GB2124661A

GB2124661A - Ironing board

Info

Publication number: GB2124661A
Application number: GB08221837A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Corbett
Original assignee: Beldray Ltd
Current assignee: Beldray Ltd
Priority date: 1982-07-28
Filing date: 1982-07-28
Publication date: 1984-02-22

Abstract

An ironing board has an iron rest 14 which in an embodiment is slidable between a position in which it overlies an end 10 of the board 12, and in which only a portion of the surface of the board is useable for ironing, and a second position in which it extends beyond the end of the board so that the whole of the length of the board can be used for ironing. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Ironing board This invention relates to ironing boards of the kind comprising a relatively flat "board" which in practice may be a metal pressing provided with padding and with a cover enclosing the padding. The board is supported on folding legs so that it can be stowed in a minimum space by the housewife and erected when required for use.

It is known to provide a rest for the iron at one end of the board so that there is no risk of the cover being scorched when put down between successive ironing operations. The rest may comprise a heat resistant material.

According to the invention the iron rest is adjustable in position relative to the length of the board.

In practice, the dimensions of the board are a compromise. The larger board is particularly useful for ironing large articles such as sheets, tablecloths and the like, but is unnecessary if not positively inconvenient when ironing small articles. Often the board is made with a pointed end and a square end, and the iron rest is provided at the square end whereas the pointed end is used for example in supporting the shoulder portion of a shirt whilst being ironed. If the user is of small stature, and the board is large, it is inconvenient to move the iron the relatively large distance between the two ends of the board, particularly when this is done on a great number of occasions in dealing with a heavy wash.

By using the present invention, the iron rest may be made adjustable along the length of the board so that it can be positioned closer to the pointed end (where provided) and minimise work at that time.

Preferably the iron rest is made adjustable beyond the end of the board. Thus, for example, if a maximum length of 1 metre is considered appropriate for convenience in stowage, a conventional board could only have an effective ironing area of say 85 cm length because the further 15 cm would be required for the iron rest; but by using the invention, the board can have an effective ironing area for the full metre. It will be appreciated that for these purposes the iron rest will be positioned between the ends of the board for stowing but capable of being moved beyond the one end of the board when the whole length of the board is to be used for ironing.

The accompanying drawing is a perspective view of the underside of a board provided with an adjustable rest according to the invention.

The board, of which a portion only is shown in the drawing, has a peripheral framing member 10 secured around a panel 12. The iron rest comprises a base 14 and side walls 16, 18 and is secured to a pair of parallel rod or heavy gauge wire frames including upper portions 20,22 and lower portions 24,26. The latter are engaged in guides 28, 30 secured on the underside of the board. The limbs 24,26 have out-turned ends 32, 34, and the two frames are spanned by a transversely extending part 36.

In the illustrated position, the iron rest forms an extension to the board enabling substantially the whole of the area of the board to be used, Where a smaller area of the board suffices, the iron rest can be displaced in the direction of the arrow A so that it overlies the end portion of the board. Preferably the proportions of the ends 16, 18 of the iron supporting part are such that the heated part of the iron is spaced clear of the board so as to avoid any risk of heat scorch, and the wire or rod-like frames include downturned portions 36 to contact the board surface and prevent the rest coming into contact with the board under the weight of the iron.

CLAIMS (Filed on 30 June 83) 1. An ironing board comprising a relatively flat board supported on folding legs, and having an iron rest adjustable in position relative to the length of the board.

2. An ironing board as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the board has a pointed end and a square end, and the iron rest is provided at the square end.

3. An ironing board as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the iron rest is adjustable beyond the end of the board.

4. An ironing board as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the iron rest includes parts engaged in guides secured on the underside of the board and is slidable between a position forming an extension to the board and a position overlying the end portion of the board.

5. An ironing board substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Ironing board This invention relates to ironing boards of the kind comprising a relatively flat "board" which in practice may be a metal pressing provided with padding and with a cover enclosing the padding. The board is supported on folding legs so that it can be stowed in a minimum space by the housewife and erected when required for use. It is known to provide a rest for the iron at one end of the board so that there is no risk of the cover being scorched when put down between successive ironing operations. The rest may comprise a heat resistant material. According to the invention the iron rest is adjustable in position relative to the length of the board. In practice, the dimensions of the board are a compromise. The larger board is particularly useful for ironing large articles such as sheets, tablecloths and the like, but is unnecessary if not positively inconvenient when ironing small articles. Often the board is made with a pointed end and a square end, and the iron rest is provided at the square end whereas the pointed end is used for example in supporting the shoulder portion of a shirt whilst being ironed. If the user is of small stature, and the board is large, it is inconvenient to move the iron the relatively large distance between the two ends of the board, particularly when this is done on a great number of occasions in dealing with a heavy wash. By using the present invention, the iron rest may be made adjustable along the length of the board so that it can be positioned closer to the pointed end (where provided) and minimise work at that time. Preferably the iron rest is made adjustable beyond the end of the board. Thus, for example, if a maximum length of 1 metre is considered appropriate for convenience in stowage, a conventional board could only have an effective ironing area of say 85 cm length because the further 15 cm would be required for the iron rest; but by using the invention, the board can have an effective ironing area for the full metre. It will be appreciated that for these purposes the iron rest will be positioned between the ends of the board for stowing but capable of being moved beyond the one end of the board when the whole length of the board is to be used for ironing. The accompanying drawing is a perspective view of the underside of a board provided with an adjustable rest according to the invention. The board, of which a portion only is shown in the drawing, has a peripheral framing member 10 secured around a panel 12. The iron rest comprises a base 14 and side walls 16, 18 and is secured to a pair of parallel rod or heavy gauge wire frames including upper portions 20,22 and lower portions 24,26. The latter are engaged in guides 28, 30 secured on the underside of the board. The limbs 24,26 have out-turned ends 32, 34, and the two frames are spanned by a transversely extending part 36. In the illustrated position, the iron rest forms an extension to the board enabling substantially the whole of the area of the board to be used, Where a smaller area of the board suffices, the iron rest can be displaced in the direction of the arrow A so that it overlies the end portion of the board. Preferably the proportions of the ends 16, 18 of the iron supporting part are such that the heated part of the iron is spaced clear of the board so as to avoid any risk of heat scorch, and the wire or rod-like frames include downturned portions 36 to contact the board surface and prevent the rest coming into contact with the board under the weight of the iron. CLAIMS (Filed on 30 June 83)

1. An ironing board comprising a relatively flat board supported on folding legs, and having an iron rest adjustable in position relative to the length of the board.