Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to ironing boards.

Background to the Invention It is known in the art to provide ironing boards which comprise two or more collapsible or foldable supporting legs which may be collapsed or folded away when the ironing board is not in use. This reduces the amount of room taken up by the board when it is not being used and allows for the ironing board to be more easily stored. Another consideration when designing such ironing boards is that the supporting legs must provide a stable footing for the board when in use. To increase stability, it is desirable to increase the size of the foot profile at the distal ends of the legs.

However, by their very nature, the width of ironing boards is relatively narrow given that it is a requirement that a user be able to drape an item of clothing over and potentially around a portion of the board, in use. Therefore, the width of the supporting legs, such as the distance between two parallel legs, is generally limited to the width of the board itself. This is because if the legs were separated by more than this width, the board would take up an increased amount of space even when the supporting legs are collapsed, which eliminates the effect of folding/collapsing the supporting legs in the first place. In some cases this may not be sufficient to provide a stable enough footing. In other embodiments the legs are provided with foot portions which extend cross-wise or laterally to increase the width of the legs at their distal ends, but again this has the effect of increasing the width of the board in a folded up configuration.

It is therefore desirable to provide an ironing board which comprises both collapsible/foldable supporting legs which also are sufficiently separated when in use to provide an increased stability but which fold up such that they are no wider than the board to which they are attached. It is therefore an aim of embodiments of the invention to provide an ironing board which overcomes or at least partially mitigates the problems associated with the prior art. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an ironing board comprising a board member, a first pair of supporting legs and a second pair of supporting legs; each pair of supporting legs being connected to the board member and moveable between a storage position and an unfolded position; wherein upon movement of each pair of supporting legs from its storage position to its unfolded position, the supporting legs of each pair splay with respect to one another, and wherein the first and second pairs of supporting legs are coupled together.

In this way, the ironing board of the invention provides a way to ensure that width between the legs of each pair, and hence the foot profile at the end of both pairs of the supporting legs covers a greater area when in an unfolded position than can be achieved with conventional ironing boards which have fixed supporting legs. The splaying of both pairs of supporting legs increases stability of the ironing board, in use. In addition, by splaying the legs in use, rather than having legs which remain in a splayed configuration during storage, the space taken up by the ironing board when not in use is reduced.

The first and second pairs of supporting legs may be coupled such that the splaying of the first or second pair of supporting legs causes a splaying of the supporting legs of the other of the second or first pair of supporting legs. The legs of the second pair of supporting legs may be coupled to the outside of the legs of the first pair of supporting legs, or may be coupled to the inside of the legs of the first pair of supporting legs.

In some embodiments each of the supporting legs of the first and second pair may be directly coupled to at least one other supporting leg of the other pair. In other embodiments the coupling may be indirect and may be through an intermediary connecting member.

In some embodiments the coupling between the first and second pairs of supporting legs may comprise coupling a first leg of the first pair of supporting legs to a first leg of the second pair of supporting legs, and/or a second leg of the first pair of supporting legs to a second leg of the second pair of supporting legs. In presently preferred embodiments a first leg of the first pair of supporting legs and a first leg of the second pair of supporting legs are coupled together and a second leg of the first pair of supporting legs and a second leg of the second pair of supporting legs are coupled together.

The coupling between the first and second pairs of supporting legs may comprise an abutment of one or more of the legs of each pair with a corresponding leg or legs of the other pair of supporting legs. In such embodiments, the abutment between the legs may be such that as one or more of the legs is splayed, in use, the splaying leg or legs act on one or more of the supporting legs of the other pair causing said one or more supporting legs of the other pair to also splay.

In other embodiments the coupling between the first and second pairs of supporting legs may comprise a mechanical connection, which may comprise a mechanical connection of one or more of the legs of each pair with a corresponding leg or legs of the other pair of supporting legs. In such embodiments, the mechanical connection between the legs may be such that as one or more of the legs is splayed, in use, the splayed leg or legs act on one or more of the supporting legs of the other pair causing said one or more supporting legs to splay also. In some embodiments the mechanical connection may be a fixed connection. In other embodiments the mechanical connection may be in the form of a pivot point. In such embodiments, each leg coupled via a pivot point may be rotatable with respect to each of the other supporting legs which are coupled via that pivot point. In this way, the supporting legs coupled at the or each pivot point may rotate about said pivot point when moving between its storage position and its unfolded position.

