US2729904A

US2729904A - Hand pressing steam and sprinkling iron

Info

Publication number: US2729904A
Application number: US448306A
Authority: US
Inventors: Maykemper Henry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1954-08-06
Filing date: 1954-08-06
Publication date: 1956-01-10
Anticipated expiration: 1973-01-10

Description

Jan. 10, 1956 H. MAYKEMPER HAND PRESSING STEAM AND SPRINKLING IRON 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 6, 1954 INVENTOR.

Jan. 10, 1956 H. MAYKEMPER HAND PRESSING STEAM AND SPRINKLING IRON 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 6, 1954 \g zzo IN V EN TOR.

United States PatentO HAND PRESSIN G STEAM AND SPRINKLING IRON Henry Maykemper, Eau Claire, Wis. Application August 6, 1954, Serial No. 448,366

14 Claims. (Cl. 38--77) The present invention relates to sadirons, and partic ularly, to an improved electric iron adapted, at the selection of the iron user, for use as acontinuous emission steam iron, a controlled forcible emission steam iron, a sprinkling iron and a dry iron.

In my Patent No. 2,615,265, issued October 28, 1952, I have disclosed a steam iron comprising an electrically heated sole plate, an iron housing including a water tank disposed above the sole plate in insulated relation thereto, and steam generator means disposed in heat conducting relation to the sole plate and extending into the water tank. The steam generator is adapted to conduct a limited amount of heat from the sole plate to the water in the tank, to heat the Water and generate steam in the tank at a gradual but consistent rate, the tank being pressuretight to accommodate the build-up of a few pounds steam pressure. The steam generator also defines an outlet conduit from the tank to the pressing or ironing surface of the sole plate for conducting steam firom the tank to the material being ironed and for superheating the steam during such passage. By emptying the tank of water, the iron is adapted for dry ironing. This iron has proven to be of substantial commercial merit and value. As a second stage in my development, 1 conceived an iron, disclosed in my Patent No. 2,674,( 54, issued April .6, 1954, incorporating, instead of steam generating means, a spray nozzle at the front of the iron communicating with the Water tank, and pump means associated with the tank for effecting discharge of water through the spray nozzle. By this means, accommodation is made for the iron user, at will during ironing, to sprinkle the material being ironedim- ,mediately in the path of movement of the iron, whereby the hot sole plate upon contact with the sprinkled portion of the material generates steam directly in the .tibersof the material. With this iron, :dry ironing can be effected by the user refraining from use of the pump. Realizing that steam ironing is :best for some fabrics and materials, that sprinkling and then ironing is best for other materials, and that dry ironing is .best for still others, I incorporated the features of both of the above developments in a single iron, as is disclosed in my copending application, Serial Number 249,681, .filed October 4, 195,1. Specifically, 1

incorporated in a single iron the spray nozzle and pump of my second development and employed .steamgenerating means in the nature of that provided .in my steam iron, except that the steam generating means is mounted for movement into and out of heat conducting relation with the sole plate. By moving the steam generating means into engagement with the sole plate, the iron :is rendered operable for steam ironing. By moving the steam generating means out of heat conducting relation to the :sole plate, and operating the pump, the iron is rendered operable for sprinkling ironing. And by disposing the steam generating means out of heat conducting relation to the sole plate, and "by refraining from actuation of the pump, the iron is rendered operable for dry ironing.

It is anobject of thepresent invention principally to im prove upon the last above described iron, and-to incorporate in the improved iron further improvements that l have made over the steam iron of my first mentioned patent.

In a further copending application, Serial No. 448,171, filed August 6, 1954, I have improved. upon and economized the steam iron of Patent No. 2,615,265, by substituting improved steam generating means of the flash vaporization type, located in the iron sole plate, for the steam generating and superheating means of the patent. By such means, the necessity for a high heat resistant reservoir is eliminated, whereby as economical as possible a water tank construction isaccommodated. In this respect, I have-further improved upon my patented steam iron by providing an all-plastic housing, water reservoir and handle assembly, preferably a one-piece plastic molding or casting, which affords the advantages of greater economy, better insulation, provision of a handle and housing that are cool to the touch irrespective of heating of the sole plate, and provision of an iron assembly adapted to be colored in a variety of colors to afford an iron of gay and cheerful appearance. Further, I have incorporated improved spacer means in the iron between the sole plate and the water reservoir to insure optimum insulation of the housing and handle assembly from the sole plate. Another improvement relates to the arrangement of the elec tric heating element in the sole plate to concentrate heat about the dash vaporization means to insure etficient operation of said means. The final principal improvement afforded by my last filed application relates to the pro vision of means accommodating substantially instantane ous change from steam ironing-to dry ironing and from dry ironing to steam ironing without the necessity for emptying and refilling, respectively, the water reservoir upon each such change.

Generally, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved steam, sprinkling and dry iron corporating the improvements of my last above identified application.

More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved iron adapted for steam ironing, sprinkling ironing and dry ironing and including means accommodating the substantially instantaneous changeover from one type of ironing to another.

A second object of :the invention is the provision of an improved iron including flash vaporization means, a spray nozzle and a water reservoir, and instantaneously operable control valve means forselectively establishing communi cation between one or the other of said means and said nozzle and the reservoir and for blocking both of said means and said nozzle oil trom the reservoir .to accommodate, selectively, steam ironing, spray or sprinkle ironing and dry ironing.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an improved multiple-purpose iron including a molded plastic housing, water reservoir and handle assembly affording the advantages above enumerated.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of an improved multiple-purpose iron including steam generator means, preferably of the dash vaporization type, and an improved sole plate construction and heating element arrangement so related to said means as to insure efiicient operation of said means.

Distinct and separate from my prior improvements, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved control valve for irons, including improved manually operable valve actuating means of a particularly efficient and practical nature.

In addition to the immediately foregoing, it is a distinctobject of the invention to provide a four-purpose iron afiording not only the capabilities of dry ironing and sprinkling iron, but also aflording two types of steam 3 ironing, namely, continuous emission of steam and controlled forcible emission of steam.

A further distinct object of the invention is the provision of an improved iron selectively accomplishing the four purposes above stated, wherein the four purposes are accomplished by means of a control valve assembly without necessitating equipment over and above that required for a steam and sprinkling two-purpose iron, or a three-purpose iron.

According to the present invention, the above objects are attained by the provision of an iron comprising an electrically heated sole plate, flash vaporization means located in the sole plate, a housing, water reservoir and handle assembly disposed above the sole plate, conduit means establishing communication between the flash vaporization means and the reservoir, a spray nozzle disposed at the forward portion of the iron, conduit means establishing communication between the spray nozzle and the reservoir, air pump means associated with the reservoir to build up a pressure head on the water in the reservoir, and unitary valve means associated with said conduit means. The valve means includes a first port area adapted at one position to establish communication solely between the reservoir and the spray nozzle, at second and third positions to establish communication solely between the reservoir and the flash evaporation means, and at a fourth position to prevent communication between said conduit means and said reservoir.

