Handheld Iron and Stand

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/911,757, filed on December 4, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62043414 file

August 29, 2014 both entitled "Handheld Iron and Stand." This is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14556245 filed December 1, 2014. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein as if fully recited herein.

Background

Hair irons are tools utilized to change the structure of hair by applying heat. Different hair irons are utilized depending on the desired result. Three common hair irons are generally utilized in the art. Curling irons, utilizing a cylindrical heating barrel, are used to make hair curly. Straightening irons, commonly called straighteners or flat irons, are used to straighten hair. Crimping irons are used to create crimps of the desired size in the hair. Flat irons work by breaking down the hair's hydrogen bonds found in the hair's cortex, which cause hair to bend and become curly. Once the bonds are broken, hair is prevented from holding its original, natural form, though the hydrogen bonds can re-form if exposed to moisture.

Existing flat irons, with heating plates typically manufactured of Teflon, ceramic, tourmaline, titanium, or other metal, employ handles that allow a user to compress hair between two heated plates formed by thermally conductive material. Known flat irons for styling hair typically include two paddle-like members each having a handle end and a heated end. The handle ends are joined to one another at a hinge, while the heated ends are free so they can be opened and closed away from and toward each other, respectively. The heated ends typically have a smooth, thermally conductive surface, such as metal, to transfer heat from an internal electrical heater to a user's hair when the hair is placed in contact with the thermally conductive surfaces, referred to as "heated plates." Certain flat irons have smooth heated plates to impart a straightening style to a user's hair. In order to achieve the desired effect, a length of the user's hair is positioned between the two heated plates and, via the hinge, the plates are closed toward one another. The flat iron is drawn, typically away from the user's scalp, so that the hair runs through and is in contact with both plates. Heat from each plate is transferred to the hair. Generally, flat irons have power cords that plug into a wall outlet in order to power the heated plates. However, flat irons heated by butane elements and flat irons structured to utilize infrared technology are also known in the art. Known flat irons also have power and temperature controls on the handle of the iron itself which allow the user to set the desired temperature. As a result, since the user is holding the iron during use, there is a risk that the user will unintentionally or accidentally engage the power or temperature controls.

Most flat irons currently on the market are provided without a stand. During operation, it is a common for the user to rest the flat iron directly on a countertop, sink, or other surface when the iron is in a heated state. When the iron is not in use, the user may wrap the power cord around the iron, wind up the power cord, or bunch up the power cord as desired. There is an apparent risk in wrapping the power cord around the iron when the flat iron is in a heated state. This risk is also present if the cord is wound or bunched up near enough to the iron that heat from the plates can impact the cord, thereby damaging the cord and potentially causing a fire hazard. Known flat irons that are provided with or without a stand do not address this common shortcoming.

Existing flat iron stands allow the iron to be placed in the stand in one position, typically in a vertical position perpendicular to the supporting countertop surface. A flat iron in a vertical position is commonly preferred as it minimizes the footprint of the flat iron for storage. It is well known in the art that minimizing appliance footprints is preferred as commonly utilized hair appliances, such as flat irons, are generally stored in bathrooms where countertop space is at a premium. However, this storage structure does not take into account safety concerns. Specifically, when the flat iron is heated, by placing a flat iron in a vertical state, the heating plates are generally at a position which is convenient for a user to grab— a clear risk to the user which could result in burns. Therefore, when using a flat iron in a heated state, a user may desire to place the flat iron down horizontally, thereby positioning the heating plates at the furthest point from the user and encouraging the user to grab the flat iron at a non-heated point on the handle, closer to the hinge. However, without a stand structured to accept a flat iron in a horizontal state, a user often places the heated flat iron on a surface which is susceptible to damage as a result of the heat emanating from the heating plates. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, if the flat iron is placed in an insecure position on a countertop, the iron can be damaged, the cord can be damaged, or the iron can fall, creating risk to the operator as well as potential damage to property. Known flat irons have temperature indicators or displays located on the flat iron. However, the known displays do not adequately and clearly indicate the temperature of the heated plates in certain circumstances and under certain conditions. If a user is not adequately apprised of the heated temperature of the heating plates, the flat iron may not be completely effective or may even be dangerous for use. Even in the case of known flat irons with stands, the controls are still positioned on the flat iron handles, rather than the stands which are better suited for providing a clear indication of the temperature of the heated plates.

