US2813358A - Steam iron - Google Patents

Description

l. JEPSON STEAM IRON Nov. 19, 1957 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 original Filed may 27, 1948 Nov. 19, 1957 l. JEPsoN 2,313,353.

STEAM IRON Original Filed May 27, 1948 A 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 l. JEPSON STEAM IRON Nov. 19, 1957 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original FledMay 27, 1948 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Ilja; Jvom Ncw.l 19, 1957 Y LJEPsoN STEAM IRON Original Filed May 27, 1948 l. JEPSON STEAM IRON y Nov. 19, 1957 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed May 27, 1948 l. JEPsoN STEAM IRON' Nov. 19, 1957 NWN Original Filed May 27, 1948 @www @QN www @www NWN mh n@ www. NNN

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l. JEPSON STEAM .IRON

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STEAM VIRON Ivar Jepson, Oak Park, lll-,.assignor tozssmbeam .Carporrration, Chicago, Ill., a` corporation ``ofIllin`ojs Original application May 27,1948, Serial No. 29,461, now Patenti` No.` 2,690,623, dated Uctober 5, `1954. Divided :rido application February .15, 19,54, Serial No.

s ciarms. (cl. sis-77) `The present invention relates to steam irons, and, more particularly, to that class of steamirons known.as-the llash t boiler type, which `include a` steam ,generator` and valve` controlled water i supply. .'Specifically, this applicationis a division of a prior application,` Serial No. 29,461, tiled May 27, 1948, now Patent 2,690,623, granted yOctober 5, 1954, and assigned tothe same assignee asr-the present application.

In steam irons of this class water is fed to a steam generating chamber, preferably located `inthe sole plate, and at a rate which4 allows thewater to be ashedalmost instantly `into 4steam-hence the term` flashboiler typeof steam iron. The generatedsteam isrdistributed to the material being ironed or steamedby means of ports or therlike which .communicate` with the steam generator and open on the ironing surface of-the` sole plate. Irons of this` type are usually provided with thermostatic means responsive to the temperature ofthe sole plate and `adjustable to `maintain the sole plate at a selectively `controlled temperature Adependingupon the materialto be ironed.

In irons of the type` referred to above, it isrof -course desirable that the valve for controlling the ow of water to 4the steam generator `remain closed untilI the `iron reaches its ironing temperature toinsureflashing ofthe waterinto steam. `In steam irons? heretoforeemployed diicultyhasben encountered in obtaining suflicient flow of` water toithe ,steamu generating chamber after-the sole plate has heated up to the ironing temperaturesbutbefore the ,watervin the reservoir has been heated substantially. It'would be `desirable toprovide a stearniron-inwhich proper and satisfactoryV flow of water torthersteam generating chamber occurs as soonas the sole plate has been heated to ironing temperature so that the needlervalve may `be opened and the ironing `operation-begun.

lSteam irons-now available on `the market Vare generally .bulky by virtuel ofthe water `reservoir and do not present a pleasing appearance inany sense ofthe word. It would be desirable` to provide a `steam iron which `is substantially of the samesize` as an -ordinary iron while-still providing a reservoir of large capacity.

In-steam irons of the type referredto above it is customary to i provide manual means lfor controlling the steam and also manualmeans `for controllingfjthedron temperature. -lt would be desirable to provide a `steam iron in which finger tip control of each of these means may be provided ywith a plurality of manual control means furthermorebeing located in substantiallythe sarne place on the iron.

Accordingly, itis an object of the-present invention to provide anew and improved steam iron.

It is `another object of the` present inventionlto provide `a new and improved steamlironinwhich a steady supply of steam is provided assoon as `the sole plate is notwithout the requirement4 of waiting `until steam is produced in the reservoir, to force the water into the steam `generating chamber. v

It is another object of the present invention to `prov-ide asteam iron having-maximum tank capacity without substantiallyaincreasing the sizeof the iron overthat of conventional sadirons` by providing `a compact arrangement offthe control means and `the like.

Still anotherrobject of thepresent invention is to `provide a compact arrangement of the manualrcontrol means forvboththe iro-n temperature andthe steam ilow.

The invention further resides in various structuralimyprovements-andr innovations in the device by virtue of which. efficiency and simplicity ofoperation are combined with low manufacturing costandsturdiness of construction, 4ofrwhichstructural features may be particularly mentioned thenovelosafety features` of the iron, the ease lbyywhich it may be controlled, `the novel `water lling means, the compact arrangement of the thermostatic conltrolmechanism,and theimprovedarrangement of various parts thereby.r insuring simplicity, `ease of assembly, and low manufacturing cost.

Further-.objects and advantages` of the presentinvention will `become apparent as the following description proceeds ande-the features of novelty which characterize the invention willbe `pointed out with` particularity in ythe claims annexed to(` and `forming a part of `this specification.

1 For arbetterrunderstanding of =the present invention referencemaybe had to `the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig;` lnis an elevational view in `section with the sectionalview `takenon line.1-.-1 of'Fig. 6;

.Fig.V 2 .is a fragmentaryview` of the bottom of the sole plate to 4show'the steamoutlet openings;

r.rFig.r3 ris` asectionalview taken onA line 3-3 of Fig. 1 assuming Fig. 1 shows thecomplete iron;

Fig. 4 is a sectional `view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. l `also assuming that Fig. 1 shows the complete iron;

v Fig. 5 is` a sectional viewtaken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1 again assumingFig. 1\.shows a complete structure; t Fig..,6" is aftop `planyiew oftthe steam iron of the present` invention;` Y

:.Eigp'lA is atop viewof `the front portion of the sole platelooking intothesteam generating chamber and taken on linet7-.f1-7f-of1Fig; l;

Fig.r-8..is. a sectional viewtaken on line 8 8 ofFig. 1 ,assumingFig l shows a complete structure;

Fig. 9 isa partial end view looking in the direction of the arrows .=9 x9 ofLFig. 1 and assumingthatfl-ig.` l shows the complete structure;

Fig., .l0 is a partial view of'Fig. 1 `showing theopen position of t the water filling 1device;

Fig; `11 yis a schematic circuit diagram ofthe` electrical `control circuit and lheater `unit o-f the `steam ironof `the present` invention;

. Fig. 12 `is.` a` sectionalview `taken `on line 12-12 of Fig.` 1 again assumingthat Fig. 1 again showsa complete structure;

'FigaY r13is asectional `viewtaken on line 13-13 of Fig. 1 assuming/that Fig.-1 shows a complete structure;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view looking `in the direction ofthe -arrows `14+-14 of Fig. l;

Fig. 15 is a top plan `view of `the `steam iron of lthe rpres'entinvention illustrating a `modiication `of t ther-filler plug andsafety valve of .thepresent invention;

fFig. 16 isa sectional view` takenron line 16-16 of Fig. `15;

-what-` similartoFig. 1`, showing a modification'of the steam iron ofy the .present invention;

Fig.: 20 is. a sectional view taken onlinet20--20 of fF-ig. `:19 assuming. Fig.` `19` shows` a complete iron; and

is integrally cast into the sole plate.

