Textiles: ironing or smoothing – Smoothing implements – Flatirons
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-11
2001-01-23
Izaguirre, Ismael (Department: 3741)
Textiles: ironing or smoothing
Smoothing implements
Flatirons
C038S077600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176026
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates more particular to a steam iron for use with an external water reservoir and water feeding unit.
2. Description of Prior Art
One disadvantage of a steam iron is the small capacity of an inside water reservoir that limits the operation time of the iron. Consequently the user has to frequently interrupt ironing in order to refill water into the reservoir. Although the frequency of refilling could be reduced by employing a larger inside water tank, this makes the iron heavier and bulky and hence more difficult for the user to manipulate.
Some steam irons employ a large separate external water reservoir which is connected by a flexible hose to provide either water or steam to an iron body. This arrangement permits a large capacity reservoir that is particularly useful in lengthy ironing sessions and the user does not have to fill the reservoir while ironing. However, the necessary robust flexible water hose connected between the external reservoir and the iron will significantly restrict freedom of movement of the iron. The large external water reservoir is usually not detachable for convenient refilling with water under a tap, for example. Thus, the user needs to use a separate water container for filling the large external water reservoir. In addition, the user is required to carry the whole unit to a sink for disposing of any remaining water after use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to overcome or to at least reduce these problems.
According to the invention there is provided a steam iron arrangement having an iron with an internal water reservoir, a stand on which the iron can rest when not in use for ironing; an electrical supply means, an external water reservoir assembly adjacent the stand, and a cooperating water valve on each of the iron and the stand that close off when the iron is removed from the stand and automatically open to allow water to flow from the external water reservoir to the internal water reservoir through the valves whenever the iron is placed to rest on the stand.
A flow valve is preferably mounted in the external reservoir that closes off automatically whenever a water level in the internal reservoir reaches a maximum predetermined desired level.
The external reservoir assembly may comprise a bottle having an upper detachable sealably lid incorporating a flow valve, the bottle being arranged to fit upside down in the external reservoir so that water can flow out of the bottle into the external reservoir through the lid, in which the flow valve automatically closes when the level in the reservoir reaches a maximum predetermined desired level.
The cooperating valve means may each include a resilient water connector, the connectors being arranged to face and seal together when the iron is placed on the stand before the valves are opened.
Each valve means may comprise a biassed operating rod, the rods being arranged to face and to be pressed against one when the iron is placed on the stand and so be urged against their biassing to open the valve means.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2777226 (1957-01-01), Finlayson
patent: 5315773 (1994-05-01), Iwami et al.
patent: 2307500 (1990-12-01), None
patent: 5200196 (1993-08-01), None
patent: 6105997 (1994-04-01), None
Izaguirre Ismael
Jackson Walker L.L.P.
Simatelex Manufactory Co. Ltd.
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