Ironing board
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure US20260234861A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to ironing boards and ironing tables, and more specifically to the work top and work surface used for ironing so as to improve their replaceability and recyclability, as well as their ease and speed of use. The present invention also relates to improvements in stability, robustness and ease of use.BACKGROUND
[0002] FIG. 1 shows a conventional ironing board 1 comprising an ironing surface or work surface 10. The ironing surface or work surface 10 is the upper or top surface of a worktop or workboard 12. The worktop 12 is supported by a pair of legs 20, 22. The legs 20, 22 extend from the underside of the worktop to a pivot 30 and further to feet 40. At the pivot 30 the legs meet in a crossed scissor-like configuration. There are four feet 40 formed at the ends of the pair of legs 20, 22. Adjacent to one end of the ironing surface or work surface 10 is an iron rest 50 on which the iron can be placed, and that is not damaged by the heat of the iron.
[0003] Commonly, one of the legs is rotatably coupled to the underside of the worktop 12, and the other leg is slidably coupled to the underside of the worktop 12. This arrangement allows the ironing board to be closed down or collapsed down by the user for storage. The collapse of the ironing board is achieved by the movement of the legs which allows the ironing board 1 to be stored in a narrow flat space. To provide a robust surface for ironing, the legs 20, 22 must be held firmly in position when the ironing board is in the upright position for use shown in FIG. 1.
[0004] A problem with conventional ironing boards such as that of FIG. 1, is that the tip 55 is designed to be useful for ironing a variety of different garments, but this results in the surface not being particularly suited to any garment. For example, the narrowing of the width of the ironing surface is designed to be useful in ironing trousers because the top of the trousers can be placed over the tip to allow the waist and seat of the trousers to be ironed. However, the tip is also shaped to allow the shoulders and shoulder yoke of a shirt to be ironed. Because the tip of the ironing board is narrowed, the area of the shoulders that can be ironed at one time without movement of the shirt is small. Hence, ironing shirts requires the shirt to be repositioned many times during ironing.
[0005] WO2010 / 001120 describes improvements to ironing boards which includes the use of wings to extend the ironing surface of the board. The wings extend the ironing surface to provide easier ironing of shirts especially around the shoulders. However, the wings are detachable and not easily stored so they may become lost or are not kept with the ironing board.
[0006] Often when an ironing board has come to the end of its life or the user wishes to replace the ironing board the ironing board is simply thrown away or disposed of. It is desirable to make it more attractive to users not to dispose of ironing boards in this way but instead to look to refurbish, replace or upgrade parts of the ironing so that the user may feel as though they have a new ironing board without completely throwing away their ironing. In the process the user may look to upgrade the ironing board, for example, to include features solving some of the problems mentioned herein.
[0007] The stability and robustness of the position of the ironing surface is another consideration for the user, especially when the ironing board is used with a steam generator iron rather than a conventional iron. Such steam generator irons include a large and cumbersome base unit that is filled with 1 to 2 litres of water. Thus, the stability and robustness of the ironing board is particularly important when used with a steam generator.
[0008] The present invention seeks to provide an alternative ironing board which provides various advantages over those of the prior art.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides an ironing board, comprising: a worktop having a work surface for ironing of garments thereon; a frame or chassis for supporting the worktop; and a subpanel or nose coupled to the frame. The subpanel extends beyond the frame, for example, in a lateral direction such as out from the perimeter of the frame, and may act to support a portion of the worktop extending beyond the frame. The subpanel may attach to the underside of the frame, and may also attach to the panel. The subpanel may detachably attach to the panel. The contours of the subpanel may follow the contours of the tip and nose of the panel. The subpanel or nose may comprise one or more channels which receive or couple to the frame.
[0010] The worktop may be elongate and may have an end, such as an end distal to an iron rest, and towards the end the worktop may taper narrowing the width of the work surface for ironing of garments thereon, the shape of the tapered narrowing corresponding to the shape of the subpanel and extending beyond the frame. The tapering may be linearly or curving. The outer shape or edge of the subpanel may match the shape of the tapering.
[0011] The worktop may be formed of a panel comprising mesh or a sheet with holes for allowing steam to penetrate through the worktop. The work surface may be formed by a covering at least over the top surface of the panel. The worktop may be detachable from the frame and subpanel or nose. The detachable panel allows the panel to be changed, replaced or upgraded. For example, if the panel is damaged it may be replaced or the user may decide they want to change the shape of the panel by changing the panel for one with a different shape. By providing the possibility of upgrading or changing the panel the user may be able to improve their ironing board without disposing of it and purchasing a new one. Furthermore, the panel is preferably recyclable such that if the panel is replaced the old panel is not disposed of into waste.
[0012] The worktop may comprise couplings for removably coupling the worktop to the frame. The couplings may be clips that latch into holes in, or around edges of, the frame.
[0013] The worktop may comprise one or more further couplings for removably coupling the worktop to the subpanel.
[0014] The worktop may be formed of a panel fixedly coupled to the frame. The panel may comprise mesh or a sheet with holes for allowing steam to penetrate there through. The subpanel may form the portion of the worktop extending beyond the frame. The worksurface may be formed by a covering of at least the top surface of the panel and the top surface of the subpanel. The subpanel may be coupled to a conventional ironing board for changing the shape of the work surface, for example, to improve the ironing experience.
[0015] The subpanel may comprise fittings for receiving, or having fitted thereto, garment supports extending beyond the worktop. The subpanel may also be adapted to provide additional functionality. In embodiments in which the subpanel is able to attach and extend the work surface of conventional ironing boards, the fittings of the subpanel may also allow the user to upgrade their ironing board by adding functionality.
[0016] The ironing board may further comprise legs coupled to the frame. The legs may be arranged to rotate with respect to each other so that the ironing board can be collapsed from a utility position to storage position.
[0017] The subpanel may comprises a hook, clip or latch for releasably securing at least one of the legs, or one or more feet at the end of the legs, to the subpanel to secure the legs in the storage position. This prevents the legs falling open inadvertently or rattling during carrying of the ironing board.
[0018] The present invention further provides a subpanel for extending the worktop of an ironing board, the subpanel comprising: a top for extending the worktop of the ironing board; one or more channels for receiving or coupling to the frame of the ironing board and extending under the ironing board, wherein the subpanel, when fitted to an ironing board, extends the worktop of the ironing board at the tapered end of the worktop to change the shape, such as the outer contour or perimeter, of the tapered end of the worktop.
[0019] The ironing board set out above may also be combined with any of the features below. For example, the shape of the tip or tapered portion of the worktop and various garment supports set out below may be incorporated to the subpanel.
[0020] The present invention provides an ironing board system, the system having an ironing board and a set of foot extension members. The ironing board having: an elongate flat ironing surface having a width; legs moveable with respect to the ironing surface between a closed position for storing the ironing board and an open position for use of the ironing board; and feet formed at ends of the legs and extending laterally out from the legs. The set of foot extension members are attachable to lateral ends of the feet to form laterally extended feet. Thus, this ironing board system provides versatility in terms of attachment of the feet extension members to the lateral ends of the feet to provide additional stability by widening the base of the ironing board.
[0021] The foot extension members may be detachable from the lateral ends of the feet.
[0022] In the closed position, the feet may each extend less than 1 cm beyond the width of the ironing surface.
[0023] In the closed position, the laterally extended feet may each extend in the range of 2-10 cm beyond the width of the ironing surface. By the width of the ironing surface it may be understood to mean the maximum width of the ironing surface or the width directly above the legs when in the utility position.
[0024] Each foot may be associated with one or more of the legs.
[0025] The feet may together include four lateral ends, and the set of foot extension members may include four first foot extension members having a first length. The set of foot extension members may further include four second foot extension members having a second length different to the first length.
[0026] The foot extension members may be attachable to the lateral ends of the feet by one or more screws or by a snap-fit.
[0027] The lateral ends of the feet may each comprise a threaded recess and the foot extension members each comprise a threaded end such that the foot extension members are attachable to the lateral ends of the feet by screwing the threaded ends into the threaded recesses.
[0028] The present invention provides an ironing board having a worktop or work board having a work surface for ironing of garments thereon. The work surface may be a flat elongate surface. The width of the work surface may symmetrically taper towards an end of the work surface. Each side of the tapered end may comprise: a first taper portion in which the sides taper in a first curve; a second taper portion in which the sides taper in a second curve to a substantially straight portion, the second curve having a smaller radius than the first; a third taper portion in which the edge is a substantially straight portion; and a fourth taper portion in which the sides meet in third curve. The substantially straight portions may form an angle of between 70 and 80° with a longitudinal centreline of the work surface. In a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal centreline of the work surface the substantially straight portions may extend at least 50% of the distance from the distal part of the second curve to the longitudinal axis. The second curve may be a corner. The angle may be between 74 and 78°, and more preferably 75 to 77°, and even more preferably substantially 76°.
[0029] The present invention provides an ironing board, comprising: a worktop or work board having a work surface for ironing of garments thereon; and at least one garment support. The garment support may support the sleeve or shoulder of a garment such as a shirt. The garment support may be arranged to move between a stored position, also described as a parking position, and a utility position, also described as a work position. In the stored position the garment support is retracted from use and stored under the work surface. In the utility position the garment support extends laterally from the work surface for supporting a sleeve or shoulder of a garment to be ironed. The garment support may is preferably arranged to rotate laterally to move between the stored position and the utility position. Such lateral rotation means that cumbersome latches to hold the support in place are avoided since its vertical position is already set.
