[DESCRIPTION]
[Title of Invention]
IRON
[Technical Field]
[0001]
The technical field relates to an iron for ironing out wrinkles from clothes or
the like.
[Background Art]
[0002]
The soleplate of conventional irons of the above type has a pointed tip.
With such an iron, ironing can be performed in the following manner: run the
iron over clothes to press and smooth out the clothes in the ironing direction,
thereby ironing out the wrinkles thereof. Also, such an iron facilitates
delicate ironing work around buttons of the clothes. Since ironing work is
performed using limited space on an ironing board, the iron is repeatedly
moved forward and backward over the clothes in a reciprocating manner, and
also, the form of the clothes is adjusted during the ironing work. Generally
speaking, the rear portion of the soleplate of an iron does not have a pointed
shape. Accordingly, while the iron is being moved backward, pressing force
is not applied to the iron and the rear portion of the soleplate is slightly
raised from the clothes. In this manner, an erroneous operation of the iron,
which causes creases to be formed on the clothes, can be prevented.
However, during ironing, such erroneous operation is often performed since
wrinkles of the clothes can be efficiently ironed out by moving the iron in a
reciprocating manner. Creases formed by ironing are hard to remove.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, it is conceived that a rear end portion 102 of
a soleplate 101 is formed to have a similar pointed shape to that of a tip
portion 103 (see, e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2009-28385
(hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document l)).
The rear end portion 102 of the soleplate 101 of the iron described in Patent
Document 1 is formed to have a pointed shape for the purpose of preventing
creases from being formed when the iron is moved backward. However, a
handle body 104 overhangs the pointed rear end portion 102. For this
reason, there is a problem that while the iron is being moved backward over
clothes, a part of the clothes near the pointed rear end portion 102 cannot be
seen.
In general, ironing work includes an action to move an iron over clothes to
iron out wrinkles thereof and an action to adjust the form of the clothes.
¦
Ironing is performed by repeating these actions to iron out the wrinkles and
adjust the form of the clothes. In the case of a cordless iron described in
Patent Document 1, the iron is placed on a stand during a break in use of the
iron, while the form of the clothes is adjusted.
When the iron is placed on the stand, power is supplied to a heating element
of the iron. A connection terminal 105 for the power supply is provided near
and above the rear end portion 102 of the soleplate 101. Accordingly, for the
rear end portion 102 of the soleplate 101, it is difficult to obtain the same
level of visibility as that of the tip portion 103. While the iron is being
moved backward, sight of an area neighboring and encompassing the pointed
rear end portion 102 is blocked by the handle body 104, and accordingly, the
area neighboring and encompassing the pointed rear end portion 102 cannot
be viewed. Thus, only forming the rear end portion 102 of the soleplate 101
into a pointed shape does not solve the problem that when the iron is moved
backward, creases are formed due to an erroneous operation of the iron.
[Citation List]
[Patent Literature]
[0003]
[PTL 1]
Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-28385
[Summary of Invention]
[0004]
In view of the above-mentioned problem, as well as other concerns, a
concern of the present disclosure is to: obtain visibility of the rear end portion
of the soleplate during ironing,' enable ironing to be efficiently performed
through both forward and backward movements of an iron! and provide
improved usability of an iron when the iron is moved backward in the
direction of the rear end portion that has a pointed shape.
Accordingly, an iron according to a first aspect includes: a base heated by a
heating element; a soleplate provided on a bottom surface of the base, the
soleplate having a front end portion and a rear end portion that are each
formed in a pointed shape,' a thermal insulation board covering a top surface
of the base; a handle body provided above the thermal insulation board and
having a grip part; and a support for supporting an iron main body to be in a
self-standing state where the soleplate is substantially vertically disposed.
The support has a first support portion and a second support portion that are
provided to both sides of the rear end portion of the soleplate so as to
protrude backward from the iron main body, and has a third support portion
provided at a rear portion of the grip part. A space that allows the rear end
portion of the soleplate to be visible is formed between the first and second
support portions.
Accordingly, visibility of the rear end portion of the soleplate can be
obtained while the iron is being moved backward during ironing, and ironing
can be performed efficiently through both forward and backward movements
of the iron, that is, through an action to move the iron forward in the
direction of the front end portion and an action to move the iron backward in
the direction of the rear end portion. Also, usability of the iron when the
iron is moved backward in the direction of the rear end portion is improved.
