US20240368825A1

US20240368825A1 - Iron caddy

Info

Publication number: US20240368825A1
Application number: US18/654,168
Authority: US
Inventors: James Tabujara; Sandy A. Felsenthal
Original assignee: Whitmor Inc
Current assignee: Whitmor Inc
Priority date: 2023-05-04
Filing date: 2024-05-03
Publication date: 2024-11-07

Abstract

An iron caddy includes a body comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, a bracket secured to the top portion, a carrier secured to the top portion and adapted for engaging and holding at least a portion of an iron, and at least one depending arm secured to the bottom portion and adapted for engaging and holding at least a portion of an ironing board. The bracket and the carrier are pivotally secured to the top portion, and the at least one depending arm is pivotally secured to the bottom portion to selectively allow or prevent a lateral pivoting motion of the at least one depending arm. This allows translation between a first, extended configuration and a second, folded storage configuration.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/464,154 filed May 4, 2023, the entirety of the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently-disclosed subject matter generally relates to the field of garment care accessories. In particular, embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter relate to a caddy for holding an iron, ironing board, and related accessories when not in use.

BACKGROUND

The task of ironing articles such as clothing, bedding, and the like to remove wrinkles requires various known devices, including at least an iron or flatiron, an ironing board to support the articles in a flat orientation during the ironing process, and other optional items such as spray bottles holding useful fluids such as water, starch, etc. When not in use these items must be stored, preferably in a convenient manner whereby shelf space is not wasted.
The present disclosure solves this problem by providing an iron caddy configured to carry an iron, ironing board, and other optional accessories. The disclosed iron caddy is conveniently adapted for over-the-door hanging to minimize the storage space required for the iron, ironing board, etc. when not in use. The disclosed caddy is further configured for convenient folding for storage when the caddy itself is not in use.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, an iron caddy is described, comprising a body comprising a top portion and a bottom portion. A bracket may be secured to the top portion. A carrier may be secured to the top portion and adapted for engaging and holding at least a portion of an iron. In embodiments, the carrier defines a J-shape configured to engage a handle of the iron. At least one depending arm is secured to the bottom portion, adapted for engaging and holding at least a portion of an ironing board.
In embodiments, the body is defined by a wire frame. The bracket and the carrier may be pivotally secured to the top portion, and the at least one depending arm may be pivotally secured to the bottom portion. In embodiments, the at least one depending arm is pivotally secured to the bottom portion to selectively allow or prevent a lateral pivoting motion of the at least one depending arm. In one particular embodiment, the at least one depending arm is selectively pivotally secured to a tab extending from the bottom portion by a fastener configured to selectively allow and prevent pivotal motion of the at least one depending arm. In one particular embodiment, the iron caddy includes at least two depending arms.
As described herein, in one particular embodiment the bracket and the at least one depending arm are adapted for translation between a first, extended configuration and a second, folded storage configuration. The bracket and the at least one depending arm in the first, extended configuration may be oriented substantially in parallel and coplanar to one another. In the first, extended configuration a portion of the bracket may be configured to attach to the body top portion by a snap fit or interference fit. The bracket is typically configured to be supported by a separate structure such as a door top, door jamb, ledge, etc.
In still other embodiments, the iron caddy of the disclosure may include an accessory holder secured to the frame. The accessory holder may be configured to hold at least one spray bottle.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent while reviewing the preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention disclosed herein in the description of the invention below and the accompanying drawings. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification, if any, are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the disclosed iron caddy are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are used, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an iron caddy according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the iron caddy shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 shows a fastener for an ironing board carrying arm according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows the iron caddy of FIG. 1 , folded for storage.

FIG. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the iron caddy shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an iron caddy according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the iron caddy of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 shows the iron caddy of FIG. 1 , carried by a door.