Fig. 21 is a sectional view taken on line 21-21 of Fig. 19.

Referring now to the drawings there is shown an cmbodiment of the present invention in the form of an electrically heated pressing iron comprising a sole plate 16. The sole plate 16 is heated b.y an electrical element 17 which preferably is of the sheathed type. Brieiiy it comprises a helical resistance conductor mounted in an outer metallic sheath and supported in spaced relationship in reference to a sheath by an electrical insulating heat conducting mass formed of a suitable material such as highly compressed magnesium oxide. The heating element 17 is roughly in the shape of a hairpin as is shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings with the extremities of its legs located at the rear of the iron and its bight 17a located at the front or pointed end of the iron. The U-shaped heating element 17 is embedded in the sole plate 16, the sole plate preferably being provided with an upright rib 18 of generally U-shape (see Figs. l, 3 and 7) in which the heating element 17 is received. As shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings the heating element 17 is provided with suitable terminals 19 projecting from the ends of the sheath.

For the purpose of defining a steam generating chamber which is in close heat transfer relationship with the heating element 17 or at least with the rib 18 in which the heating element 17 is disposed, the front portion of the sole plate 16 as is best shown in Figs. l and.7 of the drawings is provided with a Well or chamber generally designated at 20, This chamber 20 is defined within the closed end of the U-shaped rib 18 and a cross member 21 extending between the two legs of the U-shaped rib 18. The edge of the rib 18 is provided with a cut away portion defining a ledge 18a which is level with the top of the cross member 21 for supporting a suitable cover 22 for the steam generating chamber. This cover 22 is adapted to extend over the cross Wall 21 which is provided with an enlarged portion 21a including a tapped opening 23 for receiving a suitable fastening member 24 in the form of a hexagonal rod best shown in Figs. l and 4. The rod 24 is illustrated as having a threaded extension 24a at one end for engaging the tapped opening 23 so as to provide a means for securing the cover plate 22 of the steam generating chamber to the sole plate 16. Another fastening means to be described hereinafter is also provided. The hexagonal rod 24 is of substantial length and is provided at its upper end with a tapped opening 24b, the purpose of which will become apparent as the following description proceeds.

Centrally disposed in the steam generating chamber 20 is a raised somewhat circular portion 25 forming an integral part of the sole plate 16 and having integrally formed therewith rearwardly extending legs or baille members 26 so as to divide the steam generating chamber 20 into a series of passageways.` The raised portion 25 is provided on its upper surface wtih a circular recess 25a exposing the upper end of a tapped bushing 27 which The tapped opening within the bushing 27 is designated by the reference vnumeral 27a.

In view of the fact that the steam generating chamber is closedly confined within the closed end of the U-shaped heating element 17 water supplied to the recess 25a in the raised member 25 is adapted to be substantially instantly changed into steam and to pass through suitable notches 25b formed in the Wall defining the recess 25a toward the rear portion of the steam generating chamber 20. This steam, as will be described hereinafter, eventually reaches the portion of the steam generating chamber 20 nearest the front of the iron where it is adapted to enter suitable ports 28 leading to the ironing surface of the sole plate 16. To be sure that only steam can pass through the ports 28 these ports open into the steam generating chamber 20 at the top surface of a raised V- shaped member 29, also integrally formed with the `sole plate 16. Consequently the ports 28 opening on the ltofore.

ironing surface of the sole plate 16 are arranged in a sort of V-shaped configuration. Preferably the ends of the ports or steam passageways 28 at the ironing surface of the sole plate 16 are of somewhat enlarged diameter as designated by the reference numeral 28a in Figs. l and 2 of the drawings. From the above description it will be apparent that in order for steam to pass through the steam passageways 28 it is necessary for the water supplied to the flash boiler type of steam generating chamber 20 to pass from the rear of the steam generating chamber around the extensions or baflies 26 through relatively narrow passageways 32, defined between the baffles 26 and the rib 18, where if steam has not already been formed it will clearly be formed due to the close contact with the rib 18 in which the heating element 17 is embedded. To further insure the generating of moist steam the passageways 32 include a suitable means for retarding the ow of water therethrough such for example as copper wool, or the like designated at 33 in Fig. 7 of the drawings. The raised V-shaped member 29 containing the ports 28 further prevents any water from flowing through the ports 28 by trapping the same and thereby insures the supply of only steam to the enlarged outlets 28a of the steam passageways 2S on the ironing surface of the sole plate 16.

To accommodate a suitable thermostatic control element the rear portion of the sole plate 16 is provided with a well generally designated at 34, best shown in Figs. l and 3 of the drawings, which is defined between the ribs 18 in which the heating element 17 is embedded. This Well is adapted to receive a suitable control mechanism to be described hereinafter.

In order that the steam generating chamber 20 may be provided with a source of water which is flashed into steam in the steam generating chamber there is provided a water reservoir generally designated at 3S which has an external configuration which closely approaches the size and shape of conventional sadirons employed here- In other words the reservoir 3S does not have such an exterior dimension as .to make the steam iron appear unusually large or bulky as is the case with many prior art arrangements. On the other hand the reservoir 35 although presenting a relatively small external dimension, as will become apparent from the following description, provides a relatively large water reservoir so as to insure an ample supply of steam for a considerable ironing period. As best shown in Figs. l, 3 and 4 the reservoir 35 preferably is formed from a pair of sheet metal stampings comprising a bottom wall 35a anda hollow cover portion 35b. The cover portion 35b is inthe form of an inverted container and a substantial area of its interior surface adjacent the peripheral edge thereof is in intimate engagement with a depending flange 36 on the bottom wall member 35a. The engaging portions of the members 35a and 3512 are joined as by welding, brazing or the like so as 4to provide a suitable water reservoir. The bottom wall 35a of the tank or reservoir 35 is also provided with a raised portion 37 which may be placed -therein by a suitable stamping operation. This raised portion 37 together with the well 34 in the sole plate 16 provides a chamber 39 for a thermostatic control device to be described hereinafter. For the purpose of permitting electrical connections `and control connections to be made to apparatus disposed Acent the passageway 40. Similarly the passageway 41 is defined by a tubular member 43 of somewhat attened configuration best shown intFig. 4 of the drawings. The

-rer entive` ends inf fthe tuba-1an mannen513` are else, sealed `with the nnrrespnndins.wallsznfetheptnnk .3.51inffhefsnn1e manner as the tubularmember 42.

In addition `to` the passageways 40 and 41 through lthe tank or reservoir 35 there arer also provided a series of openings in the tank 35..designated respectively by the reference numerals 44,.45 .and46shown in Eig. 1 of thedrawings. The .Qpening 44^is defined,V in the upper wallSSh near theVfront of the liron andis adapted to receive a cylindrical steam dome 47,the lower end .of

`which is suitably sealedias` by weldingor, thellike `tothe wall 35h so as effectively toprovide.antintegralwsteam dome extendinga substantial distance `aboyethe `top surface of the` reseryoirS. ."IheopeningAS on `the other hand isgdisposed in alignment with the tapped opening27afinthe plug27. This Iopening45 is furthermore `sion 49a adapted to engage with the tapped opening 27a.