In an iron according to a second aspect, when the iron main body is
supported by the support as set in the self-standing state, the rear end
portion of the soleplate can be located in a position that is distanced upward,
by a predetermined distance, from a setting surface on which the iron main
body is set.
Accordingly, when the iron is set on the setting surface, risk of the setting
surface becoming overheated due to heat of the soleplate that is heated at a
high temperature can be reduced. Thus, the iron can be set safely on the
setting surface.
In an iron according to a third aspect, the first and second support portions
protrude further backward than the rear end portion of the soleplate.
Accordingly, overheating of the setting surface can be prevented when the
iron is set on the setting surface.
In an iron according to a fourth aspect based on any one of the first to third
aspects, the first and second support portions are both distanced laterally
from the rear end portion of the soleplate by respective distances that are set
to be substantially equal to each other.
Accordingly, favorable visibility of an area neighboring and encompassing
the rear end portion can be obtained while the iron is being moved backward.
Also, regardless as to whether a left or a right hand operates the iron, a
visible area can be obtained equally.
fn an iron according to a fifth aspect based on any one of the first to third
aspects, the first and second support portions are provided at both ends of a
support forming body that is formed in a substantially U-shaped
configuration along an outer side surface of the thermal insulation board.
Accordingly, in addition to obtaining favorable visibility of the pointed tip of
the rear end portion of the soleplate, visibility of the outer periphery of the
soleplate and visibility of the pointed tip of the front end portion can be
improved. Also, by attaching the support forming body to the iron main
body, the support for supporting the iron main body to be in a self-standing
state can be readily formed.
In a sixth aspect based on the fifth aspect, the iron further includes^ a
vaporizing chamber, formed on the base, for generating steam,' and a water
tank, arranged above the thermal insulation board, for storing water to be
supplied to the vaporizing chamber. The support forming body covers a gap
between the water tank and the thermal insulation board.
Accordingly, heat from the soleplate, which ascends along the outer wall of
the thermal insulation board, can be prevented from entering between the
thermal insulation board and the water tank. In this manner, deterioration
of the water tank due to the heat can be prevented.
In a seventh aspect based on any one of the first to third aspects, the first
and second support portions are formed as rod-like bodies that protrude
backward from the iron main body such that when the iron main body is in a
self-standing state, the soleplate is distanced upward from a setting surface,
on which the iron main body is set, so as to have a predetermined height from
the setting surface. A first space is formed between the first and second
support portions that are the rod-like bodies. A second space is formed
between the first support portion, the second support portion, and a third
support portion provided at the rear portion of the grip part.
Accordingly, the spaces are readily formed by the support that supports the
iron main body to be in a self-standing state. By setting a horizontal
interval between the rod-like bodies to be an appropriate interval, the iron
main body can be supported stably when set in a self-standing state, and also,
a wide viewing angle, within which an area neighboring and encompassing
the rear end portion is visible, can be obtained. Accordingly, visibility of the
neighboring and encompassing area can be obtained based on movement of
the iron.
In an iron according to an eighth aspect based on any one of the first to third
aspects, the iron further includes- a terminal embedded within a rear portion
of the handle body! and a handle backing plate covering the terminal. A
central portion of the handle backing plate is recessed forward to form a third
space.
Accordingly, the area neighboring and encompassing the rear end portion,
which is visible while the iron is being moved backward, can be expanded.
Thus, the visibility of the neighboring and encompassing area can be
obtained based on movement of the iron.
In a ninth aspect based on any one of the first to third aspects, a rear
portion of the handle body protrudes backward to form the first and second
support portions.
Accordingly, visibility of the rear end portion of the soleplate can be
obtained while the iron is being moved backward during ironing, and the iron
main body can be stably supported in a self-standing state by a simple and
robust structure.
In a tenth aspect based on any one of the first to eighth aspects, a rear
portion of the thermal insulation board protrudes backward to form the first
and second support portions.
Accordingly, visibility of the rear end portion of the soleplate can be
obtained while the iron is being moved backward during ironing, and the iron
main body can be stably supported in a self-standing state by a simple and
robust structure.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the an iron
according to various embodiments will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of the when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0005]
[Fig. 1]
FIG. 1 is a top view of an iron according to a first embodiment.
[Fig. 2]
FIG. 2 is a side view showing the iron in a self-standing state.
[Fig. 3]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support forming body of the iron.
