Patent Abstract:
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 pocket frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles to distribute steam disposed substantially perpendicular to a steam channel having openings to distribute steam between the baffles. A replaceable fabric pocket fits snugly over the frame to distribute cleaning steam to the surface to be cleaned.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to a steam mop, and more particularly to a steam mop including a mechanical water pump that is actuated by the movement of a user to pump water from a water container to a boiler for generating steam to be distributed to a steam pocket applied to a surface to be cleaned. 
         [0002]    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. 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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. In order to increase the cleaning surface area, a flat fabric piece is folded around a flat brush or nozzle. 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. 
         [0006]    Notwithstanding the wide variety of steam generating appliances available, there exists the need to provide an 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 
       [0007]    Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a steam mop having a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler is provided. The mop includes a housing with an electric boiler and a water pump coupled to a water tank with the pump being actuated by the user&#39;s movement to pump water to the boiler for distribution to a steam pocket frame attachment. A fabric steam pocket is mounted on the steam pocket frame to provide a improved cleaning surface. 
         [0008]    The steam pocket frame is connected to the boiler by at least one side arm. In one embodiment, water is 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. 
         [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the steam pocket frame is pivotally connected to one side arm for allowing 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 right or left handed users. 
         [0011]    The fabric steam pocket is 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. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a steam mop and steam pocket frame attachment to provide increased steam cleaning surface area. 
         [0013]    Another 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. 
         [0014]    Another object of the invention is to provide a fabric steam pocket that is easily mounted on a steam pocket frame. 
         [0015]    A further object of the invention is to provide a steam pocket frame attachment with a fabric cover that does not allow steam to escape at points of contact with brush bristles. 
         [0016]    Yet another object of the invention is a fabric steam pocket that can be used for dual side cleaning. 
         [0017]    Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification. 
         [0018]    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 
         [0019]    For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing(s), in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  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 the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a front plan view of a housing and assembly for use with the steam mop of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a bellows pump suitable for use with the steam mop of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a water container suitable for use with the steam mop and handle shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a handle suitable for use with the steam mop of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of a steam pocket frame for use with the steam mop of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6B  is a plan view in cross-section of the steam pocket frame of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a fabric steam pocket suitable for use with the steam pocket frame attachment of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the mop of  FIG. 1  with a fabric steam pocket mounted on the attachment frame; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  exploded perspective view showing how the steam mop of the type shown in  FIG. 1  is assembled; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a steam mop including two side arms constructed and arranged in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a fabric steam pocket mounted onto the steam pocket frame of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view showing how the steam mop of  FIG. 10  is assembled; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a piston pump suitable for use with the steam mop of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]      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 steam pocket frame  21  mounted to a housing or main body  16  by a side arm  17 . A water container or tank  14  is mounted to the upper part of housing  16  with a handle  11  and in connected to a boiler  46  by a pump  29  having a one-way outlet valve  37 . A water container cover  19  is closed when handle  11  is installed. Water container  14  also has a handle release button  13  for ease of use to easily detach and attach handle  11 . 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 . 
         [0035]    Steam pocket frame  21  is rectangular in shape and includes a steam inlet coupling  22  at the side end and at the end of side arm  17 . Steam generated in a steam boiler  46  shown in  FIG. 2  dispenses steam into arm  17  and into frame  21 . A rectangular fabric steam pocket  24  is mounted over frame  21  and is attached to the steam inlet coupling  22  side thereof by Velcro strips  66  and  67  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is a front plan view of housing  16  of steam mop  10  including boiler  46  with a water hose  41  having a water inlet  38  and a water outlet  39 . Water flows through one-way outlet valve  37  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to water inlet  38  and enters boiler  46  via through water hose  41 . A steam hose  44  with a steam inlet  42  and a steam outlet  43  is coupled to boiler  46 . Water inlet  38  and boiler  46  are connected to a power source by a power cord  47 . Steam generated in boiler  46  exits through steam hose  44  with steam inlet  42  and steam outlet  43 . Conveniently, main body  16  also includes an indicator light  49  to indicate when steam temperature is appropriate for use. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  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. 3  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  33 . 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 . 
         [0038]    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 pocket  24  mounted on frame  21 . 