In the first position of the valve means, operation of the pump results in a pressure head being built up on the water in the reservoir until the pressure is adequate to spray water through the nozzle. In the fourth position, only dry ironing can be effected, regardless of pump actuation. As to the second and third positions, the unitary control valve means includes a second port area associated with the flash vaporization means. In, say, the second position, the ports in the second port area are disposed to establish communication between a drip feed control orifice and the reservoir, whereby contin ous drip feed of water to the flash vaporization means is accommodated to provide a continuous emission of steam for steam ironing. In the third position, the ports in the second port area establish communication solely via a valved conduit between the reservoir and the flash vaporization means. The valve in this conduit is normally held closed by a predetermined springtension and it is necessary to actuate the pump to exert efiicient water pressure on the valve to open the same against the tension of the spring. When the valve is opened, a predetermined charge of water is admitted to the vaporization means to be flashed into steam in relatively large quantity for relatively forcible dispersion into the material being ironed. Whenever the iron user desires forcible steam discharge, it is merely necessary to actuate the pump means. Accordingly then, the third position of the control valve means affords the capability of forcible emission of steam at the control of the iron user. Thus, without increasing the essential components of a threepurpose iron, the present invention affords the advantages of a four-purpose iron.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

Now, in order to acquaint those skilled in the art with the manner of making and using the improved multiple-purpose iron of the invention, I shall describe, in connection with the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention and preferred manners of constructing the same.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts:

Figure 1 is a vertical, longitudinal section of a preferred embodiment of the four-purpose iron of the invention, the view showing the valve means of the iron in the force feed or controlled steam emission position;

Figure 2 is a bottom view, on a reduced scale, of the iron sole plate showing in dotted lines the improved heating element arrangement;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the thermostatic control means and temperature indicating means associated with the iron;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary horizontal section, taken substantially on line 4-4 of Figure 1, showing the valve actuating means in plan and the first port area of the valve means in section, the valve means being disposed in the force feed or controlled steam emission position;

Figure 5 is a horizontal section, taken substantially on line 5-5 of Figure 1, of one level of the second port area of the valve means, the view showing the valve means in controlled steam emission position;

Figure 6 is a horizontal section, taken substantially on line 6-6 of Figure l, at the other level of the second port area of the valve means, the view also showing the valve means in the controlled steam emission position;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary vertical section of the valve means portion of the iron showing the valve means in the spray or sprinkle ironing position;

Figure 8 is a horizontal section, taken substantially on line 8-8 of Figure 7, of the first port area of the valve means, the view showing the valve means in the spray ironing position;

Figures 9 and 10 are sections similar to Figures 5 and 6, respectively, of the valve means at the respective second port area levels, each view showing the valve in the spray ironing position, the views being taken respectively on the lines 99 and 1010 of Figure 7;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing the valve means in the continuous steam emission or drip feed position;

Figures l2, l3 and 14 are views similar to Figures 8, 9 and 10, respectively, the views showing the respective port areas in the drip feed position of the valve, the views being taken, respectively, substantially on lines 1212, 1313 and 1414 of Figure 11;

Figures 15, 16 and 17 are views similar to Figures 8, 9 and 10, respectively, the views showing the respective port areas in the dry ironing position of the valve; and

Figure 18 is a transverse vertical section of a second embodiment of the iron.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Fig ure 1, I have shown a preferred embodiment of a steam iron formed according to the present invention. The iron includes a sole plate 10 having a bore 11 therethrough and a heating element 12 embedded therein. The heating element includes a portion at least substantially encircling the bore 11 and preferably completely encircling the bore by disposition of the heating element in a figure eight configuration, as is shown in dotted lines in Figure 2,"or in any other similar configuration. The heating element 12 is usually circular in cross section, as indicated at 12a in Figure 1, but at the intersecting portions thereof, I form the heating element of semi-circular cross section, as indicated at 12b, to accommodate disposition of the element in the figure eight configuration. Adjacent the rear of the sole plate 10, the opposite free ends of the heating element are turned upwardly to afford exposed terminals 12c adapted for connection to an electric power source.

Above the sole plate 10, there is disposed a housing and handle assembly 14 of improved formation. This assembly is formed entirely of molded or cast plastic in one or more pieces, and preferably comprises a one-piece plastic molding. The assembly 14 includes a housing having a top wall 15, a bottom wall 16 and side walls 37 defining a hollow water reservoir space 18 within the housing. The handle of the assembly is disposed vertically above the longitudinal axis of the housing and reservoir and comprises generally vertical front and rear legs 20 and 21, respectively, and a hand grip portion 22 extending between the legs in spaced relation to the upper en ages surface of the top wall 15. of the housing. The front leg of the housing is formed hollow or with a bore 23 therein extending into the reservoir 18. and comprising a filler opening for the reservoir. The filler opening is closed at the upper end thereof by a cap 24 which includes a fast thread 25, cooperable with projections integral with the assembly 14 and extending into the filler opening, to accommodate ready attachment and removal of the cap 24. A sealing gasketv 26 is provided between opposed inclined surfaces of the cap 24. and. the front leg of the handle to insure pressure-tight sealing of the reservoir. The bottom. wall 16 of the reservoir is provided with a stepped bore or hole 27 therethrough aligned axially with the bore 11 in the sole plate 10. Suitably, the bottom wall. of the housing includes a reenforcing boss 28 about the apertured or bored portion thereof. The side walls 17 of the housing preferably extend downwardly beyond the bottom wall 16 thereof and terminate in a free peripheral edge spaced inwardly of but conforming to the peripheral edge of the sole plate.

The stepped bore 27 in the bottom wall 16 of the reservoir is adapted for the reception therein of a flanged tubular member 29 comprising, as will become apparent hereinafter, a valve housing. The member 29 is sealingly clamped to the housing by means of a nut 30 and includes a portion projecting upwardly into the reservoir 18. The upper portion of the member 29 is provided with diametrically aligned bores 31 and 32 and is adapted for the reception thereover of a general cylindrical or annular member 33 including a radially extending boss portion defining a threaded. socket 34 facing toward the front of the iron within the water reservoir 18. The member 33 is bored at diametrically opposite portions thereof to provide a bore 35 aligned and communicating with the bore 31 in the valve housing 29 and a bore 36 communicating with the bore 32 in the housing 29. Suitably, the

members

29 and 33 are locally recessed, respectively, at the outer and inner peripheries thereof, to assure communica tion between the

bores

31 and 35 and 32 and 36.

The threaded socket 34 is adapted for the reception of an externally threaded tube 37 which projects substantially horizontally forward from the socket, through the forward portion of the side wall 17 of the housing, in sealed and pressure-tight relation to the housing. A valve seat 38 is disposed in the inner end of the tube 37 and includes a valve port aligned with the bore 36 in the member 33. A valve 39 is movably mounted in the tube 37 to cooperate with the valveseat 38 and the same is biased into engagement with the seat 38 by means of a spring 40 confined between the valve 39 and an apertured plug 41 in the tube. A spray nozzle assembly 42 is mounted within the tube. and includes a vertically adjustable dispersion nozzle projecting beyond the end of the tube forwardly of the iron housing. An annular collar 43 threaded on the free outer end of the tube 37 retains the components 38 to 42 in assembled relation within the tube.

