Patent Description:
Document <CIT> discloses a cleaning apparatus <NUM> including a cleaning head <NUM>, a housing member <NUM>, and an elongate member <NUM> extending therebetween. The housing member <NUM> has a steam outlet <NUM> which communicates with a steam generator. The elongate member is releasably connected to the steam inlet <NUM> of the cleaning head <NUM> by way of a first holding device <NUM>.

Document <CIT> discloses a cleaning apparatus including a steam generator, an external pipe <NUM> connected to a floor brush <NUM>, and teaches a pipe <NUM> including an inner pipe <NUM>, an outer pipe <NUM>, and a guide groove <NUM>. The guide groove <NUM> is configured to interface with a guide rib on an adapter segment <NUM> such that the adapter segment <NUM> and the outer pipe <NUM> are restrained in radial and axial movement. The inner pipe <NUM> is provided within the outer pipe <NUM> and is kept at a distance from the inner pipe <NUM> by using spokes <NUM>. This is to make sure that the outer pipe maintains a suitable temperature during operation.

<CIT> discloses a cleaning apparatus <NUM> including a fluid reservoir <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, a tube <NUM>, and at least one interchangeable head <NUM>. A telescoping body <NUM> extends between the fluid reservoir <NUM> and the head <NUM>. The cleaning apparatus <NUM> might also include steamer with a boiler element, such that the cleaning fluid in the fluid reservoir <NUM> is heated to provide for better and more efficient cleaning. A nozzle <NUM> is provided on the exterior of the telescoping body <NUM>.

<CIT> discloses a hand held unit <NUM> including a tube assembly <NUM>, and a set of heads (e.g., flat brush <NUM>, curved nozzle <NUM>, ironing brush <NUM>, small round brush <NUM>, shovel <NUM>, ironing cloth cover <NUM>, window brush <NUM>, table brush <NUM>, table brush rag <NUM>). The hand held unit <NUM> can be a multi-function steam cleaner.

The invention defines a steam cleaning apparatus according to claim <NUM>. Further developments are given in the dependent claims.

The invention will now be described with respect to the drawings in which:.

The invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus such as a steam cleaning apparatus or steam mop, for steam cleaning surfaces. More specifically, the invention relates to a steam mop that can be converted into different use configurations, including hand-held use.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a steam cleaning apparatus <NUM> according to one embodiment of the invention. The steam cleaning apparatus <NUM> of the illustrated embodiment may alternatively be referred to herein as a steam mop, and includes a steam unit <NUM>, a detachable handle tube <NUM> and a base <NUM> adapted to move over a surface to be cleaned. The steam mop <NUM> can generate and deliver steam to a surface to be cleaned, including floor surfaces, such as tile, linoleum, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood floors, and other hard surfaces such as tiles and countertops. The steam mop <NUM> is convertible between different modes of operation to efficiently clean different surface types and hard-to-reach areas.

For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in <FIG> from the perspective of a user behind the steam unit <NUM> and holding the steam unit <NUM> by its grip, which defines a rear of the steam unit <NUM> or steam cleaning apparatus. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

The steam unit <NUM> can comprise a modular, handheld steam unit <NUM> that can be used independently of the handle tube <NUM> and base <NUM> to clean a surface. Thus, the handle tube <NUM> and base <NUM> are removable or detachable from the steam unit <NUM>. The steam mop <NUM> is convertible between at least two different modes of operation, including an upright or mopping mode of operation shown in <FIG>, in which the handle tube <NUM> and base <NUM> are attached to the steam unit <NUM>, and a handheld mode of operation shown in <FIG>, in which the handle tube <NUM> and base <NUM> are detached from the steam unit <NUM>. The upright or mopping mode may be useful for cleaning floor surfaces, such as tile, linoleum, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood floors, while the handheld mode may be useful for cleaning other hard surfaces such as tiles and countertops.

