EP1550765A1

EP1550765A1 - multifunction device particularly for cleaning and ironing means

Info

Publication number: EP1550765A1
Application number: EP04106307A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ezio De Mori
Original assignee: Eurometalnova SpA
Current assignee: Eurometalnova SpA
Priority date: 2003-12-22
Filing date: 2004-12-06
Publication date: 2005-07-06
Also published as: ITTV20030164A1

Abstract

A multifunction device (1) particularly for cleaning and ironing means, comprising a wheel-mounted folding stand (2), with which a first vertical support (22) for cleaning accessories is associated, a first pole (27) protruding upward from the stand (2), and to which an ironing board (28), provided with means for locking its position, is rotatably connected. A supporting base (44) for cleaning and/or ironing means is further rotatably and slidingly connected to the first pole (27) in a portion located below the ironing board. A second pole (47) is associated telescopically with the first pole, and a second horizontal support (48) for an ironing means and at least one clothes stand are associated rotatably with the second pole.

Description

The present invention relates to a multifunction device particularly for cleaning and ironing means.
Known devices are currently in use which are designed to be used in combination with ironing means, such as ironing boards which comprise a flat deck, generally covered with fabric or cloth, which is supported in a lower region by a framework composed of two supporting elements, a first one of which is pivoted, at one of its ends, to the lower surface of the flat deck and a second one of which is pivoted, in its central region, to the central region of the first supporting element.
This conventional ironing board further comprises a rack, which is applied below the flat deck and with which it is possible to couple selectively one end of the second supporting element, so that said second supporting element provides, together with the first supporting element, a substantially X-shaped configuration so as to vary the height of the flat deck.
If instead the second supporting element is disconnected from the rack, it can be folded and arranged parallel to the first supporting element, and therefore to the deck, so as to fold the entire ironing board, which accordingly is compact and can be stored even in a small space.
Ironing means capable of spraying steam, generated in an appropriately provided boiler, directly onto the items to be ironed in order to facilitate and improve the ironing process have become widespread in recent years also for domestic use; these conventional devices are generally kept on tables provided with horizontal shelves or on appropriately provided shelves rigidly coupled to the ironing board.
Moreover, devices for use in combination with ironing means are known which also comprise suction or blower means that are suitable to facilitate disposal of the steam generated by the ironing means.
Cleaning devices are instead currently known, among others, to clean floors or large surfaces and are composed of a boiler for generating steam, which can be mounted for example on wheels in order to make it easier to move, and of steam diffusion means, provided for example by means of a flexible hose, which is connected at one of its ends to the boiler, and one or more optionally interchangeable nozzles, which are associable with the opposite end of the hose and by means of which the steam thus generated can be directed towards the regions to be cleaned.
The boiler may optionally be refilled automatically, so as to ensure long stand-alone operation.
A multifunction cleaning device is also known which, in addition to comprising a boiler to which a flexible hose that supports interchangeable nozzles is connected and operates in a manner similar to the one described above, comprises means for aspirating dust and liquids, which are conveyed through said flexible hose into appropriate separate tanks that can be emptied.
The main drawback of these conventional devices for use with ironing means and of the conventional cleaning devices consists in that they are usually used individually according to the specific requirement and are then stored in separate areas or rooms of the home, accordingly requiring time to retrieve them and to store them.
Another drawback is that these conventional devices require considerable space for their storage when they are not being used.
The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, eliminating the drawbacks of the cited background art, by providing a device that allows the user to have various ironing and cleaning means rapidly and easily available.
Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a device that also allows, in addition to quick and easy execution of ironing and cleaning operations, an equally easy change of the type of operation.
Another object of the invention is to allow easy transport of the ironing and cleaning means even in the presence of obstacles.
Another object of the invention is to allow to store it easily and quickly in the inactive condition, further occupying a reduced amount of space.
Another object is to provide a device that is structurally simple and has low manufacturing costs.
This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a multifunction device particularly for cleaning and ironing means, characterized in that it comprises a wheel-mounted folding stand, with which a first vertical support for cleaning accessories is associated, and from which a first pole protrudes, an ironing board being rotatably connected to said first pole, said board being provided with means for locking its position, and a supporting base for cleaning and/or ironing means, a second pole being associated telescopically with said first pole, a second horizontal support for an ironing means and at least one clothes stand being associated rotatably with said second pole.
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of a particular but not exclusive embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of nonlimiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a front elevation view of the multifunction device according to the invention in the closed position;
Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the device according to the invention in the closed position;
Figure 3 is a top view of the device according to the invention in the closed position, which also illustrates components that are not directly visible in order to allow a better description;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention in the active position;
Figure 5 is an enlarged-scale perspective view of a detail of the device according to the invention;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a possible use of the invention;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the device according to the invention;
Figure 8 is an enlarged-scale perspective view of a detail of the device according to the invention;
Figure 9 is a cutout side elevation view of a detail of the device according to the invention;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a detail according to a second embodiment;
Figures 11 and 12 are two top views of a detail of the device according to a third embodiment;
Figure 13 is a top view of a detail of the device according to the third embodiment, in which some elements have not been shown for the sake of better comprehension;
Figure 14 is a sectional view, taken along the line XIV-XIV of Figure 11, of a detail of the invention according to the third embodiment;
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the device according to the third embodiment;
Figures 16 and 17 are two sectional views, taken along a vertical plane, of a detail of the invention according to a fourth embodiment, respectively in the locking position and in the release position;
Figure 18 is a perspective view of a detail of the device according to a fifth embodiment.
In the embodiments that follow, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other embodiments.
Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.
With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 designates a multifunction device, particularly for cleaning and ironing means, which comprises a folding stand 2, which is composed of a central body 3, which has a substantially tubular shape and at right angles to which a first foot 4 protrudes, which is arranged proximate to the central region of the central body 3.
The first foot 4 also has a substantially tubular shape and supports, at its free end, a first closure plug 5, for example made of plastics, which is conveniently eccentric with respect to the first foot 4.
A containment body 6 protrudes from the central body 3 at right angles to the plane on which the central body 3 and the first foot 4 lie and in an approximately central position with respect to the central body 3, and a first cavity 6a is formed inside the containment body 6.
The first cavity 6a may be cylindrical or may have any cross-section, for example a square, rectangular, elliptical or polygonal cross-section.
A second foot 8 and a third foot 9 are further respectively rotatably associated at a first end 7a and at a second end 7b of the central body 3, are likewise tubular, and are pivoted to the central body 3 at one of their ends, so that their rotation occurs on the same plane on which the central body 3 and the first foot 4 also lie.
The second and third feet support, at one of their ends that lies opposite the end connected to the central body 3, respectively a first wheel 10 and a second wheel 11, made for example of plastics, the rotation axes of which respectively coincide with the axes of the second and third feet.