Within the front leg 20 of the housing assembly 14, a second bore 44 is provided adapted for the reception therein of an air pump assembly 45 including a pump cylinder 46 sealingly engaged in the bore and opening into the reservoir 18, a pump piston 47 reciprocable in the cylinder 46, an air valve 48 in the piston, a valve seat 49 pinned in the lower end of the cylinder 46, an outlet or safety valve 50 cooperable with the valve seat 49, and a valve biasing spring 51 confined between the valve 50 and an apertured plug 52 secured in the lower end of the cylinder 46. A piston actuating lever 53, in the nature of a bell crank, is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends in. the front leg 20 of the handle above the pump assembly 45 and includes a hand grip portion extending rearwardly beneath the hand grip portion 22 of the iron handle and movable into and out of a recess 54 provided in the lower surface of the iron handle. A connecting rod 55 is pivotally connected at the opposite ends thereof to the piston. 47 and to the inner end of the bell crank 53, whereby oscillation of the crank or lever 53 results in reciprocation of the piston 47,. Preferably, a spring 56 is provided extending between the inner end of the lever 53 and the handle normally to bias and actuate the piston 47 upwardly and the hand grip portion 53 of the lever downwardly, whereby the pump is operable by the iron user merely by squeezing on the hand grip portions of the. iron handle and the lever 53. Preferably, the lever 53 is limited in its movements by portions of the handle, particularly in the direction of downward movement of the hand grip portion to limit spring actuation and to maintain the lever 53 in conveniently reachable position, as seen in Figure 1. As will be appreciated, actuation of the pump results in air under pressure being forced past the valve 50 into the reservoir 18 to build up a pressure head above and on the water in the reservoir. The valve 50 prevents flow of water into the pump and necessitates the creation of adequate air pressure by the pump prior to opening of the valve to insure discharge of air into the reservoir without flow of water into the pump.

In view of the foregoing, it is to be noted that establishment of communication between the

bores

31, 32, 35 and 36 will afford communication between the reservoir 18 and the spray nozzle assembly 42, whereupon creation of a suflicient head on the water in the reservoir by means of the pump 45 to open the spray nozzle valve 39 will result in spraying or sprinkling of Water through the spray nozzle. Once a pressure head has been established on the water just less than that required to open the valve 39, each subsequent stroke of the pump will result in spraying of water. By appropriate adjustment of the dispersion nozzle, a fine spray or mist. of water will be directed onto the portion of the material being ironed immediately in front of the iron, whereby upon engagement of the heated sole plate with the sprinkled area, steam will be generated within the fibers of the material, which is particularly advantageous and! substantially the only practical manner of ironing starched material, linen and the like.

To control communication between the pairs of

bores

31, 35 and 32, 36 and to aiford additional control functions as well, a tubular valve member 57 is rotatably mounted within the valve housing member 29. The valve 57 is rotatably supported in the housing 29 by means of a large threaded stud 58 which is threaded into the upper end of the valve. The head of the stud rotatably rests on top of the valve housing 29 and is of a sufliciently large diameter to overlie the annular portion of the socket member 33 to retain said member on the valve housing. The valve comprises a hollow cylindrical tube extending downwardly through and beyond the housing member 29 and into the bore 11 in the sole plate 10. At the level of the

bores

31 and 32 in the member 29, the valve is provided with a plurality of ports comprising a first port area 59, which is shown in Figures 4, 8, l2 and 15, and which will be described in detail hereinafter. The valve member terminates at the lower end thereof slightly above the pressing or lower surface of the sole plate 10, and being hollow comprises means for conducting water from the Water reservoir to the sole plate in a manner to be described. Adjacent the lower end thereof, the valve member includes a second port area 60, which is shown in Figures 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, i4, 16 and l7 and which will be described in detail hereinafter.

The bore 11 in the sole plate 10 is closed by means of a pair of plugs comprising an outer annular plug 61 and an inner cylindrical plug 62. The annular plug 6i. is preferably formed of high heat conductivity metal, such as copper, and is intimately and sealingly fitted into the bore 11 in the sole plate. The plug 61 extends above the upper surface of the sole plate to be fixed, as by brazing or sweating, to the lower wall 63 of a combined spacer and steam chamber means 64. The means 64, in addition 7 to the walls 63, includes a side wall spacer portion 65 and a planar top wall 66. The side wall 65 presents a lower edge portion conforming generally to the peripheral edge of the sole plate 10 which is fitted into a groove provided in the upper surface of the sole plate. The side wall is inclined generally inwardly and upwardly toward the housing assembly 14 and presents an upper edge portion conforming generally to the periphery of the lower edge of the side wall 17 of the housing. The

top wall 66 of the means 64 is joined, preferably in tegrally, to the upper edge of the side wall and extends parallel to the bottom wall 16 of the reservoir 18. The depending edge of the housing side wall 17 is rested on the top wall 66 of the means 64, whereby the housing and handle assembly 14 is spaced and insulated from the sole plate 10. Preferably, a plurality of knobs or projections 67 are formed in spaced relation on the lower edge of the housing side wall 17 to rest on the spacer means 64, whereby free flow of air into and out of an insulating air space between the walls 16 and 66 is accommodated. The top wall 66 of the means 64 further is provided with a relatively large diameter aperture therein, in axial alignment with the valve housing 29, to accommodate the free passage therethrough of the tubular valve member 57. The lower wall 63 of the means 64 is similarly apertured and the plug 61 is fitted into such aperture. Further, the wall 63 is spaced above the upper surface of the sole plate 10 and is preferably inclined upwardly to the top wall 66 of the means 64 immediately rearwardly of the plug 61 to define a chamber 68 Within said means. To close the chamber 68, a cylindrical member 69 is secured, as by welding, into the aperture in the top wall 66 of the means 64, the member 69 depending from the wall 66 and being intimately received within the upper portion of the annular sole plate plug 61. The inner cylindrical sole plate plug 62 is threaded into both the plug 61 and cylindrical member 69 to connect the same in pressure-tight relation. Suitably, a seal 70 is provided between the lower end of the member es and an internal flange on the plug 61. The plug 62 is imperforate and sealingly closes the bores in the

members

61 and 69 adjacent the sole plate. The lower surfaces of both of the

plugs

61 and 62 are preferably disposed flush with the lower surface of the sole plate it to define a continuous ironing surface.

The cylindrical member 69 is adapted for the axial reception therein of the lower portion of the valve member 57 and a second valve housing member 71 comprising a hollow cylinder. Member 71 is secured and supported within the member 69 by means of an annular closure plate 72, formed of low heat conductivity material, which is clamped at the inner and outer peripheries thereof to the

members

71 and 69, respectively, by means of nuts 73 and 74, respectively. The lower portion of the valve member 57, including the port area 60 thereof, is intimately and rotatably received within the housing member 71. Adjacent the port area 68 of the valve member 57, the housing member 71 is suitably recessed and bored to provide diametrically opposed vertical bores 75 opening to the lower surface of the member, a transverse passage 76 joining the upper ends .of the bores '75 within the member 71, and a pair of diametrically opposed radial recesses 77 in the inner wall of the member which also communicates with the passage 76. The bores 75, passage 76 and recesses 77 are disposed in the same vertical plane with respect to one another and are also preferably disposed in the same vertical plane as the

bores

31, 32, 35, and 36. The lower end of the valve housing member 71 is adapted for the threaded reception of a generally hemispherical valve housing 78 which is provided with a bore in the lower end thereof into which the lower end of the valve 57 extends. At the upper end of the said bore, the housing 78 is formed to define a valve seat. An annular valve member 79 slidably received on the lower end of 8 the valve 57 is adapted to engage the seat in the housing 78, the valve normally being biased into engagement with its seat by means of a spring 80.

