Patent Abstract:
A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of fabric joined at their peripheral edge with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of an outer terry layer and inner material with an upper jersey layer, padding and a lower mesh layer with a 45 degree quilting pattern to improve performance. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/210,175 entitled “Quilted Fabric Towel Steam Pocket for a Steam Appliance”, filed Aug. 15, 2011, now published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2011/0296633, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/467,057, entitled “Quilted Fabric Towel Steam Pocket for a Steam Appliance”, filed May 15, 2009, which is now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,996,948, and which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional Application No. 61/172,523 filed Apr. 24, 2009, entitled “Fabric Towel Pocket for a Steam Appliance”, each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to a fabric pocket for a steam appliance, and more particularly to a quilted fabric towel in the form of an envelope to form a steam pocket when installed on a steam frame of a steam appliance. 
         [0003]    Steam cleaners and/or 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. Steam cleaners also have been used for cleaning carpeted floors, but usually overly saturate the carpet and require long period of time to dry. 
         [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. A cloth or towel is placed on a steam frame coupled to the steam nozzle to distribute the steam. 
         [0006]    Notwithstanding the wide variety of steam generating appliances and cleaning towels available, there exists the need to provide improved accessories for use with a steam cleaner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a quilted fabric in the form of an envelope with one open edge for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam generating device to form a steam pocket is provided. The quilted fabric towel has improved steam distribution properties. The fabric layers of the steam pocket have a terry outer layer and an inner knit fabric lining material that includes a base mesh layer, a padding layer and a jersey layer facing the outer terry layer. The surface of the towel is diagonally quilted from the open edge at 45 degrees to the closed front in geometric pattern with quilt lines crossing at 90 degrees. A slot along the open back edge is provided to accommodate a connection to the appliance and allow for unlimited steering of the steam pocket and use of both sides of the towel for cleaning. 
         [0008]    The fabric envelope is formed from two substantially planar layers of fabric configured to fit over a steam frame with fasteners to lock the pocket closed about the frame. The surface layers are joined around their perimeter along the sides and leaving an open edge for mounting onto the steam frame. A pair of fastening strips are secured to the inner side of one layer along the open edge and on the outer side of the other layer with one set of strips extending beyond the edge. When placed on the frame and secured the fabric edges of both layers are butting each other along a closure line. This locks the steam pocket closed to prevent the escape of steam out the open edge of the fabric envelope. In another embodiment, the fabric may include a pull ribbon for assisting installation on to the frame. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved fabric steam towel to form a steam pocket in a steam appliance. 
         [0010]    Another object of the invention is to provide a steam towel for a steam appliance with improved cleaning performance. 
         [0011]    Yet another object of the invention is to prove a fabric towel with a closure to lock the pocket closed in the back of the steam frame for improved steaming. 
         [0012]    A further object of the invention is to provide a steam towel for a steam appliance with improved push/pull performance. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a steam towel for a steam appliance having improved durability. 
         [0013]    Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification. 
         [0014]    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 
         [0015]    For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing(s), in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a steam mop including a steam pocket constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the mop housing in section showing a reservoir, a pump and a boiler in the mop of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the steam mop frame and universal connector in the steam mop of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the universal connector for connecting the steam frame to the appliance housing as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the steam frame showing the details of the steam frame of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a rectangular quilted fabric steam towel suitable constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention for use with the steam appliance of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of a triangular quilted fabric steam towel in accordance with the invention that may be used with a triangular shaped steam frame and connector for the mop of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of a triangular steam frame showing for use with the quilted fabric steam towel of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a schematic in section showing the terry and lining layers of the fabric towel in accordance with the invention; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  are schematics showing the position of hook and loop fasteners on the top and bottom layers of the steam towel in accordance with the invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a rear elevation schematic view of the towel closure constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a partial rear elevational view of the installed steam towel with a pull ribbon on a steam frame in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a steam mop  10  constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention. Mop  10  includes an elongated housing  11  with a water reservoir  21  and a boiler  23  shown in  FIG. 2  and an upper tube  12   a  and a lower tube  12   b  connected to one end of housing  11 . A handle  13  is attached to the end of upper tube  12   a.  A steam frame  14  with a receiving slot  20  with an installed steam pocket  15  is operatively connected to the other end of housing  11  by a connector  16 . In this embodiment, connector  16  and frame  14  may be removed from housing  11  by pressing a release button  17  at the base of housing  11 . Water is introduced into a reservoir  21  at a water inlet or opening  18   a.  The level of water present in a reservoir  21  in housing  11  can be viewed through a sighting window  19 . The specifics of fabric steam pocket  15  will be described below. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a front plan view in section showing the location of elements in housing  11 . Water container  21  is positioned adjacent and surrounds boiler  23 . A one-way pump  22  pumps water from reservoir  21  to boiler  23  in response to the push-pull movement of mop  10 . This movement of handle  13  activates operation of pump  22  and one way inlet and outlet valves. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 3-5  show the details of construction of universal connector  16  and steam frame  14  used with steam mop  10  of  FIG. 1 . Frame  14  is substantially rectangular in shape, open at the top and bottom with plurality of baffles as will be described in detail below. 
