GB691661A - Improvements relating to irons - Google Patents

Abstract

691,661. Hand irons. HOOVER, Ltd. Nov. 6, 1951. [Nov. 13, 1950] No. 25962/51. Class 138 (ii). A counter-weight 31 is movable relative to a pivotally-mounted iron-supporting strut 20, from a position in which it biases the strut to a retracted position, to a position in which it allows the strut to move to its extended position. In the construction shown in Fig. 1, the counterweight in the form of a ball 31, can roll in a raceway formed by a tube 26 which is slotted at 27 for the reception of a nose-portion 24 of the strut 20. The ball has a wedging action between the nose 24 and the side of the tube 26 and its weight more than counter balances the weight of the strut 20 acting on the right hand side of the pivot. On tilting the iron about its end 18 (which is spaced above the level of the sole plate), the ball 31 rolls to the other end of the tube 26 to allow the strut to extend by gravity. The strut is retracted by pushing the iron forward about the end of the strut in contact with the ironing surface. In the construction shown in Fig. 5, the raceway 26 is carried by the portion 24 of the strut 20. Normally the ball 31 lies at the forward end of the raceway, but when the iron is tilted backwards, it rolls to the rear end and extends the strut 20 as shown. The strut 20 may comprise a double strut operating in a pair of slots. It may be supported on either side of the soleplate. The counterweight may be a roller.