A connecting element 12 is pivoted in an approximately intermediate position between the containment body 6 and the first end 7a of the central body, and a fourth foot 13 is rigidly coupled to one end of the connecting element; the fourth foot is also tubular and supports, at a free end, a third wheel 14 made of plastics, the rotation axis of which coincides with the rotation axis of the fourth foot 13.
The end of the connecting element 12 that supports the fourth foot protrudes outside the central body 3 on the opposite side with respect to the one on which the first foot 4 is provided, so that the rotation of the fourth foot 13, which occurs on the same plane that contains the first, second and third feet and the central body, allows the fourth foot to pass from a first position, also known as closure position, in which it is parallel to the central body 3 and adjacent thereto, to a second position, also known as active position, in which the fourth foot 13 is arranged at right angles with respect to the central body 3 and proximate to its first end 7a, and vice versa.
Moreover, the connecting element 12 has a first tab 12a, which protrudes from the point of mutual pivoting of the connecting element and the central body 3, until it protrudes from the side thereof on which the first foot 4 is present and below both the central body 3 and the first foot 4.
The connecting element 12, by means of the first tab 12a, is part of an opening mechanism 15, which further comprises a linkage 16, which is pivoted at a first end 16a to the free end of the first tab 12a, and at a second end 16b to a first lever 17, which is also part of the opening mechanism 15.
The first lever 17 is pivoted, approximately in its central region, below the first foot 4, and is connected to the linkage 16 so that its first end 17a and its second end 17b, when the connecting element 12 is in the closure position, are each arranged on one of the two half-planes divided by a longitudinal axis of the first foot 4 that passes through the pivoting point.
A second lever 18 and a third lever 19 are pivoted respectively to the first end 17a and the second end 17b, are part of the opening mechanism 15, and are in turn pivoted in a lower region respectively to the second foot 8 and to the third foot 9.
The points where the second and third levers are pivoted respectively to the second and third feet are determined according to the length of the second and third levers, so that when the connecting element 12 is in the closure position the second and third feet are arranged approximately parallel to the first foot 4.
The opening mechanism 15 determines uniquely the relative angular positions of the second, third and fourth feet, so that a rotation of any one of the feet is matched by a specific rotation of the other feet.
In particular, the opening mechanism 15 can be sized so that when the fourth foot 13 is in the active position and therefore rotated through approximately 90° with respect to the closure position, the second foot 8 and the third foot 9 are each rotated through an angle comprised between approximately 40° and approximately 60° with respect to the first foot 4, directing their respective free ends toward the outside of the stand 2.
Conveniently, the first tab 12a, the linkage 16, the first lever 17, the second lever 18 and the third lever 19 may be constituted by low-thickness metal plates, so as to be accommodated below the central body and below the first, second, third and fourth feet.
In fact, when the folding stand 2 rests on the ground, for example on a floor, the presence of the wheels and of the first eccentric plug causes an upward movement of the tubular elements that constitute the first body and the first, second, third and fourth feet, forming a space inside which it is possible to contain the opening mechanism 15.
A fifth foot 20 is rigidly connected to the central body 3 proximate to its first end 7a, protrudes parallel to the central body 3 from the same side on which the fourth foot 13 is provided, and supports a fourth wheel 21, the rotation axis of which coincides with the rotation axis of the third wheel 14 when the fourth foot 13 is in the closure position.
A first vertical support 22 for cleaning accessories is connected to the third foot 9 and protrudes upward, and is constituted, in the illustrated example, by a supporting frame 23 provided by means of a bent tubular element, which supports a plate 24 that is arranged vertically and is provided with a plurality of recesses 25 and first hooks 26 on both of its faces.
The recesses 25 and the first hooks 26 conveniently have a plurality of shapes and dimensions, so as to constitute a support for a series of cleaning accessories, such as for example brushes 22a, flexible hoses or rigid tubes 22b that can be disassembled, nozzles for aspirating powders or liquids 22c, and nozzles of the types commonly used in cleaning devices.
The vertical support 22 can be enclosed within a box-like element, made for example of metal plate or plastics, on one wall of which there is at least one door that can be opened so that the cleaning accessories can be concealed and easily accessed from the outside once the door has been opened.
This solution, not shown in the figures, allows to arrange a large number of cleaning accessories on the vertical support 22, since it is possible to utilize the internal wall of the door as well in this manner.
A first pole 27 is further connected to the openable stand 2, is inserted vertically, at one of its ends, inside the first cavity 6a of the containment body 6, and is constituted for example by a metallic tubular element, the cross-section of which duplicates the cross-section of the first cavity 6 and is conveniently internally hollow.
The first pole 27 acts as a support for an ironing board 28, which is rotatably connected thereto by way of a pivoting means 29, in which the fulcrum is arranged approximately halfway along a lateral edge of said ironing board and the rotation axis is parallel to the first foot 4 of the stand 2.
Such ironing board can thus be arranged parallel to the ground and is free to rotate about the rotation axis of the pivoting means 29.
The pivoting means 29 is constituted, in the example shown in the figures, by a guiding body 30, which is slidingly coupled, so as to allow selective locking, to the first pole 27; it has a flat face 30a, which is arranged vertically and is directed toward the ironing board and from which a first pivot 31 protrudes at right angles to the first pole 27 toward the first foot 4, said first pivot supporting a supporting framework 32, which can rotate freely about said first pivot.
The supporting framework 32 comprises an approximately square flat plate 33, which is parallel to the face 30a of the guiding body 30, and two arms 33a and 33b, which protrude from the plate 33 toward the ironing board 28 and are adapted to support it, said ironing board being thus able to rotate rigidly with the supporting frame 32.
A curved slot 34 is formed in the plate 33, and a locking element is inserted therein; said locking element is rigidly coupled to the guiding body 30, is arranged parallel to the first pivot 31, and can slide along the slot 34 during the rotation of the plate 33.
The ends of the slot 34 accordingly form two limits for the rotation of the plate 33, allowing the ironing board 28 to pass from a first position, also termed closure position, in which said board is arranged vertically, to a second position, also termed active position, in which the ironing board is arranged horizontally, and vice versa.
The ironing board 28 is locked in the two closure and active positions by means of a selector 65, which comprises a rotating element 66 that is approximately circular, is arranged coaxially to the first pivot 31, and is arranged inside the guiding body 30.
The pivoting point of the rotating element 66, arranged at its axis, with respect to the guiding body 30, is equidistant from two contiguous side walls 67a and 67b thereof.
The rotating element 66 has a profile that is constituted for approximately three quarters by a first circular arc 66a, the center of which coincides with the pivoting point and the radius of which is slightly shorter than the distance of said pivoting point from the side walls 67a and 67b.