In light of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for improved flat irons.

Summary of Embodiments of the Invention

It is the object of the present invention to provide a flat iron and a base stand that overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flat iron includes two handles, two heat plates, and an optional display. The base stand includes a top surface that supports the iron in either a secure vertical position or a secure horizontal position. The flat iron is generally structured to be positioned in the vertical position when not in use, and positioned in the horizontal position when in use. The vertical position limits the amount of horizontal space required by the appliance when the flat iron is positioned on a countertop and the horizontal position is structured to limit the risk of burns to the user. The base stand provides secure positioning of the flat iron in either a horizontal or vertical position, thereby allowing the user to select which position he or she prefers when the flat iron is in use or not in use. The base stand supports the flat iron in an elevated position above the countertop or other surface, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the surface or the user. The base stand further includes a display and temperature controls that allow a user to set and adjust the desired temperature of the heat plates. The base stand also includes a retraction mechanism for retracting the power cord connecting the iron to the base stand and a retraction mechanism for retracting the power cord connecting the base stand to a power outlet. While retraction mechanisms can be employed for either or both power cords, it is also contemplated by the present invention that non-retractable cords may be utilized in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure and the combination of parts, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of this specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The detailed description makes reference to the accompanying figures wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates an iron positioned vertically in a base stand according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. IB illustrates a rear view of an iron positioned vertically in a base stand according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1C illustrates an iron removed from its base stand according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates an iron positioned horizontally in a base stand according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a structure for an iron and a base stand wherein the iron is positioned vertically in the base stand. FIG. 4 illustrates the structure for an iron and a base stand wherein the iron is positioned horizontally in the base stand.

FIG. 5 illustrates a structure for an iron and a base stand in which the iron includes leads according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a structure for an iron and a base stand wherein the iron is positioned vertically in the base stand at a substantially intermediate portion of the base stand.

FIG. 7A illustrates a structure for an iron and a base stand wherein the stand includes a fold out ledge to support the iron in a horizontal position.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the iron and base stand of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C illustrates an overhead view of the iron and base stand of FIG. 7A. FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of the iron and base stand of FIG. 7A wherein the fold out ledge is folded in a horizontal position.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of the iron and base stand of FIG. 8A wherein the iron is positioned horizontally on the fold out ledge.

FIG. 8C illustrates an overhead view of the iron and base stand of FIG. 8B. FIG. 8D illustrates a side view of the iron and base stand of FIG. 8B. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are schematic illustrations of the iron and base according to other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9C and FIG. 9D are schematic illustrations of an iron and base according to other embodiments of the invention

Detailed Description of the Preferred and other Embodiments

The following presents a detailed description of the preferred and other embodiments of the present invention, and refers to the figures.

FIG. 1A, shows an exemplary iron and base stand in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Iron 100 includes first handle 102 and second handle 104, which preferably include plastic with low thermal conductivity. According to an embodiment first handle 102 and second handle 104 alternatively include one or more other materials with low thermal conductivity, such as wood or particular ceramics. At the end of first handle 102 is first heat plate 106, and at the end of second handle 104 is second heat plate 108. First heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 are preferably made of ceramic material with high thermal conductivity. According to an embodiment, first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 alternatively include one or more other materials with high thermal conductivity such as metal and may be covered by a coating, casing, fabric or other material. Various coatings may be applied to one or more of the heated surfaces, such as ceramic or nanosilver. According to an embodiment steam output capability is provided to iron 100 including one or more water reservoirs that convert water to steam for emission during use. According to an embodiment one or more ionic ports (not shown) may be provided on or near first heat plate 106 and/or second heat plate 108. The one or more ionic ports are connected to an ion generator of the type commonly known in the art. The ion generator (not shown) is positioned in either the base stand 200 or iron 100. The ion generator distributes ions for emission from the one or more ionic ports while the iron 100 is in operation mode. According to an embodiment, a button and control (not shown) is included to selectively turn the ion emission on or off, or to control ion emission intensity.