In some embodiments at least one of the supporting legs of the first and/or second pair splay, in use, by at least 5°, or at least 10°, or at least 15°, or at least 20°, or at least 25° with respect to a position in which said supporting leg is parallel with the other supporting leg of the same pair. The supporting legs may be operable to splay to such an extent that they extend past the side of the board member. In such embodiments, the supporting legs of the first and/or second pair may extend past the side of the board member by a distance which is at least 5%, or at least 10%, or at least 15%, or at least 20%, or at least 25% or at least 30%>, or at least 40%, or at least 50% of the width of the board member itself. For example, in embodiments wherein the supporting legs of a given pair extend past a side of the board member by a distance at least 50% of the width of the board member, the distance between the distal ends of each supporting leg will be at least twice the width of the board member.

In some embodiments both the first and second pair of supporting legs splay to substantially the same extent. In other embodiments the first and second pair of supporting legs may splay by different amounts. For example, in some embodiments one of the pairs of supporting legs may splay such that the distance between the distal ends of the supporting legs of said pair is no more than 5%, or at least 5%, or at least 10%, or at least 15%, or at least 20%, or at least 25% or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 75% of the separation of the distal ends of the supporting legs of the other pair.

In some embodiments the board member may comprise an upper surface and a lower surface. In such embodiments, the pairs of supporting legs may be connected to the lower surface of the board member. The pairs of supporting legs may be connected with the board member at a single connection point. In other embodiments the first pair of supporting legs are connected to the board member at a first connection point and the second pair of supporting legs are connected to the board member at a second connection point.

In some embodiments each of the supporting legs of the first and/or second pair of supporting legs are rotatably connected to the board member. In such embodiments, the rotatably connected supporting legs may be rotatable between its storage position and its unfolded position, in use. The connection between each of the supporting legs of the first and/or second pair and the board member itself may be such that it allows for rotation of the supporting legs about two separate axes. The axes may in some embodiments comprises orthogonal axes. For example, each supporting leg may be rotatable about a first axis with respect to the board member itself when moving between a storage position and an unfolded position and may be rotatable about a second axis, which may be substantially orthogonal to the first axis, when splaying with respect to the other of the supporting legs within the same pair. In further embodiments the connection between each of the supporting legs of the first and/or second pair and the board member may comprise a ball and socket connection, or may comprise a pivoted connection.

In some embodiments one or more of the supporting legs may be connected to the board member by means of a bracket or brackets. Such bracket or brackets may comprise a hinge joint, for example, and may allow for movement of the supporting legs between the storage and open position as described herein. The connecting bracket or brackets may include side walls which allow rotation of the supporting legs outwardly towards the sides of the board member as well as downwardly from and upwardly towards the board member. In some embodiments each of the supporting legs of the first or second pair of supporting legs may be slidably connected to the board member. In such embodiments, the connection between each of the pair of supporting legs and the board member may be such that the legs may move along the length, or at least part of the length of the board member when moving between the storage position and the unfolded position, in use. In some embodiments each of the supporting legs of the first or second pair of supporting legs may be slidably connected to the board member.

The supporting legs may comprise a rod-like structure having two opposing ends. In presently preferred embodiments the supporting legs comprise a cylindrical configuration. In embodiments wherein the supporting legs comprise a rod-like structure, a first end of the supporting legs may comprise the connection with the board member, whereas a second end of the supporting legs may be free and may contact a floor or other surface, in use. The free end of the supporting legs may additionally comprise a non-slip surface or the like which, in use, may contact the floor and prevent the supporting leg from moving with respect to the floor. In some embodiments the supporting legs may comprise a rigid structure which may not readily flex or bend, in use. However, in other embodiments the supporting legs may be operable to flex or bend upon splaying. The flexing or bending may increase the distance between the distal ends of the supporting legs of each pair when in an unfolded position when compared with rigid supporting legs as the legs may be operable in use to bend or flex in an outward direction with respect to the other supporting leg within the same pair.

The supporting legs may be formed from any material, however, it is necessary that the material be strong enough to withstand the force exerted on the legs in use by the weight of the board member itself along with any items of clothing or other articles which are to be placed onto the board member. For example, in some embodiments the supporting legs may be formed from a metallic material, although in presently preferred embodiments the supporting legs may be formed from a plastics material.