The first circular arc 66a is delimited, at its ends, respectively by a first abutment 68 and by a second abutment 69, which protrude approximately radially toward the outside of the rotating element 66.
Each one of said first and second abutments has a profile that is composed of a first straight portion 70, which protrudes in a substantially radial direction and is blended with a second straight portion 71, which forms an angle of approximately 45° with the first portion 70.
The first and second abutments 68 and 69 are rotated with respect to each other by approximately 90° and are arranged symmetrically with respect to a bisecting ling of said right angle.
In this manner, the two first portions 70 are approximately perpendicular to each other and the two second portions 71 are parallel to each other.
Conveniently, the first abutment 68 and the second abutment 69 are sized so that the two second portions 71 are arranged at a mutual distance that is approximately equal to the diameter of the first circular arc 66a, so that they are approximately tangent to two diametrically opposite points arranged on the first circular arc 66a.
The second portions 71 can be arranged adjacent, as a consequence of a rotation of the rotating element 66, respectively to the first wall 67a and to the second wall 67b of the guiding element 30, so as to constitute accordingly two extreme limits to said rotation of said rotating element.
A first receptacle 72 and a second receptacle 73 are formed approximately radially with respect to the rotating element 66 and are contiguous to the first and second abutments, on the second circular arc 66b, which covers approximately 90° and delimits the rotating element 66 together with the first circular arc 66a.
Advantageously, the second circular arc 66b has a larger diameter than the first circular arc 66a, and blending with the second receptacle 73 occurs along a curved line.
The guiding body 30 accommodates a locking device 74, which is constituted by a plate 75, inside which there is a second cavity 76, for example having a cylindrical shape, which is open at one of its ends.
The locking device 74 is rigidly coupled inside the guiding body 30 and is arranged so that the axis of the second cavity 76 is directed radially toward the rotating element 66, the open end of the second cavity being arranged proximate to the rotating element.
A first spring 77, for example of the helical type, is accommodated inside the second cavity, abuts at one of its ends against the bottom of the second cavity, and acts at its opposite end on a slider 78, which can slide within the second cavity 76.
The slider 78 has a shape that duplicates the shape of the first receptacle 72 and of the second receptacle 73, which are provided in the rotating element 66, so that it can be inserted therein at least partially.
The length of the slider 78, the length of the second cavity 76 and the distance between the open end of said cavity and the rotating element 66 are fixed so that said slider can alternately be contained fully within the second cavity 76, so as to allow the rotation of the rotating element 66, or occupy completely the first or second receptacles with a first part and remain partially accommodated in said second cavity with a second part, so as to lock said rotating element selectively in one of the two positions determined by the arrangement of said first and second receptacles.
An end 79 of a fourth lever 80 is connected to the slider 78 and is pivoted to the guiding body 30; by means of the rotation of said lever, it is possible to make said slider slide axially within the second cavity 76 in contrast with the action of the first spring 77, which tends to push the slider 78 against the rotating element 66.
A second tab 30b protrudes laterally below the guiding body 30; it is arranged parallel to the first pole 27 and acts as a support for a first cable tensioning element 30c and a second cable tensioning element 30d, both of which are arranged proximate to the opposite ends of the second tab 30b.
The position of the guiding body 30 along the first pole 27 is defined by way of position locking means 36, which in the example shown in Figure 5 are constituted by a second helical spring 37, which is arranged coaxially to the first pole 27, rests in a lower region on a third abutment 38 formed on said first pole, and acts in an upper region against the lower face of the guiding body 30, and by a fifth locking lever 35, which allows to fasten the guiding body 30 on the first pole 27 in the intended position, compressing elastically the guiding body 30 so as to make it adhere by friction to the first pole 27.
Moreover, a protective element 39 can be arranged coaxially to the second spring 37 and externally thereto.
The ironing board 28 supports, on the face that is arranged downward in the active position, a supporting element 40 for supporting ironing accessories, such as for example containers 40a for liquids or antiabrasion plates 40b; said supporting element is provided by means of a thin metallic profile that is shaped conveniently by bending, so as to form spaces that are suitable to accommodate said accessories.
Conveniently, the supporting element 40 is arranged in the region comprised between the two arms 33a and 33b of the supporting framework 32.
A suction and blower assembly 41, of the type commonly used in known ironing devices, is further associated below the ironing board 28 proximate to the supporting element 40.
A support 42 is rigidly coupled proximate to one end of the ironing board 28 and is constituted by way of example by a U-shaped tubular element, which supports, at a first free end 42a, an accessory for ironing sleeves, which is constituted by an arm 43, which can rotate with respect to the support 42 so that it can assume a wide range of positions in relation to operating requirements.
The multifunction device 1 further comprises a supporting base 44 for cleaning and/or ironing means 61, which is composed of a shelf 45, made for example of metallic material, which is supported by an arm 46.
A third through cavity is formed in the arm 46 at its end that supports the shelf 45 and is adapted to accommodate the first pole 27, so that the supporting base 44 can slide vertically along said first pole and can rotate about it.
Conveniently, the arm 46 is associated with the first pole 27 in the region delimited upward by the third abutment 38 and downward by the containment body 6, so that the supporting base lies below the ironing board when said board is in the active position, in an arrangement that does not cause bulk and can be easily accessed and adjusted by the user.
As an alternative, the arm 46 is welded at one end to a bush 46b, which is arranged coaxially and rotatably with respect to the first pole 27.
The bush 46b is provided with a slot 46c, which is approximately V-shaped and in which a pivot 46d acts, said pivot protruding radially with respect to the first pole 27.
In particular, the ends of the slot constitute stable equilibrium positions for the bush: in this manner, accurate positioning of said supporting base by the user is not necessary, since once said base is moved from the occupied position it is automatically arranged at the adjacent stable position.
If the ends of the slot 46c are arranged at a relative angular distance equal to approximately 90°, the supporting base 44, once actuated, for example even with a foot, also performs a similar rotation, making its arrangement very easy and quick.
A second pole 47, having a smaller diameter than the first pole 27, is inserted so that it can slide within the first pole and can be extracted at least partially telescopically therefrom at the upper end of the first pole.
A second horizontal support 48 for ironing means, such as an iron 62, is associated with the second pole 47 by means of an engagement body 48a, such as a bush, which is slidingly and rotatably associated with the second pole 47, so as to allow the second horizontal support to assume a wide range of positions.
Moreover, the engagement body 48a can be disconnected from the second pole 47 and can be associated with a second end 42b of the support 42, so as to allow to position the second horizontal support 48 proximate to the sleeve ironing accessory.
As an alternative, the second horizontal support 48 can be associated detachably with the engagement body 48a, so that it can be arranged at another separate engagement body that is arranged in a different position, such as for example proximate to the sleeve ironing accessory, where there is an additional second engagement body, which protrudes from a base of the ironing board 28.