The purpose of the valve port area 60, the valve housing member 71, the passages and recesses 75, 76 and 77, the housing 78 and the valve 79 is to control communication between the water reservoir and the upper surface of the sole plate plug 62. The manner in which communication is effected, and the results thereof, will be described in greater detail hereinafter. For the present, however, assuming that flow of water from the reservoir to the lower end of the valve assembly is accommodated, it is to be appreciated that such water will fall directly onto the upper surface of the plug 62. This plug is heated by the sole plate 10 and heat is particularly concentrated in the plug due to the relatively thin section of the central portion thereof, the high heat conductivity characteristics of the annular plug 61 and the location of the heating element to encircle the

plugs

61 and 62. Because of this heat concentration, water dropped onto the plug 62 is immediatelly flashed to steam within the steam chamber 81 defined by the plug 62, the cylindrical member 69, the valve housings 71 and 78 and the closure member 72. Communication between the

chambers

81 and 68 is established by means of radial ports 82 formed in the cylindrical member 6.), whereby steam generated in the chamber 81 is accumulated in the larger chamber 68 to afford a large volurne supply of steam and to accommodate the pressure build up of steam in the chamber 68. The annular sole plate plug 61 is provided therein with a plurality of circtirnferentially spaced bores each adapted for the reception of a screw 83 having a small diameter bore or orifice therethrough. The orifices in the screws 83 establish communication between the lower surface of the sole plate and the steam accumulating chamber 68 to accommodate discharge of steam directly into the material being ironed. Also, the orifices are sufficiently small to necessitate the build-up of steam pressure in the chamber 68 prior to dispersion of the steam through the orifices.

As will become more fully apparent hereinafter, con trol of the iron for different capabilities, such as the steam ironing and sprinkling ironing capabilities briefly referred to hereinbefore, is afforded by rotation of the unitary valve member 57. To rotate the valve member, an operating disc 84 is provided, which disc is of sulficient radial extent to project beyond the sides of the iron housing, as indicated in Figure 4. The disc is freely received on the valve member 57 between the

valve housings

29 and 71 and is pressed against the lower surface of the boss 28 encircling the bore 27 in the bottom wall 16 of the reservoir 18 by means of a spring 85 which is confined between the disc and the lower valve housing 71. The spring 85 frictionally holds the disc 84 in adjusted position against the boss 28, whereby the disc is disposed between the bottom wall 16 of the reservoir and the top wall 66 of the spacer means. The downwardly projecting portions of the lower extremities of the housing side wall 17 are cut away where necessary to accommodate passage of a peripheral marginal portion of the disc beyond the housing, in the manner shown in Figure 4, whereby the disc is exposed for convenient manipulation by the iron user. The disc 84 is connected to the valve 57, against relative rotation, by means of a disc-like member 86 pinned to the valve 57 beneath the disc 84 and including a pair of upwardly extending fingers or fork portions 87 received within holes provided in the disc 84.

To complete the iron, in the entire assembly shown in Figure 1, the housing and handle assembly 14, spacer means 64 and sole plate 10'must be connected together and the electrical circuit must be completed. One point of connection 'is established between the assembly 14 and the sole plate by the valve means itself. Specifi- Manse-t sally, connection of the valve housing 29 to the assembly 14 by the nut 30, connection of the. valve housing 71 to the member 69 by the closure 72, connection of the member 69 to the sole plate. by the

plugs

61 and 62, and connection of the valve 57 to both valve housings results in connection of the assembly 14 to the sole plate 10 with the spacer 64 clamped therebetween. Also, the

plugs

61 and 62 serve to connect the spacer to the sole plate. At the rear of the iron, connection is etlected by means of a screw 83 extending through the housing portion of the assembly 14 Within the rear leg 21 and through the spacer, and threaded at its lower end into a boss of the sole plate.

To control heating of the sole plate of the iron, at thermostatic switch 89 is. included in the electrical circuit of the iron. The switch 89 may suitably be of a known type including bi-metallic contact carrying blades 90 and a threaded actuating stem 91 for varying the bias on the blades, to vary the temperature at which the contacts will separate and reengage, thus to afford a variable temperature control for heating of the sole plate according to the requirements of the material being ironed. The switch itself is preferably located in direct engagement with the upper surface of the sole plate so that the contact blades 90 are directly responsive to the temperature variations of the sole plate itself. To operate the actuating stem 91., a control rod 92. extends vertically upward from the stem to the upper surface of the top wall of the housing and terminates in a control knob 93 movable over a suitably graduated and marked scale 94 as is shown in Figure 3. To provide a positive indication of the temperature of the sole plate, I prefer to combine a temperature. indicator 95 directly with the thermostatic control. The temperature indicator may suitably comprise a spiral bi-metal element 96 disposed immediately adjacent the. sole plate, a rotatable rod 97 actuated by the element 96 and extending upwardly therefrom to the upper surface of the top wall of the housing, and a needle or pointer 98 carried by the rod 97 and movable over a suitable graduated scale 99 and pointer 98 being enclosed within and protected by a transparent cover 100. According to such arrangement, the temperature control knob 93 is disposed for immediate and convenient actuation by the iron user and the term perature indicator is readily viewable to assure the user that the proper ironing conditions prevail, To accommodate passage of the

rods

92 and 97 through the water reservoir 18, the housing preferably includes a separate plastic molding 101 disposed at. and closing an aperture 102 provided in the top wall 15 of the. housing for the reception of the temperature indicating and control means. The plastic molding 101 includes a pair of tubular depending extensions 103 and. 104 which extend from the main plate of the molding 101 downwardly to the base wall 16 of the housing where they are united to the housing to maintain the reservoir 18 water and pressure tight. The

control rods

92 and 97 are passed through the tubes 103 and 104, respectively, to extend to the upper surface of the reservoir without contacting the water in the reservoir. As to the electrical connection of the heating element 12 and the thermostatic switch 89, one terminal 12c of the heating element 12 is connected to one terminal of the switch 89 and the other heating element terminal, 120 and the other terminal of the switch 89 are connected to the respective leads of an electric power transmission cord 105 by means of leads extending from the respective terminals upwardly through the bottom and top walls of the housing and into a chamber 106 provided in the rear leg 21 of the iron housing. A terminal block 107 ismounted within the rear leg 21 of the handle in the chamber 106, and the leads from the terminals of the switch and heating elements and the leads of the cord 105. are. connected to the terminal block. Suitably, the. electric. cord 105 extends through an aperture provided in the side of the l0 rear leg 21 of theii'on handle to be. led laterally away from. the iron.

Having thus described the individual. components, con

st-ruction and assembly of the iron, and the operation and purpose of certain components and assemblies in the iron, reference is now made particularly to Figures 4 through 17 for a comprehensive description of the details of the valve 57, the operation and functions thereof, and the overall functions and advantages of the iron. As shown, in Figures 4, 8, 12 and 15, the valve 57 at the first or upper port area 59 thereof, within the valve housing 29, is provided with a plurality of circumferentlally spaced ports comprising a first radial port 120, a diametrically bored. port 121 and a second radial port 122, the two radial ports being disposed, in the embodiment shown, to opposite sides of the diametrical port 121 and being suitably spaced circumferentially therefrom, as for example, by 45 degrees. The three ports are adapted to be aligned, selectively, with the

bores

31 and 35 in the

members

29 and 33, by appropriate oscillation or movement of the control disc 84 and valve 57. The two radial ports are adapted to establish communication between the

bores

31, 35 and the internal axial passageway of the tubular valve member, whereby communication is established between the water reservoir 13 and the interior of the valve. Irrespective of which radial port is aligned with the bore 31, the valve 57 blocks oil the bore 32 in the housing 29 leading to the spray nozzle, as is shown in Figures 4 and 12, respectively. The diametrical bore 121 when aligned with the bore 31 in the housing 29 not only establishes communication between the water reservoir 18 and the interior of the valve 57, but also establishes communication between the interior of the valve and the

bores

32 and 36 leading to the spray nozzle, as is shown. in Figure 8, whereby the spray nozzle is disposed in communication with the water reservoir. By turning the valve 57 clockwise 45 degrees, for example, from the. position shown in Figure 4 to the position shown in Figure 15, solid portions of the valve block off all communication with the water reservoir 18, whereby the iron is rendered operable for dry ironing, as will appear more fully hereinafter. Thus, merely by oscillation of the control disc 34 through an arc of 135 degrees, at 45 degree increments, the user of the iron is adapted to set the iron to perform four ironing functions or purposes.

