Patent ID: 8375609

Claim:
An iron for pressing a garment, comprising: an upper portion having a first soleplate disposed thereon; a lower portion having a second soleplate disposed thereon; a hinge pivotally connecting the upper and lower portions, wherein the upper portion and lower portions are moveable relative to one another about said hinge such that in a first position the garment is insertable between the first and second soleplates, and a second position where the garment is pressed between the respective first and second soleplates; a plurality of vents formed in at least one of the first and second soleplates configured to deliver steam to the garment in the second position; a steam chamber disposed adjacent to the plurality of vents where steam is generated for delivery to the garment through the plurality of vents; a water tank in the respective upper or lower portions where the steam chamber is disposed for providing water to the steam chamber via a first conduit; and a plunger in the hinge which depresses a bladder disposed in the hinge when the upper and lower portions are moved to the second position which provides pressurized air via a second conduit to the water tank to pump water from the water tank to the steam chamber.