Abstract:
This invention relates to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of pivoting in front/rear (X) and left/right (Y) directions, and more particularly, to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of being adjusted automatically in a straight direction after a swerving force is removed, when a base assembly was swerved while locking automatically a left/right directional pivoting action.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention claims priority from Korean patent application number 10-2010-0086907, filed in the Korean Patent Office on Sep. 6, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of pivoting in front/rear (X) and left/right (Y) directions, and more particularly to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of being adjusted automatically in a straight direction after a swerving force is removed, when a base assembly was swerved while locking automatically a left/right directional pivoting action. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In general, a hinge assembly used for a steam cleaner can be pivoted in front/rear and left/right directions. In this case, a front/rear directional pivoting action aids to push or pull a push stick assembly in slightly laid state, and a left/right directional pivoting action allows a base assembly with a pad to be swerved in a degree when it bumps against a corner or other things (for example, table&#39;s leg). 
     When the steam cleaner is not used, the push stick assembly is stood perpendicularly or in close to the perpendicular, and locked with a fixing member such that it cannot be pivoted in front/rear directions. 
     The fixing member can lock said front/rear directional pivoting action. If the fixing member is used, it is releasably fitted in a base assembly. 
     Hence, the fixing member should be unlocked or locked each time when the steam cleaner is used or not used. This work is very annoying. 
     In particular, the fixing member is unlocked during the use of steam cleaner. Therefore, since the push stick assembly tends to swerve in left/right directions when pushing or pulling it in a straight direction, a user may feel inconvenient. 
     In addition, since the left/right directional pivoting action is performed only along a left and right pivoting center axis, when base assembly  100  is swerved at the angle of θ to push stick assembly  300  as shown in  FIG. 11 , the base assembly is maintained at θ angle even if the push stick assembly is pulled back. Therefore, a user has to swerve base assembly  100  or push stick assembly  300  such that they are in line, and this work is very annoying. 
     Moreover, a conventional steam cleaner is primarily used to clean a wooden floor or a carpet (in some case, there is a tray to prevent a pad attachment protrusion (so-called Velcro) from being caught by a carpet when using a steam cleaner). Indeed, when cleaning floors of hard materials such as tile using such steam cleaner, smudged stains may not be cleanly removed since a pad-type cleaning cloth is only used, but a brush is not used. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention has been invented to solve the aforementioned problem. Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner, characterized in that a left/right directional pivoting action of the steam cleaner is locked at ordinary times, but the steam cleaner is automatically pivoted in left/right directions when any external force is applied. 
     In order to achieve the aforementioned object, according to Claim  1  of this invention, it is provided a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner comprising: 
     a first member fitted in a base assembly and having a front and rear pivoting center axis which supports to be pivoted in front/rear directions; a second member fitted in a push stick assembly; a left and right pivoting center axis member having a left and right pivoting center axis by which the second member is supported to be pivoted in left/right directions relative to the first member; and an eccentric member fitted in parallel eccentrically to the left and right pivoting center axis; 
     wherein the left/right directional pivoting action of the steam cleaner is locked by the eccentric member when the first and second members are in line in a longitudinal direction, and the left/right directional pivoting action is allowed when an external force is applied to the locked state, and the locked state is unlocked. 
     According to Claim  2  of this invention, it is provided a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner: 
     wherein the eccentric member comprises a locking hole formed in the first member; a left and right pivotable groove connected to the locking hole; a locking piece fitted slidably in the second member; and an elastic portion imparting elasticity to the locking piece. 
     According to this constitution, the locking piece is locked in the locking hole at ordinary times, but the locking piece leaves for the left and right pivotable groove when an external force is applied, to allow the left/right directional pivoting action, thereby enabling an automatic lock and unlock. 
     According to Claim  3  of this invention, it is provided a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner: 
     wherein the left and right pivotable groove may preferably be inclined downwardly toward the locking hole. 
     According to this constitution, when the external force by which the base assembly is pivoted in left/right directions is removed (i.e., pulling back), the base assembly is automatically swerved in a straight direction instantly the locking piece is automatically guided to the locking hole and locked therein. 
     According to Claim  4  of this invention, it is provided a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner comprising: 
     a first member fitted in a base assembly and having a left and right pivoting center axis which supports to be pivoted in left/right directions; a second member fitted in a push stick assembly; a front and rear pivoting center axis member having a front and rear pivoting center axis by which the second member is supported to be pivoted in front/rear directions relative to the first member; and an eccentric member fitted in parallel eccentrically to the left and right pivoting center axis; 
     wherein the front/rear directional pivoting action of the steam cleaner is locked by the eccentric member when the first and second member are in line in a longitudinal direction, and the front/rear directional pivoting action is allowed when an external force is applied to the locked state, and the locked state is unlocked. 
     As can be clearly seen from the above description, a preferable embodiment of this invention will exhibit the following effect. 
     The hinge assembly for a steam cleaner according to this invention has the eccentric member which is coupled and fitted in parallel eccentrically to the left and right pivoting center axis. Hence, when the first and second members are in line in a longitudinal direction, the left/right directional pivoting action is locked, and it is very convenient in cases such as pushing the steam cleaner in front/rear directions or keeping it in standing. When an external force is applied to the locked state, the left/right directional pivoting action is automatically unlocked and allowed such that the base assembly can be swerved in a degree when it bumps an obstruction, and it is very convenient during the use of steam cleaner. 