Effectively therefore ,the valve body 49 performs three functions; (l) it includes the valve seat for the `needle valve 50 to be described in greater detail hereinafter, (2) it provides suitable meansfor fastening the tank or reservoir 35 to the, sole plate 16, and (3) it provides a means in addition to the stud24 for holding `the steam generator cover plate `2,2 in the position shown in Fig. l of Ithe drawings in sealing engagement with the ledge Y18a and the cross wall 21. The exterior surface of the needle Valve body 49 extending into the reservoir 35 is preferably of circular configuration as best shown in Fig. 4 of the drawingsY so as to be readily insertable `through the top of the `steam dome '47. `Preferably the valve body 49` is provided with a screw driver engaging slot 4911 whereby a` screwdriver insertedethrough an opening in the top ofthe `steam d ome 47 4may be employed when assembling the tank on the sole plate, which is done in a simple manner vafter the portions ofthe tank including the steam dome havebeen completely assembled. The opening 46 is provided at 'the rear of the reservoir 35 and effectively serves -asthe opening `through which water istsupplied to the reservoir 35. A combined filler plug and safety valve associated with the opening 46 is describedtin greater `detail hereinafter.

It will be appreciated that during an ironing operation the iron is moved backwardly and forwardly in contact with the articles or goods beingironed. Such backward and forward motion of the iron will tend to cause the water in the water reservoir 35 to rush from one end thereof to the other. To reduce to a minimum such movement of the water and consequent splashing thereof lin the reservoir 35 `there `is providedin `accordance with the present invention a bale plate 52 best shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4 of the drawings. As illustrated this baffle plate extends in a diagonal manner substantially across the Areservoir `355 `and flow of Water is permittedthrough `openings 53 defined at Ithe corners `of the bafile plate 52.

. In `accordance with the present invention the `baffle plate 52 is disposed` inan .angular manner best shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, with the` upper end thereof adjacent the rear surface of the tubular member.43 `and the lower edge thereof considerably to the rear of this point with respect to the iron itself. With 4this 4arrangement `there is a tendency for the water in its movement due to the back and forth movement of the iron to move. in a circularpattern at the forward endV of the chamber and consequently prevents splashing of the water into the Steam .691116141 In addition to the needle valve body 49 which p rpyides n `Ineens for fastening theyreservnir to. the..SQ1.e. `plete 16 there is provided enndditinnnl festenngnteensin the form `of a screw/.55 whichengages thetapped opening 24h in .the hexagonal-rod er stndlt- A 4S.nfnblefwntihef `,56` engageable witlnthe `upper` end of theitubrularmember `.comprise any suitable temperatnrerespensive eontroLdevice. ,i So that suchcontroldevice may ,bev accommo- `dated withinthe` relatiyely small chamber39 whichin turn allows ufor anlarge tvplumetcf water in reserypir 35 without `increasing `the outsidedimensions."thereof, ,the thermostatic control 60. has `been illustrated `as ofthe `type `disclosed Aand claimed in. United ,States `L etters Patent 2,415,795, Koci,`granted Februaryll, r1947 ,and,assigned tothe same assignee as the present application. i Asjillustrated `the thermostatic control device 6U comprises,.a thermostat or bimetallic element `61 ,embodying the -principles 4of `the `thermostat discloseddand .claimed inl United States Letters latenty 2.3.32,54181KQcl, `also-assigned` to the same assignee as the present application. The ythermostat `61is adapted to,bedispcsedinintimate engagement with a portion of .thesurface c iening-` the,bottoihoflthe well 34 in thesole` plate `16. One endpfthe `birrletallic: element 61 is rigidly secured to the soleplate` 16 as by ymeans `of a screw; or the i. like `62 and suitable clamping `means associated. therewith. Thevoilier,` or ,relativelyfree ,end of the element 61 on theother `hand is connectedby `means `of` a suitablefrod or otherconnectingdevice63 with an `arm `64 supportinga contact65whiic li,is engage- ,ablet with a `contact 6 6 `supported from `anuarm` 67. AThe contacts` 65 and 66 providea switch for controliing the heat supplied to the heating element` l17v as is bestQshovi/,n

`in `the schematic diagram of Fig. `11 Vof the drawings. `The Aconducting arm k,64 supportinguthe `oonta ct65 .iS

preferably directly connected to` one ter-minaLlS, `of the heating element 17 as byfmeansofthelconnector69best shown in Fig.` 4.of the drawings. Theiother Vterrlninal of theheating .element 17 is connected to the power Ysupply byt means yof theconnector 70 which` has a portion 71 yextending through the passageway fldened by themtubular member 42. The `switch arm167 isalso connected to .a power supply by means ofasuitableconnector 72 and a conductor 73` which also ,extends throngh the passageway 40. The conductors` 271` and 73p`are` adapted to be suitably connected ,withL a .power.cordA .7.4. a pprtion Lof which is shown in Fig. 6 ,of the Adrawings vin amanner which will be. understood by l,those skilled Vinmthe provided adjacent die` end 1ofthe derd resigned, to ,the

`-iron so `as to reduce Athe general Wearnndytear of the cord` at` the point where `it is `fastened to thetiron.

For the purpose of maintaining the various conductors `fromthe heatingelement 17Handthe switch comprising i the contacts 65 and 66 ininsulatedrelationshipla stack of conductors `with interspersed insulating members `is provided as generally indicated at 78 inelig. 1 of the drawings which stack simultaneouslyprovides support and fastening means for the arms 64 and 67 in a` manner well knownv to those skilled `in `the art while further moreproviding the desired electrical interconnection clearopenings provided for the screws 95. fine a substantial space between the spacer plate 92 and the reservoir 35 the plate is provided with suitable exly set forth by the schematic diagram of Fig. 11 of the drawings.

With the arrangement described above itis apparent that operation of the bimetallic element or thermostat 61, which inherently includes compensating means as is fully described n the above mentioned Koci patents, causes movement of the arm 64. Preferably the arm 64 is inherently somewhat'rigid so that the bimetallic element 61 must operate against a substantial force.

It will be understood that in modern electric irons selective control of the temperature of the sole plate 16 is desired so that different temperatures thereof may be maintained for ironing different materials such as cotton, wool, silk, rayon and the like. To provide a manually Aselective control of the thermostatic control device 60,

the switch arm 64, which is connected to the free end of thebimetallic element 61 by the member 63, is provided 'with a rigid extension 64a, which extends beneath the pasageway 41, including (Fig. l2) means detining an opening 80 for the hexagonal rod 24. The end of the rigid extension 64a is provided with a portion 81 of narrow cross section adapted to be engaged by the hook 79a of a coiled tension spring 79 which will be described in greater detail hereinafter. It will be apparent that by means of the tension spring 79 a force is applied to the arm or member 64 which force as will be described hereinafter is variable so as to require varying amounts of force by the bimetallic element 61 to cause opening of the switch defined by the contacts 65 and 66. The advantages of the rigid extension 64a as contrasted with the non rigid extension illustrated in Fig. 19 of the drawings will become apparent from the ensuing description.

