GB2416114A

GB2416114A - Combination suitcase and ironing board

Info

Publication number: GB2416114A
Application number: GB0415733A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terrence Luby; James Cameron Rodick
Original assignee: KLENZ Ltd
Current assignee: KLENZ Ltd
Priority date: 2004-07-14
Filing date: 2004-07-14
Publication date: 2006-01-18
Also published as: GB0415733D0

Abstract

A combination suitcase and ironing board 10 comprises a suitcase 12, an ironing board 14 and a support 22 for the ironing board which in use is received by the suitcase and which keeps the ironing board in a spaced-apart relationship to the suitcase. The support may be detachable from the ironing board and/or the suitcase. The suitcase may be provided with stabilising legs (figure 6). The ironing board may be foldable and may be stored on (figure 1) or within (figure 11) the suitcase when not in use.

Description

: - Title: Suitcases

Description:

The present invention relates to suitcases and in particular to a combination suitcase and ironing board.

Clothes transported in a suitcase have a tendency to become creased or rumpled, especially in hot or humid conditions (as are often encountered at holiday destinations). It is therefore sometimes desirable to iron clothes before they are worn to improve personal appearance and/or comfort.

However, when travelling, it is not always possible to find facilities for ironing clothes. Accordingly, travel irons have been developed that are compact and relatively effective, which has made them quite popular amongst the travelling/ holidaying population. However, fairly major problem is that although the traveller may have a travel iron to hand, he/she does not necessarily have access an ironing board. It therefore sometimes becomes necessary to use a bed or a towel spread on the floor as a makeshift ironing board. This solution is uncomfortable for the user, impractical and often results in the clothes becoming dirty.

Where ironing boards are not readily available (i.e. in self-catering accommodation / youth hostels etc.) it is necessary to either peek an ironing board in your luggage or to purchase one at you destination. Neither option is practical, convenient and/or cost-effective.

What is therefore required is a convenient travel ironing board that can accompany the traveller / hohdaymalier without incurring the aforementioned disadvantages. '

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2 . . ':. . :,, The present invention aims to provide a solution to one or more of the above problems.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a combination suitcase and ironing board comprising a suitcase, a support means and an ironing hoard; the suitcase having a relatively rigid body and being adapted, in use, to receive the support means for supporting the ironing board in a spacedapart relationship to the suitcase.

The ironing board is preferably detachable from the support means and/or suitcase. The support means may also be detachable. The ironing board and support means may be foldable and/or collapsible. Additionally or alternatively, the ironing board and/or support means are stowable within or on the body of the suitcase when not in use.

The suitcase of the invention can be of any suitable type, although it must have a relatively rigid body. The body can be made relatively rigid by being manufactured of a relatively rigid material, e.g. plastic. The suitcase may have a flexible body, but be reinforced using, e.g. metal bars, to impart the relative rigidity required by the invention in use.

Preferable features of the suitcase include, wheels or casters to enable it to be pulled along the floor, one or more handles and locking means to prevent unauthorized access to the contents thereof: Further desirable features of a suitcase are known to those of skill in the art.

Preferably, the suitcase has stabilising means associated therewith. The stabilising means preferably comprises one or more feet or legs that extend from the suitcase to el'fectively widen its base, thereby making the suitcase, and hence ironing : l. c. ::: ' ePe: : tl: board, more stable in use. The stabilising means preferably comprises a pair of pul]out legs having adjustable feet thereon adapted to rest on the floor.

The support means of the invention preferably comprises one or more legs.

The legs, where provided, are preferably adapted for engagement with the suitcase and/or ironing board. Where legs are provided, they may comprise relatively rigid elongate members, e.g. wires or poles.

The legs preferably have formations that enable them to be attached/detached from the body or the suitcase and/or ironing board. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the support means comprises a plurality of wire legs having bent ends, I () the bent ends being arranged to push-fit into apertures associated with the body of the suitcase and ironing board. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ends of the legs are bent inwardly or outwardly.

Additionally or alternatively, the support means may comprise telescopic legs.

Where telescopic legs are provided, they may also serve some other purpose, e.g. as a handle for the suitcase when the ironing board is not in use. Where telescopic legs are provided, they are preferably lockable to prevent unintentional adjustment in use. An advantage of using telescopic legs is that spacing of the ironing board relative to the suitcase can be user adjustable.

The ironing board of the invention can be of any suitable type but is preferably; substantially planar; relative rigid; lightweight; and/or padded. A removable cover may be provided. The ironing board preferably has a tapered, rounded or pointed end to facilitate ironing of certain items. A heat resistant pad is preferably provided on which an iron can be placed, when not being used to iron clothes.

. 4 # Preferably, the ironing board is foldable or collapsible such that is can be stowed on or in the suitcase when not in use. A hinge may be provided for that purpose. Additionally or alternatively, the ironing board may be f'onned in more than one piece, the pieces being connectable to one another using clips. The clips, where provided, may comprise tabs or tongues on one piece adapted to engage with complimentary recesses or grooves in an adjacent piece. By this means, the overall size of the ironing board, in particular its length, is not restricted to the size of the suitcase.

