US3711972A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steam iron
Assignee: Hamilton Beach Inc
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Filing: 1971-11-05
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Granted: 1973-01-23
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Expires: 1991-11-05
Abstract
Abstract The invention discloses a steam iron having a primary steam generating chamber for the generally continuous generation of steam and a separate auxiliary steam generating chamber for a manually controlled intermittent generation of a substantially larger volume of steam. The auxiliary chamber is connected to the primary chamber via a ''''S''''-shaped steam path with the primary chamber also being downstream from the auxiliary chamber so that steam generated in the auxiliary chamber must pass through the ''''S''''-shaped path and into the primary chamber before being distributed for discharge through apertures in the soleplate. The auxiliary chamber and the temp responsive bimetal control regulating the temperature of the iron are in close proximity to each other so the heat loss in the area of the soleplate bounding the auxiliary chamber, in instances when there are successive demands for the larger generation of steam which tend to deplete the heat from the auxiliary chamber, can be rapidly sensed and quickly replenished by actuating the heater.
Inventors
- 👤 G Risacher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:06
CPC Classifications
D; D06; D06F; D06F75/00; D06F75/08; D06F75/10; D06F75/14; D06F75/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
An electric steam iron selectively operable as either a steam iron or a dry iron including: a soleplate having a heater element imbedded therein, said soleplate defining a plurality of steam exit apertures in fluid communication with steam generating chambers and steam distributing ducts defined between said soleplate and a cover member in sealing engagement therewith, said generating chamber and said distributing ducts further being disposed generally adjacent the heater means and comprising: a primary steam generating chamber for the generally continuous generation of steam when said iron is on a steam setting; first duct means directing steam generated in said primary chamber to Said plurality of exit apertures; an auxiliary steam generating chamber for intermittent generation of steam as demanded by the user irrespective of the setting of said iron above a given temperature level; and, a second duct connecting said auxiliary chamber to said primary chamber in upstream series relation so that steam generated in said auxiliary chamber must initially flow through said second duct to said primary chamber prior to entering said first duct means directing it to said exit apertures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
An electric steam iron selectively operable as either a steam iron or a dry iron including: a soleplate having a heater element imbedded therein, said soleplate defining a plurality of steam exit apertures in fluid communication with steam generating chambers and steam distributing ducts defined between said soleplate and a cover member in sealing engagement therewith, said generating chamber and said distributing ducts further being disposed generally adjacent the heater means and comprising: a primary steam generating chamber for the generally continuous generation of steam when said iron is on a steam setting; first duct means directing steam generated in said primary chamber to Said plurality of exit apertures; an auxiliary steam generating chamber for intermittent generation of steam as demanded by the user irrespective of the setting of said iron above a given temperature level; and, a second duct connecting said auxiliary chamber to said primary chamber in upstream series relation so that steam generated in said auxiliary chamber must initially flow through said second duct to said primary chamber prior to entering said first duct means directing it to said exit apertures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The steam iron of claim 1 including temperature responsive means for controlling said heater, said control means being mounted on and attached to said soleplate in intimate heat conductive relation and disposed closely adjacent said auxiliary chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The steam iron of claim 2 wherein: said temperature responsive means is disposed in a generally rearward direction of said auxiliary chamber; and said second duct carries said steam generated in said auxiliary chamber generally forwardly and away from said temperature responsive means to said primary chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
70 words
The steam iron of claim 2 wherein: said soleplate includes means formed thereon defining at least a part of the wall of said auxiliary chamber; said temperature responsive means being mounted on said formed means, said formed means at said mounting location being uninterrupted by steam passages between said auxiliary chamber and said mounting so that conduction of heat between said auxiliary chamber and said temperature responsive means is promoted.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
The steam iron of claim 1 wherein: said heater element has a generally elongated U-shape with the bight of said U being located immediately forward of said primary chamber; said primary chamber has opposite side exits for directing steam into said first duct means, and has a rear side inlet for receiving steam from said second duct.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
The steam iron of claim 5 wherein: said first duct means includes opposite side passages directly overlying said heater element and extending to the rearward portion of said soleplate; said opposite side passages being connected at said rearward portion to the remaining portion of said first duct means having said exit apertures.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3165843A
Cited
US5599357A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-23 | 1976-07-24 | 1977-01-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-23 | 1980-07-24 | 1981-01-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-23 | 1984-07-24 | 1985-01-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |