GB2464464A

GB2464464A - Control and display arrangement for iron

Info

Publication number: GB2464464A
Application number: GB0818812A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ralph Adkins
Original assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Current assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Priority date: 2008-10-14
Filing date: 2008-10-14
Publication date: 2010-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-14
Also published as: GB2464464B; GB0818812D0

Abstract

A steam iron comprising a body, a handle 301, a heated sole plate and performance controlling means 107, 108. The body encloses a reservoir having a reservoir inlet, and maintaining the heated sole plate on its underside, the handle 301 being connected to, or integral with, the body and including a handle inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir inlet. There is a lid 303 hinged about the handle 301 for releasably covering the handle inlet, wherein the performance controlling means 107, 108 are located in a substantially frontal area of the handle 301. There may be LED or LCD display means 302 which may be mounted on the lid 303. There is an independent claim to the hinged lid itself.

Description

IMPROVED CONTROL AND DISPLAY ARRANGEMENT FOR IRON

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to irons. The invention is applicable to hand irons of the steam iron type.

Background to the Invention

Fabric irons typically comprise a handle connected to, or integral with, an iron main body, to which a heated sole plate is secured. Modern fabric irons include a variety of means for controlling iron performance, typically in the form of dials, switches and/or buttons, and which are located on a combination of the handle and the main body of the iron.

Hand operable controls which are likely to be required at any time during an ironing session, for instance to release a punctual jet of steam or spray of water, tend to be located on top of the handle for facilitated and immediate access by the user. Performance controlling means, which are likely to be required more infrequently, for instance to select the temperature of the heated sole plate when ironing different garments having different material properties, tend to be located on the body underneath the handle, which usually benefits from more surface available for implementing dials and controls.

This conventional configuration exhibits several drawbacks. The implementation of any performance controlling means on the main body of the iron requires at least a corresponding underlying structure or architecture for mounting same to the body and connecting same to the iron steam and temperature mechanisms: this underlying structure or architecture encroaches upon the overall volume, which is available within the main body to house the water reservoir.

Since a handle is by definition required to accommodate a user's hand for holding and guiding the iron in use, only a limited amount of surface is ever available for the implementation of performance controlling means, whereby dials and controls have traditionally been implemented on the more expansive main body.

However, the location of some of the performance controlling means between the handle and the main body often results in the involuntary actuation of the dials and/or controls by a user during an ironing session, which -at best -may result in an unnecessary additional consumption of energy for a higher heat or steam setting and at worst may result in permanently damaging the garment through excessive heat and/or steam for the garment material at hand: since the controlling means for setting the more permanent' performance of an iron are usually located between the handle and the body, and therefore away from a user's line of sight during use, the user has scant chances of realising the incorrect setting during use, until it is too late.

Referring to Figure 1 herein, a conventional iron 100 is shown, which comprises a handle 101, a main body 102 and a sole plate 103. In the example, handle 101 and main body 102 are moulded to form a single unit, to the extent that handle 101 is integral with main body 102. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that this particular configuration is not indispensable to work the present invention and that handle 101 could be affixed to main body 102 with a wide variety of fastening means or a push fit arrangement.

Iron 100 is a steam iron and its body 102 comprises an external wall and at least one internal wall defining a hollow cavity extending between handle 101 and sole plate 103. The hollow cavity is of a sufficient size to accommodate a plurality of internal components (not shown) including electrical components such as printed circuit boards (PCB5), a thermostat, electrical wiring and one or a plurality of water storage tanks (not shown) for storing a fluid such a water, capable of being heated into steam by fluid heating means. The handle or the body therefore usually features a reservoir inlet, which may or may not be covered by a lid 104. In this example, the lid 104 is hinged about the handle for releasably covering the reservoir inlet.

Iron 100 includes a variety of means for controlling iron performance, the number and extent of which varies in dependence on the iron feature set. For the purpose of not unnecessarily obscuring the present description, only the more common types of iron performance controlling means will be described herein and, in the example, take the form of a dial 105, a switch 106 and buttons 107, 108. Switch 106 and buttons 107, 108 are performance controlling means likely to be required at any time during an ironing session, wherein switch 106 is a steam release selector, button 107 is a steam release actuator for releasing a punctual jet of steam, and button 108 is a spray release actuator for releasing a punctual spray of water, whereby they are located on top of the handle 101 for facilitated and immediate access by a user. Dial 105 is a performance controlling means used more infrequently, and is a sole plate temperature selector for selecting the operating temperature of the heated sole plate 103 when ironing different garments having different material properties, whereby it is located on the body 102 underneath the handle 101.