So that an operator may manipulate the steam iron described thus far there is provided a suitable handle generally indicated at 82 preferably formed of a molded insulating material such as one of the many synthetic resins capable of withstanding relatively high temperaturesin the neighborhood of 275 to 300 F. As illustratedthe handle 82 is provided with a front support 83 and a rear support 84 between which extends the gripping portion 85. The gripping portion 85, and the supports 83 and 84 together with a base portion 86 of the handle 82 define the opening indicated at 87 in Fig. 1 of the drawings for the fingers of the operator. Each of the handle supports 83 and 84 is cored to provide chambers, the chamber' 88 being defined in the front support 83 while the chamber 89 is defined in the rear support 84. The base portion 86 of the handle 82 which extends over a substantial part of the iron is best shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. Essentially the handle 82 and the means of attaching the same to the steam iron described above are very similar to the arrangement disclosed and claimed in United States Letters Patent 2,277,034, Bisley, granted March 24, 1942, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application.

In accordance with the above mentioned Bisley patent there isk provided between the handle 82 and the reservoir 35 a spacer plate 92 best shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 5 of the drawings. v This spacer plate 92 is spaced from the reservoir 35 so as to reduce to a minimum any heat conduction between the spacer plate 92 and the adjacent portions of the steam iron, namely the reservoir 35. Preferably the spacer plate 92 is fastened to the reservoir 35 and particularly to the upper portion 35b thereof by a plurality of screws 95, four of them being shown in Fig. of the drawings. The screws 95 are adapted to engage suitable tapped openings in members 96 welded to the inside surface of the portion 35b of the tank or reservoir 35 so that no fluid from the reservoir 35 can escape through In order to detrusions indicated at 97 adjacent the openings therein for the screws 95 which provide the desired spacing and furthermore insure a minimum area of contact between the plate 92 and the reservoir 35 and consequently a minimum conduction of heat from the reservoir 35 to the spacer plate 92. The spacer plate 92 is provided with an opening 98 which accommodates the steam dome 47 and also permits the coil spring 79 which is disposed within the cored chamber 88 in the handle 82 to extend down into the control chamber 39. The spacer plate 92 is furthermore provided with suitable openings 99 providing passageways for the conductors 71 and 73 leading from the chamber, 39 to the cored chamber 89 where connection is made with the power cord 74. It should be noted that the chamber 89 is effectively divided into two chambers by the partition member 93 depending from the handle proper, one chamber for the electrical circuit and the other for fastening means and the like. In addition the 'spacer plate 92 is provided with a pair of elongated openings 100 for receiving suitable hook shaped portions 101a associated with the handle 82 for fastening the handle 82 to the spacer plate 92.

As illustrated in the above mentioned Bisley patent the hooks 101a are formed on suitable inserts 101 which in turn are molded into the bottom of the handle 82. Preferably these inserts 101 are provided with suitable openings or extensions into which the material of the handle is molded so as to insure effective integral relationship between the members 101 and the handle 82. By means of the hooked shaped portions 101a which are adapted to engage with the elongated openings 100 the front part of the handle 82 may be hooked to the spacer plate 92 by inserting the hooks through the elongated openings 100 and moving the handle forwardly so that the hooked portions 101a engage the edges of the openings 100. To further fasten the handle 82 to the spacer plate 92 a suitable tapped insert 102 is molded into the rear of the handle 82 to receive the screw 103 extending through the spacer plate 92, when the handle is in the position of Fig. 1 of the drawings with the hook shaped portions 101a in hooked engagement with the elongated openings 100. In this position the head of the screw 103 is in alignment with the passageway 40 defined by the tubular member 42 so that a screw driver or other tool may readily be applied to the screw 103 through this opening. A suitable closure plate 104 is adapted to close the space between the end of the sole plate and the rear end of the reservoir 35 after the screw 103 is in place thereby providing a finished appearance and furthermore preventing the possibility of accidentally contacting the live conductors 71 and 73. The plate 104 is preferably fastened in place by suitable screws 105 engaging a plate 106 welded or otherwise secured to the bottom rear portion of the reservoir 35. It will be understood that the rear surface of the reservoir designated by the reference numeral 107 forms a part of the heel rest for the iron when not in use in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art.

The individual conductors of the power cord 74 are connected to the upper ends of the conductors 71 and 73 as is clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 8 of the drawings. A suitable strain relief member 108 preferably supports the cord 74 within the chamber 89, which strain relief is suitably supported within the handle 82.

From the above description it will be apparent that the cored chamber 88 in the front portion of the handle 82 accommodates the steam dome 47 as well as other control mechanism located therein such as the spring 79 for example. For the purpose of controlling the tension of the spring 79 and consequently the temperature at which the thermostat 61 operates the switch comprising the contacts 65 and 66, the steam dome 47 is provided at its upper end with a portion of reduced cross section 47a so as to define a shoulder or ledge 109. Concentrically disposed with reference to the upper end 47a of the steam dome 47 and rotatably mounted on the ledge 109 is a tubular sleeve 110 preferably formed of molded insulating material and having a cam` surface in the form of a spiral groove 111 dened along its outerperiphery. A` cam' follower in the form of an annular plate 112is'provided -with extensions 112a `at spaced points thereof (Fig. 14) for engagement with the spiral groove 111 so that rotation of thesleeve 110 relative to the upper portion 47a of the steam dome 47 causesrmovement of the cam follower 112 in the direction of 'the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 110. The cam follower 112 is provided with a suitable recess 115 dened in the walls of the chamber 88`so as to prevent rotational movement of the cam follower 112 `while ystill permitting free movement thereof along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 111. The lateral extension 112b is furthermore provided with a bridge portion 116 extending across a notch 117 defined therein which bridge `portion is engageable by lthe upper hook 79b of the coil spring 79. It is apparent that rotation of the sleeve 111 will vary the tension of the spring 79 and consequently the force applied to the extension 64a of the conducting arm `64 `with the resultant control ofthe temperature atwhich operation of the switch Vcomprising the contacts 65 `and 66 occurs.

From the above description it will be understood that the arrangement for adjusting the temperature of the sole `plate 16 described above permits the employment of a small chamber 39 and consequently permits a water reserv'oir of maximum capacity within predetermined outside dimensions. It will be noted that by employing a 4 rigid extension 64a only a limited movement thereof is required and the force applied thereto by the spring '79 1s varied by substantial movement of the cam follower 112 which is located at a place where space is not at a premi- `um. Thus by substantial vertical movement of the cam fol- `Thus by substantial vertical movement of the cam follower'112 to vary the force on the rigid extension 64a, very limited movementof the extension 64a is required and consequently the chamber 39 need be only very small.