[Fig. 4]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the iron.
[Fig. 5]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the iron cut along line A-A shown in FIG.
2.
[Fig. 6]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the iron.
[Fig. 7]
FIG. 7 is a side view of an iron in a self-standing state, according to a second
embodiment.
[Fig. 8]
FIG. 8 is a side view of an iron in a self-standing state, according to a third
embodiment.
[Fig. 9]
FIG. 9 is a top view showing an essential part of the iron.
[Fig. 10]
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a conventional iron.
[Description of Embodiments]
[0006]
Hereinafter, an iron according to various exemplary will be described w
ith reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the iron is not 1
imited to these embodiments.
[Example 1]
[0007]
FIG. 1 is a top view of an iron according to a first embodiment. FIG.
2 is a side view showing the iron in a self-standing state. FIG. 3 is a
perspective view of a support forming body of the iron. FIG. 4 is a per
spective view of the iron. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an essenti
al part of the iron. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the iron.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, an iron main body 1 includes: a base 3 that
is heated by an embedded heating element 2', a vaporizing chamber 4, f
ormed as a recession on a top surface of the base 3, for generating stea
m; and a steam hole 5, formed in a bottom surface of the base 3, for di
scharging the steam generated in the vaporizing chamber 4. Also, the i
ron main body 1 has a soleplate 6 that includes a front end portion 6a
and a rear end portion 6b of the base 3, which are each formed in a po
inted shape.
A resin water tank 7 stores water to be supplied to the vaporizing cha
mber 4. Through external operation of a steam dial 8 by a user, the w
ater in the water tank 7 is supplied to the vaporizing chamber 4, or the
water supply to the vaporizing chamber 4 is ceased. A thermal insulat
ion board 9 is provided so as to cover the top surface of the base 3. A
resin handle body 10 is arranged above the thermal insulation board 9 s
o as to form a grip part 11.
A handle backing plate 12 is provided between the thermal insulation
board 9 and the handle body 10. The handle backing plate 12 is config
ured to cover, from the back, a terminal (not shown) that is formed wit
hin a rear portion of the handle body 10. Connected to the terminal ar
e-' a power cord 16 extending from a rear portion of the grip part 11; an
d a circuit of the heating element 2.
A support forming body 13 is formed, in a substantially U-shaped confi
guration, along the outer side surfaces of the water tank 7 and the ther
mal insulation board 9. At both ends of the support forming body 13, a
first support portion 14a and a second support portion 14b are provided,
respectively. The first support portion 14a and the second support port
ion 14b contact a setting surface S when supporting the iron main body
1 to be in a self-standing state where the soleplate 6 is substantially v
ertically disposed. To both sides of the rear end portion 6b, the first su
pport portion 14a and the second support portion 14b that are rod-like b
odies protrude backward from the iron main body 1 such that when the
iron main body 1 is in a self-standing state, the soleplate 6 is distance
d upward from the setting surface S so as to have a predetermined heig
ht H therefrom.
A third support portion 11a is provided at the rear portion of the grip
part 11. The iron main body 1 is supported at three points, i.e., the fir
st support portion 14a, the second support portion 14b and the third su
pport portion 11a, so as to be in a self-standing state. When the iron
main body 1 is supported to be in a self-standing state, the front end p
ortion 6a of the soleplate 6 of the base 3 molded from aluminum alloy i
s in a state of being inclined toward the handle body 10 side. In this
manner, the center of gravity of the iron main body 1 is balanced, and
thus the iron main body 1 can be set stably.
Formed between the first support portion 14a and the second support p
ortion 14b is a first space 15a that is an open space that allows, while
a user holding the grip part 11 is moving the iron main body 1 backwa
rd, the user to view an area neighboring and encompassing the rear end
portion 6b of the soleplate 6.
Also, formed between the first support portion 14a, the second support
portion 14b, and the third support portion 11a is a second space 15b th
at is an open space. Further, a central portion of the handle backing pI
ate 12 is recessed forward, whereby a third space 15c is formed. As a
result, while the iron main body 1 is being moved backward, a wide vie
wing angle, within which an area neighboring and encompassing the rea
r end portion 6b of the soleplate 6 is visible, can be obtained. Accordin
gly, visibility of the neighboring and encompassing area can be obtained
based on movement of the iron.
