Abstract:
A steam mop having a main body having a boiler with a water inlet and a steam outlet positioned therein, a pump having an inlet and an outlet with the pump outlet connected to the boiler inlet, a water container for storing water connected to the pump inlet, and a steam pocket frame connected to the steam outlet, where the activation of the pump pumps water from the water container to the boiler for generation of steam. In an embodiment of the invention, a steam mop having a main body with a boiler, a water container, a mechanical water pump between the boiler and container and at least one side arm connecting the boiler steam outlet to a fabric steam pocket frame. The water pump is actuated by movement of the mop when cleaning to send water to the boiler. The steam pad frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles in a square grid formation extending outwardly to distribute steam to distribute steam between the baffles. A replaceable fabric pad fits snugly on the frame to distribute cleaning steam to the surface to be cleaned.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/496,143, filed Jul. 31, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates generally to a steam mop, and more particularly to a steam mop including a water pump that is actuated by the movement of a user to pump water from a reservoir to a boiler for generating steam to be distributed to a steam nozzle coupled thereto and pad for application to a surface to be cleaned.  
         [0003]     Conventional mops have been widely used for cleaning floors. However, conventional mops have not been effective at cleaning dirt in small crevices and floor gaps. In addition, conventional mops require frequent rising since mops can only effectively clean a small surface area at a time.  
         [0004]     Steaming devices used to apply steam to household objects are well known. The uses of the devices vary widely, and may include the application of steam to drapes or other fabrics to ease wrinkles, and the application of steam to objects to assist in cleaning the objects.  
         [0005]     Typical steam devices have a reservoir for storing water that is connected to an electrical water pump with an on/off switch. The exit from the electric water pump is connected to a steam boiler with a heating element to heat the water. The heated water generates steam, which may be directed towards its intended destination through a nozzle which controls the application of the steam. Variation of the shape and size of the nozzle allows for preferred distribution of generated steam to an object to be cleaned. The nozzles may be disconnectable from the steam generator to allow different nozzles to be utilized, based on the object to be steamed. The nozzle may be either closely coupled to the steam generator, or located at a distance from the steam generator, requiring tubing or other steam transfer structures to be interconnected between the steam generator and the discharge nozzle. Typically, it is beneficial to provide suitable connectors between the steam generator and the nozzle to allow either the nozzle to be connected to the steam generator, or to allow the interpositioning of transfer tubes or hoses between the steam generator and the nozzle.  
         [0006]     In general, the nozzles used with the steam cleaners do not have large surface areas and a cloth to absorb the liquid condensate of the steam. Here, the fabric pad is secured to the nozzle by Velcro strips to a plurality of cleats on the bottom of the nozzle. In another embodiment, a flat fabric piece is folded around a flat brush or nozzle in order to increase the cleaning surface area. The folded fabric on top of the brush or nozzle is secured by a clip on top of the piece. Often steam injected behind the cloth passes through the cloth at the points the bristles contact on the cloth. This tends to wet the cloth and reduce the cleaning effectiveness of the steam. In addition, the cloth covers must be carefully attached not to cover the front or back of the brush attachment.  
         [0007]     Notwithstanding the wide variety of steam generating appliances available, there exists the need to provide an efficient, compact and easy to use steam mop that will effectively improve the effective steaming surface area of the steam cleaners. It is desirable to provide this device with the ability for a user to clean a larger surface area easily without worrying about wiping up the liquid condensate of the steam when cleaning flooring, furniture and other household items.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a steam mop having a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler in response to the push-pull movement of the mop is provided. The mop includes a housing with an electric boiler and a water pump wherein a user&#39;s back and forth movement of the mop pumps water to the boiler for distribution of steam to a steam pad frame attachment for cleaning. A fabric steam pad is mounted on the steam pad frame to provide an improved cleaning surface.  
