EP0358310A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Soleplate for steam iron
Assignee: Black and Decker Inc
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Filing: 1989-06-30
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2009-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A soleplate (10) for a steam iron includes steam openings (22; 28, 44; 52, 54, 56, 58; 72, 76, 78) spaced a predetermined minimum distance from its perimeter to avoid lost steam from escaping. In a preferred embodiment, the steam openings include at least one longitudinal slot centrally aligned between lateral edges of the soleplate surface. The maximum width of the slot is limited so as to avoid permitting an edge of fabric from entering. The slotted shape of the steam opening reduces lint cutting and helps avoid stain spots. Other shapes and arrangements of steam openings are disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 William E. Davidson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:36
CPC Classifications
D; D06; D06F; D06F75/00; D06F75/08; D06F75/10; D06F75/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A soleplate (20; 24; 50; 70) for a steam iron comprising: a generally planar soleplate surface (20; 26; 60; 74); and at least one steam opening (22; 28, 44; 52, 54, 56, 58; 72, 76, 78) in said soleplate surface (20; 26; 60; 74); characterized in that a nearest approach of the or each and every steam opening (22; 28, 44; 52, 54, 56, 58; 72, 76, 78) to a perimeter of said soleplate (20; 24; 50; 70) is at least great enough to limit lost steam over at least 180 degrees of direction of linear motion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A soleplate (20; 24; 50; 70) for a steam iron comprising: a generally planar soleplate surface (20; 26; 60; 74); and at least one steam opening (22; 28, 44; 52, 54, 56, 58; 72, 76, 78) in said soleplate surface (20; 26; 60; 74); characterized in that a nearest approach of the or each and every steam opening (22; 28, 44; 52, 54, 56, 58; 72, 76, 78) to a perimeter of said soleplate (20; 24; 50; 70) is at least great enough to limit lost steam over at least 180 degrees of direction of linear motion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
A soleplate as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said nearest approach of the or each and every steam opening to a perimeter of said soleplate (20; 24; 50; 70) is at least great enough to limit lost steam over at least 260 degrees of direction of linear motion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A soleplate as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said nearest approach is great enough to limit lost steam to no more than two percent at normal ironing speeds for a worst direction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A soleplate as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that said nearest approach is not less than 1.8 cm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
A soleplate according to any preceding Claim, characterized in that it comprises at least two steam openings (28, 44; 52, 54, 56, 58) each of which is disposed in a line laterally centered in said soleplate surface (26; 60) with an axis of said line parallel to a forward-backward axis of said soleplate (24; 50).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A soleplate according to any preceding Claim, characterized in that at least one steam opening (28, 44; 52, 54, 56, 58; 72, 76, 78) comprises a slot.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A soleplate according to Claim 6, characterized in that the width of said slot is variable.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
116 words
A soleplate according to any of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one steam opening includes a first slot (72) laterally centered in said soleplate surface (74); and second and third slots (76, 78) said second slot (76) being longitudinally displaced from said first slot (72) along a forward-backward axis of said soleplate (70); said second slot (76) further being laterally displaced a first distance to a first side of a centre line of said soleplate surface (74); said third slot (78) being parallel to said second slot (76) and laterally displaced a second distance to a second opposite side of said centre line; and said first and second distances being equal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
A soleplate as claimed in Claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that said at least one slot includes substantially straight sides, said substantially straight sides being aligned with a forward-backward axis of said soleplate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A soleplate according to any preceding Claim characterized in that it includes means for inhibiting entry of an edge of a fabric into said steam opening(s).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
A soleplate according to Claim 10, characterized in that said steam opening(s) comprise a slot (28, 44; 52, 54, 56, 58; 72, 76, 78) having a width less than 2.5 mm.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
A steam iron including a soleplate as claimed in any preceding Claim.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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