The first support portion 14a, the second support portion 14b, and the
third support portion 11a form a support for supporting the iron main b
ody 1 to be in a self-standing state. When the iron main body 1 is set
by means of the support to be in a self-standing state, the rear end por
tion 6b of the soleplate 6 is located in a position that is distanced upwa
rd, by the predetermined height H, from the setting surface S on which
the iron main body 1 is set.
The first support portion 14a and the second support portion 14b, whic
h are rod-like bodies protruding backward from the iron main body 1, p
rotrude further backward than the rear end portion 6b. Also, the first s
upport portion 14a and the second support portion 14b are both distance
d laterally from the rear end portion 6b by respective distances D that
are set to be substantially equal to each other.
The support forming body 13 is formed in a substantially U-shaped con
figuration along the outer side surfaces of the water tank 7 and the the
rmal insulation board 9, so as to cover, from the outside, a gap G that i
s formed between the top of the thermal insulation board 9 and the bott
om of the water tank 7. In this manner, the gap is shielded.
Actions of, and functions provided by, the iron having the above configu
ration will be described below. First, when the steam dial 8 is operated
and the water in the water tank 7 is supplied to the vaporizing chamb
er 4, steam is generated in the vaporizing chamber 4 heated by the hea
ting element 2. The steam is discharged to the outside through the ste
am hole 5. As a result, the steam can be applied to clothes or the like
while ironing is being performed thereon.
Mere, after moving the iron forward so as to press and smooth out the
clothes with the front end portion 6a, viewing an area neighboring and
encompassing the front end portion 6a of the soleplate 6, the user mov
cs the iron backward toward the rear end portion 6b side for reciprocati
ng ironing movement. At the time, the user holding the grip part 11 ca
n view, through the first space 15a and the second space 15b, the condi
tion of a part of the clothes in an area neighboring and encompassing t
he rear end portion 6b. Accordingly, a direction in which to hold the gr
ip part 11 does not have to be changed to a backward direction in whic
h the rear end portion 6b is moved. Also, there is no need to switch th
e hand holding the grip part 11 to the other hand when moving the iro
n backward. As a result, an erroneous operation of the iron, which cau
ses creases to be formed on the clothes, can be prevented.
Thus, without having to change the manner of holding the grip part 11
to change the moving direction of the iron, the user can efficiently perf
orm ironing through reciprocating ironing actions, that is, an action to
move the iron forward in the direction of the front end portion 6a and a
n action to move the iron backward in the direction of the rear end port
ion 6b. Also, favorable visibility can be obtained while the iron is being
moved backward in the direction of the rear end portion 6b. This impr
oves usability of the iron.
When the iron main body 1 is set by means of the support to be in a
self-standing state, the rear end portion 6b of the soleplate 6 is located
in a position that is distanced upward, by the predetermined height H, f
rom the setting surface S on which the iron main body 1 is set. As a r
esult, when the iron is set on the setting surface S, there is no fear tha
t the setting surface S becomes overheated due to heat of the soleplate
6 that is heated at a high temperature. Thus, the iron can be set safel
y on the setting surface S.
The first support portion 14a and the second support portion 14b protr
ude further backward than the rear end portion 6b of the soleplate 6.
For this reason, when the iron is set on the setting surface S, the rear
end portion 6b of the soleplate 6 can be distanced upward from the setti
ng surface S. Accordingly, overheating of the setting surface S can be p
revented.
Further, the first support portion 14a and the second support portion 1
4b are distanced laterally from the rear end portion 6b of the soleplate
6 by the respective distances D that are set to be substantially equal to
each other. Accordingly, favorable visibility of an area neighboring and
encompassing the rear end portion 6b can be obtained while the iron is
being moved backward. Also, regardless as to whether a left or a righ
t hand operates the iron, a visible area can be obtained equally.
Still further, the first support portion 14a and the second support porti
on 14b are provided at both the ends of the support forming body 13 th
at is formed in a substantially U-shaped configuration along the outer si
de surface of the thermal insulation board 9. Accordingly, in addition to
the visibility of the pointed tip of the rear end portion 6b of the solepl
ate 6, visibility of the outer periphery of the soleplate 6 and visibility of
the pointed tip of the front end portion 6a can be improved. Still furt
her, by attaching the support forming body 13 to the iron main body 1,
the support for supporting the iron main body 1 to be in a self-standing
state can be readily formed.