Also, in FIG. 1A, base stand 200 includes base 202 with front flat surface 204 and rear flat surface 206, on/off button 208, first button 210, display 212, second button 214, and retract button 216. In the preferred embodiment, base 202 is made of hard plastic. In alternative embodiments, base 202 is made of metal, ceramic, glass, or other suitable material. Base 202 is strong enough to structurally and securely support iron 100 in both a vertical position as shown in FIG. 1A and a horizontal position as shown in FIG. 2. By structurally and securely supporting iron 100, base stand 200 vastly reduces the hazards of common irons utilized in the art by reducing risks to humans and property that result from placing a hot iron on surfaces in an unsecured state.

Base stand 200 further includes electronic circuitry encased within the interior of base 202. Base stand 200 further includes a power cord (not shown) which connects to a conventional power outlet and supplies power to the electronic circuitry within base 202. Partially inside base 202 is a retractable iron cord (not shown). The first end of the iron cord is connected to the electronic circuitry within base 202. The second end of the iron cord is connected to iron 100. The iron cord supplies power from the electronic circuitry to iron 100. In the preferred embodiment, base stand 200 includes a mechanism for retracting the iron cord. The mechanism is contained within base 202 and preferably includes a spring and a spool, and is fastened to one end of the iron cord. The mechanism allows the opposite end of the iron cord (the end attached to iron 100) to be pulled from base stand 200. The user may pull iron 100 away from base stand 200 until the desired length of the iron cord has been reached. In the preferred embodiment, a user presses retract button 216 to trigger the retraction mechanism, which draws the iron cord back into base 202 as the user returns iron 100 to base stand 200.

In another embodiment, the mechanism retracts the iron cord once the user returns iron 100 to base stand 200. In this embodiment, a button (not shown) is located between front flat surface 204 and rear flat surface 206 that triggers the retraction mechanism when the button is pressed. As a result, when a user returns iron 100 to base stand 200, iron 100 presses down on the button (not shown) and the iron cord is automatically retracted. In some embodiments, when the desired length of the iron cord has been reached, the mechanism automatically secures the iron cord in place. When the iron cord is fully extended, the mechanism retracts the iron cord. Thus, when a user desires to have the iron cord retracted toward base stand 200, the user pulls the iron cord until it is fully extended, at which point the mechanism retracts the iron cord until iron 100 is within a short distance of base stand 200. In a similar embodiment, the retraction mechanism may include a button or similar device to be operated by a user which activates the retraction functionality, thereby allowing the user to enable the retraction mechanism. It should be appreciated that one or more alternative or additional structures may be used to retract the iron cord into base stand 200. In the preferred embodiment, base stand 200 also includes a retraction mechanism for retracting the power cord. The mechanism for retracting the power cord is similar and operates in similar fashion to the mechanism for retracting the iron cord. It should be appreciated that the mechanism for retracting the iron cord and/or the mechanism for retracting the power cord may be different and either or both may be omitted.

On/off button 208, first button 210, display 212 and second button 214 are disposed on base 202 and allow a user to control and monitor the temperature of iron 100. On/off button 208 is electronically coupled to electronic circuitry within base 202. In alternative embodiments, on/off button 208 may include a binary rocker switch, dial, touch sensor, or other suitable control. When on/off button 208 is set to the "ON" position, power is made available to display 212. First button 210 and second button 214 are electronically coupled to electronic circuitry within base 202 and preferably include conventional buttons. In alternative embodiments, one or more dials, switches, or other suitable controls may be used in place of first button 210 and second button 214. In the preferred embodiment, display 212 includes a screen with light-emitting diode (LED) lights. In alternative embodiments, display 212 may include another suitable display capable of indicating a temperature via numerals, text, audible signals, or graphics. In the preferred embodiment, base light 220 is positioned at the underside of base stand 200 and is structured to emit a colored light representing the temperature of iron 100. Specifically, base light 220 may emit blue light for low temperature, yellow light for moderate temperature, and red light for high temperature. Base light 220 acts as a safety feature to notify a user that iron 100 is hot. Base light 220 preferably remains lit even after iron 100 is turned off, thereby providing a warning to nearby people that first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 are hot. Base light 220 may also serve as a nightlight when the unit is not in use. In such embodiments, nightlight switch 218 can be switched to the ON position to turn on base light 220. Base light 220 will then remain on until nightlight switch 218 is switched to the OFF position. In some embodiments, base light 220 may be replaced by one or more other light sources and may be positioned elsewhere on base stand 200 or iron 100. In some embodiments, a dimmer switch may be used in place of, or in addition to, nightlight switch 218 and used to set the color or brightness of base light 220.

