U.S. patent application number 14/901338 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-19 for surface cleaning apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Phil Grove.
Application Number | 20160135656 14/901338 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48999325 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160135656 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grove; Phil |
May 19, 2016 |
SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS
Abstract
A surface cleaning apparatus that includes a cleaning head
having a body that defines a footprint to sit adjacent a surface to
be cleaned. The apparatus further includes a fluid storage
container and the cleaning head includes a nozzle configured for
directing fluid from the storage container to a surface outside of
the footprint of the body.
Inventors: |
Grove; Phil; (West Midlands,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED |
Tortola |
|
VG |
|
|
Family ID: |
48999325 |
Appl. No.: |
14/901338 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
February 7, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2014/050361 |
371 Date: |
December 28, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/322 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4088 20130101;
A47L 13/225 20130101; A47L 11/4036 20130101; A47L 11/4083 20130101;
A47L 11/34 20130101; A47L 11/4086 20130101; A47L 11/40
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/40 20060101
A47L011/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 1, 2013 |
GB |
1311767.6 |
Claims
1. A surface cleaning apparatus including: a cleaning head having a
body that defines a footprint to sit adjacent a surface to be
cleaned; and a fluid storage container; wherein the cleaning head
includes a nozzle configured for directing fluid from the storage
container to a surface outside of the footprint of the body.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus includes
at least two of said nozzles, each of the at least two nozzles
configured for directing fluid from the storage container to a
surface outside of the footprint of the body.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is
connected to the body.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the nozzle is
connected to a forwardly facing part of the body.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is moveable
relative to the body.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is
rotationally moveable relative to the body.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is
angularly moveable relative to the body.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is
laterally moveable relative to the body.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle includes a
portion which is telescopically moveable so as to effect a
displacement between an outlet of the nozzle and the body.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is
moveable towards and away from the surface to be cleaned.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is
resiliently moveable.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is
detachably connected to the body.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the detachable
connection is provided by one of suitable screw or bayonet
connection formations provided on the body and nozzle.
14. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the apparatus
includes a plurality of said nozzles, each of which is connectable
to the body as selected by a user.
15. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus
includes a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from the storage
container to the nozzle.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the valve is
actuated by a user operable switch.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the switch is
configured for controlling the amount of fluid which passes to the
nozzle.
18. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the fluid storage
container is a water storage container and wherein the apparatus
further includes: a steam generator including a heating element; a
pump for feeding water from the water storage container to the
steam generator; and a fluid passage for directing steam from the
steam generator to a cleaning head of the apparatus, wherein the
apparatus includes a further fluid passage for directing steam from
the steam generator to the nozzle.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the apparatus
includes a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from the storage
container to the nozzle, wherein the valve is actuated by a user
operable switch, and wherein the switch is configured for
controlling the amount of steam which passes from the steam
generator to the nozzle.
20. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the fluid storage
container is configured for holding a fluid containing a
detergent.
21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the apparatus
includes a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from the storage
container to the nozzle, wherein the valve is actuated by a user
operable switch, and wherein the switch is configured for
controlling the amount of detergent which passes from the detergent
storage container to the nozzle.
22. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the fluid storage
container is a water storage container and wherein the apparatus
includes: a steam generator in fluid communication with the water
storage container, the steam generator including a heating element;
a pump for feeding water from the water storage container to the
steam generator; a steam passage for directing steam from the steam
generator to a cleaning head of the apparatus; a further steam
passage for directing steam from the steam generator to the nozzle;
a detergent storage container; and a detergent passage for
directing detergent from the detergent storage container to the
nozzle.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the detergent
passage and the further steam passage are connected to a common
passage which connects to the nozzle.
24. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the nozzle includes
respective outlets from the further steam passage and from the
detergent passage.
25. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the apparatus
includes a device for controlling the amount of steam and/or
detergent which is directed to the nozzle.
26. An apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the device includes
a valve.
27. An apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the valve is
controlled by a user operable switch.
28. An apparatus according to claim 27 wherein user operable switch
is hand or foot operable and is positioned on the body of the
cleaning head.
29. An apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the apparatus
includes a wand and wherein the user operable switch is positioned
thereon.
30. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus
includes a tool for cleaning, the tool having a conduit which is
connectable to the nozzle.
31. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus
includes a tool for cleaning, each tool having a conduit which is
connectable to a respective part of the body to which the nozzle
connects.
32. An apparatus according to claim 1 including a source of suction
for removing water from the surface being cleaned.
33.-34. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a national phase application of
International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2014/050361, filed Feb.
7, 2014, which claims priority to U.K. Patent Application No.
1311767.6, filed Jul. 1, 2013, the entire contents all of which are
hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus. More
particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to an
apparatus for cleaning a surface such as a floor or wall which
utilises a source of steam.
[0003] The use of steam cleaners for cleaning floor and other
surfaces is well known. For cleaning floor surfaces, a steam
cleaner typically has a cleaning head comprising a body able to be
moved, by a user, over the surface to be cleaned, the body being
adapted to carry a cleaning element of or including a
fabric/textile or other material of a steam permeable absorbent
nature. Steam (or very hot water) is emitted from the body and
passes through the cleaning element to contact the surface being
cleaned, with the effect of loosening dirt from the surface. Dirty
water from condensation of the steam on the surface is absorbed by
the cleaning element.
[0004] The cleaning head, to enable it to be manipulated over the
surface being cleaned, may be attached to a wand and steam supplied
thereto by way of a hose from a separate steam generator.
Alternatively, the wand may itself be provided with a steam
generator and supply of water, to form a self-contained steam
cleaning device, sometimes referred to as a "stick" or "mop" type
of steam cleaner.
[0005] A further provision known in such a steam cleaner is the
ability to store a cleaning agent, e.g. a solution of a suitable
detergent, to assist the cleaning operation.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to the present invention, we provide a surface
cleaning apparatus including:
[0007] a cleaning head having a body that defines a footprint to
sit adjacent a surface to be cleaned; and
[0008] a fluid storage container;
[0009] wherein the cleaning head includes a nozzle configured for
directing fluid from the storage container to a surface outside of
the footprint of the body.
[0010] It should be appreciated that the invention is applicable to
many other types of surface cleaning apparatus, for example, carpet
washing apparatus/vacuums.
[0011] Further features of the invention are set out in the claims
appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus
in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning head of the
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the cleaning head of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the cleaning head of FIG. 2;
and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the cleaning head of FIG.
2;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the cleaning head of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front view of the cleaning head of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1 this shows a surface cleaning apparatus
10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The
apparatus 10 has a cleaning head with a body 20 which is pivotally
connected to a user graspable handle 11. Connected to the user
graspable handle 11 is a fluid storage container 30 and a housing
50 which houses a steam generator, a pump for feeding water from
the fluid storage container 30 to the steam generator and a fluid
passage connecting an output from the steam generator to the
cleaning head body 20. The working of the internal components of
the apparatus 10 will be described in greater detail later.
[0020] It can be seen from the figures that a lower end of the
handle 11 is pivotally connected to the body 20 by a connection
11a. In order to aid clarity, the handle 11 has been omitted in
FIGS. 2 through 7.
[0021] The cleaning head body 20 is substantially triangular in
plan view (see FIG. 3) and has a rear wall 20a and forwardly facing
walls 20b and 20c. The walls 20a, 20b, 20c, define a footprint F
which sits adjacent a surface to be cleaned.
[0022] Advantageously, the apparatus 10 includes a nozzle 40
configured for directing fluid to a surface outside of the
footprint F. In the present embodiment the nozzle 40 is connected
to a forwardmost portion of the cleaning head body 20 (at the
junction of the walls 20b, c) and is shaped so as to direct fluid
downwardly towards the surface outside of the footprint F. In the
present example the nozzle 40 is fixed relative to the cleaning
head body 20, but it should be appreciated that the nozzle 40 could
be moveable relative to the body 20. For example, the nozzle could
be rotationally moveable so as to direct fluid to either side of a
midline which extends through the body 20. Alternatively still, the
nozzle could be angularly and/or laterally moveable relative to the
body 20. Such movement of the nozzle 40 would permit a user to more
accurately direct the nozzle 40 on to a surface being cleaned.