A supporting means 48b for the cables and flexible hoses for supplying the ironing means is further detachably associable with the second pole 47, above the second horizontal support 48, so that it can rotate and slide with respect to said second pole; such supporting means is composed of a first bar 48c, which is arranged at right angles to the second pole 47, and of a third hook 48d, which can slide freely along the first bar 48c.
At least one clothes stand 49 is further arranged on the top of the second pole 47 and is preferably constituted by a second bar 49a, which is kept at right angles to said second pole by a supporting body 49b, which is associable with the top of said second pole, can rotate about the axis of said second pole, and can be extracted from it.
As an alternative to the second bar 49a, the clothes stand 49 can be constituted by a third bar 49c, which is for example undulated and protrudes directly from the top of the second pole 47.
Moreover, another embodiment may use a clothes stand that protrudes at right angles from the second pole 47 and is pivoted thereto so that it can be arranged parallel to it when it is not being used.
In order to facilitate transport of the multifunction device, especially if one has to deal with stairs, instead of the third wheel 14 and the fourth wheel 21 it is possible to associate, respectively with the end of the fourth foot 13 and of the fifth foot 20, a first rotating assembly 50 and a second rotating assembly 51.
Each one of the first and second rotating assemblies comprises a first metal plate 52a and a second metal plate 52b, which are approximately shaped like an equilateral triangle and are arranged parallel and spaced with respect to each other.
A sixth wheel 53a, a seventh wheel 53b and an eighth wheel 53c are inserted in the interspace between said first and second metal plates and are pivoted respectively to a second pivot 54a, a third pivot 54b and a fourth pivot 54c, each of which is arranged at right angles to said first and second plates and joins them at the three corners of each plate.
Such first and second rotating assemblies thus provided are pivoted centrally and coaxially respectively to the fourth foot 13 and to the fifth foot 20, so that the triangular metal plates can rotate freely about the axes of the fourth and fifth feet, the sixth, seventh and eighth wheels being in turn able to rotate with respect to the plates.
A second embodiment of the multifunction device 101 according to the invention differs from the first embodiment described above in that it comprises a first pole 127, which is internally hollow and has a rectangular or square cross-section and on one face of which there is, approximately in the upper portion of said first pole, a plurality of slots 155, which are parallel to each other and are arranged transversely to said first pole.
As an alternative to the slots 155 formed in the first pole 127, it is possible to apply to a side wall of the pole a rack constituted by a plurality of first teeth, which are mutually spaced with a constant pitch.
Position locking means 136 are further provided which comprise a sprocket 156, in which the second teeth have a shape and pitch adapted to mate with the slots 155 or with the first teeth of the rack; said sprocket is supported by a shaft 157 that is arranged axially thereto and is inserted transversely between a fourth support 158a and a fifth support 158b.
Such fourth and fifth supports are formed in the guiding body 130 of the pivoting means 129, by means of which the ironing board 128 is coupled to the first pole 127 so that it can rotate and slide.
Moreover, a crank 159 is rigidly coupled to one end of the shaft 157 and facilitates the rotation of said shaft by the user, who can accordingly raise or lower the ironing board 128 easily according to his requirements.
A sixth lever 160, which can slide vertically with respect to the guiding body 130, has an upper end 160a, which can be inserted between two consecutive teeth of the sprocket 156, so as to prevent its rotation and accordingly lock the ironing board 128 in the chosen position.
In another embodiment, the multifunction device 201 according to the invention has a folding stand 202 that is composed of a central body 203 that is approximately L-shaped and in which a first wing 203a forms a third foot 209, with the free end of which a second wheel 211 is rotatably associated.
Two flaps 281a and 281b are provided at the free end of the second wing 203b of the body 203, partially protrude approximately at right angles from the central body 203 and are arranged horizontally and parallel to each other.
The folding stand 202 further comprises a second foot 208, which is also approximately L-shaped and is arranged opposite the central body 203; a first wheel 210, arranged at the articulation of the second foot, and a ninth wheel 282, arranged at a free end of the second foot and preferably able to rotate about an axis that is oblique to the second foot, are rotatably associated with the second foot.
The second foot 208 has, at the free end that lies opposite the one that supports the ninth wheel 282, a first rounded head 283, on which a first set of teeth 284 is formed, the teeth of said set being arranged advantageously vertically.
The first rounded head 283 can be inserted in a portion of the interspace that is provided between the pair of flaps 281 a and 281b that protrude from the central body 203, with which the second foot 208 is rotatably associated by means of a fifth pivot 285, which is arranged vertically.
The fourth foot 213 is straight, supports the third wheel 214 at a free end, and has, at the opposite end, a second rounded head 286, on which there is a second set of teeth 287, which is shaped complementarily to the first set of teeth 284 and has teeth that are advantageously arranged vertically.
The fourth foot 213 can be inserted, at its second head 286, within the remaining portion of the interspace formed between the two flaps 281a and 281b, with which it is rotatably associated by means of a sixth pivot 288, the first and second sets of teeth meshing with each other.
A fifth foot 220 is rigidly connected to at least one of the two flaps 281a and 281b and protrudes horizontally from them and parallel to the central body 203, on the opposite side with respect to the fourth foot 213, and is arranged approximately coaxially to said foot when the stand 202 is in the closure position; such fifth foot supports a fourth wheel 221, the rotation axis of which approximately coincides with the rotation axis of the third wheel 214, when the fourth foot 213 is in the closure position.
An arm 246 is rotatably associated, by means of a hinge 289, with the central body 203 and supports a supporting base 244, which when the stand 202 is in the closure position is arranged at right angles to the central body 203.
A fifth lever 290 protrudes horizontally from the arm 246 and is rotatably associated, at its free end, with an end of a sixth lever 291, which in turn is rotatably associated, at its opposite end, with the fourth foot 213.
In the closure position of the folding stand 202, the fourth foot 213 is arranged parallel to the second wing of the central body 203 and the second foot 208 is arranged approximately at right angles thereto.
In another embodiment, in the multifunction device 301 according to the invention, the selector 365 for locking the ironing board 328 in the two closure and active positions is constituted by a preferably cylindrical sleeve 392, which has at one of its ends a face 392a that is inclined by a chosen angle with respect to a plane that lies transversely to a longitudinal axis thereof.
A cylindrical through guide 393 is formed axially with respect to said sleeve, and a seventh cylindrical pivot 395 can slide inside it in contrast with an elastically deformable element 394, which is constituted for example by a spring; said seventh pivot advantageously has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the guide 393, so that it can perform an axial translational motion and rotate inside it.
A first end 395a of the seventh pivot 395 protrudes from the guide 393 at the inclined face 392a of the sleeve 392.
