Iron cord tension control method and apparatus

摘要

Electric iron power cord tensioning is accomplished by a pair of clips. A guide clip includes a looped member to receive and restrict cord transverse movement to the area defined by the looped member. The guide clip resiliently attaches to the periphery of the working surface of an ironing board and/or to the periphery of the ironing board defined by an ironing board cover with the looped member extending outwardly from the ironing board. A weight clip resiliently engages and is suspended from the cord subsequent to the guide clip to pull the cord and maintain it. Cord interference with the iron during ironing is reduced since the cord is prevented from bunching up and becoming entangled with or obstructing the iron. Alternatively, a cord support may be disposed about the power cord adjacent the iron handle to elevate and maintain the cord above the ironing board. The support may be used alone or in combination with the guide and weight clips. The support may be installed either by the end user as a slotted tube, or during manufacture via a rubber collar disposed continuously around the cord adjacent the iron handle. The support maintains the cord above the working space and thus reduces cord interference during ironing.