In the preferred embodiment, first temperature setting button or first button 210 and second temperature setting button or second button 214, are used to set the desired temperature of first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108. Specifically, when first button 210 is pressed, the desired temperature of first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 is raised. When second button 214 is pressed, the desired temperature of first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 is lowered. In one embodiment, the desired temperature of first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 may be raised and lowered among a few preset temperatures. In this embodiment, exemplary settings may be 350 degrees, 370 degrees, 390 degrees, and 410 degrees Fahrenheit, or may be referred to by terms such as "low," "medium," "high," and "maximum." In an alternative embodiment, the desired temperature of first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 may be raised and lowered in increments, such as by individual degrees. The desired temperature is displayed on display 212. Time is required for first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 to be heated up to the desired temperature, so the desired temperature and actual temperature are not always equal. For this reason, the actual temperature is preferably also displayed to the user via display 212.

Iron 100 and/or base stand 200 preferably include an audio device for emitting sound. In the preferred embodiment, an audio device is contained within second handle 102. The audio device beeps or otherwise emits a sound when first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 have reached the desired temperature. In some embodiments, sound may be generated for the duration of time that first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 are at or above a particular temperature. In the preferred embodiment, the audio device also beeps when the iron 100 is turned on or off.

Iron 100 and/or base stand 200 preferably include a timer that detects the amount of time between user activity. In the preferred embodiment, a timer is embodied in the electronic circuitry within base stand 200 and monitors the amount of time after a user presses on/off button 208, first button 210 or second button 214. In an alternative embodiment, a motion sensor in iron 100 detects movement of iron 100 by a user, and the timer monitors the amount of time after a user moves iron 100. When the timer determines that a threshold amount of time has passed since the last user activity, the timer instructs iron 100 and base stand 200 to no longer provide heat or power to first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108. In the preferred embodiment, display 212 will remain operational and indicate the current temperature of first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108. In an alternative embodiment, the timer may shut off iron 100 and/or base stand 200 completely. In FIG. IB, iron 100 rests horizontally in base stand 200 in accordance with the preferred embodiment. Base 202 includes nightlight switch 218, which a user can use to trigger base light 220 to function as a nightlight. As previously described, base light 220 may indicate that iron 100 is on and/or emit a color indicating the temperature of first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108.

FIG. 1C shows iron 100 removed from base stand 200 in accordance with the preferred embodiment. In this view, iron cord 222 is visible. One end of iron cord 222 is connected to the electronic circuitry within base 202 and the opposite end of iron cord 222 is connected to iron 100.

FIG. 2 shows iron 100 resting horizontally in base stand 200 in accordance with the preferred embodiment. The resting cavity is structured in a manner to allow iron 100 to rest on front flat surface 204 (not visible) and rear flat surface 206 (not visible) in a stable position, centrally placed not too far to one side of base 202. If iron 100 extends too far to one side of base 202, it may become unbalanced and tilt or fall off base stand 200. Iron 100 should also be positioned so that first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 are kept at a safe distance from base stand 200. If iron 100 is placed on base stand 200 in such a way that first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 are too close to base stand 200, there is a risk that one or more components of base stand 200 may be damaged by heat emitted from first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108.