In some embodiments the ironing board may additionally comprise a means to retain one or more of the supporting legs of the first and/or second pair in a storage position. The retaining means may comprise a frame or the like which comprises one or more clips for clipping the or each supporting leg into the frame. In further embodiments one or more of the supporting legs may comprise a storage point, which may be in the form of a clip or bracket, which, in use, may be operable to clip directly onto the board member, or in some embodiments onto a frame, for retaining the or each supporting leg in the storage position.

The ironing board preferably comprises an over-splaying prevention member which is operable to control the extent to which the first and/or second pair of supporting legs may splay during operation. The over-splaying prevention member may form part of the connection between at least one supporting leg and the board member, or be operably connected to at least one supporting leg.

The over-splaying prevention member may comprise a tensioning member that is operable in use to control the extent to which the first and/or second pair of supporting legs may splay during operation.

The tensioning member may be connected at a first end to a first supporting leg of one of the pairs of supporting legs and at a second end to a second supporting leg of the same pair of supporting legs. In other embodiments the tensioning member may be connected to at least one supporting leg of each pair of supporting legs. In some embodiments the tensioning member may comprise two or more arms.

In such embodiments each arm may be connected to a different component of the ironing board. In some embodiments the two or more arms of the tensioning member may be connected at a central connector. In some embodiments the tensioning member comprises three arms, which may be connected together at a central connector. For example, in some embodiments a first arm of the tensioning member may be connected to a first supporting leg of one of the pairs of supporting legs and a second arm of the tensioning member may be connected to a second supporting leg of the same pair of supporting legs, with the third arm of the tensioning member being connected to the board member. In some embodiments the third arm of the tensioning member may be connected to the lower surface of the board. In some embodiments the tensioning member comprises a Y-shaped configuration having three arms connected at a central connector. In further embodiments the tensioning member may comprise a T-shaped or arrow-shaped configuration having three arms connected at a central connector. In presently preferred embodiments the tensioning member comprises two arms, connected at a connector. In some embodiments a first arm of the tensioning member may be connected to a first supporting leg of one of the pairs of supporting legs and a second arm of the tensioning member may be connected to a second supporting leg of the same pair of supporting legs.

The arms of the tensioning member may be fixedly connected to the central connector. However, in other embodiments one or more of the arms of the tensioning member may be moveably connected to the central connector. The moveable connection may comprise a rotatable connection and the or each arm may rotate about the rotatable connection between two or more positions, in use. In embodiments comprising a tensioning member having three arms, the first and second arms of the tensioning member (i.e. those attached at an end to a supporting leg) may be rotatably connected to the central connector and the third arm may be fixedly connected to the central connector. In such embodiments, the first and second arms may be biased to rotate about the central connector in one direction and the first and second arms may move against this bias by rotating in the opposite direction. The arms may be rotated in said opposite direction when moving a connected supporting leg from the storage position to the unfolded position.

When used throughout the specification, the term 'bias' is intended to mean any force which acts to move one or more components of the ironing board in a given direction. The movement may be a lateral movement or rotational movement under the force provided by the bias. The bias may be produced, for example, through extension or compression of member or component from a 'natural' (i.e. uncompressed/non- extended) state. To provide this bias, the component or member may be formed which is formed from a resilient or elastic material. The tensioning member may be moveably connected to one or more of the further components of the ironing board. For example, in some embodiments the tensioning member may be moveably connected to the board member itself. The moveable connection may be a sliding connection so that the tensioning member may move at least to some extent along the length of the board, in use.

In some embodiments the tensioning member may provide a bias which acts against the splaying of the first and/or second pair of supporting legs. In such embodiments, as the supporting legs splay, the bias provided by the tensioning member increases. In this way, the tensioning member may act to bias the supporting legs in a direction towards a storage position. As a result, the tensioning member may be operable in use to aid in the movement of the first and/or second pairs of supporting legs from their respective unfolded positions to their storage positions.