         [0031]    Universal connector  16  includes and upper connection piece  26  with pivot plates  26   a  and  26   b  and a lower connection piece  27  with two pivot arms  27   a  and  27   b  coupled at a pivot pins  28  on upper piece  22  that allows steam frame  14  and housing  11  to pivot side to side. 
         [0032]    Lower connection piece also includes two side arms  29   a  and  29   b  with a central opening  29   c  for passage of a flexible steam hose  32  to feed steam to frame  14 . Frame  14  includes connector receiving slot bushings  33   a  and  33   b  for receiving side arms  29   a  and  29   b . Two mounting plates  34   a  and  34   b  secure arms  29   a  and  29   b  in place to allow for up and down pivoting of arms  29   a  and  29   b.  This configuration allows for both sides of frame  14  and steam towel  15  to be used for steaming a surface to cleaned and for unlimited steering of the steam pocket during use. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5  steam frame  14  includes a rear wall  14   a  with connector receiving opening  20  in the center, a front wall  14   b  and a right side wall  14   c  and a left side wall  14   d.  A plurality of baffles  38  extend within the walls of frame  14 . Frame  14  also includes a central steam passageway or manifold  36  that runs from the rear of frame  14  at a receiving slot  20  to a front border  14   e.  A plurality of steam release openings  37  are formed on both sides of manifold  36  along the top and bottom thereof. These release openings  37  are positioned between each baffle  38 . Baffles  38  are substantially orthogonal to manifold  33  in the center of frame  14  and extend sideways and curve rearward to the side edges and rear wall of frame  14 . 
         [0034]    Steam hose  32  is connected to manifold  36  at a hose plate  39  mounted at the entrance to manifold  36 . Short fins  41  extend from the sides of manifold  36  and edges  14   c  and  14   d  approximately at the mid-height of manifold  36  and side walls  14   c  and  14   d  to assist in distribution of steam to the upper and lower surfaces of steam towel  15  installed on frame  14  to form the steam pocket when in use. 
         [0035]    Universal connector  16  provides many advantages for ease of use because it easily connect and disconnect to mop frame while providing a user with universal pivoting and steering capability. The user has more control of the appliance and frame by the universal connection to clean whatever areas that need to be clean and allows use of both sides of steam frame  14  for cleaning. In addition, the universal connector may be attached to any variety of differently shaped mop frames, such as rectangular frame  14  or a triangular frame shown in  FIG. 7   a  for use with towel as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  shows a rectangular towel envelope  46  with a “U” shaped slot  47  and is configured to slip over frame  14  to form a steam pocket  15 . Steam towel  46  is formed of a first quilted fabric layer  48  and an opposed second quilted fabric  49 . Quilted fabric  48  and  49  each have a substantially rectangular shape with a rear edge  51  in sections about slot  47 , a front edge  52  and two short edges  53  and  54 . The steam pocket formed by frame  14  and towel  46  is joined at edges  54 ,  52  and  53  by stitching to form fabric steam towel  15 . As shown in  FIG. 7  a steam pocket fabric  56  may be triangular in shape or any shape with an open rear mounting edge  57  about a gap  58  for mounting over a steam frame  59  as shown in  FIG. 8 . Triangular frame  59  includes a slot  60  for receiving connector  16  as described in detail above in connection with frame  14 . 
