Iron holder for vertical steamer

Abstract

FIELD: steamers.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the design elements of a vertical steamer. According to the invention, a vertical steamer iron holder comprising a stand for placing the sole of the iron and a stand holder unit, characterized in that the stand is oriented at an angle to the mounting plane and comprises elements that prevent the iron from slipping, as well as support sections that ensure stable placement on the steamer body, the stand is provided with ventilation holes and a rear projection mated with them, made with an inclined surface for heat dissipation, on the rear side of the stand there is a guide insert having a cylindrical shape and comprising a guide groove or two symmetrically located U-shaped projections for mating with the stand holder unit, the stand holder unit is an element with two openings: one opening is intended for securing the stand holder on the stand of the vertical steamer, and the second opening is intended for receiving the guide insert and securing the iron stand on the holder, wherein the second opening is made with an internal hook for mating with guide groove or U-shaped protrusions of the guide insert and ensuring the rotation of the iron stand by 180° relative to the steamer stand for installing the iron both from the front and from the back of the steamer.EFFECT: creating a universal holder for the iron of a vertical steamer, ensuring its stable and safe placement, with the possibility of convenient use from both the front and the back of the steamer.10 cl, 2 dwg

Description

[0001] Technical field

[0002] The invention relates to household appliances, in particular to devices for ironing and steaming clothes, namely to holders for irons used in vertical steamers.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] Currently, there are a significant number of devices for ironing and steaming clothes on the market, including vertical steamers, which utilize a variety of stands and holders for irons. These devices can vary in stand configuration, iron mounting method, the presence of swivel mechanisms, handle type, and materials. Some solutions require the iron to be placed on a fixed platform, while others rely on adjustable supports.

[0005] However, one of the characteristic problems with most well-known designs is the lack of a secure yet ergonomic fixation of the iron in a vertical position when using a steamer. Devices mounted on the body of the steamer or on its stand are often bulky, poorly protected from heat, or do not allow the holder to be rotated to change the position of the iron (e.g., front or back relative to the user).

[0006] A prior art iron holder, disclosed in patent CN 108118517 A, includes an ironing board connected to a stand via removable elastic clamps. This design allows the ironing board to be positioned either horizontally or vertically (along the side surface of the stand), allowing for alternating steaming and ironing modes. The clamps are equipped with projections that engage grooves in the support surface, allowing for the board to be removed or reinstalled. The design also features telescopic stands, removable crossbars, and the ability to rotate individual components.

[0007] Such solutions provide convenient storage and transport of the steamer, as well as versatility in positioning garments while ironing. However, they require larger components designed for use with a full-size ironing board rather than a compact iron. Furthermore, they lack a specialized soleplate rest and handle holder, and there's no provision for rotating the iron holder on the shaft.

[0008] The closest design to the claimed solution is the one disclosed in patent EP 3754100 A1 (SEB SA), published on June 16, 2020. This document discloses a holder for a vertical steam iron, which includes a teardrop-shaped iron stand mounted at an angle to the mounting surface, as well as a holding unit for the iron handle connected to the stand.

[0009] This solution allows for compact placement of the iron in its working position and maintains it in a predetermined orientation. However, this device has several limitations.

[0010] In particular, the design does not provide for design features that would ensure both the possibility of convenient and stable placement of the iron on the steamer, and the safety and reliability of using the iron from both the front and back sides, taking into account thermal and mechanical influences.

[0011] Problem and technical result

[0012] The objective and technical result of the claimed invention is to create a universal holder for a vertical steamer iron, ensuring its stable and secure placement, with the ability to conveniently use it from both the front and rear of the steamer. The holder's design includes an inclined stand with protrusions and a support surface that prevent the soleplate from slipping; a handle locking unit with a guide insert ensuring precise placement of the iron handle; a swivel axis for rotating the entire structure 180°; and a system of shock absorbers that form a stable three-point support.

[0013] These features ensure secure fixation of the iron, reduce the risk of it falling, allow the load to be evenly distributed across the body of the steamer, and improve the thermal safety of the design, which together significantly improves the ergonomics and ease of use of the vertical steamer.

[0014] Disclosure of the essence of the invention

[0015] The stated problem is solved and the required technical result upon implementation of the invention is achieved in that the iron holder of a vertical steamer comprises a stand for placing the sole of the iron and a stand holder unit, wherein the stand is oriented at an angle to the mounting plane and contains elements that prevent the iron from slipping, as well as support sections that ensure stable placement on the body of the steamer; the stand is provided with ventilation holes and a rear projection mated with them, made with an inclined surface for heat dissipation; on the rear side of the stand there is a guide insert having a cylindrical shape and containing a guide groove or two symmetrically located U-shaped projections for mating with the stand holder unit;the stand holder block contains a receiving opening with an internal hook for mating with a guide groove or U-shaped protrusions of the guide insert and ensuring that the iron stand can be rotated 180° relative to the steamer stand for installing the iron from both the front and rear sides of the steamer.