The tensioning member may be formed of a resilient material. In some embodiments the tensioning member is formed from an elastic material which may stretch to provide said bias. For example, in some embodiments the tensioning member may comprise a cord formed from an elastic material which may stretch to provide said bias. In some embodiments the cord may stretch upon the splaying of the supporting legs to which the cord is connected which may be as a direct result of the weight of the board member (and any items or articles placed on top of the board member). In such embodiments the biasing force provided by the cord may increase proportionally with the extent to which the cord is stretched.

In further embodiments the tensioning member may be formed of a rigid material. In such embodiments the bias may be provided by the tensioning member by biasing the rigid member towards a given position, with movement away from that position increasing the biasing force provided by the tensioning member. In such embodiments, the rigid member may move against said bias as a direct result of the weight of the board member (and any items or articles placed on top of the board member). In further embodiments at least a portion of the tensioning member may be compressible, with the compression of the tensioning member providing the biasing force. In such embodiments the tensioning member, or at least a portion thereof, may compress as a direct result of the weight of the board member (and/or any items or articles placed on top of the board member) when one or more of the supporting legs are in the unfolded position.

In some embodiments the tensioning member may comprise one or more tubular members. In such embodiments the tubular member/s may be formed from a rigid material and there may also be provided a resilient or elastic material within the hollow interior of the tubular member/s. The resilient or elastic material may provide the biasing force provided by the tensioning member.

In some embodiments the tensioning member may comprise a resilient bias means such as a spring mechanism in order to produce the biasing force. In presently preferred embodiments the tensioning member comprises two rigid arms, connected to a connector wherein the connector comprises a spring mechanism to produce the biasing force to assist with the splaying of the supporting legs.

In some embodiments the bias provided by the tensioning member may be such that upon removal of the force provided by the weight of the board member and/or any items of clothing or the like placed on top of the board member, the bias acts to move one or more of the supporting legs towards a storage position. In this way, the tensioning member provides a means to assist in the storing of the ironing board, after use. In yet further embodiments the tensioning member may comprise a substantially T-shaped member or arrow-shaped member with at least two of the arms being arranged to move to an unfurled position when one or more of the supporting legs of the board are moved to the unfolded position. In such embodiments the tensioning member may be configured such that when in the unfurled position, the weight of the board member and/or any items placed on the board member may compress one or more of the components of the tensioning member. In some embodiments the tensioning member may be compressed at the central connector, such as at the joints formed at the central connector. In some embodiments the compression of the tensioning member may be such that the arms are moved past their unfurled position, such as through compression or over-extension of the joints formed between the arms and the central connector. The compression or over-extension of the tensioning member or joints may give rise to a bias which acts to move the arms of the tensioning member back to the unfurled position. In such embodiments, when the force provided by the weight of the board member and/or any items placed thereon is removed, the bias may act to assist in the movement of one or more of the supporting legs towards a storage position.

In further embodiments the over-splaying prevention member may comprise one or more brackets or the like which may be operable in use to limit one or more of the supporting legs in a maximum splayed position. Each bracket may comprise at least one side wall and a hinge, the hinge operable to enable movement of an attached supporting leg about at least two axes. Each side wall may be spaced apart from the hinge a distance which enables splaying of an attached supporting leg to a defined maximum extent, whereby a portion of the attached supporting leg abuts the side wall in the maximum splayed position. In some embodiments there is a bracket for each supporting leg. At least one wall of each bracket may be angled to extend towards a side of the board member. In these embodiments the angled wall allows splaying of an attached supporting leg until a portion of the supporting leg abuts and extends substantially parallel along the wall. In some embodiments the bracket itself may be angled. In some embodiments there may be two or more different over-splaying prevention members, such as both a tensioning member as described hereinabove and one or more brackets described hereinabove.

