Patent ID: 6307182
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: D06F,H03K

Abstract:
An electric iron, comprising:(a) a handle with an inner surface for allowing a user of said iron to grasp said iron;(b) a user proximity circuit for detecting whether said user is conformingly grasping said handle of said iron, said user proximity circuit comprising:(i) a proximity sensor comprising a pliable conductive sheet disposed within said handle of said iron, said conductive sheet being sufficiently pliable so as to substantially conform to said inner surface of said handle, wherein said pliable conductive sheet functions as a first plate of a capacitor and a hand of said user functions as a second plate of said capacitor such that an increase capacitance is created when said user is grasping said handle of said iron, and wherein said pliable conductive sheet is disposed to conform to said inner surface of said handle of said iron in such a manner that said user's hand does not directly contact said conductive sheet when said user is grasping said handle of said iron;(ii) a detection circuit coupled to said proximity sensor operative to detect said increased capacitance of said proximity sensor when said user is conformingly grasping said handle of said iron;(c) a switching circuit controlled by said user proximity circuit operative to automatically connect and disconnect said iron to and from a source of electrical power based upon whether said user is conformingly grasping said handle of said iron.