The implementation of the dial 105 requires at least a corresponding underlying structure and mechanism, which diminishes the overall volume available within the main body 102 to house the reservoir and the fluid heating means. Moreover, only a limited amount 109 of surface is available for the implementation of performance controlling means 106, 107, 108 on the handle 101. Furthermore, the location of the dial 105 between the handle 101 and the main body 102 may result in its involuntary actuation during an ironing session, by the fingers of a user's hand wound around the handle.

Specific embodiments presented herein aim to provide a fabric iron having performance controlling means, which at least remedy some of the drawbacks outlined above.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, there is provided a steam iron comprising a body, a handle, an heated sole plate and performance controlling means; the body enclosing a reservoir having a reservoir inlet, and maintaining the heated sole plate on its underside; the handle being connected to, or integral with, the body and including a handle inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir inlet, and a lid hinged about the handle for releasably covering the handle inlet; wherein the performance controlling means are located in a substantially frontal area of the handle. The location of the performance controlling means solely on the handle advantageously prevents any accidental actuation of performance controlling means on the body.

The lid is preferably located in a substantially frontal area of the handle.

This configuration advantageously increases the handle surface area available for manhandling the iron in use.

The performance controlling means may be located on the lid, such that less of the overall surface of the iron and its handle is required, for providing the user with means for controlling the iron's performance.

The handle preferably comprises performance settings indicating means, for indicating performance settings to a user. The performance settings indicating means may be suitable for providing an audible indication, or a visible indication, or both. The performance settings indicating means may take the form of a display unit, which may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit. Alternatively, This display unit may comprise one or more light -emitting diodes (LEDs).

Advantageously, the display unit may be located on the lid, such that still less of the overall surface of the iron and its handle is required, for providing the user with an indication of the iron's performance settings.

Preferably, both the display unit and the performance controlling means are located on the lid, leaving most of the overall surface of the handle and body free from any functional features. This configuration advantageously maximises the handle surface area available for manhandling the iron in use and minimises the risk of any accidental actuation of performance controlling means on the body.

The performance controlling means may be selected from the group comprising a heated sole plate temperature selector, a steam release selector, a steam release actuator and a fluid spray release actuator.

The performance controHing means is preferably encased in a waterproof resilient material, which may for instance be thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or other like waterproof membrane. The waterproof characteristic prevents any damage that may result from an accidental spill of fluid at the time of filling the iron reservoir. The resilient characteristic advantageously permits forming of the performance controlling means as a single part, for instance a membrane -like part.

The iron may further comprise a resting member for resting the steam iron off the heated sole plate when in use, wherein the resting member is located at a is substantially rearward area of the handle. The longitudinal axis of the resting member preferably forms an angle comprised between 45 and 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the heated sole plate. The resting member is preferably integral with the handle, to improve the rigidity of the handle and resting member assembly.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a lid for an inlet of a steam iron, the lid being hinged about the steam iron for releasably covering the inlet, the lid having an outer surface upon which steam iron performance controlling means are located.

The performance controlling means are preferably selected from the group comprising a sole plate temperature selector, a steam release selector, a steam release actuator and a fluid spray release actuator. The performance controlling means may further comprises performance settings indicating means, for indicating performance settings to a user. The performance settings indicating means may be suitable for providing an audible indication, or a visible indication, or both. The performance settings indicating means may take the form of a display unit, which may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit. Alternatively, This display unit may comprise one or more light -emitting diodes (LEDs).

With reference to Figure 1, steam irons usually include means for temporarily setting the iron 100 down during use, traditionally standing on its end, without the hot sole plate 103 touching anything that could be damaged. The implementation of such means is known to include the flattening of the rear portion, relative to the direction of forward travel of the sole plate, of both the body 102 and the handle 101 along a common plane, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sole plate 103.