At the second valve port area 60 thereof, the valve 57 includes a solid central plug portion 123 (Figure 7). Immediately above the plug, as is shown in Figures 5, 9, l3 and 1.6, the valve is provided with a pair of diametrical- 1y

bored ports

124 and 125, which in the embodiment shown are disposed at right angles to one another. The

ports

124 and 125 are preferably aligned vertically with the radial ports and 122, respectively, in the upper port area 59 of the valve. Within the plug portion 123 thereof, at a level lower than the

ports

124 and 125, the valve 57 is provided with another diametrically bored port 126, shown in Figures 6, ll), 14 and 17, which is disposed in vertical alignment with the port 125, and thus also with the port 122. The ports 124 and are aligned horizontally with the passage 76 of the valve housing 71 to communicate with the

passages

75, 76 and 77 when the valve is rotated to an appropriate position. The bore 126 is aligned horizontally with the lower portion of the recesses 76 in the housing 71 to communicate therewith when the valve is rotated to the appropriate position. The valve 5 7 is provided with an axial bore inthe lower end thereof and a small diameter orifice 127 is formed inthe plug portion 123 of the valve to establish communication between the said axial bore and the port 126.

Referring now to Figures 1, 4, 5 and 6, l have shown the valve 57 disposed in a first control position thereof. In this position, the port 120 in the upper port area 59 establishes communication, through the

bores

31 and 35, between the waterreservoir 1'8 and the interior of the 75 into the chamber defined between the valve housings 71 and 78, which chamber is releasably closed by the spring pressed valve 79. By operating the pump lever 53 in the handle of the iron, the iron user can create a sutficient pressure head on the water in the last named chamber to force the valve 79 open, whereupon a charge of water is released from the chamber. By forming the bores and

ports

75, 76 and 124 of relatively small diameter, the chamber between the valve housings 71 and 78 may suitably constitute a measuring chamber for a predetermined charge of water to be forced past the valve,

the said bores and ports sufficiently restricting the fiow of water to the chamber so that only the water in the chamber will be released upon opening of the valve. The charge of water thus released gravitates downwardly onto the upper surface of the sole plate plug 62, whereupon it is flashed into steam. Assuming that the

steam chambers

68 and 81 are substantially filled with steam, the sudden generation of a large quantity of steam from the charge of water released will substantially increase the pressure in the chambers, whereby there will occur a rapid and forcible ejection of steam for a short duration from the steam accumulating chamber 68 through the dispersion orifices in the screws 83. Thus, a forcible emission of steam occurs. In the meantime, sufficient water gravitates to the valved chamber within the housings 71 and 78 to fill the same, whereupon further forcible emissions of steam may be made to occur upon actuation of the pump lever 53. Thus, the iron user is able, within his or her exclusive control, to effect forcible emissions of steam whenever required or desired. This function of the iron is particularly useful in the pressing of heavy weight articles, garments and the like, where it is necessary to force steam through the fabric to remove wrinkles or creases. Also, this function is of especial benefit in the pressing of articles when it is desired to dry iron some portions of the article and steam iron others, since the iron user has full control of steam generation and emission.

To indicate that the valve 57 is disposed in position to render the iron operable for the forced feed or con trolled emission of steam, the control disc 84 at the portions thereof projecting beyond the opposite sides of the iron housing, when the port 120 is aligned with the

bores

31 and 35, may suitably carry the legend Forced Feed," as shown in Figure 4, or any other suitable legend to indicate to the user of the iron the ironing function for which the control assembly is set.

To render the iron operable for spray or sprinkling ironing, the user need only rotate the control disc 84 in a counterclockwise direction 45 from the position shown in Figure 4. In the new position, the legend Spray or a like legend is visible to the user on the exposed portions of the disc 84 on both sides of the iron. When the control disc is so set, the valve 57, as is shown in Figures 7 to 10, is disposed with the diametrical bore 121 in alignment with the

bores

31, 35 and 32, 36 in the

members

29 and 33, whereby communication is established between the. water reservoir 18 and the spray nozzle means 42. At the port area 60 of the valve, the

ports

124, 125 and 126 are all disposed at an inclination to the passage 76, whereby all flow through the lower end of the valve is prevented by the valve. Accordingly, discharge of water is accommodated solely through the spray nozzle 42. Upon actuation of the pump handle :53, a pressure head is built up -on.the., water within the reservoir until adequate pressure is created to open the valve 39 of the spray nozzle means. Upon opening of the valve 39, an amount of water is dispersed as a fine spray through the dispersion nozzle and onto the material being ironed. After an adequate pressure head is once established, each successive stroke of the pump handle will result in spraying or sprinkling of water. Due to the disposition of the dispersion nozzle, water is sprayed onto the fabric immediately in the path of the iron sole plate. As the heated sole plate contacts the sprinkled area, steam is generated directly within the fibers of the material. As previously noted, this type of ironing is ideal for linens, starched articles and the like. Sprinkling of water is under full control of the iron user, either in the form of an intermittent spray upon intermittent actuation of the pump handle, or of a con tinuous spray upon a substantially continuous but fairly gradual actuation of the pump. If the pump is not actuated, ironing may be effected dry, particularly when putting the finishing touches on an ironed article.

A continuous emission of steam is accommodated by disposition of the control disc 84 and valve 57 in a third control position attained by rotating the disc and valve 45 degrees in a counterclockwise direction from the Spray position shown in Figures 7 through 10. In this third position, as shown in Figures 11 through 14, the valve 57 is disposed with the radial port 122 thereof in alignment with the

bores

31 and 35 in the

members

29 and 33 to establish communication between the water reservoir 18 and the interior of the valve 57 whereby water gravitates to the port area 60. At the port area 60, the port 125 communicates with the

passages

75, 76 and 77, and at the lower level,'the port 126 communicates with the recesses 77 to bypass the chamber defined between the valve housings 71 and 78. While the port arrangement accommodates free flow of water into the chamber defined between the valve housings 71 and 78, the principal and a continuous flow is accommodated through the by-pass port 126 and the drip feed orifice 127. The orifice 127 is of a diameter to restrict the flow to such an extent that water will issue only drop by drop therefrom. The drops of Water dripped from the orifice 127 will fall directly onto the upper surface of the heated sole plate plug 62, whereupon the individual drops are flashed into steam, the steam being ac- 'cumulated in the chamber 68 for dispersion through the orifices in the screws 83. Dripping of water in the manner described is continuous as long as the valve is set as described so that steam generation and dispersion are continuous. If large quantities of steam are desired, the air pump can be actuated to effect forced feed since the control ports are open to the valved water chamber. In

any case, steam emission will becontinuous. However,

steaming normally will be permitted by the drip feed feature only. Accordingly, the control disc 84, on the portions thereof projecting beyond the housing when the valve is set as last described, may bear the legend Drip or any suitable legend.