         [0009]     The steam cleaner in accordance with the invention has an elongated housing hingedly connected to a steam pad frame. The steam pad frame is operatively connected to the boiler. In one embodiment, water is stored in a water tank formed as part of the elongated housing. Water is pumped to the boiler only when a user pushes on the handle for generating steam to be fed to the steam pad frame.  
         [0010]     In one embodiment, the steam pad frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles in a square grid formation extending outwardly from a steam outlet toward the four sides of the steam pad frame to the cleaning surface. The steam pad frame includes a central steam outlet where the square grid formation of the baffles direct steam into the space between the baffles and to the surfaces of a fabric steam pad mounted on the frame. The fabric steam pad is a substantially rectangular pad with fasteners or Velcro strips at the top side of the pad for fastening on the frame for easy installation. The steam pad frame is hingedly connected to the elongated housing. When steam is injected into the pad, the entire surface area of the fabric may be used to steam clean a surface. A fabric steam pocket is mounted on the steam pocket frame to provide a improved cleaning surface where the steam pocket frame is connected to the boiler by at least one pivotally attached side arm. This allows the frame to be flipped over to provide an additional cleaning surface. In another embodiment, there are two side arms also allowing the frame to be flipped over. This allows the mop to be used backward or forwards and is easy to use by both right or left handed users.  
         [0011]     In a another embodiment, water maybe stored in a water tank formed as part of the handle. Water is pumped to the boiler only when a user pushes on the handle for generating steam to be fed to the steam pocket frame through the side arm.  
         [0012]     The steam pocket frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles extending substantially perpendicular to the cleaning surface on both upper and lower surfaces thereof. The steam pocket frame includes a central passageway extending perpendicular to the baffles that has openings between the baffles to direct steam into the space between the baffles and up to the surfaces of a fabric steam pocket mounted on the frame.  
         [0013]     The fabric steam pocket maybe two layers of fabric joined at three edges with fasteners at the open edge for fastening over the frame, or one layer of fabric wrapped around the frame and Velcro strips on the front or back (or left or right) longitudinal side of the frame for easy installation over the frame. The steam pocket frame is operatively connected to the steam cleaner outlet pipe. When steam is injected into the pocket, the entire surface area of the fabric may be used to steam clean a surface.  
         [0014]     Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved steam mop and steam pad frame attachment.  
         [0015]     Another object of the invention is to provide a steam mop and steam pocket frame attachment to provide increased steam cleaning surface area.  
         [0016]     A further object of the invention is to provide a steam mop with a mechanical pump that is actuated by the user&#39;s movement of pushing the mop forward and pulling backward to clean and does not need a high steam pressure system.  
         [0017]     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a fabric steam pad that is easily mounted on a steam pad frame.  
         [0018]     Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a steam pad frame attachment with a fabric pad that does not allow steam to escape at points of contact with brush bristles.  
         [0019]     Still yet another object of the invention is a fabric steam pocket that can be used for dual side cleaning.  
         [0020]     Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.  