The ironing board may simply comprise a sheet of plastic or wood. However, a preferred ironing board construction is as follows: 1) A folding metal frame incorporating a metal plate serving as a heat resistant pad 2) a taut mesh overlying the metal frame. 2) A padded layer overlying the mesh 3) a removable cover overlying the padded layer.

It Is a desirable feature of the invention that the ironing board be lightweight.

This can be achieved by manufacturing it from lightweight materials, e.g. plastics. By reducing the weight of the ironing board to the greatest possible extent, the impact on the overall luggage weight is minimised, thereby reducing the likelihood of incurring excess baggage charges. Thus, the ironing board may be manufactured of polymeric materials, e.g. a plastic frame surrounding a foam or foamed-rubber core, having a lightweight fabric cover thereon.

Clips may be provided on the Ironing board and/or the suitcase for retaining the ironing board and/or support means when not in use. In a possible embodiment of the invention, an insert is provided within the suitcase t'or retaining the ironing board and/or support means. The insert may comprise Connations adapted to engage the ironing board and/or support means. The insert may be fonned integrally with the s 41e c: ll lt.

body of the suitcase. The insert may, however, be removable. in a further possible embodiment of the invention, the insert may be a foam pad having one or more cut outs disposed therein for retaining the ironing board and/or support means.

Where the ironing board and/or support means is stowable within the body of the suitcase, a false bottom may be provided within the suitcase to shield the ironing board and/or support means frown the contents of the suitcase or vice-versa. The false bottom may be removable and/or hingedly connected to the body of the suitcase. The false bottom is preferably padded.

More than one false bottom may be provided, especially where the ironing board is adapted to separate into a plurality of pieces such that each piece may be stowed in different parts of the suitcase.The spaced-apart relationship of the ironing board relative to the suitcase preferably sees the ironing board in an elevated position relative to the suitcase. The spacing is preferably user adjustable for convenience, comfort or personal choice.

A preferred embodiment of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure I shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention with the ironing board stowed; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in use; Figure 3 shows a detail of the construction of the ironing board; Figure 4 shows a side view of the ironing board m a semi-folded position; Figure 5 shows how the height of the ironing board can be adjusted to suit the user; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in use; 6; I: '. 1.t Figure 7 shows how the height of the ironing hoard can be adjusted to suit the user; Figure 8 shows a detail of how the ironing board attaches to the support means; Figure 9 is an end view of the invention; Figure 10 is a f rst perspective view of the inside of the suitcase; Figure 11 is a second perspective view of the inside of the suitcase; and Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a further possible embodiment of the mventon In use.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure I shows a combination suitcase and ironing board 10 comprising a suitcase body 12 and an ironing board 14 shown in a stowed position. The ironing board 14 is stowed in a recess 16 disposed on the outside of the suitcase body 12 and is retained by resilient clip formations 18 that engage therewith. The suitcase has wheels 20, a retractable handle 22, a carrying handle 24, locks 26 and support means engagement means 28. A further retractable handle 23 is also provided to project from the underside of the suitcase 12. This arrangement means that when the suitcase is tilted whilst being pulled by the retractable handle 23, the centre of gravity of the suitcase is moved closer, laterally, to the wheels, thereby reducing the effort required by the user to lifat and/or pull the case.

Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure I m use. The support means, comprising four poles 30 arranged to engage with the support means engagement means 28, is used to support the ironing board 14 in a spacedapart relationship relative to the suitcase 12. As can be seen, the poles 30 have outwardly bent ends than engage with outwardly oriented apertures disposed within the support means 7 2; 2: 2 2, 2 1 1 i, engagement means 28, which are located also on the underside of the ironing board 14, but which are not shown for clarity. The ironing board 14 has a rounded end 32 and a heat resistant pad 34 and is formed m two pieces 14a and 14b hingedly connected to one another.

Figure 3 shows a detail of a preferred ironing board 14 construction. The ironing board 14 is fonned on a metal frame 36 that defines the periphery thereof. A metal sheet 38 is welded to the frame 36 to define a heat resistant pad 34. A taut wire mesh 40 is also affixed to the frame 36 to create an ironing surface. A foam layer 42 is disposed over the mesh 40 to provide padding and a removable cover 44 is provided to protect the ironing board 14.

Figure 4 is a further detail of the ironing board 14 showing it in a semifolded position. The two parts of the ironing board 14a and 14b are hingedly connected to one another using a hinge 46. A plurality of support means engagement means 28 are disposed on the underside thereof for engaging the ends of the legs 30 in use.

The height of the ironing board 14 relative to the suitcase 12 can be adjusted to suit the user as illustrated schematically in Figure 5. By using closely spaced support means engagement means 28, the height of the ironing board 14 can be raised A. However, if more widely spaced support means engagement means 28' are used, then the height of the ironing board] 4 is lowered B. Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention 10 having a pair of retractable handles 22 at opposite ends thereof. The retractable handles 22 can be locked in a desired position using friction by pressing on locking buttons 48. Also shown in Figure 6 are stabilizing means 50 in the forth of slidable retractable legs 52 having resilient feet 54 thereon.

