dump valve 56 by an interrupted stem dump valve means such as a stem of multiple sections that are substantially vertically aligned and longitudinally spaced from one another for sequential operation.
  • the stem comprises a first section that includes common connector 30 and which is rotatably inserted both in steam knob 28 at one end and in the upper portion of water valve structure 26 at the other end as clearly seen in FIGS.
  • the first section 30 is a common connection as will become apparent.
  • a spaced midsection stem 66 and a third section stem 68 which latter is connected to and forms part of dump valve 56.
  • Each of these sections 30, 66, and 68 are longitudinally spaced with gaps or interruptions therebetween as shown in FIG. 1.
  • Each section is upwardly biased by suitable springs so that the sections can be sequentially operated.
  • a separate connection 70 is provided as seen in FIG. 2 between the dump button means 64 and the stem mid-section 66 so that sliding the button 64 downwardly independently contacts section 66 which then sequentially contacts section 68 to open valve 56 and dump the tank to rapidly purge the iron as previously explained.
  • the dumping operation for self-cleaning is similar to that disclosed in said Ol0 co-pending application supra with some additional internal structure to render the iron more useful by using common structure to provide other or multiple functions.
  • the iron is self-cleaning by actuation of dump button 64 and subsequent rapid emptying of tank 20 for a pressurized purge of steam and water to clean the iron.
  • the present invention makes use of the dumping structure.
  • the dump valve may be intermittently or momentarily pulsed, it will be apparent that a quantity of water may be suddenly dumped on the soleplate for generation of extra steam.
  • the pulsing is preferably a rapid action to permit a quantity of water to bypass the orifice 32 but not enough to empty the tank or purge the iron.
  • the steam knob 28 is interconnected with the dump valve structure 56 through the first section or common connector 30 by any suitable means such as that shown in FIGS. 2 4.
  • connector 30 may be bent into the shape shown so that it is common to both the mid-section stem 66 as well as the on/offwater valve structure 26 as shown and thus contacts and operates the stem valve means at the interruption between 30 and 66.
  • common connector 30 includes a suitable quick-release means generally indicated at 74 and located between stem 66 and steam knob 28 whereby stem 66 may be momentarily pulsed and then automatically released.
  • connector 30 may conveniently rest in a niche 76 in stem 66 and is biased there by spring 78 attached to fixed bracket 80.
  • Bracket 80 has a cam surface 82 adjacent niche 76 and designed to force connector 30 to the right as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • connector 30 is being forced to the right by cam surface 82 so that it slides off of the niche after having forced stem 66 downwardly momentarily.
  • Dump valve 56 is thereby momentarily pulsed and then automatically returned by spring action to its closed position. Even if valve 56 is actuated by merely pulsing ones finger on knob 28, the spring bias automatically closes the dump valve and the term automatic is intended to cover such operation. However, a quick-release mechanism like 74 is preferred since it is more consistent.
  • Connector 30 freely moves along the cam surface by its rotatable connection in steam knob 28 and water valve structure 26.
  • step portion 84 the steam knob 28 locks in the handle by usual step portion 84.
  • connector 30 being common to and connecting steam knob 28 to both stem 66 to actuate the dump valve and to the on-off water valve structure 26 while also arranging for dump button 64 to independently operate stem 66.
  • the lost-motion connection permits connector 30 to bottom in the water valve structure 26 and shut orifice 32 to convert the iron to a dry iron.
  • the combination provides for common structure within the iron to perform multiple functions of self-cleaning, steaming, surge of steam, or dry ironing.
  • a steam iron having steam control means, a fill opening to an interior water tank and a steam generating soleplate with ports therein, the improvement in means to purge said iron of water and steam through the soleplate and to separately supply a surge of steam through the soleplate comprising,
  • said separate means operable on said dump means is operable separately from said manual means.
  • Apparatus as described in claim 4 having means impeding the normal generated steam flow to said ports on opening of said dump means whereby increased steam pressure to said tank interior assists said emptying and said discharging of said water.
  • steam control means including an on-off water valve to start and stop a metered flow of water from said tank through an orifice and onto the soleplate to generate steam
  • steam control means including an on-off water valve to start and stop a metered flow of water from said tank through an orifice and onto the soleplate to generate steam
  • the improvement in means to purge said iron of water and steam through the soleplate and to separately supply a surge of steam through the soleplate comprising,
  • an interrupted stem dump valve means operable from said handle to open and close said opening whereby the water in said tank may be suddenly emptied onto the soleplate to purge said iron rapidly through said ports
  • dump button means on said handle operable on said stem to open the dump valve and empty said tank
  • a quick release means connected between a stem section and said steam knob for said knob to independently actuate said dump valve in pulses to provide said surge of steam.
  • said steam knob pulses said dump valve and, upon further actuation, then actuates the water valve to close said orifice for dry ironing.
  • a balanced pressure steam iron having a fill opening to an interior water tank and a steam generating soleplate with ports therein, separate steam knob means to an on-off water valve to control a metered 0 flow of water from said tank through an orifice and onto the soleplate to generate steam, the improvement in means to purge said iron of water and steam through the soleplate and to separately supply a surge of steam 5 therethrough comprising,
  • a dump valve in said opening connected by a vertical multiple-section stem to dump button means on said handle spaced from said steam knob means, said sections being longitudinally spaced and upwardly biased for sequential connection on operation of said button means to dump said tank through the opening and rapidly purge said iron through the ports,
  • said separate steam knob means first pulses said dump valve and, on further actuation, closes said orifice for dry ironing.
  • said multiple section stem includes three longitudinallyspaced sections each biased upwardly,
  • valve is also independently actuable by said dump button means to dump the tank.
  • each section is separately biased and the mid and third sections are transversely offset and connected by a deformable member to provide a calibration clearance between said sections.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Irons (AREA)
  • Mechanically-Actuated Valves (AREA)
US00258424A 1972-05-31 1972-05-31 Multi-function steam iron Expired - Lifetime US3728805A (en)