[0030] The garment support or garment sleeve / shoulder support, may be arranged to rotate laterally in a plane below the work surface so as to move between the stored and utility position. The garment support may be arranged to rotate laterally in a plane offset to the work surface. The plane of rotation may be parallel to the work surface. The rotation may be about an axis normal or transverse to the work surface.
[0031] The ironing board may comprise a pair of garment supports arranged on laterally opposed sides of the worktop for use with opposing sleeves or shoulders of a garment.
[0032] The garment support may be a work top extension or wing for extending the work surface for ironing thereon. The garment support may be configured for translation between a plane below the work surface to having a top surface coplanar with the work surface. The worktop extension may be planar. The worktop extension may be for extending the work surface into the sleeve of a garment. The work top extension or wing may comprise a planar surface that in the utility position is an extension to the work surface of the worktop. The planar surface may be substantially coplanar with the work surface.
[0033] The work top extension may be attached to the worktop by a post and collar. The work top may have a post extending from the underside of the worktop and the worktop extension may have a collar. The post may be located through the collar and the collar may be configured for rotation about the axis of the post and to translate up and down the post. The worktop extension may be configured for rotation from a stored position by rotation about the post and may be configured to move to have a top surface coplanar with the work surface of the worktop by translation up the post to the utility position.
[0034] The post may have a stop at an end distal to the worktop to limit the translational movement of the worktop extension.
[0035] The worktop extension may comprise a releasable latch to engage the worktop extension in the utility position and to release the worktop extension for movement to the stored position.
[0036] The work top extension may have a first edge. The first edge may have a contour corresponding to the contour of an edge of the worktop so that in the utility position the worktop extension abuts or is adjacent to said worktop edge along its first edge. The worktop extension may have a second edge. The second edge may be curved correspondingly to a curve of the end of the work top. This provides a continuous profile similar to that of a clothes hanger.
[0037] The worktop extension may comprise a housing or casing and a latch for engaging with the work top. The work top extension may have a worktop extension work surface which is height adjustable relative to the housing and latch.
[0038] The height adjustment may be provided by first and second wedge portions. The first wedge portion may be arranged to be driven by a user-operable handle or knob to push the first wedge portion against the second wedge portion. The second wedge portion may be fixed to an underside of the worktop extension work surface such that, on pushing of the first wedge against the second wedge, the second wedge is raised upwards raising at least a portion of the worktop extension work surface.
[0039] The garment support may be garment support member having the form or a finger or blade. The garment support member may be configured such that when in the utility position the garment support member extends laterally out from the worktop.
[0040] The garment support member, when in the utility position, may be configured to pull the shoulder end of a sleeve of a garment laterally outwards.
[0041] The garment support member may be a finger shape.
[0042] The work surface of the ironing board comprises a flat elongate surface which tapers in width towards a nose end or tip. In the utility position an edge of the garment support member may follow the line or curve of the edge of the nose end.
[0043] The plane of rotation of the garment support member may be parallel to, but offset below, the plane of the work surface of the work top. The garment support member, in the utility position, may be maintained below the work surface. This positioning may be indicative to a user that it is not for ironing on.
[0044] The garment support member comprises a detent or spring latch for releasably locking the garment support member in the work position. The detent or latch may also releasably lock the garment support member in the work position. The garment sleeve support member may comprise a user operable button for release of the detent or spring latch for allowing rotation of the garment support member between the utility position and the stored position. The user operable button may be positioned on an outward facing side of the garment sleeve support member.
[0045] The garment support may be a guide that when in the utility position extends laterally out from the work top, the guide having a first axis of rotation normal or transverse to the work surface and passing through the work surface, and a second axis of rotation that is transverse to the first axis and substantially along the length of the guide. The second axis of rotation may be below the work surface.
[0046] The guide may have an elongate body having a longitudinal direction that is offset to the second axis. This means that one side of the elongate body may be slimmer with respect to the axis than the other side. This is to provide a side that can be stored away easily close the work surface.
[0047] The guide may be configured such that on rotation of the guide about the second axis the guide has one or two detents to releasably hold the guide in a first rotational position and a second rotational position. The guide may be biased in a direction parallel to the second axis to engage the detent of the guide at the first and second positions. The detent may be releasable for rotation between the two positions by the user pulling the guide along the second axis direction and away from the work top.
[0048] The guide, when in the stored position, may reside under the work surface and may be configured such that on rotation about the first axis the guide extends laterally from the work top. The guide may be further configured such that when extending laterally rotation about the second axis brings a surface of the guide to the same height as the work surface of the work top.
[0049] The guide may have a proximal portion, an intermediate portion and a distal portion, wherein, in the work position and rotated about the second axis, the width of the guide may increase from the proximal portion to the intermediate portion.
[0050] The ironing board may comprise a pair of guides respectively arranged on laterally opposed sides of the work top to form a rounded coat hanger shape for use with opposing sleeves or shoulders of a garment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] Embodiments of the present invention, and aspects of the prior art, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates an ironing board of the prior art;
[0053] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c respectively show a frame, a subpanel and a panel of an ironing board according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 3 shows the relative alignment between the frame, subpanel and panel at the tip of the ironing board according to the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0055] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the subpanel, with garment support, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 5 shows a plan view and a side view of the panel according to FIG. 2;
[0057] FIG. 6 shows a plan view, side view and cross-section view of the panel fitted to the frame according to embodiments of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ironing board according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c respectively show a rear foot of the ironing board of FIG. 7, the rear foot with foot extension members and the rear foot with shoe members;
[0060] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the tip of an ironing board showing an improved shape to the tip according to the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the tip of an ironing board according to the prior art showing the position of a shirt for ironing; FIGS. 11a and 11b are plan views of the tip of an ironing board having a garment sleeve support according to the present invention, and showing the position of a shirt for ironing;
[0062] FIGS. 12a and 12b are perspective views of the tip of an ironing board having work surface extensions according to the present invention, with the work surface extensions respectively at a work position and stored position;
[0063] FIGS. 13a-13e are detailed views of the work surface extension including showing the work surface extension at a work position and at a stored position, and the fixing of the work surface extension to the ironing board;
[0064] FIGS. 14a and 14b are schematic cross-sections of a work surface extension with a height adjustable work surface;
[0065] FIGS. 15a and 15b are perspective views of a finger or blade type garment support according to the present invention, with the support at a work position and a stored position;
[0066] FIGS. 16a to 16d are perspective views showing the finger or blade type garment support in detail; and
[0067] FIGS. 17a to 17f are perspective views of a guide type garment support according to the present invention, with the support at a work position and a stored position, and showing the guide type garment support in detail.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0068] Embodiments of the present invention provide an ironing board or ironing table with supports for assisting in the ironing of items such as shirts. Embodiments also provide a work surface with an improved shape, such as for easier ironing of items such as shirts. Embodiments also provide features to allow a conventional ironing board to be modified to incorporate the improved shape as well as other aspects. Embodiments further provide legs and feet offering improved stability. Each of these improvements is described below. Each of these improvements may be included by itself in an ironing board or with any number of the other improvements.Worktop
[0069] FIGS. 2a-c show an ironing board according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2a shows the frame of an ironing board with legs coupled thereto. FIG. 2b shows a subpanel 180 for attachment to the frame and for supporting an extended area of the panel. FIG. 2c shows the panel of a worktop 140 of the ironing board which has an area extending beyond the outline of the frame. We now describe aspects of this ironing board in more detail. FIG. 2a shows the ironing board frame 100. The frame may be made of rectangular cross-section tubing such as metal or aluminium tubing. The frame may comprise a pair of long parallel straight sides 102 which, in a conventional ironing board, would approximately correspond in relative positioning to the long sides of the worktop. At one end the long parallel sides are joined by a short side or end 104 which approximately runs transversely to the long sides 102 such that the long sides 102 and end 104 form three sides of a rectangle. An iron rest may be fitted the end 104 of the frame. At the other end other the frame the long parallel sides 102 are bent or curved so that they taper or curve towards each other, as shown in the figure by 106. The taper or curves 106 from each side meet together at tip 108 in a further curve. Attached to the frame are legs 20, 22. The legs may be similar to the conventional ironing legs described earlier in this document. A first leg 22 may be pivotably coupled 60 to the frame to allow it to rotate with respect to the frame. This may be by the leg terminating in a cylindrical pipe which is configured for rotation about a rod of the frame. The frame may include a pair of inner rails 110 which are spaced from the parallel sides. The rod of the frame may be coupled between the inner rails 110. The inner rails 100 may extend along substantially the full length of the frame or part of the length of the frame. A second leg 22 may be pivotably and slidably coupled to the frame. The first and second legs 20, 22 are coupled together at pivot 30 and able to move with respect to each other in a scissor-like action. At the end of each leg may be feet 25 to provide a stable support to the ironing board. The second leg 20 is coupled to frame by rod 65. Rod 65 may slide in a slot or U-channel of the inner rails. The inner rails 110 may themselves be formed of a U-channel or they may be formed in another manner such as of rectangular tube with the slot cut into it or a U-channel attached thereto. To close or collapse the legs from the position shown in FIG. 2 to a storage position, the rod 65 may be released by squeezing lever 81 towards the frame, which releases rod 65 from height setting latch 50. The rod 65 is then able to slide {in an upwards direction in the figure) along the U-channel or slot moving the tops of the legs further apart and pulling the legs towards the underside of the frame. The legs may be made of metal such as aluminium or made of wood.
[0070] Although we have described the outside of the frame as being formed of rectangular cross-section tubing it may be formed in other ways such as U-section tubing or all of the parts of the frame may be formed of pressed metal such as aluminium which may form Li-sections which are joined together such as by welding.
[0071] FIG. 2b shows the subpanel or nose for attachment to the frame and for supporting the extended area of the panel. Two figures are provided at FIG. 2b. The left hand figure is a photograph of the underside subpanel. The right hand figure is a line drawing of the underside of the subpanel. Further detail of part of the subpanel is shown in the perspective drawing of FIG. 4. FIG. 3 shows the relation between the shapes of the subpanel, the frame and the worktop.
[0072] As shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c, part of the outer shape of the subpanel 180 forming the tip 182 is the same shape as that of part of the tapered or curved portion forming the tip 142 of the panel 140 of the worktop. The subpanel 180attaches to the frame 100 and following this the panel 140 attaches to the frame. The subpanel 180 may be formed of moulded plastic but other materials and methods of forming the subpanel are also possible. The subpanel is generally planar and viewed from above may be considered to have three sides that correspond to the shape of the end portion 144 of the panel 140 towards the tip 142. As shown in FIG. 2c the sides may extend into ear portions 188 that extend in the direction of the sides of the frame. The fourth side joining the ears forms a cut-out 190. The cut-out is provided such that when attached to the frame it does not interfere with movement of the legs and rod 65 when the legs of the ironing board are collapsed for storage. The subpanel 180 is attached to the frame by channels 184 provided in the panel. The channels are formed by an L-shaped cross-section extending above the upper surface of the panel. This can be seen in FIG. 4. The L-shaped cross-section in combination with the upper surface of the panel together form the channel. As shown in FIGS. 2b, 3 and 4 five channels may be provided as sections. Other numbers of channels or sections may be provided. Four straight sections 184 of channel are provided which receive the tapering part 106 of the frame 100. A fifth curved section 186 of channel is provided which receives the curved tip 108 of the frame 100. In the schematic of FIG. 3 the frame 100 can be seen received in each of the four straight channel sections 184 and the curved channel section 186 of the subpanel. Other numbers and shapes of channel section may be provided. The subpanel 140 may be fixed to the frame 100 by screws, bolts or rivets through the L-section into the frame, by gluing, or by other fixings.
[0073] The subpanel, as well as supporting the panel or worktop and helping to define the shape of the tip of the panel, may further comprise additional functionality to help make ironing easier and more efficient. In one embodiment the subpanel comprises one or more garment supports. The mountings for these can be seen at 190 in FIGS. 2b and 4. In FIG. 4 the garment support 192 is shown in the extended position. Later in this document we describe various different types of garment support, which can be used with or incorporated into the subpanel. Here the garment support 192 is a guide type garment support for pulling straight the shoulders of a shirt being ironed. The garment support is rotatably coupled to the subpanel by coupling 190. FIG. 2 shows the couplings for two such garment supports, with one for either side of the worktop or panel.
[0074] The subpanel may provide alternative or additional functionality. For example, the subpanel may include a latch, hook or clip for restraining one of the legs or feet of the ironing board. When the ironing board is in the collapsed configuration for storage the legs are folded against the underside of the worktop. One of the legs 22 and corresponding feet are folded under the subpanel. The latch, clip or hook may be a clip that the legs snap into.
[0075] Alternatively, a catch or latch may be provided that is required to be turned to engage against the leg or foot. Other forms of latch, hook or clip may be provided. The catch, hook or clip may be known as a leg restraint. The leg restraint holds the legs securely in the closed position so that when the ironing board is being carried or moved the legs do not rattle and are prevented from inadvertently falling open.
[0076] FIG. 2c shows panel 110 which forms the worktop of the ironing board. The panel 140 is also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The panel 140 may comprise a mesh or may be a sheet with holes therethrough. The holes and mesh are to allows steam to pass through and away from garments being ironed. The panel 140 shown in FIGS. 2c, 5 and 6 comprises a solid border 148 around the edge, with the region surrounded by the border having a plurality of holes 150. In the embodiment shown the panel is moulded plastic but other materials such as a metal sheet may be used. The shape of the panel at the tapering region and towards the tip 142 is substantially the same as the outline of the tip 182 and tapering portion of the subpanel 180. The subpanel supports the panel.
[0077] In FIG. 5 is shown the panel in plan view from the top and a view of the side or edge of the panel. At the bottom right of the figure is an enlarged view of the edge of the end of the panel showing a tab or clip 146 for coupling the panel to the frame. If the panel is moulded the clip may be included as part of the moulding. The clip 146 extends transversely to the plane of the panel. The clip comprises a head part 146a that is larger than a stem part 146b that connects the head to the panel. The head part 146a in the embodiment shown has a triangular shape. The clip may be elongate and may fit it into a slot in the frame or may engage with the edge of a tube of part of the frame. The larger head requires force to be pushed into the slot and engages with a “click”. The triangular shape of the head of the clip helps to guide the clip into the slot. Multiple clips may be provided around the edge of the panel. The clips are formed in the border 148 around the edge of the panel. In the embodiment shown there are eight clips. Four are included, two on each side, of the long sides. Clips are also provided at each end. One is provided at the short side or end such as adjacent to an iron rest, if fitted, or where it would conventionally be fitted. Another clip is provided at the tip 142 of the panel. Two more clips are provided along the tapered portion of the panel.
[0078] The slots into which the clips engage are wider than needed to accommodate the stem 146b of the clip and wide enough for the head 146a of the clip to pass through. To release the clip, the head should be depressed to guide it through the slot. In alternative embodiments the frame may not include slots. Instead the clips may engage around the frame. For example, in FIG. 6 the frame may be formed of rectangular or square cross-section tube. The frame can be seen in FIG. 6, for example, the tapered portion of frame is shown at 106 and the parallel sides of the frame are shown at 102. Opposing clips 146 are shown engaging the sides 102. The clip on one side is arranged mirroring the clip on the other side such that the in combination they engage in compression at opposing outer sides of the frame edge or in tension against the inner sides of the frame edge.
[0079] FIG. 6 shows the panel coupled to the frame. This is shown in plan view from below the frame as well as in side view and in a cross-section view along line A-A. In the plan view the outer structure of the frame can be seen such as indicated at 102 and 106 where the tapering region and parallel long sides of frame are shown. The tapered region of the frame is narrower than the corresponding region of the panel. The bottom right hand of FIG. 6 includes an enlarged view of part of the cross-section. Here can be seen a groove 152. The groove is present all around the edge and is formed by where the frame and panel meet. To form the ironing surface the panel is provided with a cover. The cover may be fabric and between the fabric cover and the panel may be provided cushioning such as foam. The cover may be made of other materials. The cover is sized to cover the top surface of the panel and wrap around the edge of the panel. The cover has a cord in a channel around or close to its perimeter. With the cover on the panel the cord sits in the groove 152. To hold the cover in place the cord is pulled tight to hold the cover in position over the panel. The cord may be maintained tight by knotting the ends of the cord together or by other means. Alternatively, instead of cord the perimeter of the cover may have elastic therein to pull the cover tight over the panel.
[0080] Although we have described embodiments of the frame as being formed of a tube based structure, the enlarged view in FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment. Here the frame is formed of a tray structure comprising a tray base 154 with an edge rim 155 to which the clips 146 of the panel couple. The tray base 154 may be a flat sheet structure and the rim 155 is an upstanding inverted L-shaped cross-section as shown at 155a, 155b.
[0081] In such a case the panel clips around the edge of the rim. The tray base may be provided with holes to let steam escape. The tray base may be a pressed sheet of metal such as aluminium and may have further pressed structures to which the legs are attached. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 6 the panel may be thicker at the central region where the holes are provided and this may extend into part of the border 148. However, much of the outer part of the border is thinner. When the clip engages around the rim, the panel border will flex slightly to hold the clip sprung under the top part of the rim 155b.
[0082] The panel is removable by releasing the clips. In this way the panel may be replaced with a new panel if it is damaged or the user wishes to change the shape of the panel. Hence, the user can upgrade or change the shape of the worktop without disposing of the whole ironing board. This reduces waste. Furthermore, the panel is preferably of a recyclable material, again reducing waste, if the panel is replaced.
[0083] We now describe an alternative embodiment for manufacturing an ironing board having many of the above described features. This embodiment may also allow the modification of the shape of the worktop of conventional ironing boards. We have previously described the frame of FIG. 2. Conventional ironing boards may include a panel which is integrally formed with the frame such as made from pressed metal sheet such as aluminium. The panel has holes to allow steam to escape as previously described.
[0084] The frame-panel structure is given rigidity by including in the pressing a rim around the edge and other longitudinal or lateral ridges. These longitudinal or lateral ridges may be used for coupling of the legs. Other conventional ironing boards may have a frame and panel structure that is formed of a tubular structure with a sheet with holes or meshed welded or otherwise attached to the frame. The tapered region of the worktop may be narrower or may narrow more rapidly towards the tip than desired. Since a panel is already included it is not necessary to add a complete panel for the worktop. However, the taper region towards the tip may be the same shape as that of the preceding embodiment and in such a case the subpanel 140 may be used. Again the subpanel fits to the tapered portion of the frame or, in this case, the existing panel-worktop structure. The edges of the existing panel-worktop slot in to the channels 184 and 186 of the subpanel. This may be in a push fit or click coupling. Screws or other fixings may be used to secure the subpanel to the existing frame of the panel-worktop. The top of the subpanel of this embodiment is different to the previous embodiment because it also needs to provide an extension to the worktop. This is incorporated by providing a top surface to the subpanel which is of similar form to the panel. For example, it may be moulded plastic with mesh or a sheet with holes therethrough. Alternatively it may be a metal sheet of mesh which is attached to the top of the subpanel. When the subpanel is coupled to the frame the top surface of the subpanel is coplanar with the existing panel of the ironing board. The cover and cushioning such as foam is added over the panel and subpanel in the same way as previously described to provide a seamless work surface for ironing.
[0085] Accordingly, this alternative embodiment provides a different way of manufacturing an ironing board having the desired worktop shape. Additionally, the subpanel may be used in combination with conventional ironing boards to modify and improve the shape of the worktop. Hence, users are able to upgrade their ironing board by addition of the subpanel and a replacement cover having a shape to match the new shape of the worktop.Foot Extensions
[0086] FIG. 7 shows an ironing board 301 having an elongate flat ironing surface 310, legs 320, 322a, 322b, and feet 340, 342.
[0087] The legs 320, 322a, 322b may be linear, as shown in FIG. 7, and may be solid or hollow. They may have a cross-section of any shape, e.g. circular, square, or preferably rectangular as shown in FIG. 7. Two of the legs 322a, 322b are fixed parallel to each. The third leg 320 passes between the two legs 322a, 322b. Although FIG. 7 shows three legs, alternative arrangements may incorporate two legs, or more than three legs.
[0088] At the ends of each of the legs 320, 322a, 322b are feet 340, 342. Each foot 340, 342 is associated with one or more of the legs 320, 322a, 322b. The feet 340, 342 extend laterally from the legs 320, 322a, 322b to provide a wide footprint where the feet 340, 342 touch the floor. This wide footprint provides the ironing board 301 with stability in use. The wider the footprint, the greater the stability. The feet 340, 342 may extend substantially perpendicularly out from the legs 320, 322a, 322b as shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the feet may extend laterally and rearwards, or laterally and forwards if desired. As shown in FIG. 7, the feet 340, 342 may have substantially flat bases such that each foot 340, 342 contacts the floor along the entirety of its length in use. Alternatively, the feet may be shaped (e.g. curved upwards in the middle) such that each foot only contacts the floor at either end. Where contact is made with the floor, pads may be provided (e.g. to prevent damage to the floor surface in use).
[0089] As shown in FIG. 7, the two parallel legs 322a, 322b share the foot 342, and the positions where the two legs 322a, 322b meet the shared foot 342 are slightly spaced apart. It will be appreciated that the shared foot 342 could be replaced by two shorter feet, each extending laterally outwards from a respective one of the two legs 322a, 322b.
[0090] The legs 320, 322a, 322b meet at a pivot 330 comprised of a circular shaft passing perpendicularly through the legs 320, 322a, 322b. Spacers 332 may be provided to space the legs 320, 322a, 322b apart on the pivot rod 330. The pivot rod 330 is held in position by nuts or other fastening means on the end of the rod. The third leg 320 can pivot with respect to the other two legs 322a, 322b about the pivot. The two legs 322a, 322b are fixed together at the foot 342 and cannot move with respect to each other.
[0091] At the top of the legs is the ironing surface 310 having a width W. The ironing surface 310 may be supported on a frame or base. The surface of the ironing board is of an elongate shape, and may be formed of a metal base covered by fabric. The metal base may be supported by the frame. The legs 320, 322a, 322b may be coupled to the frame and arranged to support the ironing surface 310 at a height suitable for ironing. The legs 320, 322a, 322b are moveable with respect to the ironing surface 310 between a closed / collapsed / transportation / storage position and an open / upright / ironing position. In the open position, as shown in FIG. 7, the legs 320, 322a, 322b extend away from the ironing surface 310 so as to support the ironing surface at a suitable height for ironing. In other words, the legs 320, 322a, 322b are at an angle (e.g. 30-60°} to the ironing surface 310 in the open position. In the closed position, the legs 320, 322a, 322b and the ironing surface 310 are substantially coplanar. In other words, the legs 320, 322a, 322b are collapsed down substantially flat to the ironing surface 310 in the closed position, thereby allowing the ironing board 301 to be transported or stored in a narrow flat space.
[0092] As mentioned above, the feet 340, 342 extend laterally from the legs 320, 322a, 322b to provide a wide footprint where the feet 340, 342 touch the floor. Therefore, a wide footprint is clearly desirable from a stability point of view. However, if the footprint is too wide, it makes it more difficult and costly to transport the ironing board. Furthermore, an overly wide footprint may cause feet 340, 342 to get in a user's way, particularly in relation to the front foot 342 of the ironing board 301. Therefore, we provide herein an ironing board system which provides versatility and increased stability for a user, whilst being mindful of transportation concerns and ergonomic issues.
[0093] The provided ironing board system comprises an ironing board, such as the ironing board 301 shown in FIG. 7, and a set of foot extension members attachable to lateral ends of the feet to form laterally extended feet. Further details are provided below with reference to FIG. 8.
[0094] FIG. 8a shows an expanded view of the rear foot 342 of the ironing board 301 of FIG. 7. The foot 342 extends a lateral distance L between its ends 344a, 344b. The distance Lis preferably slightly longer than the width W of the ironing surface 310 so that the ends 344a, 344b of the foot 342 hang out from the ironing surface 310 in the closed position during transportation of the ironing board 301. This provides a degree of protection to the ironing surface 310 during transportation. For example, each end 344a, 344b may extend by up to 1 cm beyond the width W of the ironing surface 310 such that L-Ws 2 cm.
[0095] However, it will be understood that L being approximately equally to W, or even slightly less than W, would be potential alternatives depending on the circumstances. The underside of the foot 342 has a number of holes 345 near the ends 344a, 344b to enable attachment of foot extension members.
[0096] FIG. 4b shows the rear foot 342 of FIG. 8a with foot extension members 346a, 346b attached to either end 344a, 344b of the foot 342 so as to form a laterally extended rear foot 348. The laterally extended foot 348 extends a lateral distance L1 between its ends 349a, 349b. Each foot extension member 346 adds a length X to the lateral extent L of the rear foot 342 of FIG. 8a. Thus, L1=L+2X. In general, it is envisaged that X is in the range 2-10 cm. In a preferred example, X is approximately 5 cm such that the difference between L1 and L is around 10 cm. This small extension of the feet has been found to greatly increase the stability of the ironing board whilst enabling the ironing board 301 to be transported easily in a cost-efficient manner with the foot extension members 346 detached.
[0097] The foot extension members 346 may be screwed onto the foot 342. In this case, the holes 345 are screw holes for screws to be inserted from beneath. Alternatively, the foot extension members 346 may be attached to the foot by means of a snap-fit. In this case, the holes 345 are snap-fit holes and there are corresponding snap-fit protrusions on the top of the foot extension members 346. Alternative means of attachment are also envisaged. However, it is preferred that the foot extension members 346 are detachable from the foot 342 so that the length of the foot 342 may be altered again if desired.
[0098] Finally, Figure Be shows the rear foot 342 of FIG. 8a with shoe members 347a, 347b attached to either end 344a, 344b of the foot 342. The shoe members 347 are identical to the foot extension members 346 except that they do not alter the length of the foot 342. Specifically, the (lateral) length of the foot is L with or without the shoe members 347. Thus, the shoe members 347 provide aesthetic symmetry with the foot extension members 346 depending on whether or not it is desired to extend the length of a particular end of a foot.
[0099] For stability purposes, it is particularly advantageous to extend the length of the rear foot 342 (as compared to the forward foot 340). This is because the rear foot 342 sits beneath the iron rest 350, where an iron is generally placed when not in use. Furthermore, the rear foot 342 rarely presents an ergonomic issue for a user since users generally stand further towards the tip 355 of the ironing surface 310 when ironing. Thus, it is particularly advantageous to use foot extension members 346 on the ends 344 of the rear foot 342.
[0100] It should also be noted that a user will generally stand on a particular side of the ironing board 301 depending on whether they are left or right handed. Thus, extra stability may easily be provided by using foot extension members 346 on the ends 344 of feet 340, 342 at the opposite side of the ironing board 301 to where the user stands without presenting any issues in terms of ergonomics.
[0101] Thus, it will be understood that foot extension members 346 could be applied to any or all of the lateral ends of the feet 340, 342. The ironing board system described herein is generally provided with a full set (usually four) of foot extension members 346 to match the number of lateral ends of the feet 340, 342 present (again, usually four). A second full set of foot extension members 346 of a different length could also be provided so as to give the user versatility depending on how much they wish to extend the length of each foot 340, 342. A full set of shoe members 347 could also be provided.
[0102] In an alternative arrangement to that shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lateral ends of the feet could each comprise a threaded recess, and the foot extension members could each comprise a threaded end. In this arrangement, the foot extension members would be attachable to the lateral ends of the feet by screwing the threaded ends into the threaded recesses. Again, the foot extension members would be detachable in this scenario. Other arrangements are also envisaged.Board Shape
[0103] FIG. 9 shows the shape of the tip of an ironing board according to embodiments of the present invention. The tip of a conventional ironing board is shown in FIG. 1. The tip is a narrowed or tapered portion shaped to be useful for ironing particular parts of clothing such as the seat of trousers and the shoulders of shirts. The tip is often at the opposite end of the ironing board work surface to an iron rest used for resting an iron when not in use, such as when a user is positioning clothing on the ironing board.
