GB598199A - Improvements in or relating to electric steaming irons - Google Patents

Abstract

598,199. Electric steaming irons. KISTNER, M. M. June 23, 1945, No. 16073. Convention date, June 5, 1940. [Class 138 (ii)] A steam-electric iron comprises an ironing plate, a heating means united therewith and projecting above the surface of the plate or means secured to the plate providing steam flow passages. The base of the iron is formed of an aluminium die casting and is divided by a transverse wall 29 into a nose portion and heel portion. Cast integrally therein' is a heating element 36, Fig. 8, surrounded by an insulating sheath 37 and a metal sheath 38. The element extends to the nose of the iron from terminals 72 at the heel as shown by dotted lines 40, 41 in Fig. 4. A steamgenerating zone 43, 48 is cast in the base, the contours of which generally conform with the shape of the element, the wall of metal surrounding the latter being thin to allow rapid heat transference. Steam generated by the iron communicates with the atmosphere through channels 57, 55, 63, 64, chambers 58, 59 and small bores 62. The channels are completed by a sealing plate 31. The heating element is controlled by a thermostat 74 adjustable by a pointer 78. A water reservoir is provided in the body 21 of the iron which comprises a metal shell 79, the bottom 82 of which is spaced from the base of the iron to reduce conduction of heat therefrom. The body is connected to the heel of the iron base by screws 93 and to the front end by a ring 98 secured to a nipple 94 by a valve member 100, the nipple being screwed into the base. The iron handle 104 is secured to the reservoir by screws 107 at the rear and a bush 110 and nut 111 at the front. A valve 103, operable by a thumb-ring 122 in the handle 104 adjusts a needle 102 relatively to a port 101, the valve member 100 thus regulating the rate of flow of water to the steam generating zone 43. The reservoir is filled by pouring water through a passage 124 in the valve stem 103, air from the reservoir escaping through an outlet 129. such outlet limiting the level of water in the reservoir. When up-ended the iron rests on its heel 90 and a rib 132, in which position the water level falls beneath the valve 100, and a ball 127 within the valve stem prevents the escape of the water by seating against a shoulder 128. When used as a dry iron, the valve is closed and when used as a steam iron the thumb-ring 122 is set in correspondence with the setting of the thermostat pointer 78, Fig. 2.