U.S. patent application number 12/991678 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-06 for universal connector for a fluid mop.
This patent application is currently assigned to Euro-Pro Operating LLC. Invention is credited to Maximilian Rosenzweig, Ognjen Vrdoljak.
Application Number | 20110240068 12/991678 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40823248 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110240068 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosenzweig; Maximilian ; et
al. |
October 6, 2011 |
UNIVERSAL CONNECTOR FOR A FLUID MOP
Abstract
A steam appliance with a universal connector for connecting a
steam frame to a fluid source in the appliance housing is provided.
The universal connector includes an upper connection piece with a
proximal end for connection to the housing and a distal end with a
pair of pivot arms. A lower connection piece having a pair of pivot
plates for connecting to the pivot arms provides for a pivotal
connection with the of upper connection piece for side to side
pivot. A fluid conduit passes through the upper and lower
connection pieces for connecting the fluid source to the frame for
distribution of steam within the frame. The frame includes a
central steam passageway for distribution of steam between baffles
within the frame. The lower connection piece may be a distributor
with a pair of opposed elongated hollow arms for coupling to the
frame with a fluid conduit passing through an upper nipple portion
for distribution of steam into the frame through the hollow
distributor arms. The end of the distributor arms maybe adapted to
slip into a key slot in the mop frame and provide an axis to pivot
the joint in an up and down direction. Fabric mop towel envelopes
with an cut-out to permit rotation of the mop frame about the
distributor are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Rosenzweig; Maximilian;
(Montreal, CA) ; Vrdoljak; Ognjen; (Laval,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Euro-Pro Operating LLC
Newton
MA
|
Family ID: |
40823248 |
Appl. No.: |
12/991678 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
May 8, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/43339 |
371 Date: |
April 14, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/105 ;
15/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/256 20130101;
A47L 13/225 20130101; A47L 13/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/105 ;
15/115 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/34 20060101
A47L011/34; A47L 13/42 20060101 A47L013/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 9, 2008 |
US |
11/118015 |
Claims
1-5. (canceled)
6. The steam appliance of claim 21, wherein the steam frame is
substantially triangular in shape.
7. The steam appliance of claim 22, wherein the connector opening
comprises a notch extending inwardly from the rear edge of the
steam frame.
8. The steam appliance of claim 22, further comprising a steam
manifold extending in a direction from the connector opening toward
a front edge of the steam frame, wherein the steam frame includes a
plurality of baffles that intersect the steam passageway at
substantially right angles.
9-20. (canceled)
21. A steam appliance comprising: a housing including a steam
generator; a steam frame adapted to support a steam pocket; a
connector configured to connect the steam frame to the housing; and
a flexible conduit which passes through the connector, the flexible
conduit being configured to deliver steam to the steam frame when
steam is generated; wherein the steam frame includes first and
second opposed sides configured to release steam to the steam
pocket when steam is generated and the steam pocket is mounted to
the steam frame; and the connector is configured such that the
steam frame and the housing are allowed to pivot side-to-side and
up and down with respect to each other.
22. The steam appliance of claim 21, wherein the steam frame
includes a connector opening extending inwardly from a rear edge of
the steam frame such that the connector allows side-to-side and up
and down pivoting of the steam frame and the housing relative to
each other both when the first side of the steam frame is used for
cleaning and when the steam frame is turned over and the second
side of the steam frame is used for cleaning.
23. The steam appliance of claim 22, further comprising the steam
pocket, wherein the steam pocket has first and second fabric
layers, each fabric layer having an opening extending from an edge,
the openings being configured to permit pivoting of the steam frame
and housing relative to each other when the steam pocket is mounted
to the steam frame.
24. The steam appliance of claim 21, wherein the connector is
selectively releasable from the housing.
25. The steam appliance of claim 24, wherein the connector is
selectively releasable from the housing by pressing a release
button.
26. The steam appliance of claim 21, wherein the connector
comprises a universal connector.
27. The steam appliance of claim 21, wherein the steam frame has a
perimeter, and the connector is connected to the steam frame inside
the perimeter of the steam frame.
28. The steam appliance of claim 21, wherein the steam frame has a
rear wall, a front wall and two side walls, and the rear wall is
longer than the two side walls.
29. The steam appliance of claim 7, further comprising a steam
passageway extending in a direction from the notch toward a front
of the frame, the steam passageway including steam openings
configured to distribute steam into a steam chamber of the steam
frame.
30. A steam frame assembly comprising: a steam frame having a
plurality of perimeter walls; a plurality of baffles defining a
plurality of steam chambers which are open at a top and a bottom of
the steam frame; a steam manifold including steam openings
configured to distribute steam to the steam chambers; a first
perimeter wall of the plurality of perimeter walls having a
connector receiving notch extending into the steam frame from the
first perimeter wall.
31. The steam frame assembly of claim 30, further comprising a
universal connector having an upper connection piece and a lower
connection piece, the lower connection piece being connected to the
steam frame to allow up and down pivoting of the connector relative
to the steam frame, and the upper connection piece being releasably
connectable to a steam appliance housing, the upper connection
piece allowing side to side pivoting of the upper connection piece
relative to the lower connection piece.
32. The steam frame assembly of claim 31, wherein the connector is
connected to the steam frame inside the perimeter of the steam
frame.
33. The steam frame assembly of claim 31, wherein the lower
connection piece is connected to the steam frame inwardly from the
first perimeter wall.
34. The steam frame assembly of claim 31, further comprising a
flexible steam conduit which passes through the upper connection
piece and the lower connection piece, the flexible steam conduit
being in communication with the steam manifold.
35. The steam frame assembly of claim 34, wherein the steam
manifold comprises a steam conduit extending in a direction from
the notch toward an opposed perimeter wall of the steam frame.
36. The steam frame assembly of claim 35, wherein the steam conduit
comprises a plurality of steam openings configured to release steam
to the steam chambers.
37. The steam frame assembly of claim 36, wherein the baffles
intersect the steam conduit at substantially right angles and curve
toward the first perimeter wall of the steam frame.
38. The steam frame assembly of claim 31, further comprising a
steam pocket configured to be supported by the steam frame, the
steam pocket having a first fabric layer and an opposed second
fabric layer, the first and second layers being secured to each
other along edges of the layers, and being selectively closeable
along an unsecured edge.
39. The steam frame assembly of claim 30, wherein the steam frame
is substantially triangular in shape.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to a fluid mop, and more
particularly to a universal connector for connecting a mop steam
frame to a fluid source in the mop housing.
[0002] Wet and dry mops have been widely used for cleaning floors.
A type of wet mop is a steam mop, which works as a steaming
device.
[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, these connections provide suitable limited
steering capabilities.
[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a universal
connector for connecting the mop frame to a fluid source for
changing the angle between the housing and frame, to provide a full
range of steering and that easily disconnects from the mop
frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, steam
appliance and a universal connector for connecting an appliance
frame to a fluid source in a appliance housing and having improved
steering features is provided. The universal connector includes an
upper connection piece connected to the appliance housing at one
end and having a pair of parallel pivot plates at the other end. A
lower connector piece has pivot plates pivotally connected to the
pivot plates and that includes two side arms that are engaged by
the frame and free to pivot up and down. A flexible steam hose
passes through the upper and lower connection pieces and feeds
steam into a control manifold running from the back to the front of
the steam frame. Steam openings are provided along the manifold
between baffles that cross the manifold at right angles and then
extend to the sides and back edges of the steam frame.
[0007] The lower connection piece may be a fluid distributor having
a complimentary pair of pivot arms for pivotally connecting to the
pivot plates of the upper connection piece. The distributor has a
pair of opposed elongated hollow arms for coupling to a mop frame
and a hollow nipple portion for connecting to the fluid source. The
end of the distributor arms are adapted to engage the mop frame and
provide an axis to pivot the connector in an up and down direction.
A flexible fluid conduit passes through the upper connector piece
and is connected to the nipple portion of the fluid distributor for
distribution of fluid to the mop frame through the hollow
distributor arms.
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an
improved steam appliance.
[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
universal connector that easily connects and disconnects a mop
frame to a fluid source.
[0010] It is a further object of the invention is to provide a
connector for a mop that allows for turning over a mop frame for
improved cleaning.
[0011] Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a
universal connector that provides a full range of steering for mop
frames.
[0012] Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in
part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the
specification.
[0013] 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
[0014] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is
made to the following description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawing(s), in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steam appliance with a
steam frame with fabric towel installed on the frame and a
universal connector constructed and arranged in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the universal connector in
the appliance of FIG. 1 installed on a steam frame in accordance
with the invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper connector piece of
the universal connector of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIGS. 4A and 4B are rear elevational views of the universal
connector showing how the connector pivots to the right and left,
respectively;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower connector piece with
fluid distributor of the universal connector of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an elevational view in partial section of the
fluid distributor of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial sectional views of a distributor
engaged in the frame;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the distributor as it
is removed or installed from the frame;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the universal connected to a
rectangular frame and appliance housing in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an appliance with universal
connector and a fabric steam towel having a pivot slit installed on
a steam frame in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of fabric steam towel of FIG.