Still further, the iron main body 1 includes: the vaporizing chamber 4,
formed on the base 3, for generating steam: and the water tank 7, arra
nged above the thermal insulation board 9, for storing water to be suppl
ied to the vaporizing chamber 4. The gap G between the water tank 7
and the thermal insulation board 9 is covered by the support forming bo
dy 13. Accordingly, heat from the soleplate 6, which ascends along the
outer wall of the thermal insulation board 9, can be prevented from ent
oring between the thermal insulation board 9 and the water tank 7. In
this manner, deterioration of the water tank 7 due to the heat can be
prevented.
Still further, the first support portion 14a and the second support porti
on 14b are formed as rod-like bodies that protrude backward from the ir
on main body 1 such that when the iron main body 1 is in a self-standi
ng state, the soleplate 6 is distanced upward from the setting surface S
so as to have the predetermined height H therefrom. The first space 15
a is formed between the first support portion 14a and the second suppor
t portion 14b that are the rod-like bodies. Also, the second space 15b is
formed between the first support portion 14a, the second support portio
n 14b, and the third support portion 11a provided at the rear portion of
the grip part 11. In this manner, the spaces are readily formed by the
support that supports the iron main body 1 to be in a self-standing sta
te. By setting a horizontal interval between the rod-like bodies to be an
appropriate interval, the iron main body 1 can be supported stably whe
n set in a self-standing state, and also, a wide viewing angle, within wh
ich an area neighboring and encompassing the rear end portion 6b is vi
sible, can be obtained. Accordingly, visibility of the neighboring and enc
ompassing area can be obtained based on movement of the iron.
Still further, the terminal is embedded within the rear portion of the h
andle body 10. The iron main body 1 includes the handle backing plate
12 that covers the terminal. The central portion, in the up-down and 1
eft-right directions, of the handle backing plate 12 is recessed forward,
whereby the third space 15c is formed. Accordingly, the area neighborin
g and encompassing the rear end portion 6b, which is visible while the i
ron is being moved backward, can be expanded. Thus, the visibility of t
he neighboring and encompassing area can be obtained based on movem
ent of the iron.
Still further, as a result of forming the first support portion 14a and t
he second support portion 14b by protruding the rear portion of the han
dle body 10 backward, visibility of the rear end portion 6b of the solepla
te 6 can be obtained while the iron is being moved backward during iro
ning, and the iron main body 1 can be stably supported in a self-standi
ng state by a simple and robust structure.
As described above, the first space 15a is formed between the first sup
port portion 14a and the second support portion 14b. This allows favora
ble visibility of an area neighboring and encompassing the rear end port
ion 6b to be obtained while the iron is being moved backward in the dir
ection of the rear end portion 6b. To be specific, the user can view the
area neighboring and encompassing the rear end portion 6b through th
e first space 15a when having moved the iron forward in the direction o
f the front end portion 6a, for example, to the left side of the user so a
s to press and smooth out clothes with the front end portion 6a of the s
oleplate 6. Then, the user can move the iron backward in the direction
of the rear end portion 6b, i.e., toward the right side of the user, viewi
ng the condition of the clothes.
As the iron approaches in front of the user, it becomes difficult for the
user to view the area neighboring and encompassing the rear end porti
on 6b. In this manner, the visibility changes depending on the position
of the iron. Accordingly, as a result of forming the first space 15a, wh
en ironing is performed so as to move the iron forward and backward w
ithin a range that allows the visibility of the area neighboring and enco
mpassing the rear end portion 6b to be obtained, the necessity to switch
the forward moving direction of the iron and to switch the hand holdin
g the grip part 11 is eliminated. This provides improved usability of th
o iron.
In addition to the first space 15a, by forming the second space 15b bet
ween the first support portion 14a, the second support portion 14b, and
the third support portion 11a provided at the rear portion of the grip pa
rt 11, the area neighboring and encompassing the rear end portion 6b,
which is visible while the iron is being moved backward in the direction
of the rear end portion 6b, i.e., toward the right side of the user, can
be expanded. Accordingly, even when the iron is passed in front of the
user, the area neighboring and encompassing the rear end portion 6b is
visible through the second space 15b. Therefore, the forward and backw
ard moving distances of the iron can be lengthened, which further impro
ves usability of the iron.
The third space 15c is useful for expanding the area, which is visible
while the iron is being moved backward and which neighbors and encom
passes the rear end portion 6b. However, the third space 15c is not ess
ential depending on the shape of the handle body 10.