The steam mop <NUM> can further be provided with other modes of operation, such as a remote cleaning mode of operation, shown in <FIG>, in which the handle tube <NUM> is attached to the steam unit <NUM> and the base <NUM> is removed, which allows the steam mop <NUM> to clean remote or hard to reach areas. Another mode of operation is a handheld accessory mode of operation, one example of which is shown in <FIG>, in which the handle tube <NUM> is detached from the steam unit <NUM>, and a cleaning accessory tool is attached in its place. For example, the base <NUM> itself can be directly attached to the steam unit <NUM>. Other examples of accessory tools that can be used in the handheld accessory mode are shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view through the steam unit <NUM> of the steam cleaning apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. The steam unit <NUM> can comprise a housing <NUM> with a pistol-style grip <NUM> and which carries a steam delivery system for generating steam and delivering the steam to a surface to be cleaned. The steam delivery system can include a steam generator <NUM> in the form of a heater for heating liquid to at least <NUM> to generate steam, a supply tank <NUM> in fluid communication with an inlet <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM>, a pump <NUM> which pressurizes the delivery system to supply liquid from the tank <NUM> to the steam generator <NUM>, an actuator <NUM> for the pump <NUM> to deliver liquid on demand to the steam generator <NUM>, and a steam distribution nozzle <NUM> in fluid communication with an outlet <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM> for delivering steam to a surface to be cleaned directly, or indirectly via the handle tube <NUM>, base <NUM>, or another cleaning tool as described in further detail below. The steam distribution nozzle <NUM> can be provided on a steam outlet conduit <NUM> protruding from the steam unit housing <NUM>. The steam outlet conduit <NUM> can further mount various attachments, including the handle tube <NUM> and/or one or more cleaning tools described herein. Flexible tubing or other suitable fluid conduits <NUM>, <NUM> can connect pump <NUM> with the steam generator inlet <NUM> and the steam generator outlet <NUM> with the steam distribution nozzle <NUM>, respectively.

The liquid in the supply tank <NUM> can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids, including, but not limited to, water or mixtures containing water. The supply tank <NUM> can be removable from the housing <NUM> for refilling the tank <NUM> with liquid, or can be refilled when on the housing <NUM>.

The steam distribution nozzle <NUM> can include at least one nozzle outlet <NUM> on the unit housing <NUM> for delivering steam to a surface to be cleaned. The steam distribution nozzle <NUM> can be in an opposing relationship to the pistol grip <NUM>, with the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> on a forward end of the unit housing <NUM> and the pistol grip <NUM> a rearward end of the unit housing <NUM>. A bottom <NUM> of the unit housing <NUM> can define a substantially flat surface on which the unit <NUM> can rest in an upright position.

A power cord <NUM>, which emerges from the interior of the housing <NUM> through a cord aperture <NUM>, can be used to provide power to electrical components of the steam mop <NUM> from a source of power, such as a home power supply, upon actuation of the actuator <NUM>. Alternatively, the steam mop <NUM> can be powered by a portable power supply, such as a battery.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the base <NUM> of the steam cleaning apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. The base <NUM> includes a base housing <NUM>, a swivel joint, and a steam distribution nozzle <NUM>, where the base <NUM> is adapted to mount a steam cleaning pad <NUM> on the bottom of the base housing <NUM>, and where the base <NUM> can be mounted to a distal end of the handle tube <NUM> (<FIG>), or alternatively, the base <NUM> can be mounted directly to the steam outlet conduit <NUM> on the steam unit <NUM> (<FIG>). The swivel joint <NUM> couples the base housing <NUM> to the handle tube <NUM> or steam unit <NUM> for movement about at least two orthogonal axes of rotation X, Y. In one embodiment, the swivel joint <NUM> can be a universal joint. The swivel joint <NUM> includes a coupler <NUM> that receives one end of the handle tube <NUM> (<FIG>) or one end of the steam unit <NUM> (<FIG>), and a foot pedal <NUM> that is pressed to release the coupler <NUM> from the handle tube <NUM> or unit <NUM>, respectively.

As shown herein, the base housing <NUM> is generally rectangular and includes an upper cover <NUM> and a lower cover <NUM> which are assembled together. Other configurations for the base housing <NUM> are also possible.

The steam distribution nozzle <NUM> is in fluid communication with the steam generator <NUM> of the steam unit <NUM> via the handle tube <NUM>. The steam distribution nozzle <NUM> can be provided between the upper and lower covers <NUM>, <NUM> and is adapted to direct steam through the lower cover <NUM> to the pad <NUM>, which can substantially cover a lower surface of the lower cover <NUM>. Windows <NUM> for viewing the cleaning pad <NUM> can be provided in the upper cover <NUM>. Flexible tubing or another suitable fluid conduit <NUM> can deliver steam to the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> and can, for example, extend through the swivel joint <NUM> and couple with a fluid connector <NUM> (<FIG>) provided inside the coupler <NUM>. The fluid connector <NUM> is configured to receive the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> of the steam unit <NUM> or the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> of the handle tube <NUM> in order to fluid connect the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> in the base <NUM> with the steam delivery system of the steam unit <NUM>. The upper and lower cover <NUM> can together form a cradle <NUM> for receiving a portion of the swivel joint <NUM>, and the cradle <NUM> can partially define the first axis X of the swivel joint <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the handle tube <NUM> can comprise an elongate tubular housing <NUM> with a first end adapted to be attached to the steam unit <NUM> and a second end adapted to be attached to the base <NUM>. The second end can further comprise a steam distribution nozzle <NUM> (<FIG>) that is in fluid communication with a steam conduit <NUM> (<FIG>) extending through the tubular housing <NUM> to the first end. Coupling the tubular housing <NUM> with the steam unit <NUM> places the steam conduit <NUM> in fluid communication with the steam delivery system, with the unit nozzle <NUM> supplying steam to the steam conduit <NUM>, which in turn provides the steam to the handle nozzle <NUM>.