The performance controlling means may advantageously be encased in a waterproof resilient material. The material may be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a steam iron comprising performance

controlling means according to the prior art;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of a steam iron according to a first specific embodiment, having a releasable lid in a closed position; Figure 3 is an isometric view of a steam iron according to a second specific embodiment, having a releasable lid in a closed position; Figure 4 is an isometric view of a steam iron according to a third specific embodiment, having a releasable lid in a closed position; Figure 5 is an isometric view of a steam iron according to a fourth specific embodiment, having a releasable lid in a closed position; Figure 6 is a section view of the steam iron of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a close up view of the lid shown in any of Figures 2 to 6, in an open position; and Figure 8 is an isometric view of a steam iron according to a further specific embodiment, having a resting member.

Specific Description

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

The above drawbacks are remedied in a first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, in which all of the performance controlling means 105, 106, 107, 108 are located in a substantially frontal area of the handle 201. Handle 201 comprises a elongate member of sufficient length and thickness to be grasped by the fingers and hand of a user. Steam release selector switch 106 and sole plate temperature selector dial 105 are implemented in a common user input interface 202, which combines the respective functions of the two distinct performance controlling means 105, 106, by way of performance type input means 203 and performance value input means 204.

Performance type input means 203 permits a user to select between at least two performance types of the iron 100, in the example between steam release and sole plate temperature. Upon effecting a performance type input, performance value input means 204 then permits a user to vary the performance value for the performance type, in the example the release of more or less steam, or an increase or decrease in the sole plate temperature.

The user input interface 202 may usefully incorporate input indication means, to confirm the effective actuation of any of performance type input means 203 or performance value input means 204 to a user, when in use. Such input indication means may provide an audible indication, for instance by way of one or more tones emitted through a speaker device (not shown) connected to the interface 202 upon actuation of any of performance type input means 203 or performance value input means 204. Alternatively, or additionally, such input indication means may provide a visible indication, for instance by way of a light -emitting lamp or diode or by way of a display device.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3, in which the interface 202 on handle 301 comprises input indication means in the form of a display device 302 implemented on the articulated lid 303. Display device 302 is configured for displaying data representative of iron performance type and value selections corresponding to the interaction of a user with the performance input means 203,204.

Referring to Figure 4 herein, there is shown a third iron according to a third specific embodiment, in which the interface 202 on handle 401 comprises a performance type input means 203, performance value input means 204 and display device 302, all of which are implemented on the articulated lid 402. In Figures 3 and 4, the display device 302 is an LCD screen, which may optionally be backlit for improving user readability of the screen in use. However, it will be readily understood by a person skilled in the art that display device 302 may instead be implemented with one or more light -emitting diodes (LEDs).

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a fourth iron according to a fourth specific embodiment. Lid 501 includes a display device 302, which displays the performance type selection input with button 203 via an array of LEDs 502 individually associated with an iconic representation 503 of the performance type.

The display device 302 may also display the performance value selection, e.g. the sole plate temperature setting or the amount of steam setting, via an array of LEDs 504 individually associated with an iconic representation 505 of a range extending between lowest and highest values thereof.

Figure 6 is a section view of the steam iron of Figure 4, detailing the internal components thereof and the internal configuration of lid 402 which incorporates the performance controlling means 203, 204. Handle 402 comprises an elongate member of sufficient length and thickness to be grasped by the fingers and hand of a user, and to accommodate several components required to equip the iron with the required functionality. Handle 402 firstly includes a transformer 601 for converting AC current received from a wall AC outlet via a power cord (not shown) into DC current required to power the iron thermostat 602 and other devices described hereinbelow, via a bus 603. The thermostat 602 is fluidly connected with the iron reservoir 604 contained within body 102, for heating fluid supplied therefrom. The thermostat 602 is also fluidly connected with the iron sole plate 103, for providing same with steam. The thermostat 602 is also electrically connected with the iron sole plate 103 for regulating the sole plate temperature.

The reservoir 604 is fluidly connected 605 with a fluid dispenser 606, which is mounted to the front of body 102 or handle 401 and is for punctually dispensing reservoir fluid that has not been heated by thermostat 602. The reservoir 604 is also fluidly connected with a reservoir inlet 607, which is located underneath lid 402 and is accessible for pouring fluid therein by opening lid 402.