         [0039]    Water container  14  suitable for use with the steam mop  10  is shown in  FIG. 4 . Water container  14  has a top portion  14   a  and a bottom portion  14   b . Here, top portion  14   a  has a cone shaped open top  28  that functions as a funnel for the user to easily fill water into water container  14 . Water container cover  19  shown in  FIG. 5  covers cone shaped open top  28  of water container  14  when assembled. A user presses handle release button  13  to disassemble handle  11  from water container  14  for ease of filling container  14 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of handle  11  for use with steam mop  10 . Handle  11  has an adjustable height button  12  and includes at the distal end of water container cover  19 , which connects to water container  14 . Preferably, handle  11  is a telescopic handle. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6A  is a top perspective view of a rectangular steam pocket frame  21  including a front wall  51 , a rear wall  52 , a right side wall  53  and a left side wall  54 . A plurality of baffles  58  extends from front wall  51  to rear wall  52  within frame  21 . Baffles  58  are planar in shape and extend perpendicular from the front wall to the back wall of frame  21 . Frame  21  has right side wall  53  with steam inlet coupling  22  connected thereto. Right side wall  53  also connects to arm  17 . Frame  21  has a passageway  61  that extends from right side wall  53  to left side wall  54  perpendicular to baffles  58 . Passageway  61  has a plurality of vents or openings  62  for distributing steam into the spaces between baffles  58  and to a steam pocket mounted thereon. An advantage of steam pocket frame  21  is that steam rises out of upper surface of frame  21  to provide a dry surface with the benefits of steam when cleaning. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6B  is a plan view in cross-section of steam pocket frame attachment  21 . The plurality of vents  62  are on both sides of passageway  61  and are parallel to baffles  58 .  FIG. 7  shows a top cross-sectional view of steam pocket frame attachment  21 . 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 7 , steam pocket  24  is configured to slip over frame  21 . In this respect, it is formed of a first layer  24   a  and an opposed second layer  24   b  (not shown), each having a rectangular shape with two opposed long edges  24   c  and  24   d  and two opposed short sides  24   e  and  24   f . Long edges  24   c  and  24   d  and one long side  24   f  are stitched to form pocket  24 . 
         [0044]    Straps  66  and  67  are fixed to an open side of steam pocket  24 . In the preferred embodiment, fasteners  66  and  67  are Velcro-type fasteners. Alternatively, straps  66  and  67  may include buttons or snaps. In each case, straps  66  and  67  are placed over frame  21  and secured to hold pocket  24  in place when used to clean a floor or other surface. 
         [0045]    In the illustrated embodiment, steam pocket  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 pocket  24  is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber. 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  shows fabric steam pocket  24  mounted onto the steam pocket frame attachment  21  suitable for use with the steam pocket frame attachment of  FIG. 1 . This is also shown by the direction of Arrow C. Steam pocket frame attachment  21  may be rotated as shown by Arrow D so user may use both sides of steam pocket fabric  24  without having to reinstall steam pocket  24 . This extends the time steam pocket  24  may be used without having to rinse and reinstall it. 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view showing how the steam floor mop of the type shown in  FIG. 1  is assembled, which is indicated by arrows. 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of steam floor mop  100  including a steam pocket frame  121  for receiving a fabric steam pocket cover constructed and arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. All elements in  FIG. 10  are present and identified by the same reference numerals plus 100. Here, a steam pocket frame  121  is mounted on the distal end of two side arms  117  and  118  coupled to a housing  116 . Steam pocket frame  121  is rectangular in shape and includes a steam inlet coupling  122  at side end. A steam outlet  123  dispenses steam into side arm  117  into a steam pocket frame fabric pocket  124 . Frame  121  also has a left side wall that has a connector  130  that connects arm  118 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a rectangular fabric steam pocket  124  that shows how rectangular steam pocket fabric  124  is installed on steam pocket frame  121 . Fabric steam pocket  124  is wrapped around the front wall  151  and back wall  152  circumference of steam pocket frame  121 . 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  127  to the front wall  151  or back wall  152  of steam pocket frame  121 . 
         [0050]    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 steam pocket  124  is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber. 
         [0051]    Steam inlet coupling  122  and connector  130  attached to steam pocket frame  121  and may be rotated as shown by Arrow B 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. 
         [0052]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view showing how the steam floor mop of the type shown in  FIG. 10  is assembled, which is indicated by arrows. 
         [0053]      FIG. 13  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. 13  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  33 . Pump inlet  79   a  and pump outlet  79   b  are connected by a sealed movable joint  83  that will allow a piston  82  to move freely inside a cylinder  81  without leaking water in between them. Water can only flow in one direction through valve  33 . Pump outlet  79   b  is connected to a second one-way duck bill valve  37  in the bottom portion of piston pump  79 . 
         [0054]    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  81 . The volume space in cylinder  81  is compressed by piston  82  as handle is pushed, distance B increases and water is ejected from cylinder  81  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 . 
         [0055]    Steam floor mop  10  and  100  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. 
         [0056]    Steam pocket frame  21  and  121  with fabric steam pocket fabric  24  and  124  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. 
         [0057]    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. 
         [0058]    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. 
         [0059]    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 pocket frame attachment with a fabric pocket cover in accordance with the invention provides a vast improvement over placing a towel onto a bristle attachment for a steam cleaned. It avoids puncture of the cloth by the bristles and provide twice the cleaning surface. Moreover, the fabric cover is easily installed and replaced.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5