Iron with fabric contact detector
US7340853B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F75/26
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An electric iron having a housing (1) and a soleplate (2) in which at least one outlet opening (10;15;34;45) is provided, means (8;19;28;39;43) for generating a fine liquid spray or foam or steam, and means (5) for delivering said generated fine liquid spray or foam or steam through said outlet opening. According to the invention, the iron is provided with detection means (12,14;22,23;35,36;49) for detecting the presence of a surface (7a) in the proximity of the sloplate (2) and for generating a detection signal in response to said detection, and with control means (6) for controlling the delivery of said fine liquid spray or foam or steam in response of said detection signal. For example, the detection means comprise a movable spring-loaded contact element (12) located in the soleplate (2), said element (12) activating a switch (14) for generating said signal when the soleplate is positioned against said surface (7a) and thus depresses said element (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.