`This may be contrasted with the modification shown in Fig.` 19 of the drawings where the spring is not employed `and a larger chamber for the control mechanism is required.

In order that finger tip control of the position of the cam follower 112 may be had with the resultant control of the temperature ofthe sole plate 16, the upper end `of the sleeve 110 is suitably fastenedto an annular shaped control knob or button 120 which is` mounted for rotation `about a vertical axis within a recess 121 defined in the front upper portion of the handle 82, which recess 121 1s effectively an extension of the chamber 88 which opens at both the upper and lower endsI of the `support 83. The button 120 is readily engageable at the front or sides of the iron where it overlies the handle portion as best shown `in Fig. 6 of the drawings. The exterior surface of the button or control -knob 120 is preferably provided with protrusions 120a best shown in Fig. 13 of the drawings topermit ready finger manipulation thereof. The button lor knob 120 is further providedwith an integral downwardly extending lng` 12011 which cooperateswith a suitA able stop 122.` integrally formed inthe handle portion adjacent the recess 121 so as to limit the maximummovement in leither direction of the control-button 120 from the off position of the iron when the contacts 65 `and 66 `are open to the maximum `heatposition thereof which is the `position indicated by the `solid line position of the lug 12011 in Fig. 14 of the drawings. Theidotted line `position of-the lug 12012 in "l-Tig.` 14 oflthe drawings illustrates the off position of the iron, when insufficient tension ist` supplied to the `spring 79 so that the rod 64 Vtogether withthe inherent forceofthe birnetallic element-*61 moves the switch comprising the contacts 65 and 66 tothe open position. The knob 120 may be provided `with suitable indicia `such` as Offji ARayonf Silk, etc-which respective indicia cooperate with a `suitablelindexmarlr such as 123` formed on anadjacent part ofthe handle 82. When -the exterior surface of .the needle valve `member 50. `will be understood that rotation of the needle valve mem- `ber50 in one direction will completely `shut off the ow a particular indicia is opposite the index mark 123 the iron is set c for` the iparticular `control indicatedt thereby.

. Itv will be apparent thatxthe knob.Y 120 must-be` related to the sleeve in a predeterminedmannerso that proper operation ofthe controls results. To permit the necessary calibration or adjustment the button 120 is provided with a` dependingztlange 120e which is provided on `its inner surface with a saw-toothed configuration indicated at1120d in Fig. 13 of the drawings. A portion only ofthe outer peripheryofthe upper end of the sleeve is also provided with a cooperating saw-toothed surfacewhereby these saw-tooth surfaces may `be interlocked in various relative positions to insure the desired calibration. It will `be understood that the: sleeve 110 cannot beprovided` witha saw-toothed surface for the entire circumferential area since otherwise thisvwould interfere twith the movement of the lug b. However, the arrangement illustrated provides the necessary relative adjustment of the button 12iltand the sleeve 110 `to insure `that the particular operating characteristic represented by ,the indicia opposite the index mark 123 is obtained. Any suitable means for holding the button 120 and the sleeve 110 together as a unitary structure may be employed.

In order manually to control in a selective manner the flow of water yfrom the reservoir 35 to the steam generator 20 by means of the needle valve comprising the valve body` 49 partially described heretofore and the needle valve-member 50, the latter is an elongated member extending upwardly alongthe axis ofzthe steam dome 47. `The lower end of this member 50 is tapered in the form `of a conventional needle valveand is threadedly engaged withthe valve bodyt 49.;so as to effectively provide a needle valve controlwith the flow .of water beingalong `the ,externalcsurface thereof. The valvebody 49 is preferably provided with a plurality of'substantially horizontally dislposed passageways. 131:.through which the water from the reservoir 35 may` enter Ltheneedle Vvalve and ow along It of `water from the reservoir.35 .tos the; steam generating chamber 2t) in a conventional.well-understood manner. On the other hand rotation` of the needle valve member 50 lin the other `direction will permit variable amounts of water `to flow to the steam generating chamber 20 depending on the amount of rotation. The valve body 49 `further includes a `passageway 132 which permits water flowing throughz-theneedle valve to pass into the recess 25a in the steam` generating chamber 20.

11n accordance withtherpresenttinvention there is provided a passageway.interconnecting the upper end of the steam dome 47 and the steam generating chamber 20 independently of the` passageway` afforded by the needle `valve per se. Thispassageway may be a passageway sepgranted November` 25, l1952, and assigned to the same .assignee as the1present application.

As illustrated in Fig. 1 ofthe drawings `the upper end of the needle valve `member 5t) -is `telescopicallywrelated `with a fitting 136,

comprising a. tubularmember .which ,extends out of the upper end ofthe steam dome 47 into the central opening ot] the annular `button 120. '.The iitting13t6 is suitably fastened totheupper end of:the.member 50 `and includes `a lower tubular `portion 136e `connectedby passageways 137 with theuspaceiwithimthe `steam dome 47. In order to prevent the `escape..of steamirom the upper end of the steam domeit is closedtby aasuitable `plug 13S threadedly i engaging `thesteam dometand including a 'suitabley packing .around theftltting` 136 `which extends through the plug 138. 4In accordance vwithithepresent invention asteam .control button 140, preferably formed of moldable insulating material, is disposed within the recess of the annular button 120 and attached to the tting 136 by means of a screw 142 inserted through the top of the button 140 and threadedly engaging a tapped opening in the top of the fitting 136. With this arrangement the control button 144) for the needle valve and the control button 1.20 for the thermostat mechanism are concentrically disposed andare readily adapted for fingertip control. The steam control button 140 is provided with a suitable extension which is preferably opposite the index point 123 in the Off position. The single index mark 123, by virtue of the concentric arrangement of the buttons or control members 120 and 140 provides the reference for each control. Preferably a spring washer 148 interposed between the buttons 120 and 140 maintains the latter in position.

In order to limit the open and closed positions of the needle valve member 50 the control button 140 is provided with a depending lug 141 which engages with a stop 143 illustrated as comprising an integral extension at the upper end of the steam dome 47 as is best shown in Figs. 1 and 13 of the drawings. One extreme position, namely the closed position of the button 140 is shown in Fig, 13 of the drawings.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided in the passageway 134, which may be a separate .passageway as shown in Fig. 19 of the drawings, a spring biased ball valve 144 normally biased against a seat 145, so as effectively to isolate the passageway 134 from the passageway 137, by the coiled spring 146. Preferably `the ball valve 144 is adjusted so as to require approximately 11/2 lbs. of pressure per square inch within the steam dome 47 to open the same. With this arrangement it has been found that satisfactory ow of Water to the steam generating chamber 20 is assured as soon as the sole plate is hot enough for ironing purposes. The reason for this is that a certain amount of air is always trapped within the water reservoir and, as soon as initial heating of the sole plate 16 occurs, there results an expansion of this air and the creation of some pressure, thus providing a positive pressure feed for the water in the reservoir 35 in addition to the normal gravity feed which exists by virtue of the position of the reservoir 35 relative to the sole plate 16. A small pressure is built up immediately upon heating of the sole plate to assure constant water ow and when this pressure attains the value of approximately 11/2 lbs. per square inch the valve 144 moves to the open position. It will be apparent that this arrangement effectively provides a safety valve for the water reservoir 35.

