Patent ID: 6112367
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: A47L

Abstract:
An electrical appliance for steam cleaning smooth surfaces such as windows, the apparatus comprising a self-contained portable assembly powered by means for connection to an electrical power supply, and comprising a case of plastics material having a front portion and defining a housing, whereinthe appliance includes an instant steam generator of low thermal inertia operating at atmospheric pressure and located within said housing, said instant steam generator comprising a capillary storage body for storing all of a supply of water to be converted into steam, said capillary body being compressed around electrical heater means for heating said supply of water and producing steam with low thermal inertia, wherein the electrical heater means comprise a switch and a cartridge including at least one ceramic resistance element, wherein the instant steam generator comprises a first enclosure for holding the capillary body compressed around said cartridge, said first enclosure having perforations for allowing water to come into contact with the capillary body and for allowing steam to escape therefrom and penetrate into a steam distributor opening out via a series of front orifices provided in said front portion of said case, and wherein said appliance further includes a squeegee carrier fitted with a squeegee blade projecting from said front portion of said case of the appliance for wiping away drops produced on a smooth surface to be cleaned by condensation of the steam diffused from said distributor via said series of front orifices.