10 having a tab in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a steam mop having a
universal connector and steam frame with a central steam manifold
constructed and arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a front view of the mop housing in section
showing a reservoir, a pump and a boiler of the mop of FIG. 12;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the mop housing of
FIG. 12 in section showing connections for reservoir, boiler and
steam mop frame;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the steam mop frame and
universal connector of FIG. 14 in accordance with the
invention;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the universal connector
shown in FIGS. 14 and 15; and
[0031] FIG. 17 is rear perspective view of the steam frame shown in
FIGS. 12 and 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective new of a steam appliance
10 having a housing 11 including a water tank 21 and a steam
generator or boiler 17 with a fabric covered steam pocket 12
attached thereto. Steam pocket 12 includes a substantially rigid
steam frame 14 with a fabric steam towel 13 installed thereon. The
specifics of fabric steam pocket 12 will be described below. Steam
frame 14 is connected to housing 11 by a universal connector 16
constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention for
distribution of steam generated by a boiler 17. Steam is fed
through a steam hose 18 into steam frame 14 through connector
16.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of universal connector 16 shown
connected to steam frame 14 to allow housing 11 and steam frame 14
to pivot up and down and left to right and allow steam to be fed to
frame 14. Universal connector 16 includes an upper connection piece
22 having a housing or pipe end 22a that connects to housing 11 and
a pair of inner pivot plates 23 and 23b shown in FIG. 3 with pivot
buttons 24 at an other end 22b for pivotal connection to a lower
connection piece 25 with a fluid distributor 26 shown in FIGS. 5
and 6. Fluid distributor 26 includes a hollow nipple portion 27 and
a pair of pivot arms 28 that engage frame 14 as will be discussed
in more detail below.
[0034] Frame 14 as shown in FIG. 2 is substantially rectangular in
shape and includes two steam chambers 29, one on each side of
connector 16 with a plurality of baffles 31 that are separated by a
partition 32 and connector 16. Steam frame 14 has a pair of
receiving slots 32 with a key hole 33 for receiving for engaging
fluid distributor side arms 28 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In this
embodiment steam is distributed into steam chambers 29 through
distributor 26. Mop steam frame 14 may be any convenient shape,
such as oval or triangular so long as it has appropriate receiving
slots 32 for receiving distributor 26.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, lower connection piece with fluid
distributor 26 is shown with two upwardly extending distributor
arms 27a and 27b with holes 28a and 28b for aligning with pivot
buttons 24 for connecting to upper connection pivot plates 22a and
22b, respectively. This provides the right and left pivot
connection between upper connection piece 22 and fluid distributor
26.
[0036] As shown by arrow A connector 16 pivots right or left as
shown by arrow B around pivot buttons 24 as shown in FIGS. 4A and
4B. As shown in FIG. 6, fluid distributor 26 includes hollow nipple
portion 27 with a passageway 27a for connecting to hose 18 from the
fluid source. Pivot arms 28 that fit into receiving slots 32 of mop
steam frame 14 for connecting universal connector 16 to mop frame
14 for pivoting up and down are hollow with a fluid passageway 28a
through there. Distributor arms 28 may have two opposed flat
surfaces 28b and 28c at their respective ends for coupling to mop
frame 14.
[0037] FIGS. 7A and 7B shows mop steam frame 14 with connector
openings with a slot and a key hole 33 opening on each side for
receiving distributor arms 28. This provides for easy insertion and
engagement of distributor arms 28 and universal connector 16. When
engaged in key hole opening 33, distributor pivot arms 18 are free
to pivot up and down. Fluid enters hollow nipple portion 27 and is
fed through opening 28a to steam chambers 29 of mop steam frame
14.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows how universal connector 16 with distributor 26
is withdrawn from key hole slot 32 of mop steam frame 14. Here,
when flat surfaces 28b and 28c of pivot arms 28 are aligned with
slots 32, a user can easily reconnect or disconnect universal
connector 16 from mop frame 14.
