GB2536667A

GB2536667A - An ironing device

Info

Publication number: GB2536667A
Application number: GB1505025.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Palmer Rita
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-25
Filing date: 2015-03-25
Publication date: 2016-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-25
Also published as: GB201505025D0; GB2536667B

Abstract

A portable ironing surface comprising a plurality of layers and attachment means at its periphery 2, 10 for joining the surface to a variety of structures. The attachment means may comprise a drawstring 3 passing through a slot 9 in the hemmed periphery with a toggle 9 for tightening the surface onto a structure. The attachment means may further comprise elongate elastic corner strapping 7 or elongate corner ties 4, which may be tied around a member such as a table leg to secure the device. Pairs of side fasteners 5 are located on the long sides of the ironing surface and may be tied to one another under the structure to which the surface is being attached. The layers of the ironing surface may include a cotton cover (1 fig 4), insulated padding (12), a heat resistant sheet, a heat reflective sheet (11), waterproof towelling (13) and a wipe clean lowermost layer.

Description

AN IRONING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an ironing device, in particular a device for aiding in ironing; more particularly but not exclusively a device for use when ironing clothing or other when an ironing board is not readily available.

Background

Increasing awareness of appearance anc aesthetic demands combines with an increasingly mobile population and workforce.

In this way a typical user may be required to maintain clothing neat and pressed even 15 when in rented or temporary accommodation, and unable to access an ironing board or similar.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 7 299 573 (KUNCKEN) discloses a reversible ironing pad assembly, comprising: (a) a generally rectangular-shaped, flexible pad portion comprising a first, quilted, heat resistant layer; and a second, opposite, generally smooth, heat resistant layer on an opposite side of the pad portion; and(b) at least one magnet in each corner section of the pad portion; wherein the first or second layer comprises a metal; and wherein the pad assembly comprises an expanded, open position for use and a compact, bundled position for transport or storage, and in the expanded position, the pad portion is reversible for use on either side.

Granted United States patent US 6 793 991 (DE YOUNG) discloses a portable ironing pad assembly of the type to be carried by and used by travelers, said ironing 35 pad assembly comprising:an ironing pad including a plurality of layers that are superimposed adjacent one another and secured together at least adjacent the peripheral edges thereof; and a storage pouch attached to said ironing pad adjacent a portion of the peripheral edge thereof, said storage pouch having an opening through which said ironing pad may be folded upon itself and received within said storage pouch.

Swiss patent application CH 672 152 (ROTACH) discloses a conventional collapsible ironing board can be replaced by an ironing cover which can be laid on any table or work top and consists of a layer at the base which is made of watertight plastic foil, and a wrapping of heat resistant fairly stiff textile fabric over a plastic foam layer. The 10 core is made of closed-cell plastic foam to prevent it from absorbing any moisture, whilst the foam is open-celled for steam ironing. This is easy to stow away instead of a bulky conventional ironing table.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an ironing device comprising a plurality of layers and a peripheral attachment mechanism.

In some embodiments the attachment mechanism is advantageously multipartite.

In embodiments the layers advantageously comprise a heat resistant layer.

In some embodiments the layers advantageously comprise a heat reflective layer. 25 In some embodiments the layers advantageously comprise a resilient outer. In some embodiments the layers advantageously comprise padding.

In some embodiments the attachment mechanism is advantageously flexible.

In some embodiments the attachment mechanism is advantageously elastic.

The device comprises a substantially planar sheet in use. Advantageously said sheet is ideally flexible.

The device advantageously thereby comprises a foldable material. Such material is comprised of the plurality of layers and is capable of being minimised by rolling, folding or other compression. In this way the device comprises a portable and multipurpose ironing surface.

In some embodiments the attachment mechanism advantageously acts to attach the device to other structures. In this way the device may be available in a plurality of locations and situations.

The attachment mechanism advantageously comprises means to attach to members extending orthogonally as well as structures extending parallel; so as to allow for attachment of the device to tables or the like, wherein the attachment mechanism attaches to legs as well as over corners.

Accordingly the attachment mechanism may comprise corner attachment means, such means being arranged to surround a parallel structure and pull or hold the sheet against it.

In addition or the alternative the device advantageously comprises corner fastening 20 means in some embodiments, such means is configured to stretch over corners of an underlying structure such as a table and pull the device against said structure.

Such means may comprise pockets or elongate strapping.

The device is typically envisaged to be substantially rectangular or rectilinear, having corners configured for provision of parts of the attachment mechanism. In other embodiments a rectangular or rectnlinear plan view may be accommodated by the device underside, whereas the device incorporates a curved or circular top layer. In this way the bottom layer or attachment mechanism may accommodate a rectangular or regular shaped table or surface, and the top layer provides hanging or covering edges over the table or surface to advantageously enable rounding over edges and less chance of ironing directly onto the surface in use.

Accordingly advantageously in some errbodiments the attachment mechanism is 35 arranged on the bottom layer and is distanced from the periphery thereof.

Ideally sides extend between corners. Such sides may include attachment mechanism for attachment to elongate depending members like legs. Said sides may also include attachment mechanisms configured to reach from one side to another.

Such side attachment mechanisms may be defined as side fasteners. Such side fasteners may be singular or plural per side and ideally are variable in length of attachment. For example in some embodiments the side fasteners may comprise elasticity. In some embodiments the side fasteners may comprise plural position fastening. In some embodiments the side fasteners may comprise hook and loop material. In some embodiments the side fasteners may comprise press studs or buttons. In some embodiments the side fasteners are configured to be tied around a structure and knotted.

