Table top washcloth steamer

Abstract

A washcloth steamer is designed as a table top device for a consumer to effectively steam a single washcloth. The washcloth steamer can include a clamshell type housing containing a heating plate therein, The heating plate can receive a damp or wet washcloth and, when the clamshell type housing is closed, the heating plate can warm to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time. An indicator light on an exterior of the washcloth steamer can alert the user when the washcloth is ready for use.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A washcloth steamer comprising:
 a base housing;   a lid housing pivotably opening from the base housing;   a heating plate disposed in a region formed between the base housing and the lid housing; and   an on-off switch operable to deliver power to the heating plate to warm the heating plate to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, wherein the heating plate is configured to receive a moistened washcloth thereabout.   
     
     
         2 . The washcloth steamer of  claim 1 , further comprising a first indicator light illuminating while the washcloth steamer is in operation over the predetermined period of time. 
     
     
         3 . The washcloth steamer of  claim 2 , further comprising a second indicator light illuminating when the predetermined period of time is passed and the washcloth is ready for use. 
     
     
         4 . The washcloth steamer of  claim 1 , further comprising a lift tab disposed on a portion of the lid housing opposite where the lid housing pivots from the base housing. 
     
     
         5 . The washcloth steamer of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of legs supporting the base housing. 
     
     
         6 . The washcloth steamer of  claim 1 , further comprising a hinge disposed to pivotably connect the lid housing with the base housing. 
     
     
         7 . The washcloth steamer of  claim 1 , further comprising a control unit controlling the predetermined period of time and predetermined temperature. 
     
     
         8 . A method of steaming a washcloth comprising:
 opening a lid housing that is pivotably connected to a base housing of a washcloth steamer; placing a moistened washcloth about a heating plate disposed between the lid housing and the base housing;   closing the lid housing onto the base housing, sandwiching the moistened washcloth and heating plate therebetween; and   turning on a power supply to the heating plate to warm the heating plate to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising illuminating a first indicator light while the washcloth steamer is in operation over the predetermined period of time. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising illuminating a second indicator light when the predetermined of period of time is passed and the washcloth is ready for use. 
     
     
         11 . The washcloth steamer of  claim 1 , wherein the heating plate is configured to receive a single moistened washcloth.