In some embodiments the ironing board may additionally comprise a leg release mechanism. The release mechanism may be operable in use to lock the first and/or second pairs of supporting legs in any given position, which may be the storage position, the unfolded position, or may be any intermediary position between the storage position and the unfolded positon. In such embodiments the lock provided by the release mechanism may override the bias provided by a tensioning member, when present. In some embodiments the release mechanism may additionally or alternatively control the operation of the tensioning member. In such embodiments, the release mechanism may be operable in use to "deactivate" the tensioning member when in an unactuated configuration and may "activate" the tensioning member when the release mechanism is actuated. In other embodiments the release mechanism may be operable in use to "activate" the tensioning member when in an unactuated configuration and may "deactivate" the tensioning member when the release mechanism is actuated. Where the terms "activate" and "deactivate" are being used, it is intended to mean that any bias provided by the tensioning member is applied, or is removed, respectively. The release mechanism may comprise a switch, which may be a push button or lever, for example, which may be operable in use to actuate the release mechanism. In some embodiments the release mechanism may comprise two or more switches which may, in use, need to be triggered simultaneously in order to actuate the release mechanism. For example, in some embodiments the release mechanism may comprise a pair of push buttons or levers. The switch or switches may be located on one or more of the supporting legs, or may be located on the board member. In presently preferred embodiments the switch or switches are located on the lower surface of the board member. The board member may be formed from any material, however, it is desirable that the board member be made from a material which has a high melting point which is much greater than the operating temperature or temperature range of conventional household irons. For example, the board member may be formed from a metallic material, although in presently preferred embodiments the board member is formed from a plastics material.

In preferred embodiments the upper surface of the board member comprises a substantially planar surface. However, in some embodiments the upper surface of the board member may not be entirely planar. For example, in some embodiments the upper surface of the board member may comprise rounded edges or corners and/or one or more apertures therein.

In some embodiments one or more of the supporting legs may be completely within the perimeter of the board member when the ironing board is in the storage position and in some embodiments all of the supporting legs are within the perimeter in the storage position. In some embodiments the lower surface of the board member may comprise a substantially planar surface onto which each of the supporting legs may be connected. In presently preferred embodiments the lower surface of the board member comprises a recess within which one or more of the supporting legs may be at least partially contained when the respective pair of supporting legs is in the storage position. In some embodiments the lower surface of the board member comprises a recess within which one or more of the supporting legs may be at entirely contained when the respective pair of supporting legs is in the storage position. In further embodiments the recess within the lower surface of the board member is configured such that both of the supporting legs of each pair of supporting legs may be entirely contained within said recess when the respective pair of supporting legs is in the storage position.

In some embodiments one or more of the supporting legs may be substantially parallel with one or more other supporting legs when the ironing board is in the storage position. In some embodiments each supporting leg of the first and/or second pair of supporting legs is parallel in the storage position, and all of the supporting legs may be parallel in the storage position. One or more, and preferably all, of the supporting legs may be substantially parallel with longitudinal axis of the ironing board when in the storage position.

In embodiments in which the over-splaying prevention member comprises a bracket, the bracket or one or more side walls thereof may be oriented to enable the supporting legs to be entirely contained within the perimeter of the board member, in the storage position.

The provision of two pairs of supporting legs, coupled together, in combination with the ability of the legs to splay and the ability of the legs to be stored in a storage position in which the legs have a reduced width (compared to the footprint of the legs in the open unfolded position) or which are entirely within the perimeter of the board member in the storage position, provides an ironing board with minimal dimensions in the storage position but with a wide and stable footing when in use.

Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an ironing board of the present invention; Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the embodiment of the ironing board as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a further perspective view of the embodiment of the ironing board as shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of a further embodiment of an ironing board in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiments of an ironing board in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view from beneath of a further embodiment of an ironing board in accordance with the present invention. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a first embodiment of an ironing board 2 in accordance with the present invention. The ironing board 2 comprises a board member 4 and two pairs of supporting legs 6, 10, a first pair 6 comprising supporting legs 8, 8 ^λ and a second pair of supporting legs 10 comprising supporting legs 12, 12\ As shown, supporting legs 8, 8 ^λ are rotatably connected via respective connections 14, 14 ^λ to a lower surface of the board member 4. Similarly, supporting legs 12, IT are connected to the lower surface of the board member 4 via connections 16, 16\ Connections 16, 16 ^λ also provide a rotatable connection for the supporting legs 12, 12 however, in addition, connections 16, 16 ^λ are also slidably moveable along a portion of the length of the board member 4 along a track 17 as will be described herein below.

Each supporting leg 8, 8 12, IT is additionally connected at either pivot point 24 or pivot point 26 to a respective supporting leg 8, 8 12, IT belonging the other pair of supporting legs 6, 10. Specifically, supporting leg 8 is connected to supporting leg 12 at pivot point 24 and supporting leg 8 ^λ is connected to supporting leg IT at pivot point 24. The pivot points 24, 26 provide a coupling between the relevant supporting legs 8, 8 12, 12 with the legs being operable to rotate about said pivot points 24, 26 when moving between storage and unfolded positions. The pivot points 24, 26 also provide the coupling between the supporting legs controlling the splaying of the supporting legs as is described in detail below.