         [0037]    Steam pocket fabric envelopes  15 ,  46  and  56  are open at rear edges  15   a,    51  and  57 . The fabric along the opening may be closed with a hook and loop fastener, buttons or snaps. Here, steam towels  15  and  46  have slots  20 ,  47  and  57  to fit around the width of connector  16 . This allows for vertical rotation of housing  11  without bending the fabric of fabric steam towel  15 . It also allows use of both sides of steam towel  15 ,  46  and  56  for cleaning without having to remove and re-install the steam towel  15 . 
         [0038]    As shown, the steam pocket fabrics are quilted in accordance with the invention. In the illustrated embodiments quilting stitches  55  extends from rear edges  15   a,    51  and  57  at a 45 degree angle in two directions to the opposed fabric edges forming 2″ squares. The size of the squares may vary from about 1″ to about 3″. It has been found that providing a quilted fabric surface improves cleaning performance of steam mop  11  when used on a variety of different stains. Quilting makes it easier to push and pull mop  11  compared to steam towels of terry material. In addition, steam towels including quilting in accordance with the invention are more durable after as many as twenty washing and drying cycles along with usage between each wash cycle. 
         [0039]    Each fabric surface of the fabric towels are formed of two separate fabric layers. The outer layer is a woven terry of 100 percent polyester with a loop height of 3 mm of 0.72 denier yarn having a weight of 295 g/sq.m. The loops may vary from 2.5 to 3.5 mm with between 260 to 280 loops/sq. in. and the weight may vary from 280 to 310 g/sq.m. 
         [0040]    The inner lining material has three components. These are an outer jersey layer facing the outer terry layer, padding and an inner mesh layer. The total weight of the lining materials is between 130 to 156 g/sq.m, preferably 140 g/sq.m. and between 0.065 to 0.085 inch in thickness, preferably 0.076 inch thick. The mesh has between 3 to 3.75 wales per inch and the jersey between 12 and 15 wales per inch with between 20 to 27 courses per inch, preferably 23 courses per inch. 
         [0041]    The combined fabric layers have an overall thickness of between 0.15 to 0.17 inch, preferably 0.16 thick. The overall weight is between 435 to 485 g/sq.m., or preferably 460-461 g/sq.m. A schematic sectional showing of this fabric construction is set forth in  FIG. 9 . The fabric surfaces include an outside terry layer  61 , and inner lining material  62  that includes a mesh layer  63  facing outside layer  61 , a padding layer  64  and an inside jersey layer  66 . All open edges of each surface of the steam towels are stitched along the rear edge and around slots  20 ,  47  and  58 . 
         [0042]    It is desirable to seal the open edge of the steam towels  46  when installed on a steam frame to lock the pocket closed and prevent steam escape as shown in schematic in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b . One quilted surface  61  includes a first length of a hook and loop fastener  63  secured to an inside open edge  64  on both sides of slot  62 . Second quilted surface  66  with a complimentary slot  67  along open edge  68  in  FIG. 10   b  includes a complimentary hook and loop fastener  69  is secured to the opposed inside edge and extending beyond edge  68   a.  This will allow edges  64  and  68  on each surface to abut and form a seal  71  along rear edge of frame  14  as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0043]    Fabric steam towels in accordance with the invention 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 towels is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic 100% polyester microfiber. Typical dimensions for a rectangular steam pocket are about 13 inches wide and 7 inches deep and one inch thick. To close the open edge about 4 to 5 inches of fasteners are used on each side of the slots in the rear edges. 
         [0044]    When closure of edges  64  and  68  is complete and pocket  15  is sealed, the rear view is as shown in  FIG. 11 . Hook and loop fasteners  63  and  69  are not visible when installed. It is desirable to have fabric steam pocket  15  fit snugly about frame  14  for improved distribution of steam. In order to facilitate mounting fabric pocket  15  on frame  14 , a pull ribbon  76  is attached to one side of edge opening with two strips of elastic  72  that allows a user to mount pocket  15  on one side of back edge of frame  14  and then pull on ribbon  76  to complete the installation of fabric pocket  15 . Then hook and loop fasteners are secured to seal the envelope prior to use. 
         [0045]    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. 
         [0046]    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. 
         [0047]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0