         [0021]     The invention accordingly comprises a product possessing the features, properties, and the relation of components which will be exemplified in the product hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing(s), in which:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of steam mop including a steam pad frame attachment for receiving a fabric steam pad constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a front plan view of the housing and showing the reservoir, pump and boiler of the steam mop of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a section view of the elements of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a bellows pump suitable for use with the steam mop of  FIGS. 1, 9  and  17 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of a steam pad frame for use with the steam mop of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a fabric steam pad suitable for use with the steam pad frame attachment of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the mop of  FIG. 1  with a fabric steam pad mounted on the attachment frame;  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of a piston pump suitable for use with the steam mop of  FIGS. 1, 9  and  17 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of steam mop having one side arm including a steam pocket frame attachment for receiving a fabric steam pocket constructed and arranged in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a front plan view of a housing and assembly for use with the steam mop of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of a water container suitable for use with the steam mop and handle shown in  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a handle suitable for use with the steam mop of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 13A  is a top plan view of a steam pocket frame for use with the steam mop of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 13B  is a plan view in cross-section of the steam pocket frame of  FIG. 13A ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a fabric steam pocket suitable for use with the steam pocket frame attachment of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the mop of  FIG. 9  with a fabric steam pocket mounted on the attachment frame;  
         [0039]      FIG. 16  exploded perspective view showing how the steam mop of the type shown in  FIG. 9  is assembled;  
         [0040]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a steam mop including two side arms constructed and arranged in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing a fabric steam pocket mounted onto the steam pocket frame of  FIG. 17 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view showing how the steam mop of  FIG. 9  is assembled;  
         [0043]      FIG. 20  is a schematic view of a two way valve suitable for use with the steam mop of  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0044]      FIG. 21  is a schematic view showing a pump with the two way valve of  FIG. 20  connected to the boiler with steam pad frame and fabric steam pad of the steam mop of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0045]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a steam mop  10  constructed and arranged in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Mop  10  includes a housing or main body  16  connected to a steam pad frame  21  at one end of a pipe  20  and having a handle  11  at the other end of pipe  20 . Housing  16  includes a water container or tank  14  as shown in  FIG. 2  as part of the upper part of housing  16  and is connected to a boiler  46  by a pump  29  having a one-way outlet valve  45 . Any type of mechanical pump or some other means of transporting the water to the boiler may be used with steam mop  10 . Preferably, pump  29  is a mechanical pump, such as a bellows pump or a piston pump, that is actuated by movement of mop  10  by a user pushing and pulling handle  11  at the end of pipe  20 . An upper cord hanger  17  is mounted on handle  11  and a lower cord hanger  18  for easy storage of a power cord  47  is mounted on pipe  20 .  
         [0046]     Steam pad frame  21  is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a central steam opening  23  as shown on  FIG. 5 . Steam generated in steam boiler  46  shown in  FIG. 2  dispenses steam into frame  21  to central steam opening  23  of frame  21 . A substantially rectangular fabric steam pad  24  is mounted on frame  21  by attaching a pair of Velcro strips  66  and  67  to a plurality of cleats  68 ,  69 ,  71  and  72  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  
         [0047]      FIGS. 2 and 3  are a front plan and section views, respectively, of the elements in housing  16  of steam mop  10 . This includes a water container or tank  14 , one-way pump  29  and boiler  46 . A water supply hose  40  is connected to a pump water inlet  41 . A pump water outlet  39  is connected to boiler  46 . Water container  14  includes an opening  15  that may be easily opened and closed for the user to fill water into water container  14 .  
         [0048]     Water supply hose or water pump  40  includes a pump body  41  having a pump cavity  42 . A piston  43  connected to a push rod  44  is positioned in cavity  42 . As mop handle  11  is pulled by a user, push rod  44  and piston  43  create a negative pressure in cavity  42 . This draws water from tank  14  into a water supply hose  14   a  and into pump water inlet  38 . Water is then drawn through a one-way inlet valve  48 . As handle  11  is pushed during use, water in cavity  42  is expelled through a one-way outlet valve  45  and pump outlet  39 . This pumped water then passes to a boiler inlet  46   a  on boiler  46 . Water in boiler  46  is heated by a heating element  49  in a boiler cavity  50  and steam generated is fed through a steam valve  51  into a steam chamber  52 . Heating element  49  is connected to electrical connectors  49   a  and  49   b . Steam is then expelled through a steam outlet  53  to a steam hose  54  and to a frame connector  55 .  