[Example 2]
[0008]
FIG. 7 is a side view of an iron in a set state, according to a second e
mbodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the re
ar portion of the handle body 10 is not connected to the rear portion of
the grip part 11, that is, the iron is in the form of a so-called "open ha
ndle". Since the other components in the present embodiment are the s
ame as those of the first embodiment, they are denoted by the same ref
erence numerals as those used in the first embodiment, and the detailed
descriptions thereof are the same as those in the first embodiment.
In the above structure, the front portion of the handle body 10 is conn
ected to the front portion of the grip part 11, and this connection (conne
ction 10a) supports, on the handle body 10, the grip part 11 extending b
ackward from the connection 10a. Accordingly, a structure in which the
rear portion of the grip part 11 is not connected to the handle body 10
can be realized. As a result, the second space 15b, which is formed be
tween the first support portion 14a, the second support portion 14b, and
the third support portion 11a provided at the rear portion of the grip p
art 11, can be formed as a large open space. In this manner, the secon
d space 15b can be formed efficiently. Consequently, the visibility of th
e area neighboring and encompassing the rear end portion 6b, which is
obtained while the iron is being moved backward, is further enhanced.
Thus, the usability of the iron at the time of moving the iron backward
is improved.
[Example 3]
f0009l
FIG. 8 is a side view of an iron in a set state, according to a third
embodiment. FIG. 9 is a top view showing an essential part of the iron. In
the present embodiment, the first support portion 14a and the second support
portion 14b are formed by protruding the rear portion of the thermal
insulation board 9 backward. Since the other components in the present
embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, they are denoted
by the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment, and
the detailed descriptions thereof are the same as those in the first
embodiment.
In the above structure, at the rear portion of the thermal insulation board 9,
which covers the top surface of the base 3 and which supports, on the top
surface thereof, the handle body 10, the first support portion 14a and the
second support portion 14b are formed so as to protrude backward. The first
space 15a is formed between the first support portion 14a and the second
support portion 14b.
As a result, a predetermined distance can be obtained between the third
support portion 11a provided at the rear portion of the grip part 11 and each
of the first and second support portions 14a and 14b. Accordingly, the
visibility of the rear end portion 6b of the soleplate 6 can be obtained while
the iron is being moved backward during ironing. Also, the iron main body 1
can be stably supported in a self-standing state by a simple and robust
structure.
Note that in order to describe the manner of forming the first support
portion 14a and the second support portion 14b on the iron main body 1, the
above description describes a structure in which the support forming body 13
is attached to the iron main body 1, a structure in which the rear portion of
the handle body 10 is protruded backward, and further, a structure in which
the rear portion of the thermal insulation board 9 is protruded backward.
However, the structure may be in any form as long as the visibility can be
obtained while the iron is being moved backward and the iron main body 1
can be supported during a break in use of the iron.
Further, in each embodiment, the power cord 16 extends from the rear
portion of the grip part 11. However, the power cord 16 may extend from the
rear portion of the handle body 10.
Still further, in each embodiment, the iron is a corded iron having the power
cord extending from the iron main body 1. However, the iron may be
implemented on a cordless iron, of which the main body is placed on a stand
for charging during a break in use of the iron and of which the main body is
removed from the stand when the iron is used. Also in this case, the same
advantageous effects as described above can be obtained.
Still further, although each embodiment describes a steam iron, the same
advantageous effects as described above can be obtained also in irons without
a steam generator.
Note that the iron can be implemented not only as each embodiment above
but also as each embodiment above combined with a part of any other
embodiment.
As described above, the iron according to the various embodiments allows
ironing to be performed efficiently through both the forward and backward
movements of the iron and provides improved usability of the iron when the
iron is moved backward in the direction of the rear end portion. Therefore,
the iron is useful as a home-use or professional-use iron.
While the invention has been described in detail, the foregoing description is
in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is understood that numerous
other modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the
scope of the invention.
[Industrial Applicability]
[0010]
As described above, the iron according to the present invention enables
ironing to be performed efficiently through both forward and backward
movements of the iron and provides improved usability thereof when mo
ved backward in the direction of a rear end portion of a soleplate. The i
ron according to the present invention is useful for household and indus
trial use.