[0016] In alternative versions, the stand has a teardrop shape in plan, tapering towards the top.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the stand comprises at least three sockets for installing rubber shock absorbers.

[0018] It is preferable that the shock absorber mounting holes be arranged to form a triangular support configuration, with one hole located at the top of the stand and two at the bottom.

[0019] In some versions, the rubber shock absorbers are designed to be removable and can be installed in the corresponding sockets of the stand.

[0020] In another embodiment, two protrusions are made on the front lower part of the stand, forming a stop for the sole of the iron.

[0021] It is preferable that a support plane is located between the said protrusions, designed to prevent the sole of the iron from slipping.

[0022] In embodiments of the invention, the ventilation holes are made through in the form of rectangular holes in the stand, are oriented vertically and have the same height and width.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment, the inclined surface of the rear projection of the stand is oriented at an angle of 30-60° to the mounting plane.

[0024] Alternatively, the guide insert is made integral with the ironing stand by casting it from plastic or is rigidly attached to it with mounting screws.

[0025] Brief description of drawings

[0026] The invention is illustrated by drawings. It should be noted that these drawings are provided solely to illustrate the design and operating principle of the claimed solution and should not be construed as limiting the scope of legal protection of the present invention.

[0027] In the preferred design variants of the claimed vertical steam iron holder shown in the drawings, the following design elements are indicated:

[0028] 1 - stand;

[0029] 2 - stand holder;

[0030] 3 - protrusion;

[0031] 4 - guide insert;

[0032] 5 - overlays on the protrusions;

[0033] 6 - EVA stickers;

[0034] 7 - shock absorbers;

[0035] 8 - ventilation holes;

[0036] 9 - rear protrusion.

[0037] 10 - mounting screws;

[0038] 11 - guide groove.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of the claimed vertical steam iron holder.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows the back view of the stand.

[0041] Implementation of the invention

[0042] Most vertical steamers require the iron to be fixed in one position, which makes them inconvenient to use. For example, when steaming clothes, the user must either hold the iron in their hand constantly, which quickly leads to fatigue and the risk of the iron's hose becoming tangled. Or they must place it in the only designated place on the steamer body, which poses a risk of burns when attempting to remove the iron, for example, from the back of the steamer.

[0043] At the same time, the introduction of any mechanism that allows you to fix the iron in different positions leads to the need to ensure a more secure fixation of the iron so that during turns or any other movements the iron does not slip and fall out of the fixing mechanism.

[0044] The proposed iron holder for a vertical steamer solves the problem of stable and secure placement of the iron, allowing the iron to be used from both the front and back of the steamer. This makes it easier for the user to operate the steamer, as they don't have to constantly hold the iron in their hand. Additionally, the user can control the quality of the steaming: they can secure the iron in the holder, inspect the garment from all sides, straighten it by hand if necessary, and if they discover any missing spots, they can simply rotate the holder and iron and steam the affected area. Furthermore, the proposed holder reduces the risk of steam burns and reduces the risk of the iron falling off the stand and causing injury to the user, thereby improving the overall safety of vertical steamers.

[0045] The proposed holder consists of two main elements: the steam iron stand 1 and the stand holder 2 (see Fig. 1). Each of these elements is discussed in more detail below.

[0046] The iron stand 1 is shaped to match the soleplate of the iron. This allows the hot soleplate to be completely covered, protecting the user from burns. It also saves material and space compared to a stand that is much larger and has a different shape. Since most irons are teardrop-shaped, it is preferable for the stand to also be teardrop-shaped.

[0047] For user convenience, the stand is positioned at an angle to the holder's mounting surface. Therefore, to securely attach the iron to the stand, protrusions 3 are provided in the wider lower portion, forming a support surface between them. This design ensures a secure fit of the iron's soleplate on the stand, preventing it from slipping. To reduce the likelihood of the iron falling from the stand, for example, if the user accidentally touches the iron's hose and pulls it, special pads 5 are mounted on the protrusions, partially overhanging the body of the iron and securing it from above. To prevent scratches on the body of the iron, special stickers 6 made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or similar materials can be applied to the pads.

[0048] To prevent mechanical damage to both the soleplate and the stand, three recesses are provided on the stand for mounting 7 heat-resistant rubber shock absorbers. Three shock absorbers are sufficient to clearly define the geometric plane in which the soleplate will be positioned when inserted into the holder. It is preferable for the shock absorbers to be arranged in a triangle: one in the narrow part of the stand and two in the wide part. The shock absorbers can also be removable to allow for their replacement if at least one of them becomes damaged.

[0049] Since steam may still be escaping from the iron immediately after placing it in the holder, this residual steam may condense on the iron stand. This condensation then falls onto the hot soleplate, where it evaporates again and leaves a residue on the soleplate. This residue is eventually transferred to the item being steamed, causing damage. Therefore, to remove residual steam and heat from the soleplate, through-ventilation holes 8 are provided in the iron stand. Preferably, the holes 8 are rectangular and oriented vertically to remove steam and heat from as much of the soleplate surface as possible.