A handle 395b is rigidly coupled to the seventh pivot 395 at the first end 395a, protrudes approximately at right angles from said seventh pivot, and abuts along part of its lateral surface against the inclined face 392a of the sleeve 392.
The sleeve 392 is inserted within a through hole formed in the guiding body 330, which is arranged approximately horizontally and at right angles to the ironing board 328 and is nondetachably coupled to said guiding body, with its inclined face 392a directed away from the ironing board 328.
In this manner, the guide 393 passes through the guiding element 330, so that the seventh pivot 395 can protrude from the guiding element toward the ironing board 328 at its second end 395c, which lies opposite the one that supports the handle 395b.
A receptacle 396, preferably having a circular cross-section, for detachably accommodating the second end 395c of the seventh pivot 395 is formed advantageously on the supporting framework 332 at the guide 393 when the ironing board 328 is arranged horizontally.
In another embodiment, the multifunction device 401 according to the invention has a second horizontal support 448 that is pivoted at the rear edge of the ironing board 428 and is connected proximate to its free end to the guiding body 430 by means of a seventh lever 497, which is rotatably associated, at its opposite ends, with the second horizontal support and the guiding body.
Conveniently, a sleeve ironing accessory 443 may protrude upward at the free end of the second horizontal support 448.
The operation of the multifunction device 1 according to the invention entails that in the closure configuration shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, which can be provided when the device is not used for ironing, the stand 2 is fully folded, the second and third feet being arranged parallel to the first foot 4, the fourth foot 13 being arranged parallel and contiguous to the central body 3, so as to also provide a stable support for said multifunction device.
In this condition, the ironing board 28 is arranged vertically, while the second pole 47 is partially retracted inside the first pole 27, so that the second horizontal support 48, for supporting the ironing means, as well as the bar 49a of the clothes stand 49, are laterally adjacent to the ironing board, just above the supporting element 40 and proximate to the suction and blower unit 41.
The device according to the invention, in this configuration, can be transported easily, since the third wheel 14 and the fourth wheel 21 are arranged on the same side of the stand 2 and can rotate about parallel axes of rotation, so that it is sufficient to make the device turn slightly about the axis of said third and fourth wheels in order to raise the first and second wheels from the ground.
The device 1 thus inclined can therefore be moved easily, thanks to the rotation of the third and fourth wheels.
If the first and second rotating units are installed at the ends of the fourth and fifth feet, the device can also easily cope with steps and stairs, thanks to the rotation of said rotating units, which allows the presence of at least one wheel on each one of two consecutive steps.
Connection and coupling cables, which are part of cleaning and/or ironing means arranged on the supporting base 44, can be wound around the first and second cable tensioning elements, which are provided on the second tab 30b of the guiding body 30.
The multifunction device 1 can be opened by acting on any one of the second, third or fourth feet, since the opening mechanism 15 determines uniquely the mutual positions that can be assumed by the feet, so that the action applied to one of them is transmitted to the other two.
This opening mechanism is sized so that in the fully open position the stand 2 has the fourth foot 13 at right angles to the central body 3, while the second foot 8 and the third foot 9 are each rotated through an angle comprised between approximately 40° and approximately 60° with respect to the first foot 4, orientating their respective free ends toward the outside of the stand 2.
During the maneuver for opening the stand 2, the first wheel 10, the second wheel 11 and the third wheel 14, which are pivoted respectively to the free ends of the second foot 8, of the third foot 9 and of the fourth foot 13, allow their easy rotation about the respective points for pivoting to the central body 3, avoiding their sliding on the ground.
If the folding stand is provided according to the embodiment 202, a rotation imparted to the fourth foot 213 about the sixth pivot 288 so as to move the free end away from the central body 203 causes, by the action of the second set of teeth on the first set of teeth, which mutually mesh, a rotation of the second foot 208 about the fifth pivot 285.
If the direction of rotation of the fourth foot 213 is clockwise, the direction of rotation of the second foot 208 is counterclockwise and in any case matches the direction in which the folding stand 202 opens, and vice versa.
Likewise, a rotation imparted to the second foot 208 causes a rotation of the fourth foot 213, again in the direction in which the stand 202 opens.
The rotation of the fourth foot 213 simultaneously causes, by means of the fifth and sixth levers 290 and 291, a rotation of the arm 246 and of the supporting base 244, which accordingly, when the stand is in the fully open position, lies approximately parallel to the central body 203.
Accordingly, the ironing board 28 can be arranged easily in the horizontal position by rotating it through approximately 90° about the first pivot 31 of the pivoting means 29, while the second spring 37 of the position locking means 36 determines its height from the ground.
If the device comprises a selector 365 provided according to the embodiment 301, in order to turn the ironing board it is necessary to disengage it by rotating the handle 395b, which by abutting against the inclined face 392a of the sleeve 392 forces an axial translational motion of the seventh pivot 395 away from the ironing board; the seventh pivot 395 thus retracts from the seat 396, leaving the ironing board free to rotate.
The ironing board is locked by applying to the handle 395b an identical and opposite rotation, so that the seventh pivot 395 can engage the receptacle 396, preventing any rotation of the ironing board.
If the position locking means 136, described with reference to the second embodiment of the invention, are installed in the device 1, the height of the ironing board from the ground is adjusted by forcing, by means of the crank 159, a rotation of the sprocket 156, the second teeth of which, by entering the slots 155 formed in the first pole, or by meshing with the first teeth of the rack, force a vertical translational motion of said ironing board.
Once the intended position has been reached, the sprocket can be locked by acting on the sixth lever 160, so that the ironing board does not fall due to its own weight.
The second pole 47 can then be extracted telescopically in an upper region from the first pole 27 and can be arranged at the intended height so that the second horizontal support 48 for an ironing means is arranged in the most comfortable position for the user, like the clothes stand 49, optionally by rotating about the second pole 47.
The second pole 47 is long enough to allow, in the position of maximum extraction from the first pole 27, to arrange the second horizontal support and the ironing means supported by said support beyond the reach of children, so as to reduce the risk of domestic accidents.
When the second pole 47 is instead completely retracted within the first pole 27, the clothes stand 49 advantageously can be used as a support, which is arranged approximately at the same height as the ironing board, in order to facilitate the ironing of large items, such as sheets or curtains, which are thus supported also outside the surface of said ironing board.
The second horizontal support 48 can be disengaged from the second pole, for example by sliding it off the end of said second pole after removing the clothes stand 49, in order to be positioned at the second end 42b of the support 42, with respect to which it can rotate, if said arrangement is more convenient to the user.
If the multifunction device comprises the embodiment 401, the second horizontal support 448 retains its horizontal arrangement even when the ironing board is turned and moved into a vertical position, thanks to the presence of the seventh lever 497, which supports its free end, thus ensuring the stability of the accessories arranged on it.