[0104] In FIG. 9, the tip 55 of the ironing board is of a different shape to the conventional ironing board of FIG. 1. The tip of the ironing board includes two straight sections and these are closer to 90° to a longitudinal centreline of the worktop of the ironing board than for a conventional board. We now describe the shape of the tip of the ironing board of the present invention in more detail. The ironing board work surface is a flat elongate surface that has opposing edges that taper in towards the tip. In FIG. 9 the longitudinal centreline is denoted by C1. Four sections of the edge of the tapering part of the tip are denoted by reference numerals 551, 552, 553 and 554. The first part of the taper portion 551 may start from the parallel opposing sides of the work surface. This first taper portion may be formed in a first curve and continues to a second taper portion 552 which has a smaller radius than the first taper portion. A third taper portion 553 is provided by a straight or substantially straight portion, that is, it preferably includes no or minimal curves. The second taper portion 552 may be noticeable as a corner between the first and third taper portions. The tapers from the opposing sides meet at a fourth taper portion 554. The fourth taper portion is curved and joins the third taper portions from opposing sides of the work surface. The straight portions are preferably at an angle a of 70° to 80° to the longitudinal centreline C1 of the work surface. The angle may even more preferably be between 74 and 78°, or between 75 and 77° such as 76° or 75.75°. This may alternatively be expressed as an angle 2a between the two straight portions, where 2a is preferably between 148 and 156°, or between 150 and 154° such as 152 or 151.5° The tapering sides of the work surface are intended to be closer to the shape of a clothes hanger. Hence, the length of the straight sections is generally greater than for conventional ironing boards. For example, if considered in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal centreline, the total length L1+L2 of the straight sections is greater than 50% of the distance from the outer part of the second taper or corner 552 from one side to the other side L3. This straight length L1+L2 may even be greater than a third of the maximum width of the work surface.
[0105] The combination of the various curves and straight parts of the edge is designed to be as close as possible to that of the centre of a clothes hanger. When combined with a wing or guide the full shape is that of a coat or shirt hanger and therefore is for supporting a shirt without puckering. The angle described above for the tip to the centreline is generally that used by the fashion and clothing industry for the shoulders of shirts when designing such garments. The same angle applies for garments for both men and women.Garment Supports
[0106] FIG. 10 shows how shirts {sometimes known as dress shirts) of any size are placed on an end or tip of a work surface of a work top of an ironing board. Dashed line 1134a of FIG. 10 shows how a child's shirt may be placed on the ironing board, while dashed line 1134b shows how an adult's shirt may be placed. Both shirts require a curved portion to fit the shoulder and up to the neck or collar portion of the shirt. The child's shirt uses a smaller part of the board than the adult's. Approximately, and depending on actual size, when the shirt is pulled tight against the end and side of the board, an adult's shirt will roughly line up so that the middle of the shirt is aligned with the centre line of the ironing board or even extend a distance beyond the centre line of the ironing board as shown by line 1134b in FIG. 10. In this way a front side (left or right) of the shirt may be ironed. However, conventional ironing boards, such as in FIG. 1, and here in FIG. 10, have a pointed tip and provide no support for the outer part of the shoulder of the shirt such as where the shoulder meets the sleeve. Hence, to iron all of one side of the front of the shirt, the shirt will have to be repositioned many times to realign the tip of the ironing board within the shoulder and shoulder yoke of the shirt. Furthermore, the area of the shirt that lies over the edge of the board will be unsupported and hang downwards. This will also make ironing close to the edge of the board difficult because where the shirt hangs down the shirt will crease and pucker.
[0107] FIGS. 11a and 11b show an ironing board with a support for supporting the sleeve and / or shoulder of a shirt. As shown in FIG. 11a the support may have a shape such as triangular 1172 that fill a significant portion of the width of the sleeve such as from the shoulder down to the underarm. An edge of the support may also extend along the top of shoulder to support the shoulder part of the shirt. Preferably, the support includes this part extending along the top of the shoulder since this also pulls the sleeve tight and prevents the sleeve hanging down and making ironing in the area of the shirt adjoining the sleeve difficult. The outline of the sleeve is shown by dashed line 1170. As shown in FIG. 11a by the dotted line, the support may alternatively take the form of a finger-shaped guide 1171. Such a guide supports the top of the shoulder of the shirt and pulls the shirt tight in the area adjoining the sleeve. The supports 1171 and 1172 may be rotatable out from under the work surface of worktop. In this way the support can be moved out of the way when not needed such as when ironing other items such as sheets or trousers. To provide a support that can be easily moved into position for use, namely a work position or utility position, and back out of use to a stored position or parked position, the support is rotatable about an axis, the axis extending in the vertical direction. By having the axis vertical, the support rotates out from under the work surface in a horizontal plane. Rotation in the horizontal plane means that cumbersome latches to hold the support in place are avoided since its vertical position is already set. Other less preferred designs may use a hinged wing which flaps out from under the board by rotation around a horizontal axis. In such a design there is a risk of the support being deployed in error because gravity will have a tendency to want to cause it to deploy. Hence, a support that rotates about a vertical axis avoids this problem.
[0108] FIG. 11a shows how an adult shirt is arranged on the board with the support in the work position. FIG. 11b shows a child's shirt arranged on the board with the support in the work position. The sleeve and shoulder area can be seen to be pulled tight in both cases to ease ironing.
[0109] The rotation of the support 1171 or 1172 may be provided about an axis transverse or normal to the plane of the board. This may be provided by a pivot taking any form but preferably is sufficiently robust to keep the support in place. The support may or may not be configured to be ironed on. For example, the larger wing 1172 type support may be suitable for ironing on and may require greater robustness to the pivot. The narrow finger shaped support may not be configured for ironing. In both cases the support is configured to rotate in a plane parallel but offset to the work surface. The support is arranged below the work surface for rotation out from under the work surface to extend laterally from the work surface. Although not shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b the ironing board may comprise two supports, one located on each side of the worktop such that one can be used for each sleeve or shoulder of a shirt. The width of the ironing board will likely be less than the width of a shirt so it may still be necessary to move the shirt sideways to be able to fully iron the left and right side of the shirt in turn. Examples of different supports are shown in FIGS. 12, 15 and 17.Wings
[0110] A first embodiment of support 1200 such as for supporting the sleeve of a shirt is shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b. These supports are similar to the wing type support 1172 in FIG. 11a. These supports extend the work surface of the worktop.
[0111] FIGS. 12a and 12b show two work top extensions 1200 on laterally opposing sides of the work surface. In FIG. 12a the work top extensions are in the work position, also known as the utility position. In FIG. 12b the work top extensions are in the stored position, also known as the parked position. The work top extensions are rotatable between the stored and work positions. As shown in FIG. 12a the work top extensions are also configured for translation so that the top surface of the work surface extension becomes level with, that is coplanar with, the work surface of the work top.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 12a the work top extension or wing 1200 is in the utility position. The work top extension may have a generally triangular shape. The work top extension has a first edge 1230 which has a contour corresponding to the contour of an edge 1220 of the work top. By corresponding we mean of a corresponding shape. The first edge 1230 of the work top extension abuts or is adjacent to the edge 1220 of the work top. A small gap may be provided between the first edge 1230 of the work top extension and the edge 1220 of the work top to allow the work top extension to translate upwards to have a top surface the same height as the work top. The work top extension has a second edge 1240 which is curved correspondingly to a curve 1210 of the end of the work top. That is, in the work or utility position the contour of the second edge 1240 of the work top extension may follow the contour of the edge 1210 at the end of the work top.
[0113] FIG. 12b shows the work top extensions in the stored position. Here the work top extension is below the work surface. We now describe the features and lift device configured to move the work top extension between the higher work position and lower stored position as well as rotation between them.
[0114] FIG. 13a shows the work top extension or wing separate from the ironing board. FIG. 13b shows an exploded cross-section view through parts that permit the vertical translation. FIGS. 13c and 13d show the wing attached to the ironing board and respectively in the work and stored positions. FIG. 13a shows the wing viewed from the top or work surface side, whereas FIGS. 13c and 13d show the wing from the underside. As can be seen in FIGS. 13a and 13b the wing comprises an arm 1204 with a hole 1203 there though and a collar 1202. In to the collar and through the hole 1203 is received post 1250. The post 1250 is of a size to permit rotation and translation of the collar 1202 about the post but the fit is otherwise close so as to support and maintain the wing horizontal. The collar 1202 provides additional support of the wing against the post further maintaining and supporting the horizontal orientation of the wing. The post 1250 is fixed to the underside of the work top and extends away from the work top in a normal direction to the plane of the work surface. The fixing of the post may be by a fastener extending from the top of the work top into the post. At its distal end the post has a wider section 1252 that is bigger than the diameter of the hole 1203 in the wing and the collar. The wider section 1252 acts as a stop to prevent the wing from dropping from the work top. That is, the stop 1252 sets the maximum downward movement of the wing away from the work top. As mentioned above, the wing can rotate about the post and can also translate along the post.
[0115] To guide and limit rotation of the wing there is also provided a guide comprising a pin 1258 and slot 1259. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13c the pin is attached to the underside of the work top and the slot 1259 is in the arm 1204 of the wing. However, the locations of the pin and slot may be reversed. The pin or slot may be combined into the subpanel of the earlier embodiment described herein. Other guides may be used instead.
[0116] The slot 1259 is curved such that on rotation of the wing about the post 1250 the slot 1259 moves such that the slot moves along its length about the pin 1258. The slot is of limited length and it is this limited length that limits the rotation of the wing. The ends of the slot confine the rotation of the wing between two rotational positions, one being for the stored position and the other for the work position for the wing. The pin and slot are preferably covered so as to not be visible to the user. Hence, they are shown in dotted line in FIGS. 13c and 13d. In an alternative to the pin and slot, a ridge may be provided that moves in a slot or groove. Again the limited length of the slot or groove limits the rotational movement of the wing.
[0117] FIGS. 13a and 13c also show a latch 1254 for holding the wing in the upper position in which the wing surface is generally level with, or coplanar to the work surface. The latch 1254 engages in a groove (not shown) in the edge of the worktop. FIG. 13a shows a tongue part of the latch which extends from the wing. FIG. 13c shows a handle 1256 of the latch which can be moved to retract the tongue. The latch is biased such that the tongue is biased out from the wing. The latch rotates on a pivot and the bias may be provided by a spring about the pivot.