In addition, the illustrated ironing board 2 comprises a tensioning member in the form of a cord 20. The cord 20 comprises a Y-shape configuration and is connected at a first end to supporting leg 12, at a second end to supporting leg IT and at a third end to the lower surface of the board member 4. The cord 20 provides a bias controlling the extent to which supporting legs 12, IT may splay, in use.

Ironing board 2 additionally includes a release mechanism which comprises push buttons 22, 2T . The push buttons 22, 2T are located on the lower surface of the board member 4 and are operable in use to control the operation of the release mechanism. The release mechanism itself is operable to lock the supporting legs 8, 8 ^λ , 12, IT in any given position and unlock said supporting legs under the operation of the push buttons 22, 2T .

The operational use of the ironing board 2 will now be described with reference to the Figures. In use, the ironing board 2 of the present invention is operable to move between the configuration shown in Figure 1 for use and the configuration shown in Figure 2 for storage. When the ironing board 2 is configured for storage as shown in Figures 2 and

3, the supporting legs 8, 8 12, IT are in a storage position in which they are folded up and against the lower side of the board member 4. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the supporting legs 8, 8 12, IT are positioned within a recess 18 within the lower surface of the board member 4. In this way, the supporting legs 8, 8 12, IT may be contained entirely within the volume defined by the board member 4 when in a storage position thereby reducing the space taken up by the ironing board 2 as a whole when not in use.

In order to move from the storage position to the position shown in Figure 1, hereinafter referred to as an unfolded position, the supporting legs 8, 8 12, IT are unfolded by rotating the legs 8, 8 12, IT about their respective connections 14, 14 16, 16 ^λ with the board member 4. In addition, connections 16, W (and necessarily supporting legs 12, IT ) are operable to slide along part of the length of the board member 4 along track 17. This is to ensure that when in the unfolded position as shown in Figure 1, the supporting legs 8, 8 12, IT are positioned such that the board member

4, and specifically the upper surface of the board member 4, is substantially parallel to the surface onto which the ironing board 2 is placed.

When moving from the storage position to the unfolded position, each of the supporting legs 8, 8 12, IT are also operable to splay with respect to one another, and in particular with respect to the other of the supporting legs 8, 8 12, 12 ^" belonging to the same pair 6, 10. In this way, the foot profile of the supporting legs 8, 8 ^λ , 12, IT when in the unfolded position is greater in area than the board member 4 itself. This provides an increased stability when the ironing board 2 is in use. In the illustrated embodiment, supporting legs 12, IT are operable to splay upon movement from the storage position to the unfolded position and the coupling of supporting legs 12, IT with respective supporting legs 8, 8 ^λ of the first pair of supporting legs 6 is such that the splaying of the supporting legs 12, IT causes a simultaneous splaying of supporting legs 8, 8 ^λ . At the same time, the couplings are pivot points 24, 26 also allow for supporting legs 8, 8 ^λ and 12, IT to rotate with respect to each other in opposite directions about said pivot points 24, 26 when moving between storage and unfolded positions.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 additionally illustrate the operational use of a further feature of the invention, specifically the cord 20. As discussed above, cord 20 provides a bias controlling the extent to which supporting legs 12, 12 ^" may splay, in use, and therefore indirectly controls the extent to which supporting legs 8, 8 ^λ splay.

The bias provided by the cord 20 also aids a user when moving the supporting legs 8, 8 12, IT from their unfolded positions to the storage positons as such movement is in the direction of the bias provided by cord 20. Therefore, to retain the ironing board 2 in the configuration shown in Figure 1, the board 2 additionally comprises a release mechanism which may override the operation of the biasing cord 20.

As discussed above, the release mechanism is controllable via push button switches 22, 2T which when in the positions shown in Figures 1 to 3, hereinafter referred to as an unactuated position, locks the supporting legs 8, 8 12, IT in any given position. When the push buttons 22, 22 ^" are depressed, the supporting legs are unlocked and may move under the influence of the bias provided by cord 20. In this way, in use, the push buttons 22, 22 ^" aid in moving the supporting legs 8, 8 12, 12 ^" between the storage position and an unfolded position (or indeed any intermediary position).