         [0049]     One-way inlet valve  48  and one-way outlet valve  45  are formed of a flexible elastomeric material, such a rubber. The valves are conical in shape so that when handle  11  is pulled, water is drawn through inlet valve  48  while outlet valve  45  remains closed. Similarly, when handle  11  is pushed, water is forced out through outlet valve  45  and inlet valve  48  remains closed and water is fed into boiler  46 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pump that can be used with steam mop  10 . Here, a mechanical bellows pump  29  is shown in  FIG. 4  as suitable for use with steam mop  10 . Bellows pump  29  includes a pump inlet  29   a  and a pump outlet  29   b . Bottom portion  14   b  of water container  14  is attached to pump inlet  29   a  through a conduit  31 . Arrow A shows the direction of water flow. Pump outlet  29   b  is connected to a one-way duck bill inlet valve  32 . Pump inlet  29   a  and pump outlet  29   b  are connected by a cylindrical flexible tubular bladder  33  with a plurality of creases  34 . Water can only flow in one direction through valve  33 . Pump outlet  29   b  is connected to a second one-way duck bill valve  37  in the bottom portion of bellows pump  29 .  
         [0051]     Pump  29  operates when conduit  31  is moved up and down by the movement of user so that distance B increases and decreases. When handle  11  is pulled up and distance B decreases, water fills bellows  34 . Bellows  34  is compressed as handle is pushed, distance B increases and water is ejected from bellows  34  through second duck bill valve  37  in bottom portion  29   a  of pump  29  and into water conduit  41  and into boiler  46 . Accordingly, a user may selectively deliver water to boiler  46  by the movement of pushing the mop forward and pulling the mop backward to clean. If there is no movement by the user, water is not delivered to boiler and steam is not generated. Only when the user moves the mop forward and backward will steam be generated and released. Steam mop  10  is designed as a non-pressurized system. For floor cleaning there is no need for high pressure steam. Cleaning is performed by steam distribution to a fabric steam pad  24  mounted on frame  21 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of a rectangular steam pocket frame  21  including a front wall  81 , a rear wall  82 , a right side wall  83  and a left side wall  84 . A plurality of baffles  88  in a square grid formation extending outwardly from a steam outlet opening  23  toward the four sides of the steam pad frame  21  to the cleaning surface within frame  21 . Baffles  88  are planar in shape have a plurality of vents or openings  88   a  between the grids for distributing steam into the spaces between baffles  88  and to a steam pad mounted thereon. Steam pocket frame  21  also includes cleats  68 ,  69 ,  71  and  72  at each of the four corners of steam pocket frame  21 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a fabric steam pad  24  suitable for use with the steam pad frame  21 . Steam fabric pad  24  is configured to attach to frame  21 . Fasteners  66  and  67  are fixed to the top side of the steam pad  24 . In the preferred embodiment, fasteners  66  and  67  are Velcro-type fasteners. Alternatively, other types of fasteners may be used to secure and hold steam pad  24  in place when used to clean a floor or other surface.  
         [0054]     In the illustrated embodiment, steam pad  24  is a cloth or towel. It may be formed of any suitable fabric such as cotton or a synthetic fabric, such as polyester or polyolefin fiber. Preferably, the fabric of pad  24  is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber.  
         [0055]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the mop of  FIG. 1  with a fabric steam pad mounted on the attachment frame. Here, fabric steam pad  24  is attached to steam pad frame  21  by fasteners (not shown). Also, in this example, fabric steam pad is larger than steam pad frame to provide increased steam cleaning surface area.  
         [0056]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a pump that can be used with steam mop  10 . Here, a mechanical piston pump  79  is shown in  FIG. 7  as suitable for use with steam mop  10 . Piston pump  79  includes a pump inlet  79   a  and a pump outlet  79   b . Bottom portion  14   b  of water container  14  is attached to pump inlet  79   a  through a conduit  31 . Arrow A shows the direction of water flow. Pump outlet  79   b  is connected to a one-way duck bill inlet valve  32 . Pump inlet  79   a  and pump outlet  79   b  are connected by a sealed movable joint  93  that will allow a piston  92  to move freely inside a cylinder  91  without leaking water in between them. Water can only flow in one direction through valve  32 . Pump outlet  79   b  is connected to a second one-way duck bill valve  37  in the bottom portion of piston pump  79 .  