Lid 402 is pivotally attached to the handle 401 by a hinge 608, for moving between an open position shown in Figure 7, in which a user may pour fluid in the reservoir 604, and a closed position as depicted in Figures 2 to 5 for preventing fluid escape from the reservoir. Lid 402 is opened by rotation relative to hinge 608.

Lid 402 comprises an outer wall 609, which substantially encloses a volume 610. Outer wall 609 includes at least one aperture 611, which is suitable for occlusion by buttons 203, 204 that are encased in a resilient waterproof material, for instance a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In the example, outer wall 609 includes a second aperture 613, which is suitable for occlusion by a substantially transparent cover 614 located over display 302.

Buttons 203, 204 provide a performance controlling means interface 202 and, in use, are respectively depressed by a user's finger(s) until such time as they contact respective actuators 615 located on a PCB 616, which is itself disposed within volume 610. Display 302 is preferably also mounted on PCB 616, to simplify design and assembly of the lid components. PCB 616 is connected to bus 603 for receiving DC power via hinge 608, which is waterproof and electrically conductive. PCB 616 includes circuitry for reading input from actuators 615 and transmit same as input signals to an electronic controller 617 also connected to bus 603.

Electronic controller 617 comprises a microprocessor and a set of instructions stored in a memory, for instance an EEPROM, wherein the microprocessor is configured by the instructions, in use, to convert the received input signals into outputs commands to relevant internal components of the iron, including those associated with performance controtling means 203, 204, i.e. the steam release means 602, thermostat 602 and fluid release means 606.

Electronic controller 617 is also configured by the instructions, in use, to output display data to the display 302 further to receiving the input signals, wherein the display data is representative of the settings of one or more internal components of the iron.

In the example, controller 617 is remote from lid 402 and signals are transmitted over bus 603, however controller 617 may instead be implemented on PCB 616 itself, to simplify design and assembly of the iron components. In this manner, lid 402 advantageously incorporates performance controlling means 203, 204 and display 302, such that a user can check the iron performance settings at any time during use, as well as update the iron performance settings via interface 202 without interrupting use.

Figure 7 is a close up view of the lid shown in any of Figures 2 to 6 in an open position. In its closed position, lid 701 occupies a volume 702 within handle 703, which is at least equal to itself. When opened, lid 701 reveals a vessel 702 within handle 703, which defines a handle inlet 704 in fluid communication with the reservoir inlet 607.

Handle inlet 704 preferably has an area substantially larger than the area of reservoir inlet 607, to facilitate pouring of fluid therethrough and to prevent accidental spillage of fluid beyond its inner wall 705. The vessel 702 defined and bounded within handle 703 by handle inlet 704, reservoir inlet 607 and inner wall 706 has a substantially frustoconical shape, facilitating the pooling of the fluid being poured therein, before the said fluid progresses into the reservoir through inlet 607 under gravity.

In the above described embodiments, preferably the lid is of a size and shape so as to include all the controls and displays of the iron. Preferably, the size of the hinged lid is large enough to accommodate a display device which has large enough display characters to be easily viewed by a user of the iron in use, without the need to bend over or move closer to the iron. The lid may be designed such that the controls are all operable by the thumb and! or forefinger of a user whilst gripping the handle, without the need to remove the user's hand from the iron.

The controls may comprise two parallel sheets of plastics material having imprinted electrical contacts such that on applying pressure to the sheets, the electrical contacts connect electrically. This arrangement may provide a relatively flat and compact electronic control, operable by applying moderate hand pressure. The controls preferably send signals to an electronic controller within the body of the iron, which controls operational parameters of the iron including sole plate temperature.

The lid may cover a fill aperture which is large enough to accommodate the flow from a domestic tap, without spilling water down the sides of the iron.

Typically, the width of the lid may be of the order 3 to 5 cm.

The display is preferably situated underneath a transparent or translucent lens or window, which is curved to match the overall outer profile of the iron.