Figures 4A and 4B show a variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3. The ironing board 102 shown in Figures 4A and 4B is substantially the same as ironing board 2 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and like reference numerals have been used where identical components are present in both embodiments. Ironing board 102 differs from ironing board 2 in that it does not comprise a tensioning member.

Figures 4A and 4B show how the ironing board 102 may have a number of different configurations, in use. In particular, ironing board 102 may be positioned in any number of unfolded configurations whilst retaining the board member 4 in a position where it is parallel to the floor or surface on which the ironing board 102 is placed, in use. As discussed above with reference to ironing board 2, this is achieved by allowing supporting legs 112, 112 ^{, λ} to slide along part of the length of the board member 4 along a track (not shown).

In addition, ironing board 102 may be retained in either of the configurations shown in Figures 4A and 4B, or indeed any intermediary configuration between one in which the supporting legs are in a storage position (c.f Figure 2) and one in which the supporting legs are fully unfolded (c.f. Figure 1). This is achieved under the operation of a release mechanism as is described above. In order to move between these configurations, a user may depress push buttons (not shown in Figures 4A and 4B) in order to release the lock provided by the release mechanism, and whilst depressing the push buttons, simultaneously apply a force to the board member 104 or other component of the ironing board 102 causing the supporting legs 108, 108 112, 112' to move about their respective connections with the board member 104.

Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of an ironing board 202 in accordance with the invention. The ironing board 202 shown in Figure 5 is substantially the same as ironing board 2 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and like reference numerals have been used where identical components are present in both embodiments. Ironing board 202 differs from ironing board 2 in that cord 20 is replaced with a tensioning member in the form of a rigid support member 220.

Rigid support member 220 comprises three pole sections 220a, 220b, 220c connected at a central connector 220d, with pole sections 220b and 220c being rotatable about the central connector 220d upon movement of respective supporting legs 212, 212 ^λ between the storage position and unfolded position. Pole section 220a is connected at a first end to the lower surface of board member 204 and at an opposing end to the central connector 220d, and pole sections 220b, 220c are connected at a first end to respective supporting legs 212, 212 ^λ and at opposing ends to the central connector 220d. The configuration of pole sections 220a, 220b, 220c controls the extent to which supporting legs 212, 212" may splay with respect to one another, in use.

In use, when the supporting legs 212, 212 ^" are in the storage position, the pole sections 220b, 220c are located in a position, hereinafter referred to as a 'furled' position, wherein they are located adjacent and substantially parallel with the pole section 220a. When supporting legs 212, 212" are in the unfolded position as shown in Figure 5, the pole sections 220b, 220c are located in a position, hereinafter referred to as an 'unfurled' position', in which they are located at an angle to pole section 220a to form an arrow-shaped member with the pole sections 220b, 220c forming the arms of the arrow. In addition to preventing over-splaying of the supporting legs 212, 212 rigid support member 220 provides a means to assist in the rotation of the supporting legs 212, 212 ^λ from an unfolded position towards a storage position. To achieve this, pole sections 220b, 220c may each biased towards the furled position and are moveable against said bias to an unfurled position through movement of respective supporting legs 212, 212 ^λ from a storage position to an unfolded position. The pole sections 220b, 220c are then retained in position and against said bias under the weight of the board member 204 itself. In this way, when the ironing board 202 is in use, i.e. with the supporting legs 208, 208 212, 212" in an unfolded position and in contact with the floor or another surface, the rigid support member 220 acts solely to prevent over- splaying of the supporting legs 212, 212" (and indirectly supporting legs 208, 208' by means of the coupling between the supporting legs 208, 212 and 208 212").

