Patent Abstract:
An ironing board having a leg base operable to provide increased lateral stability and further having an integrated electrical interface. The ironing board includes a support frame having a center support member that is generally cylindrical and hollow. Slidably coupled to the second end of the center support member is a mounting sleeve. The mounting sleeve has pivotally secured thereto opposing and rotatable leg sections. An upper support member is slidably secured to the center support member proximate the first end of the center support member for height adjustment. The upper support member has secured thereto a mounting rod and sleeve. The mounting rod and sleeve are operably coupled with an ironing surface. An iron holding member is releasably secured to the upper support member being configured to retain a clothes iron. Further included is a hanging rod underneath the ironing surface for hanging of clothes.

Full Description:
PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C SECTION 119(e) &amp; 37 C.F.R. SECTION 1.78 
     This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled: Ironing Board, Application No. 61/766,069 filed Feb. 18, 2013, in the name of Matthew Puckett, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to ironing boards, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an ironing board that is operable to provide increased lateral stability and further provide power cord management of a conventional clothes iron. Additionally, the ironing board of the present invention will provide a retention bracket for an iron that will not impede the ironing surface area. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As part of a normal caretaking routine, individuals routinely launder their clothes to maintain their cleanliness. During subsequent washing and drying of their clothes some fabrics may develop at least a certain amount of wrinkles Many individuals consider wrinkled clothes undesirable and will utilize an iron to substantially reduce the amount of wrinkles in the article of clothing. Most individuals will utilize a convention ironing board with an iron and manipulate the article of clothing in numerous positions to eliminate most of the wrinkles from the article of clothing. 
     There are numerous inherent problems with the conventional ironing board that has existed for decades. One major problem is the instability of a conventional ironing board. A conventional ironing board utilizes a pair of pivotal legs that are positioned in an angular manner with respect to each other in underneath and in general axial alignment with the ironing board. This design has shown to promote significant lateral instability. As the legs of a conventional ironing board do not extend beyond the perimeter edge of the board and with most ironing boards being at least four feet in height, the conventional design provides almost no lateral stability. 
     Another issue with conventional ironing boards is that they provide no cord management for the iron being used therewith. Typically a user will place the ironing board proximate an electrical outlet and plug in the iron. A conventional iron utilizes a power cord that provides power to the iron to heat the heating element. The cord presents a significant safety hazard to those using the ironing board or those walking proximate thereto. Users and/or those walking adjacent to the ironing board and iron often trip on the cord, which can cause significant injury to the individual who has become entangled with the cord. As a person trips on the cord the iron can fall off of the board and impact the person causing injuries ranging from burns to blunt trauma. Additionally, a falling iron can be a fire hazard and/or damage the flooring or nearby objects. 
     A further issue with a conventional ironing board is the lack of ability to maintain a controlled position of the iron superposed thereon. As a user manipulates the article of clothing being ironed the iron is typically placed on the opposite end of the board. As previously discussed, the inherent lack of lateral stability creates a scenario where the iron is routinely knocked off of the ironing board creating an additional safety hazard. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an ironing board that has improved lateral stability, a power cord management system for an iron and a means to maintain the iron in a stable position when a user is manipulating an article of clothing on the ironing board or when the iron is left unattended. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide an ironing board that provides lateral stability and further includes an integrated power supply. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board that provides lateral stability that includes a leg base wherein the leg base includes rotatably mounted members functioning to be positioned to provide enhanced lateral stability. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board that includes a leg base wherein one section of the leg base has a vertical support member perpendicularly mounted thereto. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board that includes a leg base wherein the leg base is operable to be folded for storage when the ironing board is not in use. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board including a vertical support member that is adjustable so as to adjust the height of the ironing board. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board that includes power cord management capabilities, wherein the power cord management capabilities are integrated into the vertical support member. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board wherein the power cord management capabilities allow a user to operably couple the power plug of an iron into one end of the vertical support member. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board that includes a horizontal support member, wherein the horizontal support member is generally rod-shaped and is operably coupled to the vertical support member in a perpendicular manner. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board with improved lateral stability that includes a rod positioned longitudinally underneath the ironing board surface that is configured to receive items such as but not limited to clothes hangars. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board that includes an ironing surface, the ironing surface being planar in manner and rotatably coupled to the horizontal support member wherein the ironing surface is configured to be secured in a plurality of positions for use such as but not limited to a substantially horizontal position. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board that is operably coupled to a power outlet wherein a cord is coupled to the power management system disposed within the vertical support member proximate the leg base. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an ironing board that further includes an iron holding member, the iron holding member being pivotally mounted to the end of the vertical support member distal to the leg base and above the ironing surface and wherein the iron holding member is operable to retain the iron in a stable position as a user manipulates an article of clothing on the ironing surface. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in its deployed position; and 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in its deployed position; and 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view of the iron holding member of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the frame of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in its folded position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated an ironing board  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 4  submitted herewith, the ironing board  100  further includes frame  10 . The frame  10  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal tubing. The frame  10  functions to provide support for the ironing surface  99  and manipulate the ironing surface  99  intermediate a horizontal and a vertical position. The frame  10  further includes a leg base  15 . The leg base  15  comprises a first portion  17  and a second portion  19  movably mounted to opposing sides of the center support member  20 . The first portion  17  of the leg base includes a first section  21  and a second section  22 . First section  21  is proximate the center support member  20  and is movably secured thereto. The first section  21  includes a first end  24  proximate the center support member  20 . The first end  24  is concave in shape so as to mateably secure with the circumference of the center support member  20 . The concave shape of the first end  24  ensures a stable union exists between the first section  21  and the center support member  20  when the leg base  15  is in its deployed position. Opposite first end  24  is second end  26 . Second end  26  includes a plurality of apertures  27  journaled circumferentially therearound. Second end  26  facilitates the rotatable coupling of the first section  21  and the second section  22 . While not particularly illustrated herein, disposed within the second section  22  is a conventional spring pin or similar device that is operable to engage with on of the apertures  27  to secure the second section  22  in its desired position to the first section  21 . The second section  22  is rotatable one hundred and eighty degrees with respect to the first section  21 . By way of example but not limitation, in  FIG. 4  the second section  22  is illustrated wherein the end  29  is pointed away from the viewing perspective. The second section  22  is rotatable such that end  29  can be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees wherein end  29  would be pointed towards the viewing perspective. In this position the leg base  15  has an overall general s-shape, wherein the end  29  is positioned one hundred and eighty degrees opposite of end  39 . In this position the overall ironing board  100  has significantly improved lateral stability in both directions. 