[0118] FIG. 13d shows the wing in the stored position under the work top. To move the wing to the work or utility position from the stored position, the user can rotate the wing in an outwardly direction about an axis formed by the post 1250. On reaching maximum outward rotation the pin in the slot stops further rotation. The user can now squeeze the latch handle 1256. This pulls the tongue of the latch inwards into the wing to allow the wing to be translated along the post in an upwards direction. When the wing has travelled fully upwards along the post the latch handle can be released and the tongue engages with the groove in the edge of the work top to keep the wing top surface aligned with the work surface.
[0119] To release, the user again squeezes the latch handle 1256 to release the tongue of the latch from the groove. The wing can then be lowered and rotated into the stored position under the worktop.
[0120] The movement of the wing to the work position does not actually require the latch handle to be actuated. The tongue edge is chamfered such that as the wing is lifted upwards the tongue will be pushed inwards into the wing as it hits the edge of the worktop. On further pulling of the wing upwards the tongue of the latch will be pushed outwards by the action of the bias and into the groove when the tongue becomes aligned with the groove. Preferably, the groove is chamfered to provide a fit to the chamfer of the tongue of the latch.
[0121] For both moving the wing to the stored position and to the work position the movement is performed by a single easy action of one hand. This provides convenience for the user, such as during ironing.
[0122] We describe above how the post 1250 may be attached to the underside of the worktop. As discussed above, the ironing board may comprise a chassis or frame to which the worktop is attached and the worktop may be removable from the chassis or frame. As also described above, a subpanel may be provided. The legs of the ironing board may be coupled to the chassis or frame. We also describe that the post 1250 may be fixed to the underside by a fastener extending from the work top into the post.
[0123] By providing a removal worktop as discussed below, the post 1250 will instead be fixed to the frame or chassis or subpanel. When the worktop is removed the chassis or frame it becomes possible to access the fixing for the wing. This allows the wing to be replaced such as if it becomes damaged or worn, if the fixing is removable. The wing may also be replaced with an alternative garment support such as the types discussed below.
[0124] Hence, this provides interchangeability between supports. In a preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 13e, the fixing of the post or other support mount is provided by a groove 1281 in the end of the post or mount and a clip 1282 with a U or V-shaped slot 1283. In more detail, the post or mount pushes up through a hole in the underside of the chassis, subpanel or frame. The top side of the chassis, subpanel or frame includes a channel 1284 into which the clip 1282 is received. The U or V-shaped slot 1283 in the clip slides to engage in the groove 1281 of the post thereby holding the post in place. The channel in the chassis, subpanel or frame receives the clip and holds it secure stopping the clip from accidentally coming loose. The channel 1284 may be the same shape as the clip to stop it sliding loose. The clip may include a tab (not shown) extending above the channel to allow a user to remove the clip if removal of the wing or other support is desired. Accordingly, the use of a chassis, subpanel or frame, along with the clip, provides removability and interchangeability of the garment support. The other garment supports described below may also be provided with similar attachment means.Wing With Height Adjustment
[0125] FIGS. 12 and 13 show work top extensions or wings which have a top surface which may be a work surface for ironing. In general for ironing boards, the work top may be metal covered with fabric to form the work surface. The metal may be a metal panel with mesh or may have holes through. The mesh or holes allow steam from the iron to pass through the garment being ironed. In some embodiments foam may be between the panel and the fabric to cushion the ironing. Over time the foam may become compressed resulting in the work surface of the wing being higher than the work surface of the work top. To compensate for this the work top extension may comprise a top surface that includes height adjustment.
[0126] FIGS. 14a and 14b show a cross-section through the work top extension showing the mechanism for height adjustment. The top 1602 of the work top extension which includes the work surface includes a portion that the height may be adjusted. The overall height of the top surface of the work top extension is not so important but where the work top extension meets the work top 1600 the two work surfaces should be the same height such that the iron can easily pass from the work top to the extension. A small step upwards from the work top 1600 to the extension will mean that smooth ironing across the boundary from one to the other will not be possible. Hence, the height of the edge of the work top extension is adjustable.
[0127] The cross-section shown in FIG. 14a includes a housing or outer shell 1612 of the work top extension which comprises sides and a bottom of the work top extension. There is also provided a top 1602 of the work top extension. A threaded rod 1606 is shown with one end passing through the side of the housing 1612. The part that extends out through the housing includes a grip or turn knob 1604 for rotation by a user. The other end of the threaded rod passes through a carriage 1610 which includes first wedge portion 1608. The carriage 1610 includes a threaded hole with the threaded rod passing through such that on turning the threaded rod the carriage moves laterally. The threaded rod accordingly performs a leadscrew function. The first wedge portion is attached to the carriage such that it is translated with the carriage. The top 1602 has second wedge portion 1607 attached to its underside such that the angled face of the second wedge portion rests against the angled face of the first wedge portion. On turning the threaded rod the first wedge portion 1608 is translated laterally driving the second wedge 1607 portion up or down. In the embodiment of FIG. 14a driving the first wedge portion 1608 to the right pushes the second wedge portion 1607 upwards raising the top 1602 to a position as shown in FIG. 14b. The end or side of the top 1602 closest to the work surface of the ironing board is not fixed but is free to be raised or lowered. The other end of the top 1602 is coupled to the side of the housing 1612. As shown in FIG. 14b the top 1602 is raised at one end such that the top surface of the work top extension closest to the work top 1602 matches the work surface of the work top. The top of the work top extension is not raised equally as shown in FIG. 14b since it is only required that where the two surface meet there is no step. The height difference that is compensated is also likely to be small so a small tilt to the top will not be noticed significantly by the user.
[0128] In one embodiment the work top extension may be supplied with the top at the middle of the range of height adjustment so that there is a range of compensation for thicker work top covers and also compression of work top covers.Finger Type Garment Support
[0129] FIGS. 15a and 15b show a finger or blade type sleeve support member 1700. The work surface 1701 of the worktop is only part shown in the figure. The work surface 1701 is shown with a pair of sleeve support members 1700. In some embodiments only one sleeve support member 1700 may be provided. The sleeve support member 1700 is elongate in shape, similar to a finger or blade, and is coupled to the work top such as below the work surface 1701. Advantageously, the sleeve support member 1700 is pivotably coupled to the work board {or subpanel} such that it can be rotated away under the work surface when not required. The pivot is arranged such that the sleeve support member 1700 can be rotated in a plane parallel to the work surface such as offset just below the work surface. In other words, the axis of rotation is normal or transverse such as perpendicular to the work surface. The worktop is provided with a recess 1705 in the side such that when rotated out of use the sleeve support member 1700 is retracted under the work surface 1701. As discussed above in relation to the other embodiments of garment support member this may be referred to as the stored or parked position. Again, the position in which the sleeve support member is ready for use may be referred to as the work position or utility position.
[0130] The sleeve support member 1700 is preferably shaped such that in the work position the shape of the sleeve support member has synergy with the shape of the end of the ironing board. As shown in FIG. 15a, the end of the ironing board preferably has a curve or a mix of curved and straight sections to its edge 1710. The outside edge 1720 of the sleeve support member may also have a curved edge. The curve of the outside edge 1720 of the sleeve support member 1700 may follow the curve or contour of the end of the ironing board.
[0131] The sleeve support member 1700 has a flat top surface 1708 as shown in FIG. 15a. This top surface may be silicon rubber for heat resistance or may be fabric or other materials. The flat top provides for easy and compacts storage under the work surface when in the stored position and provides maximum compactness.
[0132] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 15a, the sleeve support members have a decreasing width as you move away from the work surface 1710. They may also have a decreasing thickness in the vertical direction. The sleeve support member has a curved outer perimeter or outer edge. Preferably, the sleeve support member may have a curved end. As mentioned and shown in FIG. 15a, the ironing board may have two sleeve support members 1700. In such a case the two sleeve support members when in the work position provide a shape based on a coat hanger or clothes hanger. This means that when a shirt, for example, is laid on the work surface of the ironing board the shirt is pulled tight as it would if hung on a clothes hanger.
[0133] It is noted that the garment sleeve support member 1700 has a top surface 1708 which is not coplanar or level with the work surface 1701 of the work top of the ironing board. This is because the top surface 1708 of the garment sleeve support member is not intended to be used for ironing. Indeed, this different level for the top surface if the support member is indicative to the user that it is not to be ironed on. Instead the garment sleeve support 1700 is for pulling the garment such as a shirt tight to allow ironing of the whole of the shoulder region of the shirt without some parts hanging down or puckering as previously discussed.
[0134] The garment sleeve support member 1700 includes a user operable button 1730. The sleeve support 1700 as it is rotated out to the work position will lock in position when it is fully rotated out to the work position. This may be means of a detent engaging at the work position. The button 1730 releases the detent such that the sleeve support 1700 can be rotated back to the stored position. The detent may also operate to hold the sleeve support 1700 in the stored position to prevent its accidental deployment when the ironing board is being set up for ironing to take place. The button may again be used to release the detent to allow the sleeve support 1700 to be rotated to the work position.
[0135] FIGS. 16a to 16d show the sleeve support in more detail along with details of the operation of the button 1730. The button 1700 cooperates with a slider 1810 which engages in channel in a hub part 1820 of the support. In more detail, the slider 1810 has an angled slot 1814 in which a pin 1812 of the button is guided. The slot is at approximately 45° to actuation direction of the button. The slider has an end that sits in a channel in the side of the hub of the support. The hub 1820 mounts and supports the sleeve support 1700 to the work top of the ironing board and provides the pivot for rotation between the work and stored positions. The channel includes holes or deeper recesses at either ends of the channel.
