Steam cleaner with liquid dispenser

Abstract

There is provided a steam-cleaning device that enables a user to dispense a liquid, such as a cleaning fluid, soap or detergent while simultaneously steam-cleaning. This can be accomplished through a steam-cleaning device having a handle, a connecting rod, and a cleaning head, whereby the connecting rod and cleaning head are connected by multiple joints for ease of use and maneuverability and can be disassembled into several parts. A heating element can be located in the cleaning head rather than in the handle or connecting rod. A removable cap can be removed to enable a user to add water and a liquid cleaner separately to the device. The cap can be used as a measuring cup for the water and is sized to act in a predetermined ratio with the amount of cleaning liquid inserted into the cleaning liquid area. This allows for the cleaning liquid to run out at approximately the same time that the water in the reservoir runs out, thereby reducing the number of times that a user must stop to refill either the water or the cleaning liquid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/780,665 filed on Mar. 9, 2006, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for steam cleaning. More particularly, the present invention relates to a steam cleaner adapted to dispense a liquid, such as a cleaning fluid, while simultaneously steam cleaning.

2. Description of Related Art

It is known to provide devices that can be used to clean objects with steam. A reservoir can be used to hold a quantity of water. A heater can be used to heat the water to a temperature sufficient to convert at least a portion of the water to steam. The steam can then flow out of the device to the surface to be cleaned.

Inherent shortcomings associated with these known devices include the inconvenience of providing a cleaning fluid at the same time as using the steam cleaner. A user must either apply the cleaning fluid to an area first and then steam clean the area or vice versa. There is a need for a device that can enable a user to easily apply a cleaning fluid and steam to an area simultaneously.

There is also a need for a device in the form of a mop that is user-friendly. For example, there is a need for a device that can be easily maneuvered and used in kitchens or other rooms to fit under the kick-space, which is generally around 4 inches in height. There is also a need for a device that can be conveniently disassembled to be easily stored and packaged.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art mentioned above. These and other objects are achieved by the present invention described herein.

The present invention achieves these and other objectives by providing a steam-cleaning device with a liquid dispenser that enables a user to dispense a liquid, such as a cleaning fluid, soap or detergent, for example, while simultaneously steam-cleaning. This can be accomplished through the use of a steam-cleaning device having a handle, a connecting rod, and a cleaning head.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting rod and cleaning head are connected by multiple joints for ease of use and maneuverability. This joint configuration enables the cleaning head to be generally rotated 360° about the connecting rod with minimal movement of the connecting rod by the user selectively rotating the handle. The steam-cleaning device can be disassembled into several parts for easy packaging, as well as storage between uses.

A heating element is preferably in the cleaning head rather than in the handle or connecting rod. A removable cap can be removed to enable a user to add water and a liquid cleaner separately to the device. The water is heated and turned into steam. The steam and the liquid cleaner flow through different conduits to flow to and through a cloth or sponge on the bottom of the cleaning head.

The cap can be used as a measuring cup for the water and is sized to act in a predetermined ratio with the amount of cleaning liquid inserted into the cleaning liquid area. This allows for the cleaning liquid to run out at approximately the same time that the water in the reservoir of the steam-cleaning device runs out, thereby reducing the number of times that a user must stop to refill either the water or the cleaning liquid since they will run out at approximately the same time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment with the drawings identified below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steam-cleaning device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a steam-cleaning device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a steam-cleaning device shown in a disassembled state.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the cleaning head a steam-cleaning device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the cap removed.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view of the cleaning head of a steam-cleaning device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the cleaning head of a steam-cleaning device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cleaning head of a steam-cleaning device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a steam-cleaning device 10, such as a cleaning mop, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The steam-cleaning device 10 generally includes a handle 12, a connecting rod 14, and a cleaning head 16. The handle 12 can be ergonomically shaped to comfortably fit within the hand of a user. The handle 12 and connecting rod 14 can include hooks 15 to be used as a cord wrap to store a portion or all of the cord 17 when not in use.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting rod 14 and cleaning head 16 are connected by a universal handle joint 18 for ease of use and maneuverability. The universal handle joint 18 is comprised of a rod end 20 and a head ring 22. The rod end 20 is preferably connected to the head ring 22 by a pin 24 running through the head ring 22. This enables the rod end 20, and thereby the connecting rod 14, to move in a rotational direction about the rod end pin 24 (i.e., direction A). The head ring 22 is preferably connected to the cleaning head 16 via two head ring pins 26 that preferably extend into slots within the cleaning head 16. This enables the head ring to rotate in a direction about an axis parallel to the top longitudinal surface of the cleaning head 16. The range of motion for the head ring 22 may be limited by the shape of the cleaning head 16. These joints 20, 22 together enable the cleaning head 16 to be generally rotated up to 360° about the connecting rod 14 with minimal movement of the connecting rod 14 by the user selectively rotating the handle. This method also provides the cord 17 with enough room to flex so that it will not break under many repetitions of rotation. However, any one of a variety of methods can be used to accomplish this purpose.

In an alternate embodiment, these joints 20, 22 enable the cleaning head 16 to be rotated more than 360°, possibly for multiple consecutive rotations. In another alternate embodiment, the joints 20, 22 are adapted to allow for a rotation less than 360° (e.g., up to 270°, for example).

Preferably, the steam-cleaning device can be conveniently disassembled into several parts for easy packaging, as well as storage between uses. FIG. 3 shows the steam-cleaning device 10 in a disassembled state. The connecting rod 14 is preferably comprised of a first portion 30 and a second portion 32. The handle 12 is preferably connected to the first portion 30, the first portion is connected to the second portion 32, and the second portion is connected to the cleaning head 16. However, the connecting rod 14 may be comprised of more or less than two portions. The rod 14 also may or may not be directly connected in a similar manner to the cleaning head 16. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 12 may be directly connected to the cleaning head 16 for cleaning surfaces other than floors.

In a preferred embodiment, these parts 14, 16, 30, 32 are connected via tabs 34 and holes 36. One example can be seen on the distal end 33 of the handle 12. The tabs 34 are preferably adapted to be biased in an outward direction. A certain amount of force will overcome the bias to enable the tabs 34 to be temporarily flush with the distal end 33. The proximate end 35 of the first portion 30 can be slid over the distal end 33 of the handle 12. The inner wall of the first portion 30 of the rod can press the tabs 34 inward to overcome the bias. As the first portion 30 is pushed up, the hole 36 overlaps the tab 34. This enables the tab 34 to pop out through the hole 36 to create a temporary lock. This temporary lock can be overcome by pressing on the tab 34 and sliding the first portion 30 of the rod away from the handle. In one embodiment, this connection is also used between the second portion 32 of the rod and the cleaning head 16. In addition, other ways of making these connections can be utilized.

FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the cleaning head 16. FIG. 4 shows the cleaning head 16 with the cap 40 removed, revealing an opening 42 in the top of the cleaning head 16. The opening 42 enables a user to pour water into the water reservoir 44. This is preferably done by filling the cap 40 with water in order to have an exact measurement of water. The cap 40 is then turned back over to pour the water into the opening 42. The opening 42 also has a cleaning liquid area 46 to enable a user to pour