     The second portion  19  of the leg base  15  is constructed similarly to the first portion  17  and functions identically thereto as described herein. The second portion  19  further includes first section  33  having first end  36  and second end  39  with both first end  36  and second end  39  being constructed similarly to first end  24  and second end  26  respectively. Second end  39  has journaled circumferentially therearound apertures  41  that are operable to receive spring pin or similar mechanical fastener so as to releasably secure the first section  33  to the second section  34 . The first portion  17  and second portion  19  of the leg base are operably coupled to mounting sleeve  40  utilizing fastener  45 . Fastener  45  includes bars  46 , 51 , first rod  47  and second rod  48  operably coupled with first section  21  and first section  33  respectively. Bars  46 , 51  are secured to the mounting sleeve  40  utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to welding. The mounting sleeve  40  is surroundably mounted to the center support member  20  and slidably coupled thereto. Operably coupled to the mounting sleeve is knob  55  and rod  56  that function to allow the mounting sleeve to be moved intermediate its first position and its second position. The knob  55  and rod  56  are a conventional fastener that includes an inner portion such as but not limited to a nut that is operable to be biased against the interior of the center support member  20  so as to maintain the mounting sleeve  40  in its desired position. In its first position, the mounting sleeve  40  is proximate a support surface on which the ironing board  100  has been superposed and the first portion  17  and second portion  19  of the leg base  15  are in their deployed positions extending outward therefrom and generally perpendicular thereto, as shown in  FIG. 4  herein. In its second position the mounting sleeve  40  is proximate the end  61  of channel  60  such that the first portion  17  and second portion  19  of the leg base  15  are in a folded position being generally adjacent to the center support member  20 , as shown in  FIG. 5  herein. The channel  60  functions to allow the rod  56  to slidably move therein as the mounting sleeve  40  is traversed intermediate its first position and its second position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous types of fasteners could be utilized to facilitate the movement and securing of the mounting sleeve  40 . 
     The center support member  20  is substantially hollow and manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to metal tubing. The center support member  20  includes first end  71  and second end  72 . Mounting sleeve  40  is operably coupled to the center support member  20  proximate the second end  72  as previously described herein. Slidably coupled with the center support member  20  proximate first end  71  is tube member  80 . Tube member  80  engages the center support member  20  such that the tube member  80  slidably travels within the interior volume of the center support member  20 . Tube member  80  is substantially hollow and includes channel  82 . Surroundably mounted to the first end  71  of the center support member  20  is fastener  85 . Fastener  85  includes a mounting sleeve  86 , knob  87  and rod  88 . The fastener  85  facilitates the releasable securing of the tube member  80  in a desired position. The tube member  80  is operable to adjust the height of the ironing surface  99 . Knob  87  is operable to control the tension of rod  88  so as to allow the tube member  80  to be transitioned to a desired position and subsequently secured. While a fastener  85  has been illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that numerous types of conventional fasteners could be utilized to control the functional of the tube member  80  as described herein. The tube member  80  further includes electrical outlet  90 . Electrical outlet  90  is secured within the tube member  80  utilizing suitable durable techniques and is operable to receive a conventional 120/220-volt plug from a conventional clothes iron. While not illustrated herein, the electrical outlet  90  has conventional wiring electrically coupled thereto that is disposed within the center support member  20  and propagating out therefrom proximate end  72 . The electrical outlet  90  functions to provide a power source proximate the ironing surface  99  so as to reduce challenges and safety risks of utilizing a power source that is not operably integrated with the ironing board  100 . Located above the electrical outlet  90  is mounting hole  95 . The mounting hole  95  is journaled through the tube member  80  and is operable to receive the mounting rod  105  of the iron support member  101  as further described herein. Secured to the tube member  80  opposite the mounting hole  95  is support bar  115 . Support bar  115  is secured to tube member  80  utilizing suitable durable techniques and is generally perpendicular thereto. The support bar  115  provides the structural required to support the ironing surface  99 . While not particularly illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that an additional support member could be secured intermediate the support bar  115  and tube member  80 . Support bar  115  has rotatably mounted therearound a sleeve  120 . The sleeve  120  is surroundably mounted to the support bar  115  and has secured thereon a pair of brackets  117 , 118 . The brackets  117 , 118  operably coupled the sleeve  120  to the ironing surface  99  so as to facilitate in the positioning thereof. The sleeve  120  is operable to facilitate the positioning of the ironing surface  99  intermediate a vertical position as shown in  FIG. 5  and a horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 2 . A wingnut  109  is present to releasably secure the sleeve  120  in a fixed position. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 3 , a detailed view of the iron support member  101  is illustrated therein. The mounting rod  105  is manufactured from a suitable durable material and functions to operably coupled with mounting hole  95 . Subsequent to being coupled to the mounting hole  95 , the iron support member  101  is positioned such that it is laterally adjacent to the ironing surface  99 . This position eliminates any infringement of the ironing surface  99  so as to provide the full ironing surface  99  to a user for ironing. Pivotally coupled to the mounting rod  105  is brace member  130 . Brace member  130  is pivotally mounted utilizing conventional techniques such as but not limited to welding or mechanical fasteners. Brace member  130  further includes a first portion  131  and a second portion  132  that are contiguously formed. The first portion  131  and second portion  132  are formed in a general v-shape so as to form valley  133 . The v-shape of the brace member  130  functions to promote engagement with the arcuate rear portion of a conventional clothes iron. Secured to the first portion  131  and second portion  132  are the first side member  134  and second side member  135  respectively. The first side member  134  and second side member  135  are generally rod-shaped and are secured utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to welding. Operably coupled intermediate the first side member  134  and second side member  135  is the receiving member  138 . The receiving member  138  is comprised of four interconnected rods  137  forming a square aperture  139 . The receiving member  138  is pivotally connected to the first side member  134  and second side member  135  so as to facilitate positioning of the square aperture  139  in position to receive a portion of the front of a conventional clothes iron and subsequently pivot so as to allow the rear portion of a conventional clothes iron to engage the brace member  130  wherein the weight of the conventional clothes iron provides the necessary bias force to maintain its position therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the iron support member  101  could be formed in numerous different shapes and accomplish the desired functionality herein. While not particularly illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the iron support member  101  further includes a heat resistant coating thereon such as but not limited to silicon. Additionally, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the iron support member  101  could be releasably and/or pivotally secured such that the iron support member  101  could be removed from and/or folded under the ironing surface  99 . 
     The ironing surface  99  is a formed similarly to a conventional ironing surface having a first tapered end  198  and a flat end  199 . The ironing surface  99  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal. Secured to the bottom side  170  of the ironing surface  99  is support bar  185 . Support bar  185  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal and is secured utilizing suitable durable techniques intermediate tapered end  198  and flat end  199 . The support bar  185  is secured such that a void  186  is present intermediate the bottom side  170  and the support bar  185 . While no particular size of the void  186  is required, good results have been achieved having a void that is sufficient in size so as to accommodate a hook portion of a conventional clothes hangar. The support bar  185  provides support for a plurality of articles of clothing suspended on conventional clothes hangars. While the support bar  185  is illustrated herein as extending substantially the length of the ironing surface  99 , it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the support bar  185  could be manufactured in numerous different lengths. 
     Referring to the Figures herewith a description of the operation of the ironing board is as follows. In operation, a user will transition the ironing board  100  from its stored position, shown in  FIG. 5  to its deployed position, illustrated herein in  FIG. 2 . To deploy the leg base  15 , a user will engage knob  55  to release the tension to the mounting sleeve  40  wherein the user will slide the mounting sleeve  40  towards end  72  of the center support member  20 . As the leg base  15  is transitioned downward the first portion  17  and second portion  19  move outwards from the center support member  20 . During this movement the concave shaped first end  24  and first end  36  mateably secure against the center support member  20  as the first portion  17  and second portion  19  are moved such that they are perpendicular to the center support member  20 . Ensuing the tightening of knob  55  to secure the leg base  15 , the user will rotate the ironing surface  99  to a substantially horizontal position wherein the sleeve  120  facilitates the rotatable movement about the support bar  115 . Subsequent to positioning the ironing surface  99  and securing its position, the iron support member  101  is placed adjacent thereto wherein the mounting rod  105  is journaled into mounting hole  95 . A conventional clothes iron is then engaged with the iron support member  101  and electrically coupled with the electrical outlet  90 . If the user desires an alternative configuration of the leg base  15  so as to alter the lateral stability, the user may rotate either the second section  22  or second section  34  such that the leg base  15  is now formed in a general s-shape. 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3