According to an embodiment, to reduce the likelihood of iron 100 falling or being placed in an unsafe position, iron 100 is structured so that the center of mass is in the center of iron 100 or on the side of iron 100 opposite first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108. As an additional or alternative embodiment, iron 100 is structured so that it fits horizontally onto base stand 200 only when placed in a specific orientation. For example, the structure of first handle 102 and/or second handle 104 may be shaped so that they fit onto front flat surface 204 and rear flat surface 206 only when first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 are positioned away from base stand 200, such as in the configuration depicted in FIG. 2. As another example, first handle 102, second handle 104, base 202, front flat surface 204, and rear flat surface 206 may be structured so that iron 100 clips or snaps into base stand 200 only when first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 are positioned away from base stand 200, such as in the configuration depicted in FIG. 2. Preferably, a locking mechanism is used to hold iron 100 secure when placed in base stand 200. In some embodiments, one or more spring-powered clips engage contours in iron 100 and hold iron 100 in place. Locking pins may be used as a similar locking mechanism. It is contemplated that one or more pins disposed in base stand 200 mate with pin holes in iron 100. Finally, in some embodiments, magnets may be disposed in iron 100 and/or base stand 200 that hold iron 100 securely in place when positioned in base stand 200. Iron 100 may be released from a locking mechanism by pulling iron 100 away from base stand 200 with sufficient pressure. Base stand 200 may include a lock release mechanism such as a button that retracts or disables a locking mechanism, thereby allowing a user to release iron 100 from base stand 200. In some embodiments, iron 100 and base stand 200 may include ridges, notches, or other patterns that mate, thereby allowing iron 100 to rest in base stand 200 securely in various orientations. In some embodiments, iron 100 and base stand 200 may include plastic, rubber, silicone, or other material suitable to allow iron 100 to rest in base stand 200 securely in various orientations. Accordingly, iron 100 and base stand 200 may be structured in a way that reduces or eliminates the need to balance iron 100 in base stand 200.

To properly use iron 100, a user first plugs in the power cord to a conventional power outlet. The user then activates the iron 100 by pressing on/off button 208. The user then selects the desired temperature of iron 100 by pressing first button 210 to raise the temperature setting and by pressing second button 214 to lower the temperature setting. Display 212 displays the current temperature setting. Once first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 have reached the desired temperature, display 212 will blink or otherwise indicate that the desired temperature has been reached. The user picks up iron 100 by gripping first handle 102 and second handle 104. As the user pulls iron 100 away from base stand 200, the iron cord is extended from base stand 200. The user applies first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 to the user's hair as desired. During use, first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 are maintained at the desired temperature.

The user may return iron 100 to base stand 200 by placing it on base stand 200 in the vertical position as depicted in FIGS. 1A and IB or in the horizontal position as depicted in FIG. 2. As the user returns iron 100 to base stand 200, the user can press retract button 216 and the iron cord is automatically retracted inside base stand 200 by the retraction mechanism in accordance with the preferred embodiment. Alternatively, the user may elect not to press retract button 216, may disable retraction, or may enable retraction by first extending the iron cord completely, as previously described. Once the user is finished using iron 100, the user turns off the power to base stand 200 by pressing on/off button 208.

FIG. 3 shows an iron and base stand in accordance with an alternative embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention. Iron 300 includes first handle 302 and second handle 304 connected by hinge 310. At the end of first handle 302 is first heat plate 306, and at the end of second handle 304 is second heat plate 308. Also shown in FIG. 3, base stand 400 includes base 402 with upper surface 404 and flat surface 406, on/off switch 408, first button 410, display 412 and second button 414. Base 402 is strong enough to structurally and securely support iron 300 in both a vertical position as shown in FIG. 3 and a horizontal position as shown in FIG. 4. On/off switch 408, first button 410, and second button 414 are positioned to the side of upper surface 404. First button 410 and second button 414 may be used to set the desired temperature of first heat plate 306 and second heat plate 308.