A detent latch for mounting the handle tube <NUM> to the steam unit <NUM> is provided, and may include a pivoting button <NUM> carried by the handle tube <NUM> which engages a detent <NUM> (<FIG>) provided on the outlet conduit <NUM> of the steam unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the button <NUM> can be carried by the steam unit <NUM>, with the detent <NUM> provided in the handle tube <NUM>.

The handle tube <NUM> can be used with the steam unit <NUM> to deliver steam with or without the base <NUM>. In the upright mode, shown in <FIG>, the steam unit <NUM>/handle tube <NUM> assembly is pivotally connected to the base <NUM> for directing the base <NUM> across the surface to be cleaned. The pistol grip <NUM> on the steam unit <NUM> can be used for maneuvering the steam mop <NUM> over a surface to be cleaned. When connected between the steam unit <NUM> and the base <NUM>, the handle tube <NUM> defines a portion of the steam delivery pathway between the steam generator <NUM> in the steam unit <NUM> and the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> in the base <NUM>. When used without the base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the steam mop <NUM> can deliver steam to the surface from the handle nozzle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the upright mode, the base <NUM> can be indexable between two different orientations relative to the steam unit <NUM>. <FIG> shows the base <NUM> in a wide orientation, with a long side or edge <NUM> of the generally rectangular base <NUM> facing forwardly, and <FIG> shows the base <NUM> in a narrow orientation, with a short side or edge <NUM> of the generally rectangular base <NUM> facing forwardly. For a generally rectangular base <NUM> as shown herein, the edges <NUM>, <NUM> can be generally straight sides of the base housing <NUM> that meet at a common vertex or corner of the base housing <NUM>. By "generally rectangular", the base <NUM> can have an overall rectangular shape as shown herein, with two long edges <NUM> joined by two short edges <NUM>, but the edges <NUM>, <NUM> may meet at non-right angles, such as at rounded corners as shown herein, or may have opposing long and short edges <NUM>, <NUM> of different length. Other shapes for the base housing <NUM> are possible, including those having at least one long side or edge and at least one short side or edge, and including those where the at least one long side or edge and the at least one short side or edge are non-straight but have an overall length that is different.

The indexing mechanism for flipping the orientation of the base <NUM> between wide and narrow allows the handle tube <NUM> and attached base <NUM> to be rotated <NUM> degrees so that either the short edge <NUM> or the long edge <NUM> of the base <NUM> can be oriented orthogonal to the direction of travel <NUM> of the steam mop <NUM> during operation. The direction of travel <NUM> refers to a direction of movement along an imaginary vertical plane passing through the grip <NUM> and handle tube <NUM>. This allows the base <NUM> to be reoriented easily for cleaning areas that are particularly narrow, such as narrow space between toilet and wall or cabinets, for example, in addition to being oriented to clean a wider path in larger, more open areas. In both orientations, the swivel joint <NUM> allows movement about at least two axes of rotation, including front-to-back and side-to-side.

In one example illustrated in the figures, the indexing mechanism includes a spring-biased control ring or actuator sleeve <NUM> on the first end of the handle tube <NUM> that is adapted to be attached to the steam unit <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> locks the handle tube <NUM> in one of the two orientations relative to the steam unit <NUM>. Pulling the sleeve <NUM> in a direction away from the steam unit <NUM> unlocks the handle tube <NUM> and allows the handle tube <NUM> to be rotated (together with the base <NUM>) between the wide and narrow orientations. Releasing the sleeve <NUM> will re-lock the handle tube <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a wall hanger unit <NUM> can be provided with the steam mop <NUM> for storing the steam unit <NUM>, handle tube <NUM> and base <NUM>. The wall hanger unit <NUM> can attach a wall or other vertical surface, and can have separate receivers <NUM>, <NUM> for mounting the steam unit <NUM> and the handle tube <NUM>, respectively. The individual receivers <NUM>, <NUM> allow, for example, the steam unit <NUM> to be removed from the wall hanger unit <NUM> while the handle tube <NUM> remains stored on its receiver <NUM>, and vice versa. However, the steam unit <NUM> receiver can alternatively mount the entire assembled steam mop <NUM> as well. Also, if the steam unit <NUM> and handle tube <NUM> are in use without the base <NUM>, the base <NUM> can optionally be mounted on the handle receiver <NUM> for storage.