For the purpose of providing an additional safety device there is associated with the water reservoir 35 described above a combined safety valve and filler plug generally designated at 150 and best shown in Figs. 1, 5, 8, 9 and 10 of the drawings.

1n accordance with the present invention the combined safety valve and filler plug 150 is disposed within a recess generally designated at 151 defined within the rear of the handle 82, so as to be not only substantially concealed from view to provide a very pleasing appearance, but furthermore is also completely out of the Way so as not to interfere in any way with the ironing operation.

Referring now specifically to Figs. 1, 5, 8, 9 and 10 of the drawings it may be noted that the recess 151 is of somewhat rectangular configuration defined within the molded handle 82. Adjacent the bottom of this recess 151 and toward the rear of the handle 82 there are provided a pair of ears 152 which are preferably formed integrally with the handle 82. The opening 46 into the reservoir 35, described above, is surrounded by an annular member 156 which provides a seat around the opening 46 for a suitable filler plug forming a part of a `combined closure and safety valve assembly generally indicated at 154. It will be understood that any suitable means for supporting the assembly 154 in the recess 151 may be employed. By way of example a pivotal support is illustrated in the drawings. The annular member 156 includes an integral upwardly extending portion 157 closed on all sides except the side extending to the rear of the iron, which serves somewhat in the manner of a funnel or guard to guide the liow of water into the reservoir 35 during the filling operation. This portion 157 includes a pair of rearwardly extending ears 157a aligned with the ears 152 and defined within the ears 157a are elongated slots 157!) for receiving a pivot pin 153. The elongated slots 157b shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings extend in a vertical direction for a purpose to be described hereinafter.

The assembly 154 comprises a pivotal housing member 158 including a portion 15851 disposed between the ears 157:1 and having an opening for the pivot pin 153 whereby the assembly 154 is pivotally supported for movement between the positions shown in Figs. 1 and l() of the drawings. To simplify the drilling operation for the opening in the portion 158a to receive the pivot pin 153 only the ends of the portion 158a are solid. A suitable sealing gasket 160 is riveted as indicated at 161 to the bottom of the pivotal housing member 158. When the closure device 154 is in the closed position shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the gasket 160 is biased by means to be described hereinafter into sealing engagement with the valve seat or annular member 156 surrounding the opening 46.

In order to hold the closure member 154 in the closed position shown in Figs. 1 and 9 there is provided a spring biased plunger 163 which is reciprocally mounted in a recess 164 defined in the pivotal housing member 158. A suitable compression spring 165 disposed within the recess 164 biases the plunger 163 in an upward direction as viewed in Fig. 1. A suitable pin 167 extending through a slot 168 in the plunger 163 limits the upward movement of the plunger 163 but at the same time permits limited reciprocal movement thereof. The pin 167 engages with the walls defining the recess 164 in the pivotal housing member 158.

The upper end of the plunger 163 is provided with a notch 163:1 to receive therein an extension 82a of the handle 82 which effectively acts as a lock or a latch maintaining the closure assembly 154 in the latched position shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings under the bias of the spring 165. The plunger 163 includes a manually actuable portion 163b which is substantially the only portion thereof protruding beyond the confines of the handle 82. This portion or extension 16312 is readily actuable by simple finger manipulation to release the latch whereupon the closure assembly 154 may be moved to the position shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings. It will be apparent that by virtue of the elongated slots 157b in the ears 157a that the closure assembly described above will act as a safety valve since a substantial increase in pressure within the reservoir 35 will cause the closure member to move bodily the entire assembly 154 and particularly move the gasket 160 out of sealing engagement with the annular member 156 which movement is furtherrnore permitted by virtue of the limited movement of the plunger 163 relative to the member 154 against the bias of the spring 165. Since the escaping steam or hot water through the safety valve mentioned above will be directed to the rear of the steam iron the danger of the operator coming into contact with the hot fluid is nil. The spring 165 is preferably designed so that the safety valve opens when the steam pressure reaches twenty-tive pounds per square inch.

The handle portion defining the recess 151 is designed to overlap the portion 157, as is clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 10 of the drawings, to prevent water during the filling operation from entering the chamber 89. During the assembly of the iron the closure assembly 154 is pivotally 13 mounted to the ears 157a byfthe pin 153 before the handle 82is put intoposition.

It will be understood thatalthough the concealed position of the combined `fillerplug and safety valve ispreferable, it might assume various other positions, and in Figs. 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the'drawings there is illustrated a modilication of `the combined filler plug and safety valve of the present invention which is` generally designated as 179. The `corresponding parts oftFigs.` 15 to 18, inclusive, are'designatedby the same reference numerals as the preceding iiguresof the drawing. From the disclosure of'rFigs. l5vand 16, it` may be observed that there is disposed in-the opening 46 adjacent one of the rear corners of the reservoir 35 a` fillertube 180 which extends to `the bottom ofthe reservoir and is suitably sealed to the edges thereof. In order to control the amount of-water suppliedto` the reservoir 35 through the ller tube 180, this `tube `extends to the bottom of the `water reservoir 35 andV is` providedwith an elongated slot 181 interconnecting the tube180vwith the reservoir 35. It will be understood that ,the amount of water which can be supplied to the reservoir 35 is controlled by the height of the slot` 181. As long as the level of the water within the reservoirr35 is below the top of the slot 181, air within `the reservoir may escape as it is displaced by the water. However, once the water level reaches the top of the slot 181 itis no longer possible .for the air to escape and consequently `the upper end `of. the slot 181 determines the amountrofwater'which can be poured into `the reservoir 35. Preferably the length of this slot 181 isadjusted so :that the'amount of water which can be supplied to the reservoir 35 is not suicient to run out of the needle valvewwhen theiron is placed upon its heel 107. Consequently when the person using the iron sets the iron up on its end, `in the conventional manner, the flow of water to the steam generating chamber stops without the necessity of manipulating the steam button 140. The upper end of theiiller tube 180 is provided with a circumferential ange 182 to `provide a valve seat for the combined liller'plug and safety valve 179 to be described in greater Vdetail hereinafter. Also the tube 180 is provided with a rolledthread 183 `near the upper end for threadedly engaging the iller plug 179.

