Steam surge system for an electric steam iron

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to electric steam irons and, more particularly, to a steam surge system.

#2. Prior Art

#The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric steam iron incorporating features of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a plan top view of the front of the soleplate of the iron shown in FIG. 1;

#Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an electric steam iron 10 incorporating features of the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the single embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention may be incorporated into various different types of irons. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or material could be used.

#The iron 10 generally comprises a soleplate 12, a housing 14, a temperature control knob 16, and a spray button 18a and a surge button 18b. Referring also to FIG. 2 a top plan view of the front of the soleplate 12 is shown. The soleplate has a raised wall 24 in a general triangular shape that forms the side walls for the steam chamber 20. A cover 22 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the top of the wall 24 to form the top of the steam chamber. Referring also to FIG. 3, the steam chamber 20 has four areas or chambers; a primary steam generating area 26, a surge steam generating area 28, a rear chamber 30, and a steam distribution chamber 32.

#Located in the soleplate 12 is a heating element 34 that has a general "U" or "V" shape at the steam chamber 20. The heating element 34 is encased in the soleplate, except at the rear end of the soleplate where electrical connections are made. Thus, a general raised ridge 35 is formed in the soleplate 12 in which the heating element 34 is located. Extending upward from the top of the soleplate in the steam chamber 20 are three walls 36, 38 and 40. A thermostat mounting boss 42 also extends upward at the primary steam generating area 26. The first wall 36 surrounds the primary steam generating area 26 and the boss 42. The wall 36 has an open rear end with a low raised lip 44. The top surface of the soleplate 12, in the primary steam generating area 26, has a ramp 46 that is inclined towards the lip 44. The wall 36 also has ribs 48 extending outward from the wall 36.