GB599897A - Improvements in or relating to electric steam irons - Google Patents

Abstract

599,897. Electric steaming-irons. WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC INTERNATIONAL CO. Nov. 9, 1945, No. 29964. Convention date, Dec. 5, 1944. [Class 138 (ii)] Means for introducing liquid into the tank 16 of an electric steaming-iron when the latter is up-ended on its heel rest, comprises a tube 60 which has an inlet opening 62 and is movable from a normal position, as shown in Fig. 1, in which the tube and opening are concealed, to a filling position, as shown in Fig. 2, in which the opening is exposed. The iron comprises a sole plate 10, a cover 12 and a handle 14, the tank 16 being disposed in the cover 12. The sole plate 10 is provided with a steam-generating chamber S, steam-flow passages 20, and a plurality of discharge ports 22. The passages 20, which are closed by a cover-plate 24, communicate with a steam dome 30 in the form of a tubular extension at the top of the tank 16 by a tube 34 so as to equalize pressure in the steam passages and tank 16. The opening through which the tube 34 passes in the coverplate 24 is sealed by a gasket 38 and spring- pressed washer 40, and the upper end of the tube 34 has a side opening 48 communicating with the steam dome 30. The tube 34 is secured in position by a screw 52 which passes through the tube into the sole-plate, and also serves to secure the front end of the handle 14 in position by means of a washer 53 engaging a shoulder 55 on the handle. The filling tube 60 is normally located inside the dome 30, being provided with a lug 66 which passes through the top wall of the dome and is detachably secured to the underside of an operating knob 72, which, in the operating position of the iron, forms part of the handle 14. The knob 72 and tube 60 are normally urged to closed position by a spring 82 confined between a bottom flange 64 on the tube and the top wall of the dome 30. During filling, the iron is supported on its heel rest and the knob 72 and tube 60 are pulled outwardly against the spring 82 and then turned slightly to permit a projection 94 on the knob to engage a shoulder 98 on the handle ; in this position, the tube 60 slopes slightly downwardly towards the handle and excess liquid will flow over the handle instead of over the body of the iron. While the tank 16 is being filled, the opening 62 in the tube 60 is below the front end of the tank so as to limit the amount of the liquid which may be introduced. A cupshaped baffle 84 in the tank minimizes splashing of the liquid in the tank and prevents liquid from entering the tube 34 through the steam dome 30 and opening 48 when the iron is in use. The baffle also serves to limit the amount of liquid supplied during filling by providing for the formation of an air pocket in the top of the baffle as the liquid level rises.