In other configurations, the pole sections 220b, 220c may be freely moveable, i.e. without any bias, between a furled position and an unfurled position. In such embodiments, when in an unfurled position, pole sections 220b, 220c may be moved slightly past the unfurled position under the weight of the board member 204. This movement of the pole sections 220b, 220c past the unfurled position may give rise to a bias which acts to move the pole sections 220b, 220c back to the unfurled position when the weight of the board and/or items is removed. After use, as the ironing board 202 is lifted off the floor or surface, the weight of the board member 204 no longer acts on supporting legs 212, 212 ^" and pole sections 220b, 220c move under bias to assist supporting legs 212, 212 ^" in moving back towards a storage position. This is achieved through rotation of pole sections 220b, 220c with the bias about central connector 220d either initially back towards an unfurled position (as in the alternative configuration described above), or from the unfurled positon towards the furled position wherein pole sections 220b, 220c are substantially parallel to the pole section 220a.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view from beneath of a further variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5. The ironing board 302 shown is substantially the same as that shown in Figures 1 to 5 and like numerals have been used where identical components have been used in both embodiments. The embodiment shown in Figure 6 differs from that of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 in that it comprises over-splaying prevention members comprising angled hinge joints in the form of angled brackets 314, 314', 316 and 316', which connect the supporting legs 308, 308', 312 and 312' to the board member 304, and also a tensioning member 320 comprising two arms 320a and 320b connected by means of a central connection in the form of a spring mechanism 320c.

The board member 304 includes two side strips 322, 322' which extend along the longitudinal length of the board member 304, and hang beneath the board member. The side strips 322, 322' form a recessed portion 328 therebetween, into which the supporting legs fold when the legs 308, 308', 312, 312' are in the folded position. In the folded position 308, 308', 312, 312' are completely within the recessed portion 328 and are parallel with each other.

The angled brackets 314, 314', 316, 316' comprises a hinge connected to the upper end of each supporting leg 308, 308', 312, 312' and spaced apart side walls. The side walls include an inner side wall and an outer side wall 324, 324', 326, 326' . The outer side walls 324, 324', 326, 326' are located towards the side strips 322, 322' of the board member 304. The brackets 314, 314', 316, 316' are angled towards the sides of the board member 304. In use as the supporting legs 308, 308', 312, 312' move from the storage position to the unfurled position the space between the side walls of the angled brackets 314, 314', 316, 316' enables the ends of the legs to splay outwardly towards and past the sides of the board member 304 such that the ends of the legs 308, 308', 312, 312' extend past the side edges of the board member 304 in order to provide an increased width footprint. The legs 308, 308', 312, 312' are prevented from over- splaying when the upper portion attached to the hinge of the angled brackets 314, 314', 316, 316' abuts and lies parallel along the outer side walls 324, 324', 326 and 326' of the brackets, and are thus prevented from splaying further.

The supporting legs 308, 308', 312, 312' are operable to rotate about the angled brackets 314, 314', 316, 316' and in moving from the storage to open position the angle of the brackets enables the supporting legs 308, 308', 312 and 312' to move through two axes and splay apart. The brackets 314, 314', 316 and 316' are configured so that the axis of rotation is offset from an orthogonal configuration in relation to the board member 304, allowing for the supporting legs 308, 308', 312 and 312' to rotate through two separate axes. The angled brackets 314, 314' are attached to the underside of the board member 302 in a fixed location, and angled brackets 316 and 316' are attached to the board member 302 by means of a slidable connection. The tensioning member 320 as shown in Figure 6 comprises two arms 320a, 320b and a connecting central connector in the form of a hinge joint 320c. The connecting hinge joint 320c comprises a spring mechanism operable to produce the biasing force, in use. As the supporting legs 308, 308', 312 and 312' rotate into the open position, the angled brackets 314, 314', 316 and 316' enable the legs to rotate outwardly under the action of the tensioning member 320 such that the ends of the legs splay past the sides 322, 322' of the board member 304. The legs rotate both downwards and outwardly towards the sides 322, 322' of the board member 304. The legs 308, 308', 312, 312' rotate outwardly until an upper portion abuts the outer side walls 324, 324', 326, 326' of each bracket 314, 314', 316 and 316', at which point the legs reach a maximum splayed position and are held in this position by the tensioning member 320.

As shown in Figure 6 the biasing force to assist with the splaying of the supporting legs 308, 308', 312, 312' is produced by means of a tensioning member 320 comprising of two arms configured in a V-shape. The spring mechanism located at the hinge joint 320c produces a force acting to assist in the splaying of the supporting legs 308, 308', 312, 312' whist the rigid arms 320a, 320b help prevent over splaying in conjunction with the outer side walls 324, 324', 326, 326' of the brackets 314, 314', 316, 316'. The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.