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates another steam appliance 110 having a
housing 11 connected to a steam frame 114 by a universal connector
116 at a connection section 115. Housing 111 includes a water tank
119 and a boiler or steam generator 117. Water tank 119 has a water
outlet 121 connected to an inlet 123 of steam generator 117 via a
pump. At the other end of water tank 119 is a water inlet 122 for
adding water thereto. When the water in steam generator 117 is
heated and converted to steam, steam exits steam generator 117
through steam outlet 124 via a steam hose 126. Steam hose 126 is
connected to an upper connector piece 120 of universal connector
116. Steam frame 114 is shown as a rectangular form with baffles
running from back to front, but may be any convenient shape such as
a triangle or oval so long as there is a receiving section 115
along one wall thereof. Baffles may also be differently shaped.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1, fabric steam towel 13 is configured
to slip over frame 14. Towel 13 is formed of a first layer of
fabric 13a on the upper surface of frame 14 and an opposed second
layer of fabric 13b on the lower surface, each having a
substantially rectangular shape with two opposed long edges 13c and
13d and two opposed short sides 13e and 13f. Long edge 13c and two
opposed short sides 13e and 13f are stitched to form an envelope
for forming steam pocket 12. Accordingly, fabric steam towel 13 is
open on long edge 13d. The fabric along the opening on long edge
13d may be optionally closed with a hook and loop fastener, buttons
or snaps. Here, steam towel 13 is cut along a line 15 to form a
slot 15a around the width of universal connector 16 on the first
layer 13a and opposed second layer 13b of fabric towel 13. Slot 15a
has a length 15b from rear edge 13d to the front of arms 28 of
fluid distributor 16. This allows for vertical rotation and
pivoting of housing 11 without bending the fabric of fabric towel
13 and use both sides of steam 13 for cleaning without having to
remove and re-install steam towel 13 on frame 14.
[0041] FIG. 10 shows another steam pocket 212 connected to a steam
appliance housing 211 by a universal connector 216 in accordance
with another embodiment of the invention. Here, fabric steam towel
213 is configured to slip over frame 214 and is formed of a first
layer of fabric 213a and an opposed second layer of fabric 213b.
Each layer 213a and 213b has a rectangular shape with two opposed
long edges 213c and 213d and two opposed short sides 213e and 213f.
Long edge 213c and two opposed short sides 213e and 213f are
stitched together to form steam towel 213 into an envelope 213.
Accordingly, fabric steam pocket 213 is open on long edge 213d. The
fabric along open edge 213d may be optionally closed after
installation with a hook and loop fastener, buttons or snaps as
discussed above.
[0042] In order to accommodate the width of universal connector 216
steam pocket towel 213 has a pivot slit 215 on first layer 213a and
opposed second layer 213b. Slit 215 has a length 215a from rear
wall 213b to the pair of arms of fluid distributor to allow for
vertical pivoting without being restricted by steam pocket fabric
213. Slit 215 remains closed on the side of steam pocket facing the
floor when in use. This allows a user full use of both sides of
steam pocket 212 for cleaning.
[0043] FIG. 11 shows steam towel 213 with a pull tab 219 stitched
to long edge 213c opposed to slit 215 on long edge 213d. Pull tab
219 may be sewn onto the fabric of steam towel 213 by stitches
219a. Pull tab 219 allows a user to remove steam pocket towel 213
from frame 214 merely by pulling on it. Tab 219 also may be added
to steam pocket towel 13 of FIG. 1.
[0044] FIGS. 12-17 illustrate a steam mop 310 constructed and
arranged in accordance with the invention. Mop 310 includes an
elongated housing 311 with a water reservoir 321 and a boiler 323.
A pole 312 having an upper tube section 312a and a lower tube
section 312b connected to one end of housing 311. A handle 313 is
attached to the end of upper tube 312a. A steam frame 314 is
operatively connected to the other end of housing 311 by a
universal connector 316 constructed and arranged in accordance with
the invention. In this embodiment, connector 316 and frame 314 may
be removed from housing 11 by pressing a release button 317 at the
base of housing 311. Water is introduced into reservoir 321 at a
water inlet or opening 318a. The level of water present in a
reservoir 321 in housing 311 can be viewed through a sighting
window 319.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a front plan view in section showing the location
of elements in housing 311. Water container 321 is positioned
adjacent and surrounds boiler 323 to generate steam fed to frame
314 through steam hose 318. A one-way pump 322 pumps water from
reservoir 321 to boiler 323 in response to the push-pull movement
of mop 310. This movement of handle 313 causes operation of one way
valve 337 as will be described in detail below. Here, water
container 321 wraps around the back of housing 311.