The steam mop <NUM> can optionally comprise an accessory tool caddy <NUM> for storing a variety of nozzle attachments or accessory tools that can be attached to the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> of the steam unit <NUM> in place of the handle tube <NUM> or base <NUM> and/or to the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> of the handle tube <NUM> in place of base <NUM>. The tool caddy <NUM> can be carried on the unit housing <NUM>, such as by being be mounted to the bottom <NUM> of the handheld unit <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or can be coupled with the wall hanger unit <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The wall hanger unit <NUM> can have separate receiver <NUM> for mounting the tool caddy <NUM>. The tool caddy <NUM> can be configured to be interchangeably coupled with the steam unit <NUM> or the wall hanger unit <NUM>. When attached to the steam unit <NUM>, a bottom <NUM> of the tool caddy <NUM> can define a substantially flat surface on which the steam unit <NUM> can rest in an upright position.

Some examples of interchangeable accessory tools that can attach to the steam distribution nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, and include, but are not limited to a flat grout cleaning brush <NUM> for cleaning the grout in between tiles, a flat scraping tool nozzle <NUM> for scraping sticky messes such as gum, sap, tar, etc., an angled nozzle <NUM> with a narrow outlet opening for concentrating steam in tight or confined spaces, and a round brush <NUM> for detailing small areas such as a stove, grill, shower, or other bathroom areas. The brushes <NUM>, <NUM> have bristles, while the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> do not Any of these tools <NUM>-<NUM> can be coupled with the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> of the steam unit <NUM> or the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> of the handle tube <NUM>. A universal coupling such as a bayonet coupling can be provided on all tools <NUM>-<NUM> so that they can be interchangeably used with the steam mop <NUM>.

<FIG> are views of a pivot lock mechanism for the steam mop <NUM>. The pivot lock mechanism is configured to prevent side-to-side rotation of the handle tube <NUM> when the handle tube <NUM> is in the upright, detented position, which may be an over-vertical position in which the handle tube <NUM> is tilted slightly forwardly of vertical, relative to the surface on which the base <NUM> rests. The pivot lock mechanism includes a lock bar <NUM> that engages a detent <NUM> in the swivel joint <NUM> in the upright position. The detent <NUM> can, for example, be formed in a cover of the swivel joint <NUM> which partially defines the axis Y. The lock bar <NUM> can be fixed within the base housing <NUM>, while the detent <NUM> moves with the coupler <NUM> of the swivel joint <NUM>. The pivot lock mechanism is configured to disengage the swivel joint <NUM> when the handle tube <NUM> is reclined to an in-use position, so that the handle tube <NUM> is free to move side-to-side about axis Y, as well as up and down about axis X. By reclining the handle tube <NUM>, the detent <NUM> moves away from the lock bar <NUM>, freeing swivel joint <NUM> to move sideways, i.e. side-to-side.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a base <NUM>' and indexing mechanism for the steam mop <NUM>, where like elements are referred by the same reference numeral bearing a prime (') symbol. Instead of rotating the entire handle tube <NUM> like in the previous embodiment (see <FIG>), the current embodiment of the indexing mechanism rotates the base <NUM>' only.

The base <NUM>' includes a base housing <NUM>', a swivel joint <NUM>', and a steam distribution nozzle <NUM>', where the base <NUM>' is adapted to mount a steam cleaning pad <NUM>' (<FIG>) on the bottom of the base housing <NUM>', and where the base <NUM>' can be mounted to a distal end of the handle tube <NUM> (<FIG>), or alternatively, the base <NUM>' can be mounted directly on the steam unit <NUM> (<FIG>) as described above for the first embodiment. The swivel joint <NUM>' couples the base housing <NUM>' to the handle tube or steam unit <NUM> for movement about at least two orthogonal axes of rotation. In one embodiment, the swivel joint <NUM>' can be a universal joint. While not shown, the swivel joint <NUM>' can includes a coupler similar to the coupler <NUM> from the first embodiment that receives one end of the handle tube <NUM> or one end of the steam unit <NUM>, and a foot pedal similar to the foot pedal <NUM> from the first embodiment that is pressed to release the coupler from the handle tube <NUM> or unit <NUM>, respectively.