' A fourth control setting is attained by rotating the control disc 84 and the valve 57 clockwise 45 degrees from the position shown in Figures 1 and 4 through 6, i. e., degrees clockwise from the position shown in Figures 11 through 14, in which position all of the control ports in the valve 57 are blocked off, as shown in Figures 15 through 17, to prevent flow of water and thus render the iron operable for dry ironing. The control disc 84 may suitably bear the legend Dry Iron to indicate this position of the valve.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the present invention provides an improved iron construction affording four different ironing functions. Setting of the iron for performance of any one of the four functions is attained by finger actuation or rotation of a control disc bearing legends indicating the setting of the iron for performance .ofv thevarious functions. in the embodiment greases '13 shown and describedthe control disc need be oscillated :in an arc of only 135 degrees to effect setting of the valve in each of the four positions. To limit valve oscillation to this arc, the disc .84 :may suitably carry on the upper surface thereof, radially outwardly of .the boss 28, a pair of stops 130 each adapted, at the opposite limits of valve oscillation, to engage a rib 131 formed integrally with the bottom wall 16 of the housing assembly 14 and extending longitudinally of the housing between the boss 28 and the forward endof the :housing, asis .seen in Figure 4.

Referring now to .Figure 18, 1 have shown .asecond embodiment of the iron of the invention wherein the principal differences from the embodiment previously described reside in the. formation of the .spacer .means and in the construction of the steam chamber and steam dispersion means. Due to the similarity of the two embodiments, the same tens and digits numerals used in Figures 1 through 17 are employed in the two hundred series to indicate like or similar parts in .Figure 18. As shown, the housing and handle assembly 214 comprises a plastic molding substantially identical to the housing assembly previously described. Likewise the sole .plate .210, and the arrangement of the heating element 212 therein, are substantially the same as above described. The iron control means is preferably identical to that above described, the same comprising the control disc .284, which is shown in section, and the various housing and like components, shown in elevation, including the valve retaining stud258, the annular member 233 having the socket 234 and spray nozzle 237, the nut 230, the valve housing 229,, the valve 257, the disc-like member 286 having the forks 287, and the valve housing 271, the closure 27 2, the nuts 273 and 274 and thelower valve housing 278.

The construction of the steam chamber and the relationship of the same to thesole plate .210, is however, different in that the bore 211 in the sole plate 210 is closed by means of a single cylindrical plug .262 having a plurality of apertures or passages 283 therethrough adjacent the periphery thereof. The plug 262 is threaded into an imperforate cylindrical member.269 which encompassesand encloses the housing members .271 and 278. The upper end of the member 269 is closed by means of the plate 272 and the nuts 273 and 274 to define asteam chamber 281 within the space enclosed by the members 262, 269 and 272, the passages 283 accommodating dispersion of steam therethrough to the material being ironed. Due to such arrangement, the large steam accumulating chamber 68 of the former embodiment is eliminated, whereby a simplified spacer means may be clamped between the housing assembly 214 and the sole plate 210. The spacer means I prefer to adopt in this instance comprises a relatively thin sheet 265 of metal of low heat conductivity that is provided with a multitude of closely spaced holes or perforations. Also, Iprefer to .corrugatc the sheet 265 to rigidify the same and afford a greater surface area. The sheet 265 is formed to define a lower edge conforming to the periphery of the sole plate, which edge is received in a groove along the edge of the sole plate, and an upper edge conforming to theperiphery of the lower edge of the housing 214, upon which the housing assembly is rested. This spacer defines a larger insulating air space between the sole plate 219 and the housing 214 than is accommodated by the previously described construction and accommodates free flow of air into and out of the space, efficiently to insulate the housing and handle assembly from the soleplate.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides substantial improvements and advantages over prior endeavors in the art. Among the several advantages and features of the present invention are the provision of a single iron adapted to perform four types of ironing or four ironing functions. Another advantage is the provision in a multi-purpose iron of an economical and instantaneously actuatable control valve assembly -for selectively setting the iron for the performance of each .1 4 of its functions. A further distinct advantage is the pro vision .in irons generally of a novel control member comprising a disc positioned between the water reservoir and sole plate of the iron and including portions extending laterally beyond the periphery of the iron, which portions bear suitable legends and are exposed for convenient manual operation by theiron user. Also, the iron of themesent "invention incorporates therein improved flash vaporination means and an improved arrangement of the heating element so related to the flash vaporization means as to insure optimum and efficient operation of said means. By employing spacer means, of 'either of the embodiments disclosed herein, an insulating air space is provided between the sole plate and the housing of the iron, which space .is open tothe free flow of air, to insulate the iron handle from the heat of the sole plate. .In conjunction with this latter feature, the present invention'affords an all plastic housing, water reservoir and handle assembly which further insulates the hand of the iron user from the heat of the sole plate. Due to the cooling influence of the water stored within the water reservoir in the handle and housing assembly, the plastic assembly is efficiently cooled so that the possibility of the iron user being burned is vastly reduced, if not entirely eliminated. Thus, the portion of the iron grasped by the user is; maintained relatively cool to the touch to contribute to the greater comfort and enjoyment of the user. The employment of an all plastic housing and handle leads to the further advantage that the assembly may readily be colored in any one .of a variety of colors, or may be variegated, to afford a very attractive and eye appealing item of manufacture. Further, by forming the handle and housing of more than one piece, accommodation is made for the provision of bi-color handle and housing assemblies, whereby the house wife is provided with a wide selection of enjoyment-provoking, .gay and cheerful color schemes. These and others of the advantages set forth hereinbefore contribute to afford an iron capable of performing every conceivable ironing function and at the same time embodied in a particularly economical and highly attractive structure.

While I have described what I regard to be preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be appreciated that various changes, rearrangement and modifications maybe made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A multiple-purpose electric iron comprising a sole plate, steam generating means associated with :said sole plate, a heating element associated with said sole plate, a water reservoir disposed above said sole plate and steam generating means, conduit means establishing communication between said reservoir and said steam generating means, a spray nozzle projecting from the forward end of said reservoir and communicating with said conduit means, said water reservoir being pressure-tight, a pump associated with said reservoir'operable to build up a pressure .head in said reservoir, a valve movable in said conduit means and including ports therein selectively establishing communication between said reservoir and said spray nozzle, between said reservoir and said steam generating means and selectively blocking off communication between said .spray nozzle, said steam generating means and said reservoir, and control means associated with said valve and extending to the exterior of the iron to accommodate setting-of said valve.

2. A multiple-purpose electric iron comprising a sole plate, steam generating means associated with said sole plate, a heating element associated with said sole plate, a molded plastic housing, water reservoir and handle assembly disposed above said sole plate and steam generating means, spacer means disposed between said assembly and said sole plate to define an insulating air space therebetween, conduit means establishing communication be tween :said reservoir and said steam generating means, a spray nozzle projecting from the forward end of said assembly and communicating with said conduit means, said water reservoir being pressure-tight, a pump associated with said assembly operable to build up a pressure head in said reservoir, a valve movable in said conduit means including ports therein selectively establishing communication between said reservoir and said spray nozzle, between said reservoir and said steam generating means and selectively blocking ofii communication between said spray nozzle, said steam generating and said reservoir, and control means associated with said valve and extending to the exterior of the iron to accommodate setting of said valve, said spacer means, the insulating air space defined by said spacer means and the water in said reservoir insulating and cooling the assembly from and with respect to said sole plate and steam generating means, whereby said assembly remains relatively cool to the touch.

