Convertible iron/steamer

Abstract

A hand-held, convertible pressing iron / steamer device includes a steaming module including a compartment for holding water, and a heater for producing steam from the water. The device further includes an ironing module including a heatable flat pressing bottom surface, the ironing module being selectively attachable to the steaming module so as to direct steam through the flat pressing bottom surface. There is also a handle attachable to the steaming module and the ironing module. In a first configuration, the handle is operably and detachably mounted to the steaming module alone. In a second configuration, the handle is operably and detachably mounted to the steaming module and the ironing module.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates generally to a device for treating fabric articles, including garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to a convertible iron / steamer. [0002] There is a great need for portable, efficient devices to steam and iron garments. It is well-known to use a steaming iron when ironing clothes and other garments. Non-iron devices called “steamers” have also been used to remove wrinkles and creases from clothes on a hanger or hanging from a rack by jetting steam to the clothes. These steamers do not have an ironing function because they lack the hot pressing plate found on irons. Both steam irons and steamers have been used for apply steam to remove creases and crinkles from hanging garments and other cloth materials. Steam has also been used in the cleaning of a variety of objects such as curtains, couches, furniture covers (e.g., couch covers), etc. [0003] While steamers and steaming irons have been useful steam device...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a flexible, portable and modular pressing iron / steamer device that can be used in any situation where ironing or steaming is needed. The device includes a steaming module with a compartment for holding water and a heater for producing steam, and an ironing module with a heatable flat pressing bottom surface. The device is powered by a power cord and includes a switch for activating / deactivating the heating functions. The device is easy to handle, detachable from the steaming module and can be used with different accessories such as a handle or a power cord. The device is compact, portable and inexpensive, making it ideal for use in various situations."

Problems solved by technology

These steamers do not have an ironing function because they lack the hot pressing plate found on irons.

For example, a steaming iron can be heavy and bulky to use when steaming curtains and other hanging objects such as a wrinkled men's suit jacket.

However, while a steamer may be useful to steam a hanging men's suit jacket, the steamer can not be used to iron out a persistent wrinkle in the suit since the steamer lacks the hot pressing plate found on irons.

However, these steamers and steaming irons have their limitations, as described above and as follows.

However, this appliance is a relatively large, bulky, multi-part device that requires separate steamer and iron attachments that share a common water supply at a base to which the steamer and iron are attached.

This system is not practical for situations that require compactness and portability, and this system, due to its relatively large size, would not be able to fit into a small suitcase without taking up a good deal of room, if it could fit in the suitcase at all.

However, the modularity of the appliance limited and does not appear to provide swift and simple transitions between a steamer configuration and an ironing configuration.

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