Stainless steel mesh insert for smoothing iron steam chamber - gives improved steam production and can use undistilled water

摘要

The steam-production chamber of a steam smoothing-iron contains one or more layers of a woven wire mesh. The mesh is pref. of stainless steel wire about 0.4 mm in diameter, with a clear separation of 0.6 mm between adjacent wires. It may be cast-in with the sole-plate, or be a separate addition, having a turned-up edge to ensure correct positioning. The mesh may consist of a single layer deformed into a zig-zag shape. In comparison with inserts of asbestos cloth, the mesh inserts improve the steam production rate; does not shed particles which block the steam channels; and is easy to clean, permitting the use of un-distilled water.