3. A multiple-purpose electric iron comprising a sole plate, steam generating means of the flash vaporization type disposed in said sole plate, a heating element embedded in said sole plate and including a portion at least substantially encircling said steam generating means, a water reservoir disposed above said sole plate and steam generating means, conduit means establishing communication between said reservoir and said steam generating means, a spray nozzle projecting from the forward end of said reservoir and communicating with said conduit means, said water reservoir being pressure-tight, a pump associated with said reservoir operable to build up a pressure head in said reservoir, a valve movable in said conduit means and including ports therein selectively establishing communication between said reservoir and said spray nozzle, between said reservoir and said steam generating means and selectively blocking ofi. communication between said spray nozzle, said steam generating means and said reservoir, and control means associated with said valve and extending to the exterior of the iron to accommodate setting of said valve, said valve and said conduit means including flow restricting means accommodating the flow only of a predetermined amount of water at one time to said steam generating means when said valve establishes communication between said generating means and .said reservoir, said steam generating means being subjected to the concentrated effect of said heating element to flash the said amount of water to steam.

4. A multiple-purpose electric iron comprising a sole plate, steam generating means associated with said sole plate, a heating element associated with said sole plate, a water reservoir disposed above said sole plate and steam generating means, conduit means establishing communication between said reservoir and said steam generating means, a spray nozzle projecting from the forward end of said reservoir and communicating with said conduit means, said Water reservoir being pressure-tight, an air pump associated with said reservoir operable to build up an air pressure head on the water in said reservoir, 21 valve movable in said conduit means and including ports therein selectively establishing communication between said reservoir and said spray nozzle, between said reservoir and said steam generating means and selectively blocking ofl. communication between said spray nozzle, said steam generating means and said reservoir, and control means associated with said valve and extending to the exterior of the iron to accommodate setting of said valve, said valve when establishing communication. between said reservoir and said a spray nozzle accommodating the forcible dispersion of liquid water under pressure from said reservoir forwardly of the iron.

5. A multiple-purpose electric iron comprising a sole plate, steam generating means of the flash vaporization type disposed in said sole plate, a heating element em-,

bedded in said sole plate and including a portion at least substantially encircling said steam generating means, a molded plastic housing, water reservoir and handle assembly disposed above said sole plate and steam generating means, spacer means disposed between said assembly and said sole plate to define an insulating air space therebetween conduit means establishing communication between said reservoir and said steam generating means, a spray nozzle projecting from the forward end of said assembly and communicating with said conduit means, said Water reservoir being pressure-tight, an air pump associated with said assembly operable to build up an air pressure head on the water in said reservoir, a valve movable in said conduit means and including ports therein selectively establishing communication between said reservoir and said spray nozzle to accommodate the forcible dispersion of liquid water under pressure from said reservoir forwardly of the iron, between said reservoir and said steam generating means to render the iron operable for steam ironing, and selectively blocking off communication between said spray nozzle, said steam generating means and said reservoir to render the iron operable for dry ironing, and control means associated with said valve and extending to the exterior of the iron to accommodate setting of said valve, said valve and said conduit means including flow restricting means accommodating the flow only of a predetermined amount of water at one time to said steam generating means when said valve establishes communication between said steam generating means and said reservoir, said steam generating means being subjected to the concentrated efiect of said heating element to flash the said amount of water to steam and to accommodate the dispersion of the steam to the lower surface of said sole plate, said spacer means, the insulating air space defined by said spacer means and the water in said reservoir insulating and cooling the assembly from and with respect to said sole plate and steam generating means, whereby said assembly remains relatively cool to the touch.

6. A multiple-purpose electric iron comprising a sole plate, steam generating meansv associated with said sole plate, an electric heating element associated with said sole plate, a pressure-tight water reservoir disposed above said sole plate, pump means associated with said reservoir and operable to create a pressure head in said reservoir, a water spray nozzle associated with said reservoir and projecting from the forward end thereof, conduit means establishing communication between said reservoir, said spray nozzle and said steam generating means, a unitary valve in said conduit means including a first port area having ports therein selectively establishing communication between said water reservoir and said steam generating means and between said water reservoir and said spray nozzle and for blocking ofl? communication between said reservoir, said spray nozzle and said steam generating means, said conduit means between said steam generating means and said reservoir defining a valved chamber, said valve including a second port area having ports therein selectively establishing, upon establishment of communication between said reservoir and said steam generating means, communication solely between said reservoir and said valved chamber, said valve and said conduit means including port means bypassing said valved chamber, said valve being movable to a first position blocking off communication between said reservoir, said nozzle and said steam generating means to prevent flow of water and render the iron operable for dry ironing, to a second position establishing communication exclusively between said reservoir and said spray nozzle in which position actuation of said pump means eflfects dispersion of water from said reservoir through said nozzle to render the iron operable for sprinkling ironing, to a third position establishing communication between said reservoir and said bypassing port means to accommodate a continuous feed of water to said steam generating means, said steam generating means including steam dispersion ports leading to the pressing surface of said sole plate whereby the iron is rendered operable for continuous emissionsteam ironing, and to a fourth position estab- 17 lis'hing communication solely between said reservoir and said valved chamber in which position actuation of said ypump means effects forced feed of water past the valve in said chamber and to said steam generating means whereby the iron is rendered operable for forcible controlled emission of steam for steam ironing, and control means associated with said valve and extending to the exterior ofthe iron to accommodate manual setting of said valve in each of saidfour positions.

7. A multiple-purpose electric iron comprising a sole plate, steam generating means of the flash vaporization type associated with said sole plate, an electric heating element associated with said sole plate to heat the same and including a portion at least substantially encircling said steam generating means, a molded plastic housing and handle assembly disposed above said sole plate, said assembly including bottom, top and sidewalls all of molded plastic defining a pressure-tight water reservoir, air pump means mounted insaid handle in communication with said reservoir and operable to create an air pressure head on the water in said reservoir, a water spray nozzle associated with said assembly and projecting from the forward end thereof, conduit means extending from said reservoir toward said sole plate and establishing communication between said water reservoir, said spray nozzle and said steam generating means, a unitary valve mounted in said conduit means and including a first port area within said reservoir and a second port area adjacent said sole plate, said valve in said first port area thereof having ports therein selectively establishing communication between said water reservoir and said second port area and between said water reservoir and said spray nozzle and blocking ofi communication between said reservoir, said spray nozzle and said steam generating means, said conduit means between said steam generating means and said second port area defining a valved chamber, said valve in the second port area. thereof having ports therein selectively establishing, upon establishmentof communication between said reservoir and said second port area, communication solely between said reservoir and said valved chamber, said valve in the second port area thereof and said conduit means including port means bypassing said valved chamber, said valve beingmovable to a first position blocking off communication between said reservoir, said nozzle and said steam generating means to prevent flow of water and render the iron operable for dry ironing, to a second position establishing communication exclusively between said reservoir and said spray nozzle in which position actuation f said :air pump means effects dispersion of water from said reservoir through said nozzle to render the iron operable for sprinkling ironing, to a third position establishing communication between said reservoir and said bypassing port means to accommodate a continuous feed of water to said steam generating means, said steam generating means including steam dispersion ports lead- :ing to the pressing surface of said sole plate whereby the iron is rendered operable for continuous emission steam ironing, and to a fourth position establishing communication solely between said reservoir and said valved chamber in which position actuation of said air pump means effects forced feed of water past the valve in said chamber and to said steam generating means whereby the iron is rendered operable for forcible controlled emission of steam for steam ironing, and control means associated with said valve and extending to the exterior of the iron to accommodate manual setting of said valve in each of said four positions.