         [0057]     Pump  79  operates when conduit  31  is moved up and down by the movement of user so that distance B increases and decreases. When handle  11  is pulled up and distance B decreases, water fills the volume space in a cylinder  91 . The volume space in cylinder  91  is compressed by piston  92  as handle is pushed, distance B increases and water is ejected from cylinder  91  through second duck bill valve  37  in bottom portion  29   a  of pump  29  and into water conduit  41  and into boiler  46 . Accordingly, a user may selectively deliver water to boiler  46  by the movement of pushing the mop forward and pulling the mop backward to clean. If there is no movement by the user, water is not delivered to boiler and steam is not generated. Only when the user moves the mop forward and backward will steam be generated and released. Steam mop  10  is designed as a non-pressurized system. For floor cleaning there is no need for high pressure steam. Cleaning is performed by steam distribution to a fabric steam pocket  24  mounted on frame  21 .  
         [0058]     Steam floor mop  10  provides many advantages for ease of use because it eliminates the need for an electric water pump and an on/off switch to activate the electric water pump. Here, the user has more control over the amount of water needed to be discharged into the boiler and consequently, how much steam is needed by moving the mop forward and backwards. In addition, steam mop is designed as a low pressure or non-pressurized system so it is safer for the user to use. Further, since the amount of water routed to the boiler is controlled, the boiler can create steam in a short amount of time.  
         [0059]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a steam mop  100  constructed and arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. All elements in  FIG. 9  are present and identified by the same reference numerals plus  100 . Mop  100  includes a steam pocket frame  121  mounted to a housing or main body  116  by a side arm  117 . A water container or tank  114  is mounted to the upper part of housing  116  with a handle  111  and is connected to a boiler  146  by a pump  129  having a one-way outlet valve  137 . A water container cover  119  is closed when handle  111  is installed. Water container  114  also has a handle release button  113  for ease of use to easily detach and attach handle  111 . Any type of mechanical pump or some other means of transporting the water to the boiler may be used with steam mop  100 . Preferably, pump  129  is a mechanical pump, such as a bellows pump or a piston pump, that is actuated by movement of mop  10  by a user pushing and pulling handle  111 .  
         [0060]     Steam pocket frame  121  is rectangular in shape and includes a steam inlet coupling  122  at the side end and at the end of side arm  117 . Steam generated in a steam boiler  146  shown in  FIG. 10  dispenses steam into arm  117  and into frame  121 . A rectangular fabric steam pocket  124  is mounted over frame  121  and is attached to the steam inlet coupling  122  side thereof by Velcro strips  166  and  167  as shown in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 10  is a front plan view of housing  116  of steam mop  100  including boiler  146  with a water hose  141  having a water inlet  138  and a water outlet  139 . Water flows through one-way outlet valve  137  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) to water inlet  138  and enters boiler  146  via through water hose  141 . A steam hose  144  with a steam inlet  142  and a steam outlet  143  is coupled to boiler  146 . Water inlet  138  and boiler  146  are connected to a power source by a power cord  147 . Steam generated in boiler  146  exits through steam hose  144  with steam inlet  142  and steam outlet  143 . Conveniently, main body  116  also includes an indicator light  149  to indicate when steam temperature is appropriate for use.  
         [0062]     Water container  114  suitable for use with the steam mop  100  is shown in  FIG. 11 . Water container  114  has a top portion  114   a  and a bottom portion  114   b . Here, top portion  114   a  has a cone shaped open top  128  that functions as a funnel for the user to easily fill water into water container  114 . Water container cover  19  shown in  FIG. 12  covers cone shaped open top  128  of water container  114  when assembled. A user presses handle release button  113  to disassemble handle  111  from water container  114  for ease of filling container  114 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of handle  111  for use with steam mop  100 . Handle  111  has an adjustable height button  112  and includes at the distal end of water container cover  119 , which connects to water container  114 . Preferably, handle  111  is a telescopic handle.  