The sleeve ironing accessory is equally adjustable by means of a rotation about the first end 42a of the support 42 and can be positioned at the upper surface of the ironing board if it is necessary to use it, and can be rotated so that it lies parallel to the base of the ironing board and outside it if a larger ironing surface and greater freedom of movement are needed.
A conventional ironing and cleaning means 61 can be arranged on the supporting base 44 and can be constituted for example by a pressurized boiler for generating steam and by an aspirator for liquids and dust, which can be stored in two separate tanks that can be emptied.
The steam generated by said boiler can be used to supply steam ironing means in combination with the suction and blower unit provided below the ironing board, so as to allow high-quality and very easy ironing.
In addition to the supporting functions for ironing means described so far, the multifunction device 1 allows a use that is aimed at home or professional cleaning, by associating with the cleaning and ironing means 61 the cleaning accessories arranged on the first vertical support 22.
In this manner, it is possible to use the multifunction device 1 when performing steam cleaning and aspirating liquids or dust, even from items of clothing.
The configuration described so far of the multifunction device according to the invention further allows a plurality of users to use simultaneously the cleaning and ironing means that it supports, in order to perform simultaneously ironing and cleaning operations, thus ensuring a very high productivity.
It has thus been found that the invention has achieved the intended aim and objects, a multifunction device particularly for cleaning and ironing means having been devised which allows the user to have various ironing and cleaning means available quickly and easily.
Another object that is achieved by the invention is to allow easy cleaning and ironing, further allowing quick and easy changing of the type of operation.
Another object that is achieved is to allow quick and easy storage of the multifunction device in the inactive condition, so as to occupy a very limited space.
Another object that is achieved is to ensure very easy transport of the ironing and cleaning means even in the presence of obstacles such as stairs.
Another object that has been achieved is the possibility for a plurality of users to use simultaneously the device according to the invention, allowing to achieve high efficiency.
The materials used, as well as the dimensions that constitute the individual components of the invention, may of course be more pertinent according to specific requirements.
The various means for performing certain different functions need not certainly coexist only in the illustrated embodiment but can be present per se in many embodiments, including ones that are not illustrated.
The characteristics indicated as advantageous, convenient or the like can also be omitted or be replaced with equivalents.
The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. TV2003A000164 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A multifunction device particularly for cleaning and ironing means, characterized in that it comprises a wheel-mounted folding stand, with which a first vertical support for cleaning accessories is associated, and from which a first pole protrudes, an ironing board being rotatably connected to said first pole, said board being provided with means for locking its position, and a supporting base for cleaning and/or ironing means, a second pole being associated telescopically with said first pole, a second horizontal support for an ironing means and at least one clothes stand being associated rotatably with said second pole.
The multifunction device according to claim 1, characterized in that said folding stand comprises a substantially tubular central body, at right angles to which a first foot protrudes, said first foot being arranged approximately proximate to the central region of said central body, being substantially tubular and supporting, at a free end, a closure plug, preferably made of plastics, which is preferably eccentric with respect to said first foot.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a containment body protrudes from said central body at right angles to the plane on which said central body and said first foot are arranged and in an approximately central position with respect to said central body, a first cavity being formed inside said containment body and being approximately equal in shape to said first preferably cylindrical pole.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that said folding stand comprises a second foot and a third foot, which are preferably tubular and are rotatably associated, at one of their ends, with said central body, respectively at a first end and at a second end of said central body, said first and second feet being coupled so as to rotate on the same plane on which said central body and said first foot also lie.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that said second and third feet support, at one of their ends that lies opposite the end connected to said central body, respectively a first wheel and a second wheel, the rotation axes of said first and second wheels coinciding respectively with the axes of said second and third feet.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that said folding stand comprises a connecting element, which is pivoted to said central body in an approximately intermediate position between said containment body and said first end of said central body, a fourth foot being rigidly coupled to one end of said connecting element, said fourth foot being tubular and supporting, at a free end, a third wheel, which is made of plastics and whose rotation axis coincides with the rotation axis of said fourth foot.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 6, characterized in that said end of said connecting element that supports said fourth foot protrudes outside said central body on the opposite side with respect to the side on which said first foot is provided, said fourth foot rotating on the same plane that contains said first, second and third feet and said central body, allowing said fourth foot to pass from a first position, in which it is arranged parallel to said central body and adjacent thereto, to a second position, in which said fourth foot is arranged at right angles to said central body and proximate to said first end of said central body, and vice versa.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 7, characterized in that said folding stand comprises a fifth foot, which is rigidly connected to said central body proximate to said first end of said central body, said fifth foot protruding, parallel to said central body, on the same side on which said fourth foot is provided, and supporting a fourth wheel, the rotation axis of which coincides with the rotation axis of said third wheel, when said fourth foot is in the closure position.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 8, characterized in that said folding stand comprises an opening mechanism, which comprises a first tab provided on said connecting element, said first tab protruding from the pivoting point between said connecting element and said central body until it protrudes from the side of said central body on which said first foot is provided, and below said central body and said first foot.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 9, characterized in that said opening mechanism comprises a linkage, which is pivoted at a first end to a free end of said first tab, and a first lever, which is pivoted to said linkage at a second end of said linkage.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 10, characterized in that said first lever is pivoted, approximately in its central region, below said foot, the point for connection to said linkage defining the position of a first end of said first lever and a second end of said first lever when the connecting element is in the closure position, each on one of the two half-planes divided by a longitudinal axis of said first foot that passes through the pivoting point.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 11, characterized in that said opening mechanism comprises a second lever and a third lever, which are pivoted respectively to said first and second ends of said first lever, said second and third levers being further pivoted in a lower region respectively to said second foot and to said third foot.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 12, characterized in that said second and third levers, by means of the action of said first tab, said linkage and said first lever, arrange said first and second feet parallel to said first foot when said fourth foot is in the closure position, while when said fourth foot is in the open position said second and third levers arrange said second and third feet so that each foot is rotated through an angle comprised between approximately 40° and approximately 60° with respect to said first foot, the free ends of said second and third feet being directed toward the outside of said stand.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 13, characterized in that said first tab, said linkage, and said first, second and third levers are constituted by metal plates.