[0136] We now describe operation of the button. When the button is pressed the button moved inwardly into the support 1700 in the direction shown by the arrow A in FIG. 16b. This causes the pin 1812 on part of the button to move also in the direction of the arrow A.
[0137] The movement of the pin acts against the slot 1814 in the slider to move the slider in the direction of the arrow B. The channel 1822 has a hole 1824 at one end of the channel and another hole (not shown) in the other end of the channel. The movement of the slider in the direction of the arrow B retracts the slider out of this other hole. This allows the support 1700 to be rotated as shown by the arrow in FIG. 16c. During rotation the slider moves along the channel eventually dropping into the hole 1824 at the end of the channel 1822 to lock the support in the work position. The slider is biased and as the slider drops in to the hole (indicated by the direction of arrow D) the button 1720 pops back out, as shown by the arrow C in FIG. 16d. To retract the support 1700 the operation is essentially the reverse of deployment.
[0138] As discussed with regard to FIGS. 11a and 11b the ironing board with sleeve support members may be used for ironing a sleeved garment such as a shirt or blouse. In FIG. 11a the shirt has been placed over the work surface 1110 such that the right hand sleeve support member is inside the sleeve of the shirt. The shirt has then been pulled as far on to the ironing board as possible such that the shoulder yoke is against the curved and tapered end of the ironing board. In doing this, the top of the sleeve also pulls tight against the sleeve support member, pulling the sleeve such that the one side of the front of the shoulder yoke of the shirt can be ironed without requiring repositioning of the shirt. On conventional ironing boards the shirt has to be repositioned a plurality of times, especially as the iron approaches the seam between the shoulder yoke and sleeve.
[0139] In the present invention the complete top and shoulders of a sleeved garment or shirt can be ironed in four steps. As shown in FIG. 11, a first step might be to iron the complete top front right hand side. As shown in FIG. 11, the front placket of the shirt sits just to the left of the centreline of the ironing board. To prepare the shirt for a second ironing step the left hand sleeve support member should be in the work position. This is preferably done before the shirt is positioned over the board for the first step of ironing but if the shirt is small the shirt may need to be removed and the sleeve support moved to the work position at this point. When the left hand sleeve support is in position, the shirt is pulled towards the right such that the left front side of the shirt is supported by the work surface. The front placket for the left hand side of the shirt will now be just to right of the centreline of the ironing board. The left hand sleeve will be positioned over the left hand sleeve support member pulling the shirt and shoulder yoke tight ready for ironing. Prior to the third and fourth ironing steps the shirt should be turned over for ironing the back of the shirt. The third and fourth steps are similar to the first and second steps, comprising ironing the left and right hand sides of the back of the shirt. Again the sleeve support members hold the shoulder yoke of the shirt tight so that the left or right hand side of the back of the yoke can be ironed in one process without requiring the shirt to be repositioned multiple times.Guide Type Garment Support
[0140] FIGS. 17a and 17b show a guide type garment support 1900. FIG. 17a shows the guide type support in the work or utility position extending laterally from the work top, whereas FIG. 17b shows the guide type support in the stored position under the work top. The guide type support 1900 is shaped with a contoured profile to provide extra support to the garment such as a shirt. The guide type support has a shape similar to coat hanger or clothes hanger.
[0141] For the discussion that follows of the guide, it is useful first to consider the different types of coat hanger that are available. Generally, coat hangers come in a number of different types. For example, shirt hangers can be thin and made of wood or plastic but are not fully contoured. For example, they are generally planar in form and have left and right sides on which the left and right shoulders of the shirt are supported. The shirt hanger generally has uniform thickness. Another type of coat or clothes hanger is the suit jacket hanger. This type of hanger has a shape that is contoured in the direction of the left and right sides, as for the shirt hanger, but also has varying thickness to provide a contoured shape in a second dimension. The contours of the left and right sides of the hanger follow the shape of the jacket. Moving along the sides away from the hanger loop, the sides are flared to provide greater width to the hanger than a shirt hanger. Preferably, such hangers extend to the point where the shoulder meets the sleeve. The sides of the hanger are shaped to maintain a natural drape and hang to suit jackets. For example, if a shirt hanger is used for hanging a suit jacket there is insufficient thickness and support to the hanger. This results in the portion of the shoulder close to where it meets the sleeve puckering and creasing as may also occur to the top of the sleeve.
[0142] The guide type support 1900 of FIGS. 17a and 17b is based on the shape of a suit jacket hanger so as to provide enhanced support to a shoulder portion of a shirt. That, is the guide is contoured in thickness as well as along its length and includes flaring out along the length of the support.
[0143] We now describe the guide when in the work position. As shown in FIG. 17a the guide has a mount portion 1902 that is attached to the underside of the work top {or subpanel). The mount portion is rotatable about an axis A1 transverse to the plane of the work surface 1701 of the work top. Rotation about axis A1 allows the guide to be rotated out from the stored position shown in FIG. 17b to the work position of FIG. 17a. The body 1904 of the guide has an elongate form and is rotatable about a second axis A2 which extends in the direction of the length of the guide. The body of the guide may be considered to have three portions namely a proximal portion 1906 which is close to the mount portion 1902, an intermediate portion and a distal portion 1908. At the proximal portion the width of the guide flares out steeply such that close to the work top the guide already has increased width in comparison to the finger-type support. Along the intermediate portion the width continues to flare out but more gently. At the distal portion the guide has a curved end. Similarly, to a suit jacket hanger the guide 1900 is contoured along its width as well as along its length. The increasing width at the proximal end of the guide brings the surface of the guide up to level with the work surface of the work top. The second axis of rotation A2 is to allow the guide to be rotated in a second direction. With respect to the axis A2 the guide shape is offset such that one side surface is closer to the axis, that is, it is slimmer. This means that rotation of the guide such that this side is in the upward direction allows the guide to be rotated about the first axis A1 under the work top for storage. Without this second axis of rotation the guide could not have the increased thickness while also being able to be rotated for storage. The guide may be manufactured of moulded plastic fixed together with screws or other fasteners.
[0144] The guide may also have detents for holding the guide in the stored and work positions. For example, the mount portion 1902 may have detents similar to that provided for the blade to hold it at the rotation positions for the work position and stored position. The rotation of the body of the guide about the second axis A2 may also be assisted with detents. Preferably, the guide body has a first and second detents for holding the guide at the rotation positions for use and for storage. The body of the guide is configured to be pulled in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 17a away from the mount portion. Further details of the movement of the guide are provided in FIGS. 17c to 17f. The mount portion may have a hole or recess with receives a protrusion, such as a pin, from the body portion. The recess and protrusion aid to locate the body part of the guide at the correct orientations for use and storage. By pulling the body a small distance away from the guide, as shown in FIG. 17d, this is sufficient to move the protrusion or pin out of the recess and allow rotation about axis B. The rotation is shown by arrow Y in FIG. 17e. The body may be biased by a spring to pull the body towards the mount portion, as shown in FIG. 17f. This holds the protrusion or pin in the recess so as to keep the guide at the appropriate rotational position as desired.
[0145] We now describe the process of moving the guide from the stored position shown in FIG. 17b to the work position shown in FIG. 17a. The user first rotates the guide out from under the work top by rotation about the first axis A1. The user may have to pull slightly harder to begin with to release the guide from a detent holding the guide under the work top. The user continues the rotation about the first axis A1 until the guide 1900 is extending laterally from the board. A detent will again pull the guide into the correct position. Next the user pulls the body portion of the guide slightly away from the mount portion (FIG. 17d) and rotates the guide about axis A2 (FIG. 17e). The rotation may be approximately 90 degrees. The user then releases the body part and the bias pulls the body portion back towards the mount portion (FIG. 17f) and at the same time engages the detent to hold the body portion at the correct rotational position to the mount portion.
[0146] The guide shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b is not for use for ironing on but similar to the finger or blade type guide described above holds the garment such as a shirt with the shoulder in an optimal position for ironing that is free form puckering.
[0147] The guide shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b may also be used as a clothes hanger to hang shirts or other garments.
[0148] Any of the garment supports such as the wings, guides or finger type garment supports may be combined with other embodiments described herein such as the embodiment comprising the subpanel or directly mounted into the subpanel. The subpanel may incorporate the shape of the tapered or tip part of the worktop described herein such as in relation to FIG. 9.
[0149] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that only a small number of possible embodiments have been described and that many variations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. For example, different shapes of workboard and work surface may be provided. Different material may also be used. Different fixings or fasteners may be used. For some embodiments described above, the ironing board may have no legs or short legs such that the ironing board may be used on a table top or kitchen worktop.
[0150] The various aspects described may be combined together in a single ironing board.
Claims
1. An ironing board, comprising:a worktop having a work surface for ironing of garments thereon;a frame for supporting the worktop;a subpanel coupled to the frame, the subpanel extending beyond the frame to support a portion of the worktop extending beyond the frame.
2. The ironing board of claim 1, wherein the worksurface of the worktop tapers towards an end of the worksurface narrowing the width of the work surface for ironing of garments thereon, the shape of the tapering of the narrowing width corresponding to the shape of the subpanel and extending beyond the frame.
3. The ironing board of claim 2, wherein the worktop is formed of a panel comprising mesh or a sheet with holes for allowing steam to penetrate through the worktop and the work surface is formed by a covering at least on the top surface of the panel, and the worktop is detachable from the frame.
4. The ironing board of claim 3, wherein the worktop comprises couplings for removably coupling the worktop to the frame.
5. The ironing board of claim 4, wherein the couplings are clips that latch into holes in, or around edges of, the frame.