[0046] FIG. 14 is a detailed front view showing the hoses
connecting water container 321 to one-way pump 322 and boiler 323.
Water pump 322 includes a pump body 333 having a pump cavity 333a.
A pump piston 334 is connected to a push rod 336 which in turn is
connected to pole 312 or handle 313. As mop handle 313 is pulled by
a user piston 334 creates a negative pressure in cavity 333a. This
draws water from reservoir 321 into a water supply hose 321a that
feeds into pump water inlet 327 through a one-way inlet valve 337
to fill cavity 333a. As handle 313 is pushed during use, piston 334
moves downward and water in cavity 333a is expelled through a
one-way outlet valve 338 into pump outlet hose 328. This water is
then introduced into a boiler inlet 323a in boiler 323. Water in
boiler 323 is heated by a heating element 339 in a boiler cavity
341. Heating element 339 is connected to electrical connectors 339a
and 339b. Steam generated in boiler cavity 341 is fed through a
steam valve 342 into a steam chamber 343. Steam is then expelled
through a steam outlet 344 to a steam hose 346 for connector to
universal connection 316.
[0047] One-way inlet valve 337 and one-way outlet valve 338 are
duck-bill valves formed of a flexible elastomeric material, such a
rubber. The valves are conical in shape so that when handle 313 is
pulled, water is drawn through inlet valve 337 while outlet valve
338 remains closed. Similarly, when handle 313 is pushed, water is
forced out through outlet valve 338 and inlet valve 337 remains
closed and water is fed into boiler 323. In another embodiment, a
mechanical bellow pump that may be used in steam mop housing 311 to
pump water from water container 321 to boiler 323. Alternatively,
the pump can be a two-way piston pump that pumps water when its
piston is displaced both in the forward direction and also in the
return backwards motion. This type of pump is shown in co-pending
application Ser. No. 11/842,478, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0048] While a mechanical pump has been described it is within the
scope of the invention to utilize an electrical pump. Such an
electrical pump can be actuated by a micro-switch or a motor
switch. In the illustrated embodiments, steam pocket towels 13 and
213 are a cloth or towel. They 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 12 and 212 is a
microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic
polyester microfiber.
[0049] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the details of
construction of a universal connector 416 and a steam frame 414 of
the type used in FIG. 12. Frame 414 is substantially rectangular in
shape, open at the top and bottom with a plurality of baffles
431.
[0050] Universal connector 416 includes an upper connector piece
422 similar in construction to upper connector piece 22 in FIG. 3
that allows a frame 414 and a housing 411 to pivot side to side and
up and down with respect to each other. Upper connection piece 422
is pivotally connected to a lower connection piece 426 having a
different construction. Here, lower connection piece includes two
pivot arms 428a and 428b with a central opening 428c for passage of
a flexible steam hose 430 to feed steam to frame 414. Frame 414
includes a connector receiving slot 414a for receiving arms 428a
and 428b pivotally secured to there by cylindrical cavities 432
below two mounting plates 432a and 432b to allow for rotation of
arms 428a and 428b.
[0051] In this embodiment frame 414 includes a central steam
passageway or manifold 433 that runs from the rear of frame 414 at
receiving slot 414a to a front border 414b. A plurality of steam
release openings 434 are formed on both sides of manifold 433 along
the top and bottom thereof. These release openings 434 are
positioned between each baffle 431. Baffles 431 are substantially
orthogonal to manifold 433 in the center of frame 414 and extend
sideways and curve rearward to the side edges and rear wall of
frame 414.
[0052] Steam frame 414 includes a rear wall 414a with a connector
receiving opening 415 in the center of rear wall 414a, a front wall
414b and a right side wall 414c and a left side wall 414d. Steam
hose 430 is connected to manifold 433 by a hose plate 431 mounted
at the entrance to manifold 433. Short fins 435 extend from the
sides of manifold 433 and edges 414c and 414d approximately at the
mid-height of manifold 433 and side walls 414c and 414d to assist
in distribution of steam to the upper and lower surfaces of a steam
towel installed on frame 414 when in use.
[0053] Universal connector 16, 116, 216 and 416 provides many
advantages for ease of use because they easily connect and
disconnect to a mop handle and a 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 1, 114, 214 and 414 for cleaning. In addition,
the mop frame may be rotated for easy steering and allows a user to
use both sides of the mop steam frame to clean. In addition, the
universal connector may attached to any variety of differently
shaped mop frames.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
* * * * *