As shown herein, the base housing <NUM>' includes an upper cover <NUM>' and a lower cover <NUM>' which are assembled together. The base housing <NUM>' is generally rectangular, with a long edge <NUM>' and a short edge <NUM>'. While not shown, windows for viewing the cleaning pad <NUM>' can be provided in the upper cover <NUM>'. Other configurations for the base housing <NUM>' are also possible.

The steam distribution nozzle <NUM>' can be provided between the upper and lower covers <NUM>', <NUM>' and is adapted to direct steam through the lower cover <NUM>' to the pad <NUM>', which can substantially cover a lower surface of the lower cover <NUM>'. Flexible tubing or another suitable fluid conduit (not shown) can deliver steam to the steam distribution nozzle <NUM>' and can, for example, extend through the swivel joint <NUM>' as described above with respect to the first embodiment of the base <NUM>.

The indexing mechanism of the base <NUM>' includes a detent latch <NUM> for selectively locking and unlocking the base <NUM>' relative to the swivel joint <NUM>' so the base housing <NUM>' can be selectively rotated <NUM> degrees relative to the swivel joint <NUM>', between wide and narrow orientations similar to those shown in <FIG>. Unlike <FIG> however, at least a portion of the base <NUM>' rotates relative to the steam unit <NUM> or handle tube <NUM>. Thus, the steam distribution nozzle <NUM>' is always positioned towards the leading edge of the base <NUM>' regardless of whether the base <NUM>' is in the wide or narrow orientation, i.e. whether the leading edge is defined by the long edge <NUM>' or the short edge <NUM>'. This configuration differs from the previous embodiment in which the position of the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> is fixed relative to the base <NUM>, which prevents the nozzle <NUM> from being positioned towards the leading edge of the base <NUM> in both wide and narrow orientations.

The swivel joint <NUM>' is mounted on a turret plate <NUM>, and the base housing <NUM>' rotates around the turret plate <NUM>, and therefore also rotates about the swivel joint <NUM>'. The swivel joint <NUM>' and the turret plate <NUM> can collectively define a turret assembly <NUM> about which the base housing <NUM>' can selectively be rotated. The steam distribution nozzle <NUM>' is provided on the turret assembly <NUM>, such that the base housing <NUM>' is further selectively rotatable relative to the steam distribution nozzle <NUM>'.

The detent latch <NUM> selectively locks out rotation of the turret plate <NUM>. The detent latch <NUM> may include a spring-biased retainer <NUM> carried by the base housing <NUM>' which engages a detent <NUM> provided on the turret assembly <NUM>, such as on the turret plate <NUM> in the embodiment shown herein. Alternatively, the retainer <NUM> can be carried by the turret assembly <NUM>, with the detent <NUM> provided in the base housing <NUM>'. A foot pedal <NUM> can be operably coupled with the retainer <NUM>, and can be depressed to release the retainer <NUM> from the detent <NUM>, which allows the base housing <NUM>' to rotate about the turret assembly <NUM>. Releasing the foot pedal <NUM> will re-lock the detent latch <NUM>.

A spring <NUM> biases the retainer <NUM> toward the detent <NUM>. As shown herein, the spring <NUM> can specifically bias the foot pedal <NUM> upwardly away from the upper cover <NUM>' of the base housing <NUM>'. This biases the retainer <NUM> downwardly due to a pivotal coupling between the foot pedal <NUM> and the base housing <NUM>' which is defined by a pivot axle <NUM> operably coupled between the foot pedal <NUM> and the retainer <NUM> and a pivot axle receiver <NUM> provided on the base housing <NUM>', such as on the lower cover <NUM>'. As shown here, the pivot axle <NUM>, foot pedal <NUM>, and retainer <NUM> may be molded together as one piece, although other configurations are possible.

It is noted that two detents <NUM> corresponding to the wide and narrow orientations can be provided in the turret assembly <NUM>. As shown herein, the two detents <NUM> can be provided approximately <NUM> degrees apart, in correspondence with the wide and narrow orientations.

In the embodiment shown herein, the turret plate <NUM> also mounts the steam distribution nozzle <NUM>'. The nozzle <NUM>' can be aligned with a steam outlet opening <NUM> in the bottom of the base housing <NUM>', such as in the lower cover <NUM>', for dispensing steam to the cleaning pad <NUM>'. The steam outlet opening <NUM> can be elongated or oversized to accommodate for the movement of the base housing <NUM>' relative to the nozzle <NUM>'. As shown herein, the steam outlet opening <NUM> can be arcuate in shape to accommodate for the rotation of the base housing <NUM>' relative to the turret assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> show a third embodiment of an indexing mechanism for the steam mop <NUM>, where like elements are referred by the same reference numeral bearing a double prime (") symbol. The third embodiment of the indexing mechanism includes a keyed interface coupling between the handle tube <NUM>" and the steam unit <NUM>" that permits the handle tube <NUM>" to be mounted to the steam unit <NUM>" in any of three positions, so that one long side <NUM>" of the base <NUM>" can face forward, or either short side <NUM>" of the base <NUM>" can face forward. The handle tube <NUM>" can be mounted to the steam unit "straight" or the handle tube <NUM>" can be rotated by <NUM> degrees clockwise or counterclockwise prior to being locked to the steam unit <NUM>".