Advantageously in some embodiments the device includes a periphery configured to act as a part of the attachment mechanism, wherein the periphery is arranged to return towards the device centre point. For example the periphery may include elastic material. For example in some embodiments the periphery may include a drawstring.

In some embodiments the device includes a carriage pocket, into which the device may be inverted for transport or storage.

In some embodiments the device includes hook and loop portions. Said portions in 25 some embodiments may be configured to hold the rolled device together for transport or storage.

In some embodiments the device includes magnetic portions. Said portions in some embodiments may be configured to hold the rolled device together for transport or 30 storage.

In some embodiments the attachment mechanism comprises a peripheral drawstring, wherein such drawstring may be utilised to contain all the device within a bag.

In some embodiments the device may advantageously provide a secondary usage, wherein the layers are arranged differently. For example in some embodiments the device is reversible so as to provide a lowermost layer uppermost, wherein the layer comprises a displaceable towelling layer. In this way the device may serve as a baby changing area

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the device from below with attachment mechanisms loose; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 from below with attachment mechanisms tied; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, from above; Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 2; Figure 7 shows an isometric side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with ends depending and attachment mechanisms tied; and Figure 8 shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. 30 Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown a rectangular device according to the present invention comprising a planar multilayer sheet 1, with a hemmed periphery 2,10 which periphery includes a drawstring 3 passing through a slot 9 in the hemmed 35 periphery and having a toggle 9 for tightening.

10 15 20 The drawstring comprises a part of the attachment mechanism wherein tightening the draw string enables the user to attach the device over a structure.

The toggle comprises a sprung gate in a plastic bead and the drawstring is 5 continuous being closed within the hemmed periphery and looped through the toggle.

The drawstring is not substantially elastic in the pictured embodiment in order to for more effective and consistent fastening at the toggle.

The attachment mechanism further comprises corner strapping 7. Such strapping is elongate, reaching across a corner of the device, elastic and fastened at either end.

The strapping is interior to the hemmed periphery, in order that the periphery may still be pulled in at the toggle if appropriate.

The attachment mechanism further comprises corner ties 4, wherein such ties comprise substantially non-elastic material in approximately two lengths of equal elongate ribbon. Such lengths are subsequently tied around a member such as a table leg so as to aid in securing the device down for use.

The ties are interior to the hemmed periphery, in order that the periphery may still be pulled in at the toggle if appropriate.

The attachment mechanism further comprises two side fasteners 5 intermediate the long sides of the planar sheet. These side fasteners comprise a long and a short length of relatively elastic material, wherein the long lengths are passed under a structure in use and knotted or tied with the short lengths on the opposing side of the structure to which the device is to be attached. This in turn acts to prevent slippage of the device in use.

The ends of the ties, fasteners and bipartite corner strapping, may cinlude hook and loop portions.

The layers in the pictured embodiment comprise a cotton cover 1, insulating wadding 35 12, reflective metal sheet 11 and waterproof towelling 13. The towelling may removable, for example held in place by hook and loop portions.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the ad, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the * art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An ironing device comprising a plurality of layers and a peripheral attachment mechanism.
2. An ironing device according to claim 1 comprising an attachment mechanism which acts to attach the device to other structures in a multipartite configuration.
3. An ironing device according to daim 1 or 2 comprising means to attach to members extending orthogonally in use.
4. An ironing device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 comprising structures extending parallel in use. 15 5. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising separate corner attachment means.6. An ironing device according to claim 5 comprising pockets.7. An ironing device according to claim 5 comprising elongate strapping.* 8. An ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is rectangular in plan when in use. 25 9. An ironing device according to claim 8 comprising plural attachment mechanism on long sides.10. An ironing device according to claim 8 comprising mechanism which reach from side to side.11. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising a heat resistant layer.12. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising heat reflective layer.13. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising resilient outer.14. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising a padding layer.15. An ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment mechanism is flexible.16. An ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment mechanism is elastic.17. An ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a substantially planar sheet in use.18. An ironing device according to claim 17 wherein the sheet is flexible.19. An ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the periphery comprises elastic material.20. An ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the periphery includes a drawstring. 20 21. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising a wipeclean lowermost layer.22. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising a towelling lowermost layer.23. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising a carriage pocket, into which the device may be inverted for transport or storage.24. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising attachment portions configured to hold the rolled device together for transport or storage.25. An ironing device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.Claims AMENDMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS 1 An ironing device for baby changing and ironing, comprising: a plurality of layers in the form of a substantially planar sheet in use, including a cotton cover layer, a heat reflective metal sheet layer, an insulating wadding layer, and an outermost wipe-clean waterproof towelling layer to serve as a baby changing area, wherein the toweling layer is held in place by hook and loop portions so as to be removable, and an attachment mechanism arranged peripheral to the sheet to attach the device to a table.2. An ironing device according to claim 1 wherein the sheet is rectangular in plan when in use 3 An ironing device according to claim 2 wherein the attachment mechanism comprises two side fasteners on long sides of the sheet, wherein the side fasteners comprise a relatively long and a short length of elastic material.4. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising a resilient outer layer.
5. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising a padding layer.
6. An ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the periphery comprises elastic material.(r)
7. An ironing device according to any preceding claim wherein the periphery includes a drawstring which comprises part of the attachment mechanism.O CO8. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising a carriage pocket into which the device may be inverted for transport or storage pocket.9. An ironing device according to any preceding claim comprising attachment portions configured to hold thedevice in a rolled together configuration for transport or storage.