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Figure 7 shows schematically how the height of the ironing board]4 can be raised A by extending the handles 22 and lowered B by retracting them as desired.

Figure 8 shows a detail of the support means engagement means 28 for this embodiment of the invention, which comprises a spring-loaded clip 28 for engaging the handle.

Figure 9 shows an end view of another possible embodiment of the invention whereby the ironing board 14 is intended to be stored inside the body 12 of the suitcase 12. The suitcase 12 has a bulbous Connation 56, which is adapted to receive the ironing board 14 without reducing the capacity of the suitcase 12 itself. As can be seen, by extending the stabilising legs 52, the footprint can be widened from C to D, thereby increasing the stability of invention 10 in use. The stabilising legs 52 can be detachable from the body of the suitcase 12 by the provision of complimentary clips or screw-threaded Connations that enable the stabilising legs 52 to be detached, if desired. Additionally or alternatively, the stabilising legs 52 can be hingedly connected to the body of the suitcase 12.

Figure 10 shows the inside of the suitcase 12 having Connations 56, in the form of resilient clips, disposed therein for retaining the ironing board 14. A hinged false bottom 58 to the suitcase is provided that can fold down E, to prevent the contents of the case (not shown) frown catching on the ironing board 14 Figure 11 is similar to Figure 10, except the resilient Connations have been replaced by a foam pad 60 having a cut-out 62 for retaining the ironing board 62 and a cut-our 64 for retaining a detachable support means.

Finally, Figure 12 shows a yet further possible embodiment of the invention I () whereby the ironing board 14 is supported on telescopic legs. In use, the suitcase 12 is tipped on its side and the legs 66 extended and locked using a locking means 9;2. !. .' I I i.

(not shown). The ironing board is in three pieces Tic, 14d & 14e hingedly 46 connected to one another.

To stow the ironing board 14, the ends 14d & 14e are folded according to arrows F and G and the legs 66 retracted to bring the ironing board 14 into contact with the suitcase body 12. Straps 68 are then used to secure the ironing board 14 against the side of the suitcase 12. An Masticated fabric cover 68 is provided that that folds over the stowed ironing board 14 and clips to the suitcase using press studs 70.

Claims

lo 2;.'. :; .' 1, , Claims: 1. A combination suitcase and ironing board

comprising a suitcase, a support means and an ironing board; the suitcase having a relatively rigid body and being adapted, in use, to receive the support means for supporting the ironing board in a spaced-apart relationship to the suitcase.
2. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ironing board is detachable from the support means and/or suitcase.
3. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the support means is detachable from the suitcase.
4. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the ironing board and/or support means are foldable and/or collapsible.
5. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ironing board and/or support means are stowable within or on the body of the suitcase when not in use.
6. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the suitcase has stabilising means associated therewith.
7. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 6, wherein the stabilising means comprises one or more feet that extend from the suitcase.
8. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 7, wherein the feet are retractable.
9. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 6 or claim 77 wherein the feet are resilient and/or adjustable.

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10. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the support means comprises one or more legs.
11. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 10, wherein the legs comprise relatively rigid elongate members.
12. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 11, wherein the relatively rigid elongate members are wires or poles.
13. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 1(), 11 or 12, wherein the legs have Connations that enable them to be attached/detached from the body or the suitcase and/or ironing board.
14. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in any of claims 10 to ] 3, wherein the support means comprise a plurality of wire legs having bent ends, the bent ends being arranged to push-fit into apertures associated with the body of the suitcase and ironing board.
15. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 10, wherein the support means comprises one or more telescopic legs.
16. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 15, wherein the one or more telescopic legs are lockable to one or more desired positions.
17. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in any of claims I to 16, wherein the spacing of the ironing board relative to the suitcase is adjustable.
18. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the ironing board is foldable or collapsible such that is can be stowed on or in the suitcase when not in use.
19. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claims 18, wherein the ironing board has one or more hinges associated therewith such that it can be folded.

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20. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19 wherein clips are provided on the ironing board and/or the suitcase for retaining the ironing board and/or support means when not in use.
2]. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19 wherein the suitcase has an insert for retaining the ironing board and/or support means.
22. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 21 wherein the insert comprises formations adapted to engage the ironing board and/or support means.

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23. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22 wherein insert is formed integrally with the body of the suitcase.
24. A combination suitcase and Ironing board as claimed in any of claims 21 22 or 23 wherein the insert comprises a foam pad having one or more cut-outs disposed therein for retaining the ironing board and/or support means.
25. A combination suitcase and ironing board as claimed in any of claims 1 to 24 wherein the suitcase is provided with a false bottom to shield the ironing board and/or support means from the contents of the suitcase or vice-versa.
26. A combination suitcase and ironing board substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.