IRONING BOARD APPARATUS AND METHODS

Abstract

An ironing board apparatus comprising a primary ironing board component comprising a first surface suitable for ironing fabrics; and a secondary ironing board component comprising a second surface suitable for ironing fabrics, wherein the secondary ironing board component is rotatably attached to the primary ironing board component, and wherein the secondary ironing board component lies in a different but parallel plane than the primary ironing board component. Another aspect comprises an ironing board apparatus comprising a primary ironing board component comprising a first surface suitable for ironing fabrics; and secondary ironing board component comprising a second surface suitable for ironing fabrics, wherein the secondary ironing board component is rotatably attached to the primary ironing board component, and wherein the secondary ironing board component lies in a same plane as the primary ironing board component when the secondary ironing board component is in a closed position.

Description

INTRODUCTION

Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to an ironing board apparatus for pressing clothing, linens, towels, and other fabrics.

Certain exemplary embodiments of a first aspect are depicted in FIGS. 1-11. Certain exemplary embodiments of a second aspect are depicted in FIGS. 12-23.

An exemplary aspect comprises an ironing board apparatus comprising: (a) a primary ironing board component comprising a first surface suitable for ironing fabrics; and (b) a secondary ironing board component comprising a second surface suitable for ironing fabrics, wherein the secondary ironing board component is rotatably attached to the primary ironing board component, and wherein the secondary ironing board component lies in a different but parallel plane than the primary ironing board component when the secondary ironing board component is in a closed position.

In one or more exemplary embodiments: (1) the primary ironing board component comprises an upper surface and a lower surface; the secondary ironing board component comprises an upper surface and a lower surface; and the upper surface of the secondary ironing board component is rotatably attached to the lower surface of the primary ironing board component; (2) the secondary ironing board component is configured to accept, when in an open position, a tubular clothing component for ironing; (3) the apparatus further comprises a tray component comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface of the tray component is rotatably attached to the lower surface of the primary ironing board component, and wherein the tray component is configured to be placed underneath the primary ironing board component when the tray component is in a closed position; (4) the upper surface of the tray component comprises heat-resistant silicone; (5) the upper surface of the tray component is an essentially flat, solid surface; (6) the upper surface of the tray component is a solid, non-slip surface; (7) the apparatus further comprises a cord management component; (8) the cord management component is mounted to the tray component; (9) the cord management component is detachable; and (10) a length of the secondary ironing board component is approximately one half of a length of the primary ironing board component.

In one or more exemplary embodiments: (11) a length of the secondary ironing board component is at least one third of a length of the primary ironing board component; (12) the cord management component comprises a vertical component attached to the apparatus at a first end and attached to a penannular component, suitable for supporting an electrical cord, at a second end; and (13) the apparatus further comprises a base plate that allows the secondary ironing board component to rotate with respect to the primary ironing board component.

In one or more exemplary embodiments: (14) the apparatus further comprises a leg assembly connected to a lower surface of the primary ironing board component, the leg assembly comprising: a first pair of legs, each leg having a foot portion suitable for placing on a floor; a second pair of legs, each leg having a foot portion suitable for placing on a floor; and a center pivot assembly, wherein the first and second pairs of legs pass through the center pivot assembly, wherein the first pair of legs are parallel to each other between the primary ironing board component and the center pivot assembly, and splay away from each other between the center pivot assembly and the foot portions, and wherein the second pair of legs are parallel to each other between the primary ironing board component and the center pivot assembly, and splay away from each other between the center pivot assembly and the foot portions.

Another exemplary aspect comprises an ironing board apparatus comprising: (a) a primary ironing board component comprising a first surface suitable for ironing fabrics; and (b) a secondary ironing board component comprising a second surface suitable for ironing fabrics, wherein the secondary ironing board component is rotatably attached to the primary ironing board component, and wherein the secondary ironing board component lies in a same plane as the primary ironing board component when the secondary ironing board component is in a closed position.

In one or more exemplary embodiments: (1) the apparatus further comprises a base plate that allows the secondary ironing board component to rotate with respect to the primary ironing board component; and (2) the secondary ironing board component is configured to accept, when in an open position, a tubular clothing component for ironing.