The multifunction device according to claim 1, characterized in that said folding stand is composed of a central body that is substantially tubular and approximately L-shaped, a first wing of which forms a third substantially tubular foot, a second wheel being rotatably associated with the free end of said third foot.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 15, characterized in that said central body has, at the free end of a second wing thereof, a pair of flaps, which partially protrude approximately at right angles from said central body, are arranged horizontally and are parallel to each other.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 16, characterized in that a containment body protrudes from the central body at right angles to the plane on which said central body and said third foot lie and in an approximately central position with respect to said central body, a first cavity, approximately similar in shape to the first pole, being formed inside said containment body.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 17, characterized in that said folding stand comprises a second foot, which is arranged opposite said central body and is substantially tubular and approximately L-shaped, a first wheel and a ninth wheel being rotatably associated with said second foot, said first wheel being arranged at the articulation of said second foot, said ninth wheel being arranged at a free end of said second foot and being able to rotate about an axis that is oblique with respect to said second foot, said first and ninth wheels being made of plastics.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 18, characterized in that said second foot, at a free end that is arranged opposite the end that supports said ninth wheel, is provided with a first rounded head, on which a first set of teeth is formed, the teeth of said set being arranged vertically.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 18, characterized in that said first rounded head can be inserted in a portion of the interspace that is present between said pair of flaps that protrude from said central body, said second foot being rotatably associated with said pair of flaps by means of a fifth pivot, which is arranged vertically.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 20, characterized in that said folding stand comprises a fourth foot, which is substantially tubular and straight and supports, at a free end, a third wheel, which is made of plastics, said fourth foot having, at an opposite end thereof, a second rounded head, on which a second set of teeth is formed, the teeth of said set being arranged vertically, said set of teeth being shaped complementary with respect to said first set of teeth.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 21, characterized in that said fourth foot can be inserted, at said second head thereof, in a portion of the interspace formed between said pair of flaps, with which it is rotatably associated by means of a sixth pivot, said first and second sets of teeth meshing together.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 22, characterized in that a fifth foot is rigidly connected to at least one of said pair of flaps and protrudes horizontally from them and parallel to said central body, on the opposite side with respect to said fourth foot, and is arranged approximately coaxially to said fourth foot when said stand is in the closure position, said fifth foot supporting a fourth wheel, the rotation axis of which approximately coincides with the axis of said third wheel when said fourth foot is in the closure position.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 23, characterized in that an arm is rotatably associated with said central body by means of a hinge and supports a supporting base, which is arranged at right angles to said central body when said stand is in the closure position.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 24, characterized in that a fifth lever protrudes horizontally from said arm and is rotatably associated, at its free end, with an end of a sixth lever, which in turn is rotatably associated, at an opposite end, with said fourth foot.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 25, characterized in that in the closure position of said folding stand said fourth foot is arranged parallel to said second wing of said central body, said second foot being arranged approximately at right angles to said central body.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first vertical support for cleaning accessories is connected to said third foot, protrudes upward from it and is constituted by a supporting frame, which is preferably formed by means of a bent tubular element, which supports a vertically arranged plate provided with a plurality of slots and of first hooks on both of its faces.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 27, characterized in that said vertical support is enclosed within a box-like element, on one wall of which at least one openable door is formed.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first pole is constituted by a metallic tubular element, the cross-section of which duplicates the cross-section of said first cavity and is internally hollow, and is inserted vertically at one of its ends in said first cavity of said containment body.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said ironing board is rotatably connected to said first pole by way of a pivoting means, in which the fulcrum is arranged approximately halfway along a lateral edge of said ironing board and the rotation axis is parallel to said first foot of said folding stand.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 30, characterized in that said pivoting means is constituted by a guiding body, which is coupled slidingly to said first pole, and has a flat face that is arranged vertically and is directed toward said ironing board, a first pivot protruding from said face, at right angles to said first pole and in the direction of said first foot, said first pivot supporting a supporting framework, which can rotate freely about said first pivot.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 31, characterized in that said supporting framework is composed of an approximately square flat plate, which is parallel to said face of said guiding body, and of two arms, which protrude from said plate toward said ironing board and are adapted to support said board, to which they are rigidly coupled.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 32, characterized in that a curved slot is formed in said plate and a locking element is inserted therein, said element being rigidly coupled to said guiding body and being arranged parallel to said first pivot and able to slide along said slot during plate rotation, the ends of said slot forming two limits for the rotation of said plate, allowing said ironing board to pass from a first position in which said board is arranged vertically, to a second position in which said ironing board is arranged horizontally, and vice versa.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 33, characterized in that it comprises a selector for locking the ironing board in the two closure and active positions, which comprises a rotating element that is approximately circular and is arranged coaxially to said first pivot inside said guiding body, the pivoting point of said rotating element, arranged at its axis, being equidistant, with respect to said guiding body, from two contiguous side walls of said guiding body.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 34, characterized in that said rotating element has a profile constituted, for approximately three quarters, by a first circular arc, the center of which coincides with said pivoting point and the radius of which is slightly shorter than the distance of said pivoting point from said side walls, said first circular arc being delimited, at its ends, respectively by a first abutment and by a second abutment, which protrude approximately radially toward the outside of said rotating element.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 35, characterized in that each one of said first and second abutments has a profile that is composed of a first straight portion, which protrudes substantially radially from said rotating element, and of a second straight portion, which is blended with said first portion and forms an angle of approximately 45° with it.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 36, characterized in that said first and second abutments are arranged so that they are rotated with respect to each other by an approximately right angle and symmetrically with respect to a bisecting line of said angle, said two first portions being approximately perpendicular to each other, said two second portions being mutually parallel.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 37, characterized in that said two second portions are arranged at a mutual distance that is approximately equal to the diameter of said first circular arc, assuming an arrangement that is approximately tangent to two diametrically opposite points arranged on said first circular arc.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 38, characterized in that a first receptacle and a second receptacle are formed, approximately radially with respect to said rotating element, on said second circular arc, which covers approximately 90° and delimits said rotating element together with said first circular arc, said receptacles being contiguous to said first and second abutments, said second circular arc having a larger diameter than said first circular arc, blending with said second receptacle occurring along a curved line.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 39, characterized in that said selector comprises a locking device, which is accommodated in said guiding body and is constituted by a plate, inside which there is a second preferably cylindrical cavity, which is open at one of its ends, said locking device being nondetachably coupled inside said guiding body and being arranged so that the axis of said second cavity is directed radially toward said second rotating element, the open end of said second cavity being arranged proximate to said rotating element.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 40, characterized in that said locking device comprises a first preferably helical spring, which is accommodated within said second cavity, abuts at a first end against the bottom of said second cavity, and acts at a second end thereof on a slider, which can slide within said second cavity.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 41, characterized in that said slider has, in at least one region thereof, a shape that duplicates the shape of said first and second receptacles, which are formed in said rotating element, and can be inserted therein at least partially.