Referring to <FIG>, the handle tube <NUM>" can comprise an elongate tubular housing <NUM>" with a first end adapted to be attached to the steam unit <NUM>" and a second end adapted to be attached to the base <NUM>". The second end can further comprise a steam distribution nozzle (not shown) that is in fluid communication with a steam conduit <NUM>" extending through the tubular housing <NUM>" to the first end. Coupling the tubular housing <NUM>" with the steam unit <NUM>" places the steam conduit <NUM>" in fluid communication with the steam delivery system, with the unit nozzle <NUM>" supplying steam to the steam conduit <NUM>", which in turn provides the steam to the base <NUM>".

The first end of the handle tube <NUM>" comprises a tube insert <NUM>, which is press fit into the handle tube <NUM>", for selectively connecting and releasing the handle tube <NUM>" to the steam outlet conduit <NUM>" of the steam unit <NUM>"in various positions. A detent latch for mounting the handle tube <NUM>" to the steam unit <NUM>" is provided, and may include a release button <NUM> on the tube insert <NUM>, which can be biased by a spring <NUM> and has a detent <NUM> that engages a recessed catch <NUM> on the steam outlet conduit <NUM>" on the steam unit <NUM>", near the steam distribution nozzle <NUM>". The tube insert <NUM> can further include a steam connector <NUM> which is received in an end of the steam conduit <NUM>". Upon coupling the tubular housing <NUM>" with the steam unit <NUM>", the steam distribution nozzle <NUM>" is press fit into the tube insert <NUM> in fluid communication with the steam connector <NUM>.

A spring-biased control ring or actuator sleeve <NUM>, shown herein as comprising a tubular housing, is mounted to the tube insert <NUM> via detent hooks <NUM> on an inner wall of the tubular housing that are received within corresponding recesses <NUM> on an outer wall of the tube insert <NUM>. A spring <NUM> can bias the sleeve <NUM> toward the steam unit <NUM>", longitudinally with respect to the handle tube <NUM>".

Referring additionally to <FIG>, an upper rim of the sleeve <NUM> comprises a lug <NUM>, for engaging a recessed track <NUM> on the steam outlet conduit <NUM>". The track <NUM> shown herein comprises a T-shape, with an axial track portion <NUM> joined with a circumferential track portion <NUM>, where the axial track portion <NUM> extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular housing <NUM>" and the circumferential track portion <NUM> extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular housing <NUM>". A first and second end recess <NUM>, <NUM> are formed in the steam unit housing <NUM>" at the ends of the circumferential track portion <NUM>, which corresponds to a <NUM> degree offset around the perimeter of the steam outlet conduit <NUM>" from the axial track portion <NUM>. A third end recess <NUM> is axially aligned with the axial track portion <NUM>. The end recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are sized to receive the lug <NUM> on the sleeve <NUM>, which locks the handle tube <NUM>" in one of the wide or narrow orientations.

In use, the rotational position of the handle tube <NUM>" (and thus, the base <NUM>") can be adjusted as follows: To orient the first end of the handle tube <NUM>" at <NUM> degrees, i.e. in the wide orientation where the long edge <NUM>" of the base <NUM>" faces forward, a user aligns the lug <NUM> with the track <NUM> and slides the lug <NUM> up the axial track portion <NUM> until the lug <NUM> is received in the third end recess <NUM>, whereupon the detent <NUM> on the release button <NUM> will engage the catch <NUM> on the steam outlet conduit <NUM>", locking the handle tube <NUM>" to the steam unit <NUM>". To rotate the handle tube <NUM>", the user depresses the release button <NUM>, slides the lug <NUM> out of the end recess <NUM> and into the circumferential track portion <NUM> by twisting the tube <NUM>" clockwise or counter-clockwise so the lug <NUM> slides to either of the first or second end recess <NUM>, <NUM>. The user then slides the lug <NUM> into the desired end recess <NUM>, <NUM> at which point the release button detent <NUM> engages the catch <NUM> and locks the handle tube <NUM>" to the steam unit <NUM>" at <NUM> degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, i.e. to one of the narrow orientations where one of the short edges <NUM>" of the base <NUM>" faces forward. As shown in <FIG>, rotating the handle tube <NUM>" allows the user to orient either the long edge <NUM>" or either short edge <NUM>" of the base <NUM>" to face forward, depending on the cleaning need.