Other exemplary aspects and embodiments, and their advantages, will be apparent from the drawings and description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment, with a rotating arm in a closed position.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment, with a rotating arm in an open position.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict components of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a main table of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of a main table of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a leg assembly of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a center leg assembly of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary embodiment with an unfolded leg assembly.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary embodiment with a folded leg assembly.

FIG. 11 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 23 depict an exemplary embodiment with a rotating arm and rotating tray rotated out.

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary embodiment with a rotating arm and rotating tray rotated in.

FIG. 15 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment in a closed position.

FIG. 16 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment in a closed position.

FIG. 17 depicts a rotatable arm of an exemplary embodiment, rotated out.

FIG. 18 depicts a rotatable iron tray of an exemplary embodiment, rotated out.

FIG. 19 depicts a rotatable iron tray and a cord holder of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 depicts a center leg assembly of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 depicts a folding handle of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 depicts graphical guides of an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an exemplary embodiment an ironing table 100 includes an ironing board 120 and a base 160. Ironing board 120 may include a main table 122 and a rotating arm 124. The rotating arm 124 may be coupled to the main table 122 at a pivot point to allow the rotating arm 124 to be rotated with respect to the main table 122.

In some embodiments, the rotating arm 124 may be rotated at varying degrees with respect to the main table 122 from a fully closed position to a fully open position and any angle in between. For example, the rotating arm 124 may be configured to be movable between a first configuration, where the rotating arm 124 is closed and flush with the main table 122 as shown in FIG. 1, and a second configuration, where the rotating arm 124 is separated from the main table 122, thereby forming an opening between the rotating arm 124 and the main table 122 as shown in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, the rotating arm 124 may be rotated to a maximum angle of 5°, 10°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90° with respect to the main table 122. The maximum opening angle may be controlled by, for example, a mechanical stop or an adjustment mechanism as described herein. In some embodiments, the rotating arm 124 may also rotate to larger angles with respect to the main table 122 depending on the application.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 160 incorporates tripod technology to provide a stable horizontal surface (e.g., the ironing board 120) at a comfortable height for optimal ironing performance. The height of the base 160 may be adjustable.

In some embodiments, the ironing table 100 may include an iron tray 126 configured to hold the iron while adjusting the article being pressed, in between uses of the ironing table 100, or while folding or changing clothes. The iron tray 126 may also be configured to hold other items typically used while ironing clothes (e.g., canisters of starch, spray bottles of water, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the main table 122 includes a support structure 128 and a table top 130. The support structure 128 includes a frame 132, a support beam 134 and a cross beam 136. The frame 132 defines the periphery of the main table 122 and the support beam 134 and cross beam 136 provide additional structural support to the table top 130. The table top 130 may be secured to the frame 132, support beam 134 and/or the cross beam 136 using any of a variety of methods including, for example, welding, mechanical fasteners, and/or adhesives.

As shown, the table frame 132, support beam 134, and cross beam 136 have a rectangular cross-section. In some embodiments, the table frame 132, support beam 134 and cross beam 136 may have other cross-sections (e.g., circular, square, trapezoidal, and the like). In some embodiments, the support structures 128 may have more or fewer supporting beams. For example, the support structure 128 may be made of one monolithic polymer or metal piece.

The table top 130 may be configured to provide a stable horizontal surface for optimal ironing performance. As shown best in FIG. 3, the table top 130 may include a meshed or perforated steel plate. In some embodiments, the table top may include a solid steel plate. In other embodiments, the table top may include a horizontal plate made of a variety of materials including, for example, aluminum, wood, plastic, and the like.

In some embodiments, the table top 130 may include a plate with perforations of various shapes including, for example, circles, rectangles, squares, other polygons and the like. In some embodiments, the entire main table 122 (i.e., the support structure 128 and the table top 130) may be formed of one monolithic piece of material.

