U.S. patent application number 11/496143 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for steam mop.
Invention is credited to Maximilian Rosenzweig, Ognjen Vrdoljak.
Application Number | 20080236635 11/496143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39052986 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080236635 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosenzweig; Maximilian ; et
al. |
October 2, 2008 |
Steam mop
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.
Inventors: |
Rosenzweig; Maximilian;
(Montreal, CA) ; Vrdoljak; Ognjen; (Laval,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael I. Wolfson;Greenberg Traurig, LLP
34th Floor, 200 Park Avenue
New York
NY
10166
US
|
Family ID: |
39052986 |
Appl. No.: |
11/496143 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B08B 1/00 20130101; F22B
1/285 20130101; B08B 2230/01 20130101; F22B 1/28 20130101; F04B
5/02 20130101; A47L 13/22 20130101; A47L 13/256 20130101; A47L
13/225 20130101; F04B 43/0063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/105 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/34 20060101
A47L011/34 |
Claims
1. A steam mop, comprising: 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 by at
least one tubular side arm; wherein activation of the pump pumps
water from the water container to the boiler for generation of
steam.
2. The steam mop of claim 1, further including a handle coupled to
the pump whereby movement of the handle activates the pump.
3. The steam mop of claim 1, wherein the water container is an
elongated cylinder.
4. The steam mop of claim 3, wherein the water container has a
filling spout at one end of the elongated cylinder.
5. The steam mop of claim 5, wherein the filling spout is in the
shape of cone.
6. The steam mop of claim 2, wherein the water container is
positioned between the pump inlet and the handle.
7. The steam mop of claim 1, wherein the pump is a mechanical
bellows pump with a one-way inlet valve and a one-way outlet
valve.
8. The steam mop of claim 1, wherein the pump is a mechanical
piston pump with a one-way inlet valve and a one-way outlet
valve.
9. The steam mop of claim 1, wherein the steam pocket frame is
substantially rectangular with a front wall, a rear wall, a right
side wall, and a left side wall with a central hollow steam channel
running from one sidewall to the other side wall; and includes a
plurality of baffles disposed perpendicular to the central steam
channel between the front and rear walls, wherein the side arm is
connected to the central steam channel on the at least one side
wall.
10. The steam mop of claim 2, wherein the handle is a telescopic
handle.
11. The steam mop of claim 2, wherein the bottom of the handle is a
water container cover.
12. The steam mop of claim 1, wherein there are two opposed side
arms connecting the steam outlet of the main body to the steam
pocket frame.
13. A steam pocket frame for mounting a fabric steam pocket for use
with a steam mop, wherein the frame is a substantially rectangular
frame, the frame comprising: a front wall; a rear wall; and a right
side wall; and a left side wall; a steam inlet on at least one side
wall is connected to the outside of one side wall; a plurality of
baffles disposed perpendicular to the steam pocket frame between
the front and rear walls; and the frame is connected to the steam
inlet for receiving steam from the mop and to distribute steam to a
steam pocket mounted on the frame.
14. The steam pocket frame of claim 13, wherein the steam pocket
frame is adaptable to be rotatably mounted when attached to a steam
inlet arm.
15. The steam pocket frame of claim 13, wherein the steam pocket
frame has a passageway that extends between the side walls
perpendicular to the baffles.
16. The steam pocket frame of claim 15, wherein the passageway has
openings to direct steam into the space between the baffles.
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'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'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 29a and a pump outlet 29b.
Bottom portion 14b of water container 14 is attached to pump inlet
29a through a conduit 31. Arrow A shows the direction of water
flow. Pump outlet 29b is connected to a one-way duck bill inlet
valve 33. Pump inlet 29a and pump outlet 29b 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 29b 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 29a 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 14a and a
bottom portion 14b. Here, top portion 14a 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 24a and an
opposed second layer 24b (not shown), each having a rectangular
shape with two opposed long edges 24c and 24d and two opposed short
sides 24e and 24f. Long edges 24c and 24d and one long side 24f 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 79a and a
pump outlet 79b. Bottom portion 14b of water container 14 is
attached to pump inlet 79a through a conduit 31. Arrow A shows the
direction of water flow. Pump outlet 79b is connected to a one-way
duck bill inlet valve 33. Pump inlet 79a and pump outlet 79b 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 79b 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 29a 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.
* * * * *