GB1444656A - Electric iron - Google Patents

Abstract

1444656 Steam irons SCM CORP 24 May 1974 [25 May 1973] 23428/74 Heading D1A An electrical pressing iron 10 Fig. 1 has a sole plate 11 with steam ports, a steam generating chamber communicating with said steam ports, a spray nozzle 24, a valve means with two outlets, the valve means being bi-stable for allowing only one of the outlets to be open at a time one outlet communicating via a tube 23 with said spray nozzle and the other outlet communicating via a tube 22 with said steam generating chamber, (for hi-speed steam) a reservoir, a pump with an inlet communicating with said valve, and pump actuation means viz a button 20 for operating said pump and for selecting said one of said valve's stable states. The pump and valve mechanisms are in a single housing 19. Up and down movement of the button 20 actuates a pump piston 34 Fig. 2 which is sealed by an O-ring 35 against a pump housing 30. The valve operated by a head 38 worked by the pump button comprises a valve member or rocker 70 which can close either valve seat 41, 42 according to the setting of the button 20. Non-return valves are provided in the pipes to and from the pump. The first of these is in the spray nozzle which includes a cap valve 53 of elastomeric material permitting water to flow out of the nozzle. A second valve 26 is mounted on the end of the tube 22 leading into the steam generator chamber. This comprises bores 60, 62 of differing diameter, separated by a slit diaphragm 61. A third valve 25 includes a spiral wire 88 Fig. 2 surrounding the valve housing 80 to prevent debris entering the valve. Alternatively standard filters and non return valves can be used throughout. The iron provides for dry ironing or constant steam, selected by a switch 15, and atomized spray or hi-speed steam ironing, selected by the button 20.