FIG. 4 shows iron 300 resting horizontally in base stand 400 in accordance with the disclosed embodiment. Iron 300 includes display 312 which preferably includes the same technology as display 412. In the disclosed embodiment, display 312 indicates that iron 300 is on and displays the current temperature. An on/off switch 314 turns on the iron 300. An annunciator 316 indicates the temperature range of the iron 300. For example, a blue light can indicate that the iron is cool. An amber or orange light can indicate that the iron is warming to the set temperature. Finally, a red light can indicate that the iron is heated and ready for use. A first button 318 serves to set the desired temperature of first heat plate 306 and a second button 320 serves to set the desired temperature of the second heat plate 308. Time is required for first heat plate 306 and second heat plate 308 to heat up to the desired temperature, so the desired temperature and actual temperature are not always equal. For this reason, the actual temperature is preferably also displayed to the user via display 312 and the temperature range by color in the annunciator 316.

An audio device generates a sound to notify the user that the temperature has reached 390 degrees. It should be appreciated that various sounds may be used to indicate one or more temperatures, and a sound may be generated each time a predetermined temperature is reached. One of skill in the art will appreciate that variations to the display and audio may be made without departing from the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment without an iron cord. Specifically, iron 500 includes bottom end 502, which includes first metal lead 504 and second metal lead 506. Base stand 508 includes base 510 with upper surface 512 and flat surface 514. When iron 500 is placed vertically into base stand 508, first metal lead 504 and second metal lead 506 interface with corresponding metal leads (not shown) disposed on flat surface 514. Base stand 508 provides electric power to iron 500 via the metal leads disposed on flat surface 514 and first metal lead 504 and second metal lead 506. A battery within iron 500 stores the electric power for use by iron 500.

FIG. 6 shows an iron and base stand in accordance with an alternative embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention. Iron 600 includes first handle 602 and second handle 604. At the end of first handle 602 is first heat plate 306, and at the end of second handle 604 is second heat plate 608.

Also in FIG. 6, base stand 610 includes base 612 with surface 614, on/off switch 616, tinted partition 618, on/off annunciator 620, first button 622, display 624, second button 626, and retract button 628. Base 610 is strong enough to structurally and securely support iron 600 in both a vertical position as shown in FIG. 6 and a horizontal position. When placed in a vertical position, iron 600 is positioned on a rear portion of base stand 610. Iron 600 should be set to rest on surface 614 in a horizontal position. The user activates iron 600 by pressing on/off button 616. When on/off switch 616 is set to the "ON" position, power is made available to display 624. Further, on/off annunciator 620 can illuminate light to indicate the status of the iron. For example, a blue light can indicate that the iron is cool. An amber or orange light can indicate that the iron is warming to the set temperature. Finally, a red light can indicate that the iron is heated and ready for use. First button 622 and second button 626 may be used to set the desired temperature of first heat plate 602 and second heat plate 604. The desired temperature is displayed on display 624. Time is required for first heat plate 606 and second heat plate 608 to be heated up to the desired temperature, so the desired temperature and actual temperature are not always equal. For this reason, the actual temperature is preferably also displayed to the user via display 624. FIG. 7 A depicts an embodiment with a ledge to support an iron. Iron 700 includes first handle 702 and second handle 704. At the end of first handle 702 is a first heat plate (not shown), and at the end of second handle 704 is a second heat plate (not shown). Base stand 706 includes base 708, ledge 710, retract button 712, on/off annunciator 714, on/off switch 716, second button 718, first button 720, and display 722. Ledge 710 is preferably composed of plastic with low thermal conductivity to support a heated or unheated iron 700. Ledge 710 may alternatively include one or more other materials with low thermal conductivity, such as wood or particular ceramics. In this embodiment, ledge 710 is locked in a first locking position and a second locking position by a locking mechanism. As shown in FIG. 7A, ledge 710 is locked in a first position that prevents access to ledge 710. In FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C, iron 700 angles away from retract button 712 when iron 700 is resting vertically in base stand 706. This structure helps prevent a user from inadvertently making contact with a heated iron 700 when attempting to press retract button 712 or examine display 722 shown in FIG. 7A.