<FIG> show a fourth embodiment of an indexing mechanism for the steam mop <NUM>, where like elements are referred by the same reference numeral bearing a triple prime (‴) symbol. The fourth embodiment of the indexing mechanism includes a spring-biased control ring or actuator sleeve on the first end of the handle tube <NUM>‴ that is adapted to be attached to the steam unit <NUM>‴ and that permits the handle tube <NUM>‴ to be rotated (together with the base <NUM>‴) between a wide orientation where the long side <NUM>‴ of the base <NUM>‴ faces forward or a narrow orientation where the short side <NUM>‴ of the base <NUM>‴ faces forward.

Referring to <FIG>, the handle tube <NUM>‴ can comprise an elongate tubular housing <NUM>‴ with a first end adapted to be attached to the steam unit <NUM>‴ and a second end adapted to be attached to the base <NUM>‴. The second end can further comprise a steam distribution nozzle (not shown) that is in fluid communication with a steam conduit <NUM>‴ extending through the tubular housing <NUM>"' to the first end. Coupling the tubular housing <NUM>‴ with the steam unit <NUM>‴ places the steam conduit <NUM>‴ in fluid communication with the steam delivery system, with the unit nozzle <NUM>‴ supplying steam to the steam conduit <NUM>‴, which in turn provides the steam to the base <NUM>‴.

A detent latch for mounting the handle tube <NUM>‴ to the steam unit <NUM>‴ can be provided, and may be provided via an adapter housing <NUM> provided at a first or proximal end of the handle tube <NUM>"'. The adapter housing <NUM> includes a pivoting release button <NUM> biased by a spring <NUM> for selectively securing the handle tube <NUM>‴ to the steam outlet conduit <NUM>‴ on the steam unit <NUM>‴. The release button <NUM> includes a catch <NUM> for retaining a detent <NUM> on the steam outlet conduit <NUM>"'. When the release button <NUM> is depressed, the catch <NUM> disengages from the detent <NUM> and the entire handle tube <NUM>‴ can be removed from the steam unit <NUM>"'.

The indexing mechanism allows the handle tube <NUM>‴ and base <NUM>‴to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the tubular housing <NUM>"', relative to the adapter housing <NUM> and steam unit <NUM>"', which remain stationary. In one embodiment, the indexing mechanism can include a tube insert <NUM>, a connector <NUM>, a compression spring <NUM>, and an actuator sleeve <NUM>.

The tube insert <NUM> comprises a cylindrical body that is configured to retain the connector <NUM> within the handle tube <NUM>‴. The tube insert <NUM> has detents <NUM> on an outer portion that are received within detent openings <NUM> in the tubular housing <NUM>"'. The tube insert <NUM> is configured to be press fit securely into the tubular housing <NUM>". An inner flange <NUM> on a lower portion of the tube insert <NUM> comprises a proximal flange surface <NUM> and a distal flange surface <NUM>, the proximal flange surface <NUM> oriented towards the first end of the handle tube <NUM>‴ and the distal flange surface <NUM> oriented towards the second end of the handle tube <NUM>"'. The distal flange surface <NUM> mates with an outer flange <NUM> on the connector <NUM> such that the connector <NUM> is retained within the tubular housing <NUM>"'. A plurality of tabs <NUM> extend proximally from a rim of the tube insert <NUM> and are received within slots <NUM> formed within the sleeve <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> engage the slots <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM>, which can selectively induce rotation of the tube insert <NUM>, including the handle tube <NUM>"' fixed thereto when a user twists the sleeve <NUM> to index the base <NUM>‴ relative to the steam unit <NUM>‴.

The distal end of the adapter housing <NUM> is secured to a proximal end of the connector <NUM> by fasteners (not shown) such that the position of the connector <NUM> relative to the adapter housing <NUM> and steam unit <NUM>‴ is fixed. Steam conduits <NUM>, <NUM> formed within the adapter housing <NUM> and connector <NUM>, respectively, are fluidly connected to the steam distribution nozzle <NUM>"'on the steam unit <NUM>‴ such that a continuous steam flow path extends from the steam outlet conduit <NUM>‴ on the steam unit <NUM>‴ through the adapter housing <NUM>, connector <NUM> and through the steam conduit <NUM>‴ inside the handle tube <NUM>‴ to a steam distribution nozzle (not shown) on the base <NUM>‴, but which can be identical to the steam distribution nozzle <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" of any of the previous embodiments.