The combined ller plug `and safety valve 179 comprises an outer housing184 of insulating materialphaving a depending skirt 184a adapted to extend over the tubular member 180. The exterior surface of the housing 184 is preferably of some suitable configuration, such as being `provided with suitable `molded protrusions, to permit ready finger manipulation thereof. Disposed within the insulating housing 184 isa tubular metal cover member 185 having the lowerend thereof provided with a rolled thread 186 cooperating with` a rolled thread 183 of the filler tube 180. The metal` covermember 185 is essentially a cup-shaped member which is inserted inthe insulating housing 184 and held in position by means of a rivet 187. To prevent relative rotation between the insulating housing 184 andthe metal cover member 185, a plurality of punched out portions 188 of the metal cover member best shown in Fig. 17 of the drawings are adapted to extend into recesses `189 defined in the insulating housing 184. These recesses 189 are furthermore connected to passageways 190 defined in the insulating housing 184 which are steam escape passageways for `the safety valve to be described hereinafter. The steam can escape through the` openings' 191 formed in the metal cover 185 by virtue of punching out the extensions 188, and the recesses 189 are suiiiciently large to permit steam to flow around the extensions 188 into the passageways 190. It willfurthermore be apparent that escaping steam due to the operation of the safety valve will be in a downward direction by virtue of the depending skirt 18411 and consequently cannot comeinto contact with the operator holding the handle 82.

A suitable stop is` provided to limit the closing movement of the metal cover lmember 185 relative to the iiller tube 180 which stopin the illustrated embodimentfis provided by the ends ofthe rolled threads 183 `and 186. In order to provide `a combined safety valve and closure memberl for the 'iiller tube 180, there is `provided an inverted cup-shaped valve member 193 for receiving a resilient washeror gasket 194. A plurality of punchedout portions 195 of thevalve member 193 are provided to hold the gasket 194 in position relative to the valve member 193. A suitable spring 196 is provided to bias the valve member 193'so that the gasket `or sealing member engages the valve seat 182. It will be apparent that with the arrangement described, a suitable closure member for the filler tube is provided. A safety valve `is also providedsince the closure member is closed tothe same position each time by virtue of the stop referredrto above.

`ln order to prevent the spring 196 from moving the valve `beyond `the position where the lugs 198 engage the ledge 199.

From theabovediscussion it is evident that the steam irondescribed is simple to manufacture and relatively easy to assemble. It will be apparent that the water reservoir together with the steam dome provides one subassembly while the sole plate and steam generating chamber cover provides another subassembly. The thermostatic control mechanism 60 is assembled to the sole plate 16 after which the steam generating chamber is assembled to the sole plate by means of the screw 55 and the needle valve body 49, the latter being manipulated by a suitable tool inserted through the opening at the upper end of the steam dome 47. `Following this, -the spacer plate 92is adapted to be fastened to the reservoir 35 by means of the four screws 95 referred to above. At the same time the cam sleeve together with the cam follower 112 and the needle valve control except'for the control button 140 can be assembled. Following this the handle 82 is applied to the spacer plate 92 by rst causing engagement of the hooks 101a with the openings 10i) and the subsequent application of the screw 103 while the plate 104 is removed. Electrical connections with the power cord 74 are completed prior or concurrently with the last mentioned operation whereupon the cover plate 104 is applied to the iron. The control knobs or buttons and 140 can now be positioned so as to provide the correct calibration for each control.

In view of the detailed description included above the operation of the steam iron of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. By virtue of the passageway 134, a small` pressure not exceeding about 11/2 lbs. per square inch is provided within the reservoir 35 to insure the flow of water between the reservoir 35 and the steam generating chamber 20. Furthermore, a pressure is available in the reservoir as soon as the sole plate 16 is hot enough to begin the ironing operation and it is unnecessary to wait for steam to form within the water reservoir 35. The compact arrangement of the controls for both the iron temperature and the steam flow permit easy adjustment in any desired manner `by the operator while at the same time providing the iron with a very pleasing appearance. The combined safety valve and filler plug insures absolute safety and, by means of the filler plug arrangement described, the iron can only be llled to the desired amount. Furthermore, exhaust steam due to operation of the safety valve is prevented from contacting the operator.

There has been described above what is at present considered to be a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In Figs. 19, and 21, however, there is illustrated a modification of the invention which includes many features of the steam iron described above. Various construction details thereof, however, are different.

Referring now to Figs. 19, 20 and 2l, there is illustrated a steam iron generally designated by the reference numeral 200. The parts of the steam iron 200 which are identical with the parts of the preceding figures are designated by the same reference numerals as in the preceding figures. The steam iron 200 comprises a sole plate 201 which includes a U-shaped rib 202 in which is embedded the heating element 17. A steam generating chamber generally designated at 203 is defined adjacent the bight of the U-shaped rib 202. The top of the steam generating chamber 203 is closed by means of a cover member 204 which functions in exactly the same way as the cover member 22 described above. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 19 a path is provided for the ow of steam from the steam generating chamber 203 to the ironing surface of the sole plate through passageways 205 which open into the steam generating chamber 203 at the top of a raised rib 206. The steam ports or passageways 205 in Fig. 19 of the drawings are to the rear of a circular recess 207 into which water is permitted to flow to be flashed into steam, rather than to the front of this portion of the device designated as a in Fig. 1 of the drawings as is the case in the preceding disclosure. The rear portion of the sole plate 201 includes a well 34 identical with the well ydescribed in Fig. 1 of the drawings for receiving a suitable control mechanism to be described hereinafter.

Suitably mounted on the sole plate 201 is a reservoir 210 comprising a bottom portion 210a and an upper inverted cup-shaped portion 210k which portions are welded or brazed together in a manner to provide a somewhat distorted toroid shaped water reservoir, the distorted toroid shape being formed by Virtue of the raised central portion 211 of the bottom 210g to define a chamber 212 of substantial size for the control mechanism to be described hereinafter. The bottom 210a of the reservoir 210 is also provided with a raised indentation 213 to conform with the rib 202 -of the sole plate 201.

The cover 204 for the steam generating chamber 203 and the reservoir 210 are fastened to the sole plate 201 in the same manner as was described in the preceding figures. In addition to the stud 24 and the screw 55 there is provided a needle valve body 214 which is illustrated as engaging directly with a tapped opening 201e defined in the sole plate 201. The needle Valve body 214 includes a passageway 215 whereby water from within the reservoir 210 may enter the valve body 214 to be controlled by the needle valve member 216 which is of conventional construction. Suitable passageways 217 are also provided in the needle valve body 214 to permit the water to flow through the needle valve and into the circular recess 207. The needle valve member 216 extends upwardly a sufficient distance and has fastened to the upper end thereof a suitable steam control button 218 for ready manual control of the water iiow and consequently the steam flow.

As in the preceding figures the reservoir 210 is connected to a steam dome 219 concentrically arranged with the valve member 216 which steam dome includes a portion of reduced cross section which defines an annular shoulder 220. The needle valve member 216 extends out of the upper end of the steam dome 219 which is closed by a suitable closure member 221, with suitable packing means being provided around the member 216 to prevent the escape of steam. The steam dome 219, instead of being a unitary structure as in the preceding figures, is formed of two parts so as to provide a larger opening to afford access to the needle valve body 214 during the assembly operation of the sole plate 201 and the reser- -avoir 210.