[0050] The back of the iron stand of this holder features an additional inclined projection 9 (the rear projection), which is designed to secure the stand to the main body of the steamer when not in use. This feature of the stand allows for a more compact design, reducing the required storage space. Depending on the features of the main body of the steamer, the inclined surface of the rear projection of the stand is oriented at an angle of 30-60 degrees to the rear surface of the stand.

[0051] From a manufacturing standpoint, it makes sense for the protrusion to be aligned with the through holes (see Fig. 2). This simplifies the development of the mold for casting the plastic stand, reduces plastic consumption, minimizes the likelihood of internal voids, and simplifies removal of the finished part from the mold.

[0052] Also on the back of the ironing stand is a guide insert 4, which is a vertical hollow cylinder with a guide groove 11 or two symmetrically located U-shaped projections and is designed for installation in the stand holder 2. This insert allows the stand to rotate 180 degrees within the stand holder. The insert can be manufactured separately from the stand or integrated into it in a single manufacturing process, such as plastic injection molding. If manufactured separately, the insert is firmly attached to the stand using mounting screws 10.

[0053] Stand holder 2 has two openings: one opening is used to secure the stand holder to the vertical steamer stand, while the other opening is used to receive guide insert 4 and secure iron stand 1 to holder 2. Hooks are provided inside the second opening for engagement with guide groove 11, guide insert 4, or its U-shaped projections. The hooks secure the insert in the stand holder while allowing it to rotate 180 degrees. In the case of U-shaped projections, a rotating sleeve with hooks is located in the stand holder opening; this sleeve rotates with the guide insert when the iron stand is rotated.

[0054] The vertical steamer iron holder described above is used as follows. First, stand holder 2 is secured to the vertical steamer stand in a fixed or adjustable height position. Stand 1 is installed into holder 2 by inserting guide insert 4 into the corresponding opening in holder 2. During use, the iron rests securely on the stand, and the stand itself can be rotated up to 180 degrees to suit the user's needs at any given moment. After using the steamer, the user can remove stand 1 from holder 2 and secure it, along with the iron, to the main body of the steamer using rear protrusion 9.

[0055] Thus, the required technical result is achieved, namely the creation of a universal holder for the vertical steamer iron, ensuring its stable and safe placement, with the possibility of convenient use from both the front and back of the steamer.

[0056] Taking into account the novelty of the set of essential features, the technical solution to the problem, the inventive step and the materiality of all general and particular features of the invention proven in the section “Prior Art” and “Disclosure of the Invention”, the technical feasibility and industrial applicability of the invention proven in the section “Implementation and Industrial Realization of the Invention”, the solution to the inventive problems and the confident achievement of the required technical result during the implementation and use of the invention, in our opinion, the claimed group of inventions satisfies all the requirements of protectability imposed on inventions.

[0057] The analysis also shows that all general and particular features of the invention are essential, since each of them is necessary, and all together they are not only sufficient to achieve the purpose of the invention, but also make it possible to implement the invention industrially.

Claims

1. A holder for a vertical steam iron, comprising a stand for placing the sole of the iron and a stand holder unit, characterized in that - the stand is oriented at an angle to the mounting plane and contains elements that prevent the iron from slipping, as well as support sections that ensure stable placement on the steamer body; - the stand is equipped with ventilation holes and a rear projection connected to them, made with an inclined surface for heat dissipation; - on the back side of the stand there is a guide insert, which has a cylindrical shape and contains a guide groove or two symmetrically located U-shaped protrusions for mating with the stand holder block; - the stand holder block is an element with two holes: one hole is intended for fixing the stand holder on the stand of the vertical steamer, and the second hole is intended for receiving the guide insert and fixing the iron stand on the holder, while the second hole is made with an internal hook for mating with the guide groove or U-shaped protrusions of the guide insert and ensuring the rotation of the iron stand by 180° relative to the steamer stand for installing the iron from both the front and the back of the steamer.

2. The holder according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the stand has a teardrop shape in plan, tapering towards the top.

3. The holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the stand contains at least three sockets for installing rubber shock absorbers.

4. The holder according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the sockets for installing the shock absorbers are arranged to form a triangular support configuration, with one socket located in the upper part of the support and two in the lower part.

5. The holder according to paragraph 4, characterized in that the shock absorbers are made of rubber with the possibility of removable installation in the corresponding sockets of the stand.

6. The holder according to item 1, characterized in that two projections are made on the front lower part of the stand, forming a stop for the sole of the iron.

7. The holder according to paragraph 6, characterized in that between said projections there is a support plane designed to prevent the sole of the iron from slipping.

8. The holder according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the ventilation holes are made through in the form of rectangular holes in the stand, are oriented vertically and have the same height and width.

9. The holder according to item 1, characterized in that the inclined surface of the rear projection of the stand is oriented at an angle of 30-60° to the mounting plane.

10. The holder according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the guide insert is made integral with the stand by casting it from plastic or is rigidly attached to it with screws.

Images