     Further, since the left and right pivotable groove is inclined downwardly toward the locking hole, when the external force by which the base assembly is pivoted in left/right directions is removed (i.e., pulling back), the base assembly is automatically swerved in a straight direction instantly the locking piece is automatically guided to the locking hole and locked therein. Hence, since a user doesn&#39;t need to swerve intentionally the push stick assembly, the steam cleaner can be conveniently used. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
         FIG. 1  is a projective view of a steam cleaner according to a preferable embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a projective view showing a sheet cover removed from a hinge assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a projective view showing a spring and locking piece removed from  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a projective view showing a left and right pivoting center axis member removed from  FIG. 3 . 
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are front and cross-sectional views showing a locked eccentric member. 
         FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are front and cross-sectional views showing an eccentric member pivoted in a right direction. 
         FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  are front and cross-sectional views showing an eccentric member pivoted in a left direction. 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are top and bottom projective views showing a brush tray removed from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view showing that a base assembly is automatically adjusted in a straight direction when pulling back the swerved base assembly according to this invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view showing that a base assembly is still swerved when pulling back the swerved base assembly according to the conventional art. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following, preferable embodiments according to this invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a projective view of a steam cleaner according to a preferable embodiment of this invention;  FIG. 2  is a projective view showing a sheet cover removed from a hinge assembly of  FIG. 1 ;  FIG. 3  is a projective view showing a spring and locking piece removed from  FIG. 2 ;  FIG. 4  is a projective view showing a left and right pivoting center axis member removed from  FIG. 3 ;  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are front and cross-sectional views showing a locked eccentric member;  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are front and cross-sectional views showing an eccentric member pivoted in a right direction;  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  are front and cross-sectional views showing an eccentric member pivoted in a left direction;  FIGS. 8 and 9  are top and bottom projective views showing a brush tray removed from  FIG. 1 ;  FIG. 10  is a schematic view showing that a base assembly is automatically adjusted in a straight direction when pulling back the swerved base assembly according to this invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the steam cleaner according to a preferable embodiment of this invention comprises base assembly  100 , push stick assembly  300 , and hinge assembly  500  by which base assembly  100  is connected to push stick assembly  300 . 
     Base assembly  100  comprises a body having upper case  110  and lower case  120 , steam jet  130  formed on bottom plate  121  of lower case  120 , and pad attachment protrusion  140  molded on the lower surface of bottom plate  121  in front and rear portions of steam jet  130 . 
     Push stick assembly  300  comprises housing  310  in which a steam-generating member (non shown) for supplying steam to steam jet  130  is mounted, and a handle rod (not shown) fitted on the top end of housing  310 . 
     Hinge assembly  500  comprises first member  510  fitted in base assembly  100 , second member  530  fitted in push stick assembly  300 , left and right pivoting center axis member  550  by which first member  510  is connected to second member  530 , and eccentric member  570  fitted in parallel eccentrically to left and right pivoting center axis member  550 , as major components. 
     First member  510  has first tube  511 , front and rear pivoting center axis  513  formed protrusively at the lower left and right sides of first tube  511 , and a pair of first arms  515  protruded upwardly at the upper front and rear portions of first tube  511 . 
     Front and rear pivoting center axis  513  is a centric support axis allowing a pivot about X axis in front and rear directions, and supports the coupled upper case  110  and lower case  120 . 
     Front and rear pivoting center axis  513  is fitted within base assembly  100 . When a steam clear is kept in standing, base assembly  100  and first tube  511  are interlocked such that they cannot be pivoted backward (in use, if a little force is applied backward, the locked state is unlocked). 
     Front and rear pivoting center axis  513  may be integrally formed with first tube  511  by an injection molding method, or it may be coupled with first tube  511  as an separate part. 
     Second member  530  has second tube  531 , and a pair of second arms  535  protruded downwardly at the upper front and rear portions of second tube  531 . 
     Second arm  535  is placed on the outer surface of first arm  515  and telescoped on first arm  515 . The first and second arms are supported by left and right pivoting center axis member  550  such that they can be pivoted about Y axis in left/right directions. 
     Left and right pivoting center axis member  550  has left and right pivoting center axis  551 , flange  553  formed at the rear end of left and right pivoting center axis  551 , and screw  555  coupled at the front end of left and right pivoting center axis  551 . 
     When left and right pivoting center axis  551  is telescoped into first arm  515  from the inner side to the outer side of first arm  515 , flange  553  is stopped at the inner side of first arm  515 , and coupled using screw  555  at the front end of left and right pivoting center axis  551  inserted through first arm  515  and second arm  535 . 
     According to this constitution, tube  150  for supplying steam passes through first and second members  510  and  530 , and is connected to steam jet  130  of base assembly  100 . That is, no obstruction (for example, left and right and/or front and rear pivoting center axis, eccentric member, and the like) is inside first and second members  510  and  530 . 
     Eccentric member  570  is spaced-apart at an eccentric distance (e) above left and right pivoting center axis  551 . Hence, when first and second members  510  and  530  are in line in a longitudinal direction (see  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b ), a left/right directional pivoting action is locked. In addition, when an external force is applied to the locked state, the left/right directional pivoting action is automatically unlocked and allowed (see  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b ,  7   a  and  7   b ). These actions are automatically adjusted. 