FIG. 9 shows the iron caddy of FIG. 8 , with the dependent arms configured to hold a differently-sized or configured ironing board leg.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The details of one or more embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter are set forth in this document. Modifications to embodiments described in this document, and other embodiments, will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art after a study of the information provided in this document. The information provided in this document, and particularly the specific details of the described exemplary embodiments, is provided primarily for clarity of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. In case of conflict, the specification of this document, including definitions, will control. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals are repeated among the various figures to indicate corresponding, identical, or analogous features. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate details and features. The description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.
In one embodiment, an iron caddy is provided that is adapted for hanging from an adjoining structure such as a door or a wall. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 , an iron caddy assembly 10 includes a body 20 defined in an embodiment by a wire frame having a bottom 22, a top 24, and a plurality of vertically oriented rods 26 (26 a, 26 b, 26 c, 26 d in the depicted embodiment) connecting bottom 22 and top 24. Of course, alternative embodiments of body 20 are contemplated, including without intending any limitation a solid body (not shown), a wire frame body comprising more or fewer vertically oriented rods than depicted herein (not shown), and others.
Top 24 includes one or more receivers 28 (28 a, 28 b in the depicted embodiment) which pivotally hold a carrier 30. In the depicted embodiment, top 24 is further configured to define a U-shape 32, the purpose of which will be described below. Bottom 22 in the depicted embodiment includes a pair of tabs 34 a, 34 b which pivotally hold depending arms 36 (36 a, 36 b in the depicted embodiment) each ending in an arcuate holder 38 (38 a, 38 b in the depicted embodiment), the purpose of which will be described below. Fasteners 40 a, 40 b pivotally secure the depending arms 36 a, 36 b to tabs 40 a, 40 b. It will be appreciated that more or fewer tabs and associated depending arms may be provided in accordance with the weight, dimensions, or other physical properties of an ironing board (not shown) expected to be carried by the iron caddy 10.
A bracket 42 is provided, pivotally secured to top 24 U-shape 32 at a first end 44 and configured at a second end 46 to be disposed over, e.g., a door or wall top surface (not shown in this view). Bracket 42 may further include an arcuate portion 48 configured to nest with a top portion 31 of carrier 30, the purpose of which will be described below. In embodiments, the arcuate portion 48 may be configured to define a snap-fit or interference fit with a segment of top portion 31, whereby the upright configuration of bracket 42 shown in FIG. 1 is maintained. In the depicted embodiment, carrier 30 and top portion 31 define a substantially J-shaped configuration.
With reference to FIG. 3 , fasteners 40 a, 40 b may be selected from any suitable fastener, with the proviso that the fasteners 40 a, 40 b allow or can be configured to allow a lateral pivoting motion of depending arms 36 a, 36 b relative to an orientation of body 20. In one possible embodiment, fasteners 40 a, 40 b may be locking nuts and bolts of known design, adapted to be loosened to allow the desired pivoting motion and subsequently tightened to prevent that pivoting motion when desired. Of course, alternative fasteners or fastening means are possible for use and contemplated herein, including without intending any limitation conventional nuts/bolts, rivets, snap-fit fasteners, and others. Still more, depending arms 36 a, 36 b may be held at a desired orientation by a friction or interference fit arrangement.
FIG. 4 illustrates a useful feature of the iron caddy 10. By the described pivoting motion of depending arms 36 a, 36 b, bracket 42, and carrier 30, when the described caddy is not in use it may be translated between an extended configuration as shown in FIG. 1 and the compact, folded storage configuration shown in FIG. 4 by pivoting the depending arms 36 a, 36 b laterally and upwardly and pivoting the iron carrier 30 and bracket 42 downwardly. In that manner, the storage footprint of the iron caddy 10 is reduced to substantially the dimensions of the body 20.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show an alternative embodiment of the iron caddy 10′ including a holder 50. In the depicted embodiment, holder 50 is defined by a wire frame defining at least one bottle carrier, although fully and/or partially solid-walled embodiments, mesh-walled embodiments, and others are contemplated. As described above and shown in FIG. 7 , holder 50 may be configured to carry a plurality of spray bottles 52 each holding a fluid that finds use in an ironing operation, such as water, starch, etc. for convenient access if and when required by a user. In the depicted embodiment holder 50 is secured to the iron caddy body 20 by any suitable means, including without intending any limitation adhesive, welding, soldering, fasteners, etc. Of course, alternative placements of holder 50 are contemplated. Further, it is contemplated to provide holder 50 and body 20 as a unitary structure. All such embodiments are contemplated herein.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the iron caddy 10 of the present disclosure in use. As shown in FIG. 8 , the caddy 10 may releasably engage a surface such as a top edge of door D, a top edge of a wall (not shown), etc. by way of bracket 42. Iron carrier 30 pivots outwardly from body 20 to releasably hold an iron I by engaging the handle H of the iron as shown. As will be appreciated, different sizes and dimensions of irons I are available. By the outwardly pivoting feature of carrier 30, which in the depicted embodiment defines a substantially J-shaped hook to engage the iron handle H as depicted, a wide range of dimensions of irons I may be accommodated.
In turn, depending arms 36 a, 36 b may releasably carry an ironing board B by engaging legs L by arcuate holders 38 a, 38 b. As will be appreciated, different sizes and dimensions of ironing boards B are available. For that reason, depending arms 36 a, 36 b are adapted to pivot as described above. When legs L are provided requiring a different orientation of depending arms 36 a, 36 b to allow carrying the ironing board B as shown, this can be accomplished by pivoting depending arms 36 a, 36 b outwardly or inwardly as needed to accommodate the dimensions and configuration of legs L. When the desired orientation of depending arms 36 a, 36 b is achieved, fasteners 40 a, 40 b (in embodiments employing these features) may then be re-tightened to prevent further undesired pivoting motion of the depending arms. By this feature, a wide range of dimensions of ironing boards B may be accommodated.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently-disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are described herein.
Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required.” The present application can “comprise” (open ended) or “consist essentially of” the components of the present invention as well as other ingredients or elements described herein. As used herein, “comprising” is open ended and means the elements recited, or their equivalent in structure or function, plus any other element or elements which are not recited. The terms “having” and “including” are also to be construed as open ended unless the context suggests otherwise.
Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow. The foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. An iron caddy, comprising:

a body comprising a top portion and a bottom portion;

a bracket secured to the top portion;

a carrier secured to the top portion and adapted for engaging and holding at least a portion of an iron; and

at least one depending arm secured to the bottom portion and adapted for engaging and holding at least a portion of an ironing board.

2. The iron caddy of claim 1, wherein the body is defined by a wire frame.

3. The iron caddy of claim 1, wherein the bracket and the carrier are pivotally secured to the top portion, and the at least one depending arm is pivotally secured to the bottom portion.

4. The iron caddy of claim 3, wherein the at least one depending arm is pivotally secured to the bottom portion to selectively allow or prevent a lateral pivoting motion of the at least one depending arm.

5. The iron caddy of claim 4, wherein the at least one depending arm is selectively pivotally secured to a tab extending from the bottom portion by a fastener configured to selectively allow and prevent pivotal motion of the at least one depending arm.

6. The iron caddy of claim 4, including at least two depending arms.

7. The iron caddy of claim 4, wherein the bracket and the at least one depending arm are adapted for translation between a first, extended configuration and a second, folded storage configuration.

8. The iron caddy of claim 7, wherein the bracket and the at least one depending arm in the first, extended configuration are oriented substantially in parallel and coplanar to one another.

9. The iron caddy of claim 7, wherein in the first, extended configuration a portion of the bracket is configured to attach to the body top portion by a snap fit or interference fit.

10. The iron caddy of claim 1, wherein the bracket is configured to be supported by a separate structure.

11. The iron caddy of claim 1, wherein the carrier defines a J-shape configured to engage a handle of the iron.

12. The iron caddy of claim 1, further including an accessory holder secured to the frame.

13. The iron caddy of claim 12, wherein the accessory holder is configured to hold at least one spray bottle.

14. An iron caddy, comprising:

a body comprising a top portion and a bottom portion;

a bracket secured to the top portion;

a carrier secured to the top portion and adapted for engaging and holding at least a portion of an iron;

at least two depending arms secured to the bottom portion and adapted for engaging and holding at least a portion of an ironing board; and

an accessory holder secured to the frame.

15. The iron caddy of claim 14, wherein the accessory holder is configured to hold at least one spray bottle.

16. The iron caddy of claim 14, wherein the body is defined by a wire frame.

17. The iron caddy of claim 14, wherein the bracket and the carrier are pivotally secured to the top portion, and the at least two depending arms are selectively pivotally secured to the bottom portion to selectively allow or prevent a lateral pivoting motion of the at least one depending arm.

18. The iron caddy of claim 17, wherein the at least two depending arms are each pivotally secured to a respective tab extending from the bottom portion by a fastener configured to selectively allow and prevent pivotal motion of the at least one depending arm.

19. The iron caddy of claim 17, wherein the bracket and the at least two depending arms are adapted for translation between a first, extended configuration and a second, folded storage configuration.

20. The iron caddy of claim 19, wherein the bracket and the at least two depending arms in the first, extended configuration are oriented substantially in parallel and coplanar to one another.

21. The iron caddy of claim 19, wherein in the first, extended configuration a portion of the bracket is configured to attach to the body top portion by a snap fit or interference fit.