:8. A multiple-purpose electric iron comprising ,a sole plate, an electric heating element associated with said sole plate, means on the upper surface of said sole plate defining a steam chamber, passage means in said sole plate establishing communication between said steam chamber and the ironing surface of said sole plate, a

waterreservoir above said sole plate, a valve housing in said reservoir disposed generally in vertical alignment with said steam chamber and having a port therein communicating with said reservoir, a spray nozzle assembly extending from said reservoir to the exterior of the iron, said assembly communicating with said valve housing, a tubular valve rotatable in said valve housing, said valve having therein a first port establishing communication between said reservoir and said spray nozzle assembly, a second port establishing communication between said reservoir and said steam chamber, and Wall portions blocking off said port in said valve housing, said valve being rotatable in said valve housing to a first position blocking ofi said port in said valve housing to render the iron operable for dry ironing, to a second position establishing communication between said reservoir and said spray nozzle to render the iron operable for sprinkling ironing, and to a third position establishing communication between said reservoir and said steam chamber to accommodate flow of water from said reservoir into said steam chamber and onto the heated sole plate :to be flashed to steam thus to render the iron operable for steam ironing, and a pump associated with said reservoir to effect forcible dispersion of water from said reservoir through said spray nozzle in the said second position of said valve.

9. A multiple-purpose electric iron comprising a sole plate, an electric heating element associated with said soleplate, means on the upper surface of said sole plate defining a steam chamber, passage means in said sole plate establishing communication between said steam chamber and the ironing surface of said sole plate, a water reservoir above said sole plate, a valve housing in said reservoir disposed generally in vertical alignment with said steam chamber and having a port therein communicating with said reservoir, aspray nozzle assembly extending from said reservoir to the exterior of the iron, said assembly communicating with said valve housing, a tubular valve rotatable in said valve housing, said valve havin therein a first port establishing communication betweensaid reservoir and said spray nozzleassembly, a second port establishing communication between said reservoir and said steam chamber and wall portions blocking otf said port in said valve housing, said valve extending between said reservoir and said steam chamber conducting water to said steam chamber, said valve being rotatable in said valve housing to a first position blocking rod said port in said valve housing to render the iron operable for dry ironing, to a second position establishing communication between said reservoir and said spray nozzle to render the iron operable for sprinkling ironing and to a third position establishing communication between said reservoir and said steam chamber to accommodate flow of water from said reservoir into said steam chamber and onto the heated sole plate to be flashed to steam thus to render the iron operable for steam ironing, a pump associated with said reservoir to elfect forcible dispersion of Water from said reservoir through said spray nozzle in the said second position of said valve, and a control member positioned between said sole plate and said reservoir and including a portion extending beyond the periphery of said reservoir for manual actuation, said control member being operatively associated with the portion of said valve between said steam chamber and said reservoir, whereby rotation of said control member edects rotation of said valve.

10. A multiple-purpose electric iron comprising a sole plate, an electric heating element associated with said sole plate, means on the upper surface of said sole plate defining a steam chamber, passage means in said sole plate establishing communication between said steam chamber and the ironing surface of said sole plate, a water reservoir above said sole plate, a first valve housing in said reservoir disposed generally in vertical alignment 19 with said steam chamber and having a port therein communicating with said reservoir, a spray nozzle assembly extending from said reservoir to the exterior of the iron, said assembly communicating with said first valve housing, a second valve housing mounted on said sole plate in axial alignment with said first valve housing, a tubular valve rotatable in both of said valve housings and extending therebetween, said valve having a first port area within said first valve housing and a second port area within said second valve housing, said valve in the first port area thereof having a first port establishing communication between said reservoir and said spray nozzle assembly, second and third ports establishing communication between said reservoir and said second port area thereof, and wall portions blocking off said port in said first valve housing, said valve in the second port area thereof having a pair of ports and a bypass port, said second valve housing having therein first passage means adapted to communicate with said pair of ports and second passage means adapted to establish communication between said bypass port and one of said pair of ports, a third valve housing mounted on said second valve housing and defining therewith a chamber surrounding said valve, said first passage means in said second port area of said valve communicating with said chamber, a

poppet valve closing said chamber, said poppet valve when opened accommodating communication between said chamber and said steam chamber in said sole plate, said valve having a drip feed orifice therein communicating with said bypass port and opening directly into said steam chamber in said sole plate, said valve being rotatable in said valve housings to a first position blocking off said port in said first valve housing to render the iron operable for dry ironing and to a second position establishing communication betweensaid reservoir and said spray nozzle to render the iron operable for sprinkling ironing, said valve being rotatable to a third position establishing communication between said reservoir and said second port in the first port area of said valve and between said one of said pair of ports in the second port area of said valve and said second passage means in said second valve housing to accommodate continuous flow of water through said bypass port and said grip feed orifice to said steam chamber, water dripping from said orifice falling onto the heated sole plate and being flashed to steamto accumulate in said steam chamber, whereby the iron is rendered operable for continuous emission steam ironing, said valve being rotatable to a fourth position establishing communication between said reservoir and said third port in said first port area of said valve and between the other of said pair of ports in the second port area of said valve and said first passage means in said second valve housing to accommodate flow of water into the chamber defined by said second and third valve housings, said chamber accumulating a predetermined charge of water, said poppet valve being opened upon exertion of predetermined water pressure to accommodate discharge of said predetermined charge of water from said chamber into said steam chamber and onto said sole plate, the charge of water being flashed to steam upon contact with the heated sole plate to aiford forcible dispersion of a predetermined amount of steam, the poppet valve closing to accumulate another charge of water in said chamber, whereby the iron is rendered operable for controlled forcible emission steam ironing, and a pump associated with said reservoir to effect forcible dispersion of water from said reservoir through said spray nozzle in the said second position of said valve and to effect forcible ejection of water from said chamber in the said fourth position of said valve.

11. A multiple purpose iron as set forth in claim 10, including a control disc positioned between said reservoir and said steam chamber and including portions extending laterally beyond the periphery of the iron, said disc being operatively associated against relative rotation with the portion of said valve extending between said first and second valve housings, said disc being manually rotatable to position said valve in any one of the said four positions of the iron, said disc being operatively associated against 7 relative rotation with said control member, said disc being manually rotatable by means of the said portions thereof to rotate said control member and control said water dispersing means.

13. A multiple purpose iron comprising an electrically heated sole plate, a water reservoir spaced above said sole plate, at'least one of said sole plate and said reservoir including means accommodating dispersion of water from said reservoir, control means between said reservoir and said water dispersing means for controlling operation of said water dispersing means, said control means including a rotatable control member, a disc positioned between said sole plate and said reservoir and including portions projecting beyond the periphery of the iron, said disc being operatively associated against relative rotation with said control member, said disc being manually rotatable by means of the said portions thereof to rotate said control member and control said water dispersing means, and a spring effectively confined between said sole plate and said disc to bias said disc into frictional engagement with said reservoir frictionally to retain said disc and said control member in adjusted position.

14. A multiple purpose iron comprising an electrically heated control plate, steam generator means associated .with said sole plate, a water reservoir spaced above said sole plate, spray nozzle means associated with said reservoir, a control valve between said reservoir, said spray nozzle and said steam generating means for controlling communication between said reservoir and said spray nozzle and between said reservoir and said steam generating means and for blocking oif communication between said reservoir, said spray nozzle and said steam generating means, said control valve including a rotatable valve portion extending between said reservoir and said sole plate, and a disc positioned between said sole plate and said'reservoir and including portions projecting beyond the periphery of the iron, said disc being operatively associated against relative rotation with said valve portion, said disc being manually rotatable by means of the said portions thereof to rotate said valve portion and control communication between said reservoir, said spray nozzle and said steam generating means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Maykemper Apr. 6, 1954