In accordance with the present invention the steam iron 200 is also provided with an independent 'by-pass or passageway 134 connecting the upper end of the steam dome 219 with the steam generating chamber 203. As illustrated, the passageway 134 is defined by a tubular member 224 which is supported within the Valve body 214 in a manner so that the lower end thereof opens .directly into the steam generating chamber 203 as is clearly shown in Fig. 19 of the drawings. The upper end of the tube 224 preferably includes a fitting 225 within which are disposed a ball valve 226 and a spring 227. The spring 227 is preferably designed to maintain the ball 226 in a position to seal the passageway 134 until the pressure within the steam dome 219 attains a value of the order of one and one-half pounds per square inch. It will be apparent that although the constructonal details of the by-pass including the passageway 134 differ somewhat from the arrangement disclosed in Fig. 1, the arrangement functions in exactly the same manner as the arrangement in Fig. 1.

As in the preceding disclosures, a suitable bai-lie plate 229 is provided within the reservoir 210, which bafiie plate actually comprises two portions 229a and 229b by virtue of the somewhat toroidal configuration of the water reservoir 210. This baflie plate is provided with suitable cut away portions 230 to permit the flow of water from one end of the reservoir to the other without splashing. The baffle 229 is furthermore disposed in an angular manner as in the preceding disclosures.

The steam iron 200 further includes a handle 230 and a spacer plate 231 which correspond closely to the handle 82 and the spacer plate 92 described heretofore. The handle 230 is provided at the front portion thereof with a cored chamber 233 for accommodating the steam dome 219. Concentrically disposed Within the chamber 233 and surrounding the portion of reduced cross section of the steam dome 219 is a rotatable cam 234 which is adapted to rest on the shoulder 220. The rotatable cam 234 is adapted to be manipulated by a suitable control button 235 somewhat concentrically disposed with reference to the steam control button 218. As will become apparent from the following description, the button 235 is effectively a temperature control button and is substantially identical with the button described above.

For the purpose of relating the cam 234 with suitable control means disposed within the control chamber 212, the cam 234 is provided with a spiral groove 238, around the periphery thereof for receiving a suitable cam follower 239 which is connected to a link 240. The upper end of the link 240 connected to the cam follower 239 is disposed within a vertical notch 241 opening into the cored chamber 233 so as to restrain the link 240 solely to vertical movement. The lower end of the link 240 extends through suitable openings in the spacer plate 231 and the reservoir 210 into the chamber 212.

For the purpose of controlling the temperature of the sole plate 201 there is disposed within the chamber 212 a bimetallic element 250 mounted in cantilever fashion within the well 34. One end of the bimetallic element 250 as illustrated is rigidly secured to the sole plate 201 by as means of a screw or the like 251. The other relatively free end of the bimetallic end 250 is adapted to engage a movable contact arm 252 comprising a flexible contact arm portion 252a to the free end of which is fashioned a U-shaped member 25217 supporting at one end of the U a movable switch contact 253. When the sole plate 201 is heated up, the bimetallic element 250 fiexes in a direction to move the movable contact 253 in an upward direction, as viewed in Fig. 19 of the drawings. The other end of the liexible conductor 252a not connected to the U-shaped member 252b is supported in a stack generally designated as 255 comprising insulating members and interposed conductors which stack corresponds to the stack 78 described above.

The movable contact 253 of the control switch is adapted to cooperate with a relatively stationary contact 256 mounted on a switch arm 257, one end of which is supported in the stack 255. The other end of the switch arm 257 is connected by means of an extension 257a with the lower end of the link 240. With this arrangement, the position of the relatively stationary contact 256 may be varied in dependence upon the position of the control button 235 so as to require a selectively variable movement of the thermostat 250 to open the switch comprising the contacts 253 and 256 and consequently to provide selectively variable heating of the sole plate 201. As in the preceding gures, the conductors within the stack 255 are suitably connected to the ends of the heating element 17 and also to the power supply cord by means of suitable conductors 260 and 261, which correspond respectively with the conductors 73 and 71 of the preceding figures. It will be understood that adjustment of the temperature control button 235 causes movement of the link 240 which together with the construction of the U-shaped portion 252]: of the switch arm 252 requires a chamber 212 of substantially greater Volume than the chamber 39 described heretofore. The larger chamber 212 means, a course, a smaller water capacity in the reservoir 210 for the same external conguration.

lt should be understood that the steam iron 200 will be provided with a suitable combined safety valve and tiller plug arrangement similar to those described above.

1n view of the detailed description included above, the operation of the steam iron 200 will be readily understood by those skilled in the art and no further discussion thereof is included herewith.

While there have been shown and described particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and it is therefore aimed in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1 In a steam iron comprising a sole plate, a handle of insulating material having a recess therein, a water reservoir, a steam generating chamber in said sole plate, valve means for controlling the ow of water from said reservoir to said steam generating chamber including a manually actuatable portion thereof extending into said recess, heating means for heating said sole plate, means extending into said recess for selectively controlling said heating means, a baffle extending across said reservoir having restricted openings therein to reduce the movement of water in said reservoir in response to the movement of said iron during an ironing operation, and means for supporting said bafe at an acute angle with respect to the bottom of the reservoir considering the angle on the side of the bathe toward the front of the iron.

2. A steam iron comprising a sole plate having a pointed nose portion, steam discharge ports in said sole plate at said nose portion, a heating element of generally U-shaped configuration associated with said sole plate with the closed end of said heating element located adjacent the nose portion of said sole plate and the legs of the U-shaped heating element extending along the sides of the sole plate with the open end of the U-shaped heating element adjacent the heel portion of said sole plate, said sole plate including an integral upstanding U-shaped rib at least partially enclosing said U-shaped heating element, a U-shaped steam passageway extending along the inside of said U-shaped rib adjacent the closed end thereof, the bottom of said U-shaped passageway being at about the same level as the lowermost portion of said heating element, a steam generating chamber confined substantially within the nose portion of said iron and within the connes of said U-shaped passageway, means connecting the closed end of said U-shaped passageway with said ports, and means connecting said steam generating chamber with the ends of said U-shaped passageway remote from said ports, said last mentioned means defining the sole path for steam between said ste-am generating chamber and said U-shaped passageway.

3. The steam iron of claim 2 including a water reservoir fastened to said sole plate, passage means between said water reservoir and said steam generating chamber, and valve means in said passage means for controlling the flow of water from said reservoir to said steam generating chamber.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 22,016 Edwards et al. Feb. 3, 1942 976,571 Hull Nov. 22, 1910 2,078,061 Cooper Apr. 20, 1937 2,279,215 Theilgaard Apr. 7, 1942 2,317,706 Woodman Apr. 27, 1943 2,338,739 Schreyer Ian. 1l, 1944 2,353,604 Waring et al. July 11, 1944 2,384,839 Kistner Sept. 18, 1945 2,387,281 Morton Oct. 23, 1945 2,483,816 Edwards Oct. 4, 1949 2,501,028 Charland Mar. 21, 1950 2,527,409 Ellinwood Oct. 24, 1950

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