         [0064]      FIG. 13A  is a top perspective view of a rectangular steam pocket frame  121  including a front wall  181 , a rear wall  182 , a right side wall  183  and a left side wall  184 . A plurality of baffles  188  extends from front wall  181  to rear wall  182  within frame  121 . Baffles  188  are planar in shape and extend perpendicular from the front wall to the back wall of frame  121 . Frame  121  has right side wall  183  with steam inlet coupling  122  connected thereto. Right side wall  183  also connects to arm  117 . Frame  121  has a passageway  161  that extends from right side wall  183  to left side wall  184  perpendicular to baffles  188 . Passageway  161  has a plurality of vents or openings  162  for distributing steam into the spaces between baffles  188  and to a steam pocket mounted thereon. An advantage of steam pocket frame  121  is that steam rises out of upper surface of frame  121  to provide a dry surface with the benefits of steam when cleaning.  
         [0065]      FIG. 13B  is a plan view in cross-section of steam pocket frame attachment  121 . The plurality of vents  162  are on both sides of passageway  161  and are parallel to baffles  188 .  
         [0066]     In  FIG. 14 , steam pocket  124  is configured to slip over frame  121 . In this respect, it is formed of a first layer  124   a  and an opposed second layer  124   b  (not shown), each having a rectangular shape with two opposed long edges  124   c  and  124   d  and two opposed short sides  124   e  and  124   f . Long edges  124   c  and  124   d  and one long side  124   f  are stitched to form pocket  124 .  
         [0067]     Straps  166  and  167  are fixed to an open side of steam pocket  124 . In the preferred embodiment, fasteners  166  and  167  are Velcro-type fasteners. Alternatively, straps  166  and  167  may include buttons or snaps. In each case, straps  166  and  167  are placed over frame  121  and secured to hold pocket  124  in place when used to clean a floor or other surface.  
         [0068]     In the illustrated embodiment, steam pocket  124  is a cloth or towel. It may be formed of any suitable fabric such as cotton or a synthetic fabric, such as polyester or polyolefin fiber. Preferably, the fabric of pocket  124  is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber.  
         [0069]      FIG. 15  shows fabric steam pocket  124  mounted onto the steam pocket frame attachment  121  suitable for use with the steam pocket frame attachment of  FIG. 9 . This is also shown by the direction of Arrow C. Steam pocket frame attachment  121  may be rotated as shown by Arrow D so user may use both sides of steam pocket fabric  124  without having to reinstall steam pocket  124 . This extends the time steam pocket  124  may be used without having to rinse and reinstall it.  
         [0070]      FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view showing how the steam floor mop of the type shown in  FIG. 9  is assembled, which is indicated by arrows.  
         [0071]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of steam floor mop  200  including a steam pocket frame  221  for receiving a fabric steam pocket cover constructed and arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. All elements in  FIG. 11  are present and identified by the same reference numerals plus  200 . Here, a steam pocket frame  221  is mounted on the distal end of two side arms  217  and  218  coupled to a housing  216 . Steam pocket frame  221  is rectangular in shape and includes a steam inlet coupling  222  at side end. A steam outlet  223  dispenses steam into side arm  217  into a steam pocket frame fabric pocket  224 . Frame  221  also has a left side wall that has a connector  230  that connects arm  218 .  
         [0072]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a rectangular fabric steam pocket  224  that shows how rectangular steam pocket fabric  224  is installed on steam pocket frame  221 . Fabric steam pocket  224  is wrapped around the front wall  281  and back wall  282  circumference of steam pocket frame  221 . This is also shown by the direction of Arrow B. Both top side and bottom side of rectangular steam pocket fabric  124  is secured by Velcro-type strip  227  to the front wall  281  or back wall  282  of steam pocket frame  221 .  