     Eccentric member  570  comprises locking hole  571  formed in first member  510 ; left and right pivotable groove  573  connected to locking hole  571 ; locking piece  575  fitted slidably in second member  530 ; and elastic portion  577  imparting elasticity to locking piece  575 . 
     Flange  576  is formed at the front side of locking piece  575 . The flange obstructs the locking piece, and acts as one side&#39;s sheet for spring  578  as described below. 
     Elastic portion  577  has spring  578 , and sheet cover  579 , and the sheet cover acts as the other side&#39;s sheet for spring  578 . 
     In addition, left and right pivotable groove  573  may preferably be inclined (at a angle) downwardly toward locking hole  571 . 
     Eccentric member  570  as described above will exhibit functions and effects as follows: 
     First, as shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , when a steam cleaner is kept in standing, or pushed or pulled in a straight direction (i.e., the first and second members are in line in a longitudinal direction), locking piece  575  is inserted in locking hole  571 , and a left/right directional pivoting action is locked. 
     However, if base assembly  100  bumps against an obstruction during the use of steam cleaner, the base assembly is swerved at θ angle (see  FIG. 10 ), in a right direction as shown in  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , or a left direction as shown in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b.    
     That is, base assembly  100  and first member  510  is simultaneously swerved to position locking piece  575  into left and right pivotable groove  573 . 
     Thus, a need of locking or unlocking a fixing member is omitted, and the locked state is automatically unlocked by eccentric member  570 . This makes the use of steam cleaner very convenient. 
     Then, if the counter force from the obstruction is removed by pulling back the steam cleaner in the swerved state, locking piece  575  positioned in left and right pivotable groove  573  inclined tends to return to locking hole  571 , which was its original position, resulting in enabling an automatic lock. 
     By this automatic locking action, a left/right directional pivoting action is locked, and base assembly  100  is positioned in a straight direction. Hence, a user doesn&#39;t need to swerve base assembly  100  or push stick assembly  300 . 
     In case of the prior art, a user should swerve base assembly  100  in a right position, and then push it in front/rear directions, since it is not easy to push base assembly  100  in a swerved state. According to this invention, this annoying work may be omitted. 
     Preferably, tray  170  with brush  177  may be additionally fitted, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The brush may be used to rub a floor such as tile. 
     Tray  170  may be removed when cleaning a wooden floor using a steam cleaner, and it may be fitted in base assembly  100  when cleaning a badly stained concrete or tile floor using the steam cleaner. 
     Tray  170  has tray plate  170   a , a tray frame with rim  170   b  protruded slightly upwardly around tray plate  170   a , steam jet through-hole  172  formed in tray plate  170   a , and brush  177  formed on the lower surface of tray plate  170   a.    
     Steam jet through-hole  172  may preferably be placed below steam jet  130 . 
     Further, the tray frame with brush  177  covers pad attachment protrusion  140 , and thus it acts to prevent damages due to friction with a rigid floor. 
     Tray  170  is removably attached to base assembly  100  using removable members. 
     The removable members include front removable piece  171  and rear removable pieces  173  and  174 . 
     Front removable piece  171  is formed protrusively at the front left and right sides of the tray frame, exactly from the front left and right sides of rim  170   b  toward the rear. When it is coupled with upper case  110 , it acts to press and hold the front top surface of upper case  110 . 
     Rear removable pieces  173  and  174  has rear removable engaged piece  173  protruded upwardly at the rear left and right sides of the tray frame, exactly the rear left and right sides of rim  170   b  toward the upside, and rear removable and engaged stopping piece  174  formed at the rear side of upper case  110  and engaged with rear removable and engaged protruding piece  173 . 
     Preferably, rear removable and engaged protruding piece  173  has elastic property, and it may be bended backward until it is engaged with rear removable and engaged stopping piece  174 . That is, rear removable and engaged protruding piece  173  acts to press and hold upper case  110  such that the upper case is not raised upwardly. 
     By using these removable members, rear removable and engaged stopping piece  174  is engaged with rear removable and engaged protruding piece  173  while piece  174  pushes back slightly the piece  173  and falls down, and their coupling is completed, by a series of operations that base assembly  100  is first slightly bended forward, is coupled with front removable piece  171 , and then is stood perpendicularly. 
     In the state that two pieces is coupled, tray  170  may be removed by lifting up push stick assembly  300  while pressing plate  175  using foot. By this work, rear removable and engaged stopping piece  174  is pivoted about front removable piece  171  and is unengaged with rear removable and engaged protruding piece  173 . Then, tray  170  is completely removed from the base member by drawing piece  174  out of piece  173 . 
     Thus, tray  170  may be simply coupled with the base assembly by the mechanism that the tray is surrounded and pressed at the front side and it is pressed from above at the rear side. Once the tray is coupled with the base assembly, since the tray may be removed only when a physical force is applied, it tray may be stably used (the base assembly with the tray attached has a double structure by which the tray should be drawn out upwardly at the rear side, and in a sharp angle direction at the front side. Therefore, since the tray is held in the front side when pulling a steam cleaner, and is held in the rear side when pushing it, the tray cannot easily be removed from the base assembly) 
     While this invention has been shown and described in connection with the preferably embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     For example, contrary to the embodiment described above, it will be appreciated that an eccentric member may be fitted in a hinge assembly having a first member with a left and right pivoting center axis and a second member with a front and rear pivoting center axis. 
     The hinge assembly according to this invention may be applied to any article having front/rear and left/right directional pivoting mechanisms. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 The description of numerical numbers: 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 100: base assembly 
                 110: upper case 
               