The compression spring <NUM> is mounted around the connector <NUM> and is sandwiched between the proximal flange surface <NUM> on the tube insert <NUM> and a rib (not shown) inside the sleeve <NUM>. The compression spring <NUM> biases the sleeve <NUM> towards the steam unit <NUM>‴.

The connector <NUM> further comprises a pair of U-shaped tracks <NUM> on an outer portion thereof that receive lugs <NUM> formed on an inner wall of the sleeve <NUM>. Each U-shaped track <NUM> comprises a pair of axial track portions defining end recesses <NUM> and a circumferential track portion <NUM> joining the end recesses <NUM>. The lugs <NUM> on the sleeve <NUM> are configured to slide through the axial track portions when the sleeve <NUM> is pushed distally, or away from the steam unit <NUM>", and returns upwardly under the force of the compression spring <NUM>. When pushed distally, the sleeve <NUM> can be twist about the longitudinal axis of the handle tube <NUM>‴ to slide the lugs <NUM> through the circumferential track portions <NUM> to move the lugs <NUM> into alignment with either end recesses <NUM> of the tracks <NUM>.

<FIG> are rear perspective views showing the actuator sleeve <NUM> in various positions during the indexing. In <FIG>, the adapter housing <NUM> and steam unit <NUM>‴ have been removed for clarity. <FIG> shows the actuator sleeve <NUM> in a proximal or home position, as shown in <FIG>, where the sleeve <NUM> is biased by the spring <NUM> toward the adapter housing <NUM> and steam unit <NUM>‴ and the handle tube <NUM>" is in the wide orientation. <FIG> shows the actuator sleeve <NUM> in a retracted position in which the handle tube <NUM>‴ is free to index between the wide and narrow orientations. <FIG> shows the actuator sleeve <NUM> in a proximal or home position where the handle tube <NUM>" is in the narrow orientation.

Referring to <FIG>, to index the handle tube <NUM>‴, and therefore the base <NUM>"', the sleeve <NUM> is moved to the retracted position. Specifically, the sleeve <NUM> is pushed distally, or away from the steam unit <NUM>"', compressing the spring <NUM> and sliding the lugs <NUM> out of the end recesses <NUM> of the U-shaped tracks <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Next, the handle tube <NUM>‴can be rotated <NUM> degrees by twisting the sleeve <NUM>, which slides the lugs <NUM> to the opposite end of the circumferential track portion <NUM> of the U-shaped track <NUM>. At <NUM> degrees rotation, the lugs <NUM> reach alignment with the other end recess <NUM>, or return portion, of the U-shaped track <NUM> and slide upwardly to either proximal home position shown in <FIG> under the force of the compression spring <NUM>, which urges the sleeve <NUM> proximally toward the steam unit <NUM>"'. The reverse process is followed to index the handle tube <NUM>‴ and base <NUM>‴ back to the previous orientation. It is noted that the tabs <NUM> on the tube insert <NUM> remain engaged with the slots <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM> at all times during indexing, and thus, the handle tube <NUM>"' and the sleeve <NUM> are interconnected as the sleeve <NUM> is rotated.

There are several advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the apparatuses described herein. For example, the embodiments of the invention described above allow for quickly converting the steam mop <NUM> between different modes of operation.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is that embodiments of the base <NUM>, <NUM>', base <NUM>", base <NUM>‴ described above can quickly be indexed between different orientations, depending on the size of the area to be cleaned.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the interchangeable tools and tool caddy provide flexible application to different cleaning tasks in a user's home.

Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the steam unit <NUM> shown in the illustrated embodiment offers a more ergonomic and comfortable gripping position, with the pistol-style grip <NUM> positioned at the rear of the unit.

Claim 1:
A steam cleaning apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a steam unit (<NUM>) comprising a hand-held steam unit housing (<NUM>), a steam generator (<NUM>) provided in the hand-held steam unit housing (<NUM>), and a supply tank (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the steam generator (<NUM>); and
a handle tube (<NUM>), comprising:
an elongate tubular housing (<NUM>) with a first end operably coupled with the steam unit (<NUM>) and a second end spaced from the first end and the second end;
at least one conduit (<NUM>) within the elongate tubular housing (<NUM>); and
at least one connection located at the second end of the elongated tubular housing (<NUM>); characterized by
an indexing mechanism configured to move the handle tube (<NUM>) between a first orientation and a second orientation, the indexing mechanism comprising an actuator sleeve (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) on the first end of the elongate tubular housing (<NUM>), wherein the actuator sleeve (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) locks the handle tube (<NUM>) in one of the first orientation and the second orientation.