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US25842472A 1972-05-31 1972-05-31

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US (1) US3728805A (ja)
JP (1) JPS4954696A (ja)
AU (1) AU465475B2 (ja)
CA (1) CA963795A (ja)
DE (1) DE2327613A1 (ja)
GB (1) GB1430783A (ja)
NL (1) NL7304781A (ja)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3823498A (en) * 1973-04-26 1974-07-16 Gen Electric Self cleaning steam iron
US3849916A (en) * 1972-11-10 1974-11-26 Gen Electric Self-cleaning steam iron
US3872613A (en) * 1974-05-14 1975-03-25 Gen Electric Self-cleaning surge iron
DE3210243A1 (de) * 1982-03-20 1983-10-06 Rowenta Werke Gmbh Elektrisch beheiztes daempfbuegeleisen mit schwallwassereinspritzung
US5829175A (en) * 1996-09-20 1998-11-03 Black & Decker Inc. Steam iron with all temperature steam production
FR2769925A1 (fr) * 1997-10-21 1999-04-23 Rowenta Werke Gmbh Fer a repasser a vapeur
ES2331862A1 (es) * 2007-12-21 2010-01-18 Bsh Krainel, S.A. Dispositivo para planchar.
WO2010020659A1 (de) * 2008-08-22 2010-02-25 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Dampfbügeleisen
CN105862379A (zh) * 2016-06-07 2016-08-17 佛山市聚成生化技术研发有限公司 一种带有剪毛球器的电熨斗及其操作方法

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT8211695V0 (it) * 1982-06-10 1982-06-10 Biancalani Mauro Ferro da stiro a vapore con vaschetta per l'acqua disposta posteriormente
DE102007062013B4 (de) * 2007-12-21 2013-03-14 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Vorrichtung zum Bügeln

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3606691A (en) * 1970-06-18 1971-09-21 Gen Electric Steam-powered spray iron
US3691660A (en) * 1971-05-10 1972-09-19 Sunbeam Corp Electric pressing iron

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3606691A (en) * 1970-06-18 1971-09-21 Gen Electric Steam-powered spray iron
US3691660A (en) * 1971-05-10 1972-09-19 Sunbeam Corp Electric pressing iron

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3849916A (en) * 1972-11-10 1974-11-26 Gen Electric Self-cleaning steam iron
US3823498A (en) * 1973-04-26 1974-07-16 Gen Electric Self cleaning steam iron
US3872613A (en) * 1974-05-14 1975-03-25 Gen Electric Self-cleaning surge iron
DE3210243A1 (de) * 1982-03-20 1983-10-06 Rowenta Werke Gmbh Elektrisch beheiztes daempfbuegeleisen mit schwallwassereinspritzung
US5829175A (en) * 1996-09-20 1998-11-03 Black & Decker Inc. Steam iron with all temperature steam production
FR2769925A1 (fr) * 1997-10-21 1999-04-23 Rowenta Werke Gmbh Fer a repasser a vapeur
ES2161116A1 (es) * 1997-10-21 2001-11-16 Rowenta Werke Gmbh Plancha de vapor
ES2331862A1 (es) * 2007-12-21 2010-01-18 Bsh Krainel, S.A. Dispositivo para planchar.
WO2010020659A1 (de) * 2008-08-22 2010-02-25 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Dampfbügeleisen
CN105862379A (zh) * 2016-06-07 2016-08-17 佛山市聚成生化技术研发有限公司 一种带有剪毛球器的电熨斗及其操作方法

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Publication number Publication date
GB1430783A (en) 1976-04-07
AU465475B2 (en) 1975-09-25
NL7304781A (ja) 1973-12-04
AU5438073A (en) 1974-10-17
DE2327613A1 (de) 1973-12-13
CA963795A (en) 1975-03-04
JPS4954696A (ja) 1974-05-28

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AS Assignment

Owner name: BLACK & DECKER, INC., 1423 KIRKWOOD HIGHWAY NEWARK

Free format text: ASSIGNS AS OF APRIL 27, 1984 THE ENTIRE INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY A NY CORP.;REEL/FRAME:004349/0275

Effective date: 19840824

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