With reference to Figure 8, the iron 800 may further comprise a resting member 801 for resting the steam iron off the heated sole plate 802 when in use, wherein the resting member 801 is located at a substantially rearward area of the handle 803. The resting member 801 is preferably integral with the handle 803, although it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that it may be a distinct part, affixed to the handle 803 and/or the body 807 by releasably fastening means. The longitudinal axis 804 of the resting member preferably forms an angle 805 comprised in a range extending between 45 and 90 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis 806 of the heated sole plate 802.

The resting member 801 is preferably V-shaped, having its apex 808 located substantially at handle 803 and extending symmetrically therefrom towards sole plate 802 along its longitudinal axis 804, such that the width 809 of the end portion 810 of resting member 801 opposite apex 808 corresponds to at least the width of body 807.

The resting member 801 preferably comprises two substantially planar surfaces, a first inner surface facing the iron and a second outer surface facing away from the iron, the outer surface forming a resting surface upon which the iron comes to rest on its end in a cantilevered fashion, when the user needs to temporarily set the iron down during use without the hot sole plate touching anything that could be damaged.

The resting member may be coated with, or made of, a material suitable for preserving any surface upon which the iron is set down, for instance a rubber or nylon material, or a derivative thereof. Alternatively, the resting member may be made of the same material as the iron body and/or handle, particularly in the case wherein the resting member is integral with the handle in order to simplify design and assembly of the iron elements, for instance ABS. In this case, the outer surface may usefully include resting feet 811, again made of a material suitable for preserving any surface upon which the iron is set down, for instance a rubber or nylon material, or a derivative thereof.

This configuration removes the previous requirement to flatten the rear portion of the body 807 for implementing means to temporarily set the iron 100 down during use and, advantageously, the portion of iron body 807 corresponding to the part that would have been removed to meet this requirement, provides additional volume to increase the capacity of the internal reservoir.

Embodiments disclosed herein may allow one handed operation of a steam iron, with temperature control and steam surge! steam generation being controllable by a user whilst grasping the iron in one hand, and with controls and displays being positioned towards the front of the iron, so that the temperature controls do not inadvertently become knocked by the users hand, and the temperature inadvertently changed

Claims

Claims 1. A steam iron comprising: a body; a handle; a heated sole plate; and performance controlling means, wherein the body encloses a reservoir having a reservoir inlet, said body maintaining the heated sole plate on its underside; the handle being connected to, or integral with, the body and including a fluid inlet in communication with the reservoir inlet, and a hinged lid for releasably covering the fluid inlet; wherein the performance controlling means are located in a substantially frontal area of the handle.
2. The steam iron according to claim 1, wherein the lid is located in a substantially frontal area of the handle.
3. The steam iron according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the performance controlling means are located on the lid.
4. The steam iron according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle further comprises a display unit.
5. The steam iron according to claim 4, wherein the display unit is a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit.
6. The steam iron according to claim 4, wherein the display unit comprises one or more light -emitting diodes (LEDs).
7. The steam iron according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the display unit is located on the lid.
8. The steam iron according to any preceding claim, wherein the performance controlling means are selected from the group comprising: a sole plate temperature selector; a steam release selector; a steam release actuator; a fluid spray release actuator.
9. The steam iron according to any preceding claim, wherein the performance controlling means is encased in a waterproof resilient material.
10. The steam iron according to claim 9, wherein the material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
11. The steam iron according to any preceding claim, further comprising a resting member for resting the steam iron off the heated sole plate when in use, wherein the resting member is located at a substantially rearward area of the handle.
12. The steam iron according to claim 10, wherein the longitudinal axis of the resting member forms an angle of 45 to 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the heated sole plate.
13. The steam iron according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the resting member is integral with the handle.
14. A lid for an inlet of a steam iron, the lid being hinged about the steam iron for releasably covering the inlet, the lid having an outer surface upon which steam iron performance controlling means are located.
15. The lid according to claim 14, wherein the performance controlling means are selected from the group comprising a sole plate temperature selector, a steam release selector, a steam release actuator, a fluid spray release actuator.
16. The lid according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the performance controlling means is encased in a waterproof resilient material.
17. The lid according to claim 16, wherein the material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
18. The lid according to any preceding claim, further comprising a display unit.
19. The lid according to claim 18, wherein the display unit is a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit.
20. The lid according to claim 18, wherein the display unit comprises one or more light -emitting diodes (LEDs).