               
                 120: lower case 
                 121: bottom plate 
               
               
                 130: steam jet 
                 140: pad attachment protrusion 
               
               
                 150: tube 
                 170: tray 
               
               
                 170a: tray plate 
                 170b: rim 
               
               
                 171: front removable piece 
                 172: steam jet through-hole 
               
               
                 173, 174: rear removable piece 
               
               
                 173: rear removable and 
               
               
                 engaged protruding piece 
               
               
                 174: rear removable and 
               
               
                 engaged stopping piece 
               
               
                 175: pressing plate 
                 177: brush 
               
               
                 300: push stick assembly 
                 310: housing 
               
               
                 500: hinge assembly 
                 510: first member 
               
               
                 511: first tube 
                 513: front and rear pivoting center axis 
               
               
                 515: first arm 
                 530: second member 
               
               
                 531: second tube 
                 535: second arm 
               
               
                 550: left and right pivoting 
                 551: left and right pivoting center axis 
               
               
                 center axis member 
               
               
                 553: flange 
                 555: screw 
               
               
                 570: eccentric member 
                 571: locking hole 
               
               
                 573: left and right pivotable 
                 575: locking piece 
               
               
                 groove 
               
               
                 576: flange 
                 577: elastic portion 
               
               
                 578: spring 
                 579: sheet cover