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 42, characterized in that said slider can alternately be contained entirely within said second cavity, allowing the rotation of the rotating element, or can occupy, with said at least one region thereof, said first or second receptacles, remaining partially accommodated in said second cavity and locking said rotating element selectively in one of the two positions determined by the arrangement of said first and second receptacles.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 43, characterized in that said selector comprises a fourth lever, which is connected at one of its ends to said slider and is pivoted to said guiding body, and by way of the rotation of which it is possible to impart to said slider an axial sliding motion within said second cavity in contrast with the action applied by said first spring.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 33, characterized in that it comprises a selector for locking the ironing board in the two closure and active positions, said selector being constituted by a sleeve, which has, at one of its ends, a face that is inclined by a chosen angle with respect to a plane that lies transversely to a longitudinal axis thereof.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 45, characterized in that a cylindrical through guide is formed axially with respect to said sleeve, and in that a seventh cylindrical pivot can slide inside said guide in contrast with an elastically deformable element that is constituted by a spring, said seventh pivot having a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of said guide, so as to allow its axial translational motion and rotation inside it.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 46, characterized in that a first end of said seventh pivot protrudes from said guide at said inclined face of said sleeve, a handle being coupled at said first end of said seventh pivot, protruding approximately at right angles from said seventh pivot, and abutting along part of its lateral surface against said inclined face of said sleeve.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 47, characterized in that said sleeve in inserted within a through hole formed in said guiding body, said sleeve being arranged approximately horizontally and at right angles to said ironing board and being nondetachably coupled to said guiding body, so that its inclined face is directed away from said ironing board.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 48, characterized in that said guide passes through said guiding body, said seventh pivot protruding from said guiding body toward said ironing board at a second end thereof, which is opposite to the one that supports said handle.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 49, characterized in that a circular receptacle is formed in said supporting framework at said guide when said ironing board is arranged horizontally, said receptacle being designed to detachably accommodate said second end of said seventh pivot.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second tab, which protrudes laterally and downward with respect to said guiding body and is arranged parallel to said first pole, said second tab supporting a first cable tensioning element and a second cable tensioning element, which are arranged proximate to the opposite ends of said second tab.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 51, characterized in that said position locking means are constituted by a second helical spring, which is arranged coaxially to said first pole, rests in a lower region on a third abutment formed on said first pole and acts in an upper region against a lower face of said guiding body of said pivoting means, a protective element being preferably arranged coaxially to said second spring and externally thereto, and by a fifth locking lever, which acts on said guiding body so as to compress it elastically, making it adhere by friction to said first pole.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 52, characterized in that said first pole preferably has a rectangular or square cross-section, a plurality of mutually parallel slots arranged transversely to said first pole being formed on a face of said first pole, approximately in its upper portion.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 53, characterized in that said first pole preferably has a rectangular or square cross-section, a rack being rigidly coupled on a face of said first pole, approximately in its upper portion, and being provided with a plurality of first teeth, which are mutually parallel, are arranged transversely to said first pole, and are mutually spaced with a constant pitch.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 51 or 1 and 54, characterized in that said locking means comprise a sprocket, the second teeth of which can be coupled to said slots or to said first teeth of said rack, said sprocket being supported by a shaft that is axial thereto and is inserted transversely between a fourth support and a fifth support formed in said guiding body of said pivoting means.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 55, characterized in that it comprises a crank, which is rigidly coupled to one end of said shaft.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 56, characterized in that it comprises a sixth lever, which can slide vertically with respect to said guiding body and has an upper end that can be inserted between two second consecutive teeth of said sprocket, so as to prevent its rotation.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said ironing board supports, on its face that is directed downward in the active position, a supporting element for supporting ironing accessories, said supporting element being provided by means of a narrow metallic profile, which is shaped by bending.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a suction and blower unit, which is associated in a lower region with said ironing board.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a support, which is rigidly coupled to said ironing board proximate to an end thereof, said support being constituted by a U-shaped tubular element and supporting at a first free end a sleeve ironing accessory constituted by an arm that can rotate with respect to said support.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supporting base for cleaning and/or ironing means is composed of a shelf, preferably made of metallic material, which is supported by an arm, a third through cavity being formed at a free end of said arm and internally accommodating said first pole, said arm being associated with said first pole in a region that is delimited upward by said third abutment and downward by said containment body.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 60, characterized in that said supporting base for cleaning and/or ironing means is composed of a shelf which is supported by an arm that is welded to a bush at one of its ends, said bush being arranged coaxially and rotationally with respect to said first pole, said bush being provided with an approximately V-shaped slot, within which there acts a pivot that protrudes radially from said first pole.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 62, characterized in that the ends of said slot are arranged at a relative angular distance of approximately 90°.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second pole has a smaller cross-section than said first pole, is inserted slidingly within said first pole and can be extracted at least partially telescopically from it at the upper end of said first pole.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second horizontal support for an ironing means is rotatably associated with said second pole by means of an engagement body, which can slide and rotate with respect to said second pole and can be disconnected from said second pole and associated with a second end of said support.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 64, characterized in that said second horizontal support for an ironing means is associated with said second pole by means of an engagement body, which can slide with respect to said second pole and to which said second horizontal support can be connected detachably, another separate engagement body being positioned proximate to the sleeve ironing accessory, in order to support said second horizontal support.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a supporting means, which is detachably associated with said second pole so that it can slide and rotate and is constituted by a first bar, which is arranged at right angles to said second pole, and by a third hook, which can slide freely along said first bar.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one clothes stand is constituted by a second bar, which is kept at right angles to said second pole by a supporting body, said supporting body being associable with the top of said second pole, rotatable about the axis of said second pole and extractable therefrom.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 67, characterized in that said at least one clothes stand is constituted by a third undulated bar, which protrudes directly from the top of said second pole.
The multifunction device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first rotating unit and a second rotating unit, which are associated, optionally as a replacement of said third and fourth wheels, respectively with the end of said fourth foot and of said fifth foot.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 70, characterized in that each one of said first and second rotating units comprises a first metal plate and a second metal plate, which have an approximately triangular equilateral shape and are mutually parallel and spaced, a sixth wheel, a seventh wheel and an eighth wheel being inserted in the interspace between said first and second metal plates and being pivoted respectively on a second pivot, a third pivot and a fourth pivot, each of which is arranged at right angles to said first and second plates and joins them at the three comers of each plate.
The multifunction device, particularly for cleaning and ironing means, characterized in that it comprises a folding stand, which is mounted on wheels and with which a first vertical support for cleaning accessories is associated, and from which a first pole protrudes, an ironing board being rotatably connected to said first pole, said board being provided with means for locking its position, and a supporting base for cleaning and/or ironing means, a second pole being associated telescopically with said first pole, at least one clothes stand being rotatably associated with said second pole, a second horizontal support for an ironing means being articulated to said ironing board and to a guiding body, which is slidingly coupled to said first pole.
The multifunction device according to claims 1 and 72, characterized in that said second horizontal support is pivoted at the rear edge of said ironing board and is connected, proximate to one of its free ends, to said guiding body by means of a seventh lever, which is rotationally associated at its ends that are opposite to said second horizontal support and said guiding body, a sleeve ironing accessory protruding upward proximate to the free end of said second horizontal support.