         [0073]     In the illustrated embodiment, steam pocket  224  is a cloth or towel. It may be formed of any suitable fabric such as cotton or a synthetic fabric, such as polyester or polyolefin fiber. Preferably, the fabric of steam pocket  224  is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber.  
         [0074]     Steam inlet coupling  222  and connector  230  attached to steam pocket frame  221  and may be rotated as shown by Arrow B so user may use both sides of steam pocket fabric  224  without having to reinstall steam pocket  224 . This extends the time steam pocket  224  may be used without having to rinse and reinstall it.  
         [0075]      FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view showing how the steam floor mop of the type shown in  FIG. 17  is assembled, which is indicated by arrows.  
         [0076]     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , in addition to valves  40  and  29  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , respectively, a “two way” valve  250  may be used. Valve  250  will pump water when handle  11  is displaced both in the forward motion and also in the return backwards motion. Pump  250  includes a pump cylinder  251  having an upper chamber  252  and a lower chamber  253  divided by a piston  254  that is connected to a piston rod  255  which moves up and down in response to movement of handle  11 .  
         [0077]     A first inlet unidirectional duck bill valve  256  and a first outlet unidirectional duck bill valve  257  are connected to upper chamber  252 . A second inlet unidirectional duck bill valve  258  and a second outlet unidirectional duck bill valve  259  are connected to lower chamber  253 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , both inlet duck bill valves  256  and  258  are connected in parallel to a water inlet pipe  261  having a water inlet fitting  262  for securing a hose from reservoir  14 . Water outlet duck bill valves  257  and  259  are connected in parallel to a water outlet pipe  263  that is secured to a water outlet hose  266  connected to a boiler  267  at an inlet  268 . In order to create the pumping action to force water out of valves  257  and  259 , volume changes in chambers  252  and  253  must be created.  
         [0078]     A steam hose  269  is connected to steam generator  267  of any suitable design, such as boiler  46  in  FIGS. 2 and 3  which can be used to distribute the steam in the desired pattern. Water inlet  261  can be connected with any suitable connection (rubber hose, direct connection to a water tank, etc) to the water supply to enable pump  251  to pump and deliver the water to steam generator  267 .  
         [0079]     As piston  254  is moving downward, the volume of lower chamber  253  decreases which causes the water which is inside to exit chamber  253  through duck bill valve  259 . Water flow direction is determined by the direction of a duck bill valve. Water can flow only in one direction through a duck bill valve. At the same time water flows through outlet valve  259 , the volume of chamber  252  increases. This increase of the volume causes water to flow from reservoir  14  into chamber  252  through inlet duck bill valve  256  as shown by arrow A.  
         [0080]     Steam floor mop  10 ,  100  and  200  provides many advantages for ease of use because it eliminates the need for an electric water pump and an on/off switch to activate the electric water pump. Here, the user has more control over the amount of water needed to be discharged into the boiler and consequently, how much steam is needed by moving the mop forward and backwards. In addition, steam mop is designed as a low pressure or non-pressurized system so it is safer for the user to use. Further, since the amount of water routed to the boiler is controlled, the boiler can create steam in a short amount of time.  
         [0081]     Steam pad frame  10  with fabric steam pad frame  21  and steam pocket frame  121  and  221  with fabric steam pad  24  and steam pocket fabric  124  and  224  in accordance with the invention provide vast improvements over placing a towel onto a bristle attachment for a steam cleaner, respectively. The invention avoids puncture of the cloth by the bristles and provides twice the cleaning surface. Moreover, the fabric cover is easily installed and replaced.  
         [0082]     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above product without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.  
         [0083]     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.  
         [0084]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention. A steam mop having a pump that pumps water from a water container to a steam generator in response to movement of the mop handle with the steam fed to a fabric pocket cover in accordance with the invention provides a vast improvement over electrical pumps. The pump may include a two-way valve that pumps water in response to both the push and pull of the mop.