[Reference Signs List]
[0011]
1 Iron main body
2 heating element
3 base
4 vaporizing chamber
5 steam hole
6 soleplate
6a front end portion
6b rear end portion
7 water tank
8 steam dial
9 thermal insulation board
10 handle body
11a third support portion
11 grip part
12 handle backing plate
13 support forming body
14a first support portion
14b second support portion
15a first space
15b second space
15c third space
16 power cord
WE CLAIM
An iron comprising:
a base heated by a heating element;
a soleplate provided on a bottom surface of the base, the soleplate having a
front end portion and a rear end portion that are each formed in a pointed
shape;
a thermal insulation board covering a top surface of the base;
a handle body provided above the thermal insulation board and having a
grip part; and
a support for supporting an iron main body to be in a self-standing state
where the soleplate is substantially vertically disposed, wherein
the support has a first support portion and a second support portion that are
provided to both sides of the rear end portion of the soleplate so as to
protrude backward from the iron main body, and has a third support portion
provided at a rear portion of the grip part, and
a space that allows the rear end portion of the soleplate to be visible is
formed between the first and second support portions.
[Claim 2]
The iron according to claim 1, wherein when the iron main body is supported
by the support to be set in the self-standing state, the rear end portion of the
soleplate is located in a position that is distanced upward, by a
predetermined distance, from a setting surface on which the iron main body
is set.
[Claim 3]
The iron according to claim 2, wherein the first and second support portions
protrude further backward than the rear end portion of the soleplate.
[Claim 4]
The iron according to claim 1, wherein the first and second support portions
are both distanced laterally from the rear end portion of the soleplate by
respective distances that are set to be substantially equal to each other.
[Claim 5]
The iron according to claim 1, wherein the first and second support portions
are provided at both ends of a support forming body that is formed in a
substantially U-shaped configuration along an outer side surface of the
thermal insulation board.
[Claim 6]
The iron according to claim 5, further comprising:
a vaporizing chamber, formed on the base, for generating steam; and
a water tank, arranged above the thermal insulation board, for storing
water to be supplied to the vaporizing chamber, wherein
the support forming body covers a gap between the water tank and the
thermal insulation board.
[Claim 7]
The iron according to claim 1, wherein
the first and second support portions are formed as rod-like bodies that
protrude backward from the iron main body such that when the iron main
body is in a self-standing state, the soleplate is distanced upward from a
setting surface, on which the iron main body is set, so as to have a
predetermined height from the setting surface,
a first space is formed between the first and second support portions that
are the rod-like bodies, and
a second space is formed between the first support portion, the second
support portion, and a third support portion provided at the rear portion of
the grip part.
[Claim 8]
The iron according to claim 1, further comprising:
a terminal embedded within a rear portion of the handle body; and
a handle backing plate covering the terminal, wherein
a central portion of the handle backing plate is recessed forward to form a
third space.
[Claim 9]
The iron according to claim 1, wherein
a rear portion of the handle body protrudes backward to form the first and
second support portions.
[Claim 10]
The iron according to claim 1, wherein
a rear portion of the thermal insulation board protrudes backward to form
the first and second support portions.
[Claim 11]
An iron comprising:
a base heated by a heating element, the base having a front end portion and
a roar end portion that are each formed in a pointed shape:
a handle body provided above the base and having a grip part; and
a support for supporting an iron main body to be in a self-standing state
where the base is offset from a set surface contacting the support, wherein
the support has a first support portion and a second support portion that are
provided to both sides of the rear end portion of the base so as to protrude
backward from the iron main body, and has a third support portion provided
at a rear portion of the grip part, and
the first and second support portions are formed to provide a visible space to
the rear end portion of the base and between between the first and second
support portions.

Provided is an iron which enables ironing to be performed efficiently
through both forward and backward movements of the iron and which
provides improved usability thereof when moved backward in the direction of
a rear end portion (6b) of a soleplate (6). A support is provided for
supporting an iron main body (1) to be in a self-standing state where the
soleplate (6), which has the front and rear end portions (6a), (6b) each formed
in a pointed shape, is substantially vertically disposed. The support has
first and second support portions (14a), (14b) that are provided to both sides
of the rear end portion (6b) so as to protrude backward from the iron main
body (1), and has a third support portion (11a) provided at a rear portion of a
grip part (11). A space that allows the rear end portion (6b) of the soleplate
(6) to be visible is provided between the first and second support portions
(14a), (14b).