In FIG. 8A, ledge 710 is substantially perpendicular to base 708 in the second locking position. A user preferably presses on a top portion of ledge 710 to unlock the first locking position shown in FIG. 7A. When unlocked ledge 710 can rotate about a horizontal axis. Thereafter, ledge 710 can rotate in a downward direction until the locking mechanism locks ledge 710 in a second locking position. In this embodiment, ledge 710 is locked in the second position by a lip. Ledge 710 includes at least one ledge guide 724, which is configured to secure iron 700 in a horizontal orientation. Ledge 710 can be locked at other angles to secure iron 700 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The user can rotate ledge 710 in an upward direction until the locking mechanism locks ledge 710 in the first locking position shown in FIG. 7A.

FIGS. 8B, 8C, and 8D depict iron 700 resting horizontally on ledge 710. In these views, iron cord 800 is visible. One end of iron cord 800 is connected to electronic circuitry within base 708 and the opposite end of iron cord 800 is connected to iron 700. Turning to FIG. 8C, in this embodiment two ledge guides 724 are spaced on ledge 710 to secure iron 700. Ledge guide 724 is preferably composed of plastic with low thermal conductivity to support a heated or unheated iron 700.

FIG. 9A and FIG 9B show schematic diagrams of the iron and base stand as shown in FIG. lA but are applicable to other figures in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. These figures include elements indicated as not shown in other figures. As shown in FIG. 9A and Fig. 9B, Iron 100 includes first handle 102 and second handle 104, The end of first handle 102 carries the first heat plate 106, and at the end of second handle 104 holds the heat plate 108. The iron 100 furnishes steam to heat plates 106 and 108 with water reservoirs and steam generators WRl and Wr2 that convert water to steam for emission during use. One or more ionic ports IP1 appear on or near first heat plate 106 and one or more ionic ports IP2 appear on or near second heat plate 108. The ionic ports IP1 and IP2 receive ions from an ion generator IG1 with a control and a button BCl. The ion generator IG1 distributes ions for emission from the one or more ionic ports while the iron 100 is in operation mode. The control and button BCl serves to selectively turn the ion emission on or off, or to control ion emission intensity.

The ion generator IG1 with a control and a button BCl is shown positioned in both iron 100 and base stand 200. However, the ion generator IG1 with a control and a button BCl exists, in one embodiment, only in the iron 100. In other embodiments, the generator, the control, and the button BCl are each separate and distributed separately in either the iron 100 or the base stand 200 or both. That is in one embodiment the generator IG1 with the control is located in the iron 100 with the button BCl, while a second button BCl and also the control exist in the base stand 200. In another embodiment, the control is entirely in the base stand, and the button BCl appears in both or only one of the iron and base stand. In an

embodiment, the ion generator IG1 with control in the base stand 200 include only the electronic control that controls the ion generator IG1 in the iron 100; with further control for the ion generator IG1 by the control in the iron 100. The button BCl in one embodiment appears only in the iron 100, or the base stand 200.

Base stand 200 includes base 202 with front flat surface 204 and rear flat surface 206, on/off button 208, temperature-increase-control and first button 210, display 212, temperature- decrease-control and second button 214, and retract button 216.

Base stand 200 and base 202 further includes electronic circuitry ECl encased within the interior of base 202. Base stand 200 further includes a power cord PCI which connects to a conventional power outlet and supplies power to the electronic circuitry ECl within base 202. Partially or entirely inside base 202 is a retractable iron cord RlCl. The first end of the iron cord RlCl is connected to the electronic circuitry ECl within base 202. The second end of the iron cord is connected to iron 100. The iron cord supplies power from the electronic circuitry ECl to iron 100.

In the preferred embodiment, base stand 200 includes a retracting mechanism RMlfor retracting the iron cord RlCl. The retracting mechanism RM1 is contained within base 202 and preferably includes a spring and a spool, and is fastened to one end of the iron cord RlCl. The retracting mechanism RM1 allows the opposite end of the iron cord IRC1 attached to iron 100 to be pulled from base stand 200. The user may pull iron 100 away from base stand 200 until the desired length of the iron cord has been reached. In the preferred embodiment, a user presses retract button 216 to trigger the retraction mechanism, which draws the iron cord back into base 202 as the user returns iron 100 to base stand 200.