[0023] Whilst not shown in the figures, the nozzle may include a
portion which is telescopically moveable so as to affect
displacement between an outlet of the nozzle 40 and the body 20. In
other words, the nozzle 40 could be configured so its overall
length could be extended and/or reduced so as to provide the user
with a greater control over the distance between an outlet from the
nozzle 40 and the surface being cleaned.
[0024] In some embodiments the nozzle 40 may be made from a
resilient material such that it is resiliently moveable relative to
the body 20. For example, the nozzle could be made from a rubber or
rubber-like material.
[0025] In some embodiments the nozzle 40 may be detachably
connected to the body 20, for example by a screw, press or bayonet
connection fitting. Whilst in the present embodiment a single
nozzle 40 is provided, embodiments are also envisaged including two
or more nozzles 40. In such embodiments the nozzles could be
positioned at any location around the periphery of the cleaning
head body 20. For example the one nozzle may be positioned
somewhere along the wall 20b whilst another is positioned somewhere
along the wall 20c. In addition, or as an alternative, the nozzle
or one of the nozzles may be positioned on the rear wall 20a.
[0026] The apparatus 10 includes a valve for controlling the flow
of fluid from the container 30 to the nozzle 40. That valve is
actuated by a user operable switch 60 which is positioned on the
body 20 of the cleaning head. The switch 60 is hand or foot
operable.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, as discussed
above, the apparatus 10 includes a steam generator in fluid
connection with the water storage container 30. The steam generator
includes at least one heating element positioned in a suitable
housing which heats water pumped thereto from the container 30 by a
pump. The purpose of the steam generator is to boil the water so as
to generate steam which is then passed through suitable fluid
passages to the underside of the cleaning head body 20 and to the
nozzle 40. Thus, the footprint F of the body 20 receives a
proportion of the steam generated and, when the valve is opened by
pressing the switch 60, steam is permitted to pass through a
suitable fluid passage to the nozzle 40. In some embodiment the
valve may be configured to permit steam to pass to either the
footprint F or the nozzle, or to both footprint F and the nozzle 40
at the same time.
[0028] In some embodiments the apparatus may include a detergent
storage container and a detergent passage for directing detergent
from the detergent storage container to the nozzle 40. In such an
embodiment the apparatus 10 may include a common passage connecting
the outlet from the steam generator to the detergent passage so as
to provide a combination of detergent and steam to the nozzle 40.
As an alternative, the nozzle may include respective outlets from
the steam generator and from the detergent passage (i.e. there
being two outlets from the nozzle 40). In some embodiments the
apparatus may include a device, e.g. a switch or user controllable
dial, for controlling the amount of steam and/or detergent which is
passed to the nozzle 40. Such a device may include one or more
valves positioned in the steam and detergent passages to control
the flow of fluid therethrough.
[0029] Although not shown in the figures, the apparatus may include
one or more tools for cleaning, with each tool having a conduit,
e.g. a flexible pipe or the like, which is connectable to the
outlet from the nozzle 40. As an alternative, where the nozzle 40
is detachably connected to the body 20, the conduit for each tool
may be connectable to the respective part of the body to which the
nozzle 40 connects. Such a connection may be a press connection, a
screw threaded connection or a bayonet connection. Other suitable
connections are envisaged without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0030] The present invention is, in some embodiments, advantageous
over prior art apparatus, because of its ability to provide fluid,
e.g. steam and/or detergent, to a floor surface outside of the
footprint F. This is highly desirable to a user as they can more
easily clean stubbornly dirty floor areas. The steam being emitted
from the nozzle is preferably at a higher pressure and/or flow rate
than that which passes to the footprint F, which means that
stubbornly dirty floor areas are more easily and quickly cleaned.
For example, the present invention is suited to surfaces such as
tiled floors and walls, with the nozzle being particularly useful
in cleaning grout joins between adjacent tiles.
[0031] Although not shown in the figures, embodiments of the
invention may include a source of suction, e.g. a vacuum source,
for removing dirt, emulsified dirt and/or condensed water from the
surface being cleaned.
[0032] When used in this specification and claims, the terms
"comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the
specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are
not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features,
steps or components.
[0033] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the
following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their
specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed
function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed
result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of
such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse
forms thereof.
* * * * *