6. The ironing board of claim 4 or 5, wherein the worktop comprises one or more further couplings for removably coupling the worktop to the subpanel.
7. The ironing board of claim 3, wherein the worktop is formed of a panel fixedly coupled to the frame, the panel comprising mesh or a sheet with holes for allowing steam to penetrate through the worktop, the subpanel forming the portion of the worktop extending beyond the frame, and the worksurface is formed by a covering of at least the top surface of the panel and the top surface of the subpanel.
8. The ironing board of any preceding claim, wherein the subpanel comprises fittings for receiving, or having fitted thereto, garment supports extending beyond the worktop.
9. The ironing board of any preceding claim, further comprising legs coupled to the frame, the legs arranged to rotate with respect to each other so that the ironing board can be collapsed from a utility position to storage position.
10. The ironing board of claim 9, wherein the subpanel comprises a hook, clip or latch for securing at least one of the legs, or one or more feet at the end of the legs, to the subpanel to secure the legs in the storage position.
11. A subpanel for extending the worktop of an ironing board, the subpanel comprising:a top for extending the worktop of the ironing board;one or more channels for receiving or coupling to the frame of an ironing board and extending under the ironing board,wherein the subpanel, when fitted to an ironing board, extends the worktop of the ironing board at the tapered end of the worktop to change the shape of the tapered end of the worktop.
12. An ironing board system, the system having:an ironing board having:an elongate flat ironing surface having a width;legs moveable with respect to the ironing surface between a closed position for storing the ironing board and an open position for use of the ironing board; andfeet formed at ends of the legs and extending laterally out from the legs; anda set of foot extension members attachable to lateral ends of the feet to form laterally extended feet.
13. The ironing board system of claim 12, wherein the foot extension members are detachable from the lateral ends of the feet.
14. The ironing board system of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein, in the closed position, the feet each extend less than 1cm beyond the width of the ironing surface.
15. The ironing board system of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein, in the closed position, the laterally extended feet each extend in the range of 2-10cm beyond the width of the ironing surface.
16. The ironing board system of any of claims 12 to 15, wherein each foot is associated with one or more of the legs.
17. The ironing board system of any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the feet together include four lateral ends, and the set of foot extension members includes four first foot extension members having a first length.
18. The ironing board system of claim 17 wherein the set of foot extension members further includes four second foot extension members having a second length different to the first length.
19. The ironing board system of any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the foot extension members are attachable to the lateral ends of the feet by one or more screws or by a snap-fit.
20. The ironing board system of any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the lateral ends of the feet each comprise a threaded recess and the foot extension members each comprise a threaded end such that the foot extension members are attachable to the lateral ends of the feet by screwing the threaded ends into the threaded recesses.
21. An ironing board having a worktop having a work surface for ironing of garments thereon, the work surface being a flat elongate surface, the width of the work surface symmetrically tapering towards a tip of the work surface, each side of the tapering comprising:a first taper portion in which the sides taper in a first curve;a second taper portion in which the sides taper in a second curve to a substantially straight portion, the second curve having a smaller radius than the first;a third taper portion in which the taper is the substantially straight portion; anda fourth taper portion in which the sides meet in a third curve,wherein the substantially straight portions form an angle of between 70 and 80° with a longitudinal centreline of the work surface.
22. The ironing board of claim 21, wherein in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal centreline of the work surface the substantially straight portions extend at least 50% of the distance from the distal part of the second curve to the longitudinal axis.
23. The ironing board of claim 21 or 22, wherein the second curve is a corner.
24. The ironing board of any of claims 21 to 23 wherein the angle is between 74 and 78°, and more preferably 75 to 77°, and even more preferably substantially 76°.
25. An ironing board, comprising:a worktop having a work surface for ironing of garments thereon; andat least one garment support arranged to move between a stored position and a utility position, in the stored position the garment support is retracted from use and stored under the work surface, in the utility position the garment support extends laterally from the work surface for supporting a sleeve or shoulder of a garment to be ironed,wherein the garment support is arranged to rotate laterally to move between the stored position and the work position.
26. The ironing board of claim 25, wherein the garment support is arranged to rotate laterally in a plane below the work surface for moving between the stored and utility positions).
27. The ironing board of claim 26, wherein the garment support is arranged to rotate laterally in a plane offset from the work surface.
28. The ironing board of any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the rotation is about an axis transverse to the work surface.
29. The ironing board of any of claims 25 to 28, comprising a pair of garment supports arranged on laterally opposed sides of the worktop for use with opposing sleeves or shoulder of a garment.
30. The ironing board of any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the garment support is a worktop extension for extending the work surface for ironing thereon.
31. The ironing board of claim 30, wherein the garment support is configured for translation between a plane below the work surface to a having a top surface coplanar with the work surface.
32. The ironing board of claim 30 or 31, wherein the top surface of the worktop extension is planar.
33. The ironing board of any of claims 30 to 32, wherein the worktop extension is for extending the work surface into the sleeve of a garment when the garment is laid on the work surface with the placket aligned with a centreline of the work surface.
34. The ironing board of any of claims 30 to 33, wherein the worktop extension is attached to the work top by a post and collar, the worktop having the post extending from the underside of the worktop and the worktop extension having a collar, wherein the post is located through the collar and the collar is configured for rotation about an axis of the post and to translate up and down the post.
35. The ironing board of claim 34, wherein the worktop extension is configured for rotation from a stored position by rotation about the post and is configured to move to have a top surface coplanar with the work surface of the worktop by translation up the post to the utility position.
36. The ironing board of claim 34 or 35, wherein the post has a stop at an end distal to the worktop to limit the translational movement of the worktop extension.
37. The ironing board of any of claims 30 to 36, wherein the worktop extension comprises a releasable latch to engage the worktop extension in the utility position and to release the worktop extension for movement to the stored position.
38. The ironing board of any of claims 30 to 37, wherein the worktop extension has a first edge, the first edge having a contour corresponding to the contour of an edge of the worktop so that in the utility position the worktop extension abuts or is adjacent to said worktop edge along its first edge.
39. The ironing board of any of claims 30 to 38, wherein the worktop extension has a second edge, the second edge being curved correspondingly to a curve of the end of the worktop.
40. The ironing board of any of claims 30 to 39, wherein the worktop extension comprises a housing and a latch for engaging with the worktop, and the worktop extension has a worktop extension work surface which is height adjustable relative to the housing and latch.
41. The ironing board of claim 40, wherein the height adjustment is provided by first and second wedge portions, the first wedge portion arranged to be driven by a user-operable handle or knob to push the first wedge portion against the second wedge portion, the second wedge portion being fixed to an underside of the worktop extension work surface such that on pushing of the first wedge against the second wedge, the second wedge is raised upwards raising at least a portion of the worktop extension work surface.
42. The ironing board of any of claims 25 to 30 wherein the garment support is garment support member and when in the utility position the garment support member extends laterally out from the work top.
43. The ironing board of claim 42, wherein the garment support member in the utility position is configured to pull a shoulder, or shoulder end of a sleeve, of a garment laterally outwards.
44. The ironing board of claim 42 or 43, wherein the garment support member has a finger shape.
45. The ironing board of any of claims 42 to 44, wherein the work surface of the ironing board comprises a flat elongate surface which tapers in width towards a tip, and in the utility position an edge of the garment support member follows the line or curve of the edge of the tip.
46. The ironing board of any of claims 42 to 45, wherein the plane of rotation of the garment support member is parallel to, but offset below, the plane of the work surface of the worktop.
47. The ironing board of any of claims 42 to 46, wherein the garment support member comprises one or more detents for releasably locking the garment support member in the utility position and / or the stored position.
48. The ironing board of claim 47, wherein the garment support member comprises a user operable button for release of the detent for allowing rotation of the garment support member between the stored position and utility position.
49. The ironing board of claim 48, wherein, in in the stored position, the user operable button is positioned on an outward facing side of the garment support member.
50. The ironing board of any of claims 42 to 49, wherein a top surface of the garment support member is below the work surface of the worktop when in the utility position.
51. The ironing board of any of claims 25 to 30, wherein the garment support is a guide that when in the utility position extends laterally out from the worktop, the guide having a first axis of rotation transverse to the work surface and passing through the work surface, and a second axis of rotation that is transverse to the first axis and substantially along the length of the guide.
52. The ironing board of claim 51, wherein the second axis of rotation is below the work surface.
53. The ironing board of claim 52, wherein the guide has an elongate body having a longitudinal direction that is offset to the second axis such that one side is of slimmer thickness to the second axis.
54. The ironing board of any of claims 51 to 53, wherein the guide is configured such that on rotation of the guide about the second axis the guide has a detent to releasably hold the guide in a first rotational position and a second rotational position.
55. The ironing board of claim 54, wherein the guide is biased along the second axis to engage the detent of the guide at the first and second positions, the detent being releasable for rotation of the guide between the two positions by the user pulling the guide along the second axis direction away from the worktop.
56. The ironing board of any of claims 52 to 55, wherein in the stored position the guide resides under the work surface and is configured such that on rotation about the first axis the guide extends laterally from the worktop, and is further configured such that when extending laterally rotation about the second axis brings a surface of the guide to the same height as the work surface of the worktop.
57. The ironing board of any of claims 52 to 56, wherein the guide has a proximal portion, an intermediate portion and a distal portion, wherein, in the utility position and rotated about the second axis, the width of the guide increases from the proximal portion to the intermediate portion.
58. The ironing board of any of claims 51 to 57, comprising a pair of guides respectively arranged on laterally opposed sides of the worktop to form a rounded coat hanger shape for use with opposing sleeves or shoulders of a garment.