In another embodiment, the retracting mechanism RM1 retracts the iron cord RlCl once the user returns iron 100 to base stand 200. In this embodiment, a button RBI located between front flat surface 204 and rear flat surface 206 that triggers the retracting mechanism RM1 when the button RBI is pressed. As a result, when a user returns iron 100 to base stand 200, iron 100 presses down on the button RBI and the iron cord RlCl is automatically retracted. In some embodiments, when the desired length of the iron cord has been reached, the retracting mechanism RMl automatically secures the iron cord RICl in place. When the iron cord RICl is fully extended, the retracting mechanism RMl retracts the iron cord. Thus, when a user desires to have the iron cord RICl retracted toward base stand 200, the user pulls the iron cord until it is fully extended, at which point the retracting mechanism RMl retracts the iron cord until iron 100 is within a short distance of base stand 200. In a similar embodiment, the retracting mechanism RMl may include a button or similar device to be operated by a user which activates the retraction functionality, thereby allowing the user to enable the retraction mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, base stand 200 also includes a retraction mechanism RM2 for retracting the power cord PCI. The retracting mechanism RM2 for retracting the power cord PCI is similar and operates in similar fashion to the mechanism for retracting the iron cord RICl.

On/off button 208, temperature-increase-control and first button 210, display 212, temperature-decrease-control and second button 214, and retract button 216. are disposed on base 202 and allow a user to control and monitor the temperature of iron 100. On/off button 208 is electronically coupled to electronic circuitry within base 202.

Iron 100 and/or base stand 200 or both include an audio device AD1 for emitting sound. The audio device beeps or otherwise emits a sound when first heat plate 106 and second heat plate 108 have reached the desired temperature.

Iron 100 and/or base stand 200 or both include a timer Til that detects the amount of time between user activity. A motion sensor MSI in iron 100 detects movement of iron 100 by a user.

FIG. 9C and FIG. 9D are similar to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, but illustrate the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, wherein battery power energizes the iron 100 when used. Here, in iron 500, a battery at 502 includes metal leads 504 and 506 that connect to metal leads ML1 and ML2 in battery charger BTC1 of base stand 508 when the iron 500 rests in the base stand. At this time the battery charger BTC1 charges the battery through the metal leads 504 and 506. When the iron 500 is lifted from the base stand 508 and used, the metal leads 504 and 506 disconnect from the metal leads ML1 and ML2 and the iron 500 is energized by the battery. The elements Til, MS I, ADl, INI communicate with the electronic circuitry ECl wirelessly.

The invention provides a number of advantageous aspects such as a retractable cord, a stand that supports a flat iron in both a vertical position and a horizontal position, removing the power and temperature controls from the handles of a flat iron, a flat iron base that includes power and temperature controls for the flat iron, a flat iron or base with a temperature indicator that clearly indicates the temperature of the iron's heated plates, even after the iron has been turned off, therefore alerting an unsuspecting person that the heated plates of the iron are hot and potentially dangerous, and other advantages.

It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the principles disclosed may be embodied in alternative embodiments. For example, a curling iron with curved heat plates or an iron with only one handle and one heat plate may be structured to embody the principles disclosed herein. As another example, a base unit may be structured such that it supports an iron in a substantially horizontal angle, a substantially vertical angle, and/or one or more diagonal angles. In yet another example, the base unit can include connectors, for example, a USB port, phone charger, or an additional outlet plug. As a result, the user can charge or power additional devices without unplugging the base unit from the outlet. A detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, methods, processes, systems and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention.

None of the terms used herein, including "flat," "iron," "plate," "display," "indicator," "stand," "circuitry," and "mechanism" are meant to limit the application of the invention. The terms are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, the use of these terms is not meant to limit the scope or application of the invention, as the invention is versatile and can be utilized in many applications, as will be apparent.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment, which has been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.