The rotating arm 124 may include a support structure 138 and a rotating arm table top 140. The support structure 138 may include a frame 142 and a support member 144. The frame 142 defines the periphery of the rotating arm 124 and the support member 144 provides additional structural support to the rotating arm table top 140. The table top 140 may be secured to the frame 142 and support member 144 using any of a variety of methods including, for example, welding, mechanical fasteners, and/or adhesives. As shown, the frame 142 and support member 144 have a rectangular cross-section. In some embodiments, the frame 142 and support member 144 may have other cross-sections (e.g., circular, square, trapezoidal and the like).

In some embodiments, the support structure 138 may have more or fewer supporting beams. For example, the support structure 138 may be made of one monolithic polymer or metal piece.

The ironing board 120 may include a base plate 146 coupled to the main table 122 and the rotating arm 124 with a fastener 156. The fastener 156 may be configured to attach the main table 122 and the rotating arm 124 to the base plate 146 while allowing the rotating arm 124 to rotate relative to the main table 122 as described herein. The fastener 156 may be any of a variety of mechanical fasteners including, for example, a threaded bolt, a rivet, a rod and cotter pin assembly, etc. The base plate 146 may be configured to a variety of shapes to accommodate different shapes of ironing boards 120. In some embodiments, the base plate 146 may include a set of brackets 152 and hinge pins 154 for attachment of the ironing table 120 to the base 160.

The ironing board 120 may include an adjustment knob 148 configured to allow a user to open and close the rotating arm 124 with respect to the main table 122. The adjustment knob 148 may include a threaded rod (not shown) or a pin (not shown) disposed in a channel 150 in the base plate 146. In some embodiments, the user may rotate the adjustment knob 148 to loosen tension on the base plate 146 allowing the threaded rod to slide in the channel 150, thereby opening or closing the rotating arm 124. The user may also tighten the adjustment knob 148 to frictionally engage the base plate 146, thereby preventing movement of the rotating arm. The length and curvature of the channel 150 may be varied depending on the application to limit the amount of travel of the rotating arm 124. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include a pin and a series of holes and the like. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include other forms of mechanical stops and/or latches to control the amount of travel of the rotating arm 124.

Referring to FIGS. 7, the base 160 may be configured to provide a stable horizontal surface (e.g., the ironing board 120) at a comfortable height for optimal ironing performance. The base includes a center leg assembly 162 and a cross leg assembly 164. The center leg assembly 162 generally includes a center leg 166 and a stabilizing member 168. The center leg 166 may be attached to the ironing board 120 by the brackets 152 and hinge pins 154 (FIG. 3) as described herein. As shown, the center leg 166 and stabilizing member 168 have a circular cross section.

In some embodiments, the center leg 166 and stabilizing member 168 may have other cross sections (e.g., rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal and the like). The center leg 166 and stabilizing member 168 may be separate parts that are mechanically fastened together or may be unitarily formed. The cross leg assembly 164 generally includes a first cross leg 170 and a second cross leg 172. The first cross leg 170 and the second cross leg 172 may be attached to the ironing board 120 by the brackets 152 and hinge pins 154 (FIG. 3) as described herein. As shown, the first cross leg 170 and the second cross leg 172 have a circular cross section.

In some embodiments, the first cross leg 170 and the second cross leg 172 may have other cross-sections (e.g., rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal and the like). The cross leg assembly 164 may be made up of two separate cross legs 170 and 172 mechanically fastened together, or may be unitarily formed. The stabilizing member 168, the first cross leg 170 and the second cross leg 172 may include caps 174 to prevent skidding of the base 160 during usage of the ironing table 100. The caps 174 may be made of any of a variety of materials such as rubber, plastic, vinyl, and the like. In some embodiments, the center leg assembly 162 and the cross leg assembly 164 may include wheels or casters to allow the user to easily move the ironing table throughout a room or house.

Referring now also to FIG. 8, the center leg assembly 162 and the cross leg assembly 164 may be movably coupled together with a latching mechanism 176. The latching mechanism 176 includes a center leg ring 178 attached to the center leg 166, a cross leg ring 180 attached to the first 170 and second 172 cross legs, a latch 182, and an activation mechanism 184. The latching mechanism 176 is configured to hold the ironing table 100 in the open position (i.e., the ironing board 120 in a horizontal position for the user to iron articles on) and to allow the user to collapse or fold the ironing table 110 to a closed position (i.e., substantially flat) for easy storage in small spaces such as a closet and the like. When the ironing table 100 is in the closed (“folded”) position, the cross leg ring 180 holds the center leg 166 in the “V” shaped region formed by the intersection of the cross legs 170 and 172 as the center leg 166 is moved relative to the cross legs 170 and 172. When the ironing table 100 is in the open (“unfolded”) position, the cross leg ring 180 is received between the center leg ring 178 and the latch 182 and held securely in place. Referring now also to FIGS. 9-11, a user may depress an activation mechanism 184 to release the latch 182 and close the ironing table 100. When the activation mechanism 184 is depressed, the latch 182 is retracted into the central cavity of the center leg 166. The activation mechanism 184 may be coupled to the latch 182 with any of a variety of mechanical linkages. With the latch 182 in the retracted position (not shown), the cross leg ring 180 is free to move with respect to the center leg 166 allowing the user to close the ironing table 100 into the folded configuration. Alternatively, to open the ironing table 100 from the folded configuration (FIG. 10) to the unfolded configuration

(FIG. 9), the user may pull the cross leg assembly 164 away from the center leg assembly 162 until the cross leg ring 180 slides and makes contact with the latch 182. Continued movement of the cross leg ring 180 with respect to the center leg 166 causes the latch 182 to retract into the central cavity of the center leg 166. Once the cross leg ring 180 passes the latch 182 and contacts the center leg ring 178, the latch 182 emerges from the central cavity of the center leg 166 to securely hold the two leg assemblies 162 and 164 in place.

In operation, the rotating arm 124 of the ironing table 100 allows the user several distinct advantages during usage. When the rotating arm 124 fully open, the main table 122 and the rotating arm 124 provide separate flat surfaces onto which the sleeves of shirts or pant legs may be easily slid. This allows the user to iron each sleeve separately and at the same time without adversely affecting any other parts of the shirt. The rotating arm 124 may also be closed together to form a large flat surface to iron the back of the shirt. This same surface may also be used to iron the side of the shirt without adversely affecting the shirt sleeves. The rotating arm 124 may also be opened slightly to allow placing the collar of the shirt in the small opening and then closed to clamp the collar of the shirt in place. This forms a flat surface to iron the collar of the shirt without adversely affecting any other parts of the shirt.

As mentioned, certain exemplary embodiments of a second aspect are depicted in FIGS. 12-23. In this second aspect, the swing-out ironing surface (arm) is mounted below the primary ironing board. Where this second aspect shares features of the first aspect described above, the above description is incorporated herein by reference as part of the description of the second aspect.

Exemplary embodiments of either aspect may comprise a swing-out tray that provides a storage surface for resting an iron or other items. Exemplary embodiments also may comprise a cord holder for keeping, for example, an iron's power cord out of the way when ironing. The cord holder may be detachable and attachable to multiple locations.

Other aspects and embodiments will be apparent from the description below and from FIGS. 12-23.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 23 depict an exemplary embodiment with a rotating arm and rotating tray rotated out. A main table 1210 provides the primary ironing surface. Arm 1220 is rotatably attached to a lower surface of main table 1210. A graphical indication 1225 may be used to indicate the pivot point for arm 1220.

A tray 1230 also may be rotatably attached to a lower surface of main table 1210. A graphical indication 1235 may be used to indicate the pivot point for tray 1230.

A cord holder 1240 may be removably attached to tray 1230. Cord holder 1240 may be used to control movement of a cord for an ironing appliance (such as an iron, steamer, etc.) or other device.

Main table 1210 may be supported by leg assembly 1250. FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary embodiment with arm 1220 and tray 1230 rotated in. Exemplary dimensions for the arm are: 26 inches long, width at pivot location of 6 inches, and width at arm tip of 4 inches. More generally, the arm is typically at least 20 inches long.

In another exemplary embodiment, the arm is approximately 50% as long as the main table. More generally, the arm is typically at least ⅓ as long as the main table.

FIG. 15 depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment in a closed position.

FIG. 16 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment in a closed position. In this view, it can be seen that arm 1220, tray 1230, and holder 1240 may be rotated so as to minimize the footprint of the ironing table, to the extent allowed by the folded legs of leg assembly 1250.

FIG. 17 depicts a rotatable arm 1220 of an exemplary embodiment, rotated out.

FIG. 18 depicts a rotatable iron tray 1230 of an exemplary embodiment, rotated out. In this view, it can be seen that tray 1230 may comprise a heat resistant, non-slip surface (e.g., articulated silicone), and may further comprise a handle 1810 to aid a user in rotating the tray.

FIG. 19 depicts a rotatable iron tray and a cord holder of an exemplary embodiment. The cord holder is suitable for supporting an electrical cord of an iron or other appliance.

FIG. 20 depicts a center leg assembly of an exemplary embodiment. The leg assembly 1250 in this embodiment comprises four legs—a front pair and a rear pair. The legs of the front pair are parallel, between the main table and the center assembly, and then splay away from each other between the center assembly and the floor, so as to provide stable support for the main table. The rear legs are similarly configured. When the leg assembly 1250 is opened or closed, the center assembly allows for the rear pair of legs to rotate with respect to the front pair of legs. A closed configuration of the leg assembly 1250 is depicted in FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 depicts a folding handle of an exemplary embodiment. The folding handle 2110 may be used to release the legs so that leg assembly 1250 may be folded against main table 1210. In exemplary embodiments, the handle releases the legs via a wire cable plus cable housing and/or a series of linkages that allows for remote activation of the unlocking/locking mechanism embodied in the pivot housing of the leg assembly.

FIG. 22 depicts graphical guides of an exemplary embodiment. Graphical guides 1225 and 1235 enable a user to more clearly identify the pivot points of arm 1220 and tray 1230. These graphical guides may be provided to engage and cue a user to unique functional behavior and to enhance an overall user experience. The graphical guides may be incorporated into the substrate as a physical part or component (e.g., a plastic inlay), or printed on a board substrate and/or a board cover.

In exemplary embodiments, a main table 1210 may be constructed of plastic, plastic composite, rubber, metal, wood, grass (e.g., bamboo), and combinations thereof.

Main table 1210 may be molded as one piece or constructed from multiple components defining a frame-like substructure and main top surface. A fabric or silicone based cover may be used to wrap the final surface.

Arm 1220 may be constructed similarly to main table 1210, and of similar materials, except for required components related to the hinge on which the arm rotates.

In an exemplary embodiment, arm 1220 and tray 1230 rotate on a hinge comprising standard pivot and bearing surfaces and components (ball bearings, nylon bushings, springs, etc.).

In exemplary embodiments, tray 1230 may be made of stamped metal, molded plastic, plastic with over-molded silicone, and/or a wire metal open structure. Such materials preferably are sufficiently heat resistant to survive contact with a hot iron.

In exemplary embodiments, leg assembly 1250 may be constructed of tubes (with cross-sections ranging from circular to square) and of materials such as aluminum, steel, plastic, and/or plastic composite. The assembly may be attached to main table 1210 using appropriate joints and connections, with the addition of suitable hardware (bushings, pins, washers, springs, etc.). A center pivot housing may be constructed of structural plastic or metal, and comprise necessary components (bearings, bushings, springs, linkages, etc.) to provide pivoting and locking of the legs in both open and closed positions (and in intermediate positions), using either handle 2110 or direct interaction.

In exemplary embodiments, the legs may have feet comprising, for example, non-marking plastic or rubber.

In exemplary embodiments, a cord holder 1240 may be constructed of plastic, metal, or composite material (for example, carbon fiber rod), and may be attached to tray 1230 or another portion of the ironing board apparatus using magnets, mechanical means (e.g., a clamp) preferably with quick-release hardware, or designated insertion locations or openings on the tray or other portion of the ironing board apparatus.

While certain exemplary aspects and embodiments are described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. For example, while a method of operating rotating arm 124 or rotating arm 1220 to iron a shirt is described herein, it is presented by way of example only, and not limitation. In other embodiments, a similar method may be used to press other garments such as, for example, pants, shorts, skirts, etc. Generally, arm 124 and arm 1220 may be used to iron, steam, press, etc. any portion of a garment, but these arms are particularly suitable for “tubular” portions of garments, such as sleeves of shirts, legs of pants, etc.

Also, while certain embodiments have been particularly shown and described herein, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made. Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and/or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and/or components from any of the embodiments as discussed above.

Claims

1. An ironing board apparatus comprising: a primary ironing board component comprising a first surface suitable for ironing fabrics; anda secondary ironing board component comprising a second surface suitable for ironing fabrics;wherein said secondary ironing board component is rotatably attached to said primary ironing board component, andwherein said secondary ironing board component lies in a different but parallel plane than said primary ironing board component when said secondary ironing board component is in a closed position.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said primary ironing board component comprises an upper surface and a lower surface; said secondary ironing board component comprises an upper surface and a lower surface; and said upper surface of said secondary ironing board component is rotatably attached to said lower surface of said primary ironing board component.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said secondary ironing board component is configured to accept, when in an open position, a tubular clothing component for ironing.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a tray component comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein said upper surface of said tray component is rotatably attached to said lower surface of said primary ironing board component, andwherein said tray component is configured to be placed underneath said primary ironing board component when said tray component is in a closed position.

5. An apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said upper surface of said tray component comprises heat-resistant silicone.

6. An apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said upper surface of said tray component is an essentially flat, solid surface.

7. An apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said upper surface of said tray component is a solid, non-slip surface.

8. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a cord management component.

9. An apparatus as in claim 4, further comprising a cord management component.

10. An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein said cord management component is mounted to said tray component.

11. An apparatus as in claim 8, wherein said cord management component is detachable.

12. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein a length of said secondary ironing board component is approximately one half of a length of said primary ironing board component.

13. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein a length of said secondary ironing board component is at least one third of a length of said primary ironing board component.

14. An apparatus as in claim 4, wherein a length of said secondary ironing board component is at least one third of a length of said primary ironing board component.

15. An apparatus as in claim 8, wherein said cord management component comprises a vertical component attached to said apparatus at a first end and attached to a penannular component, suitable for supporting an electrical cord, at a second end.

16. An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein said cord management component comprises a vertical component attached to said tray component at a first end and attached to a penannular component, suitable for supporting an electrical cord, at a second end.

17. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a base plate that allows said secondary ironing board component to rotate with respect to said primary ironing board component.

18. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a leg assembly connected to a lower surface of said primary ironing board component, said leg assembly comprising: a first pair of legs, each leg having a foot portion suitable for placing on a floor;a second pair of legs, each leg having a foot portion suitable for placing on a floor; anda center pivot assembly,wherein said first and second pairs of legs pass through said center pivot assembly,wherein said first pair of legs are parallel to each other between said primary ironing board component and said center pivot assembly, and splay away from each other between said center pivot assembly and said foot portions, andwherein said second pair of legs are parallel to each other between said primary ironing board component and said center pivot assembly, and splay away from each other between said center pivot assembly and said foot portions.

19. An ironing board apparatus comprising: a primary ironing board component comprising a first surface suitable for ironing fabrics; anda secondary ironing board component comprising a second surface suitable for ironing fabrics,wherein said secondary ironing board component is rotatably attached to said primary ironing board component, andwherein said secondary ironing board component lies in a same plane as said primary ironing board component when said secondary ironing board component is in a closed position.

20. An apparatus as in claim 19, further comprising a base plate that allows said secondary ironing board component to rotate with respect to said primary ironing board component.

21. An apparatus as in claim 19, wherein said secondary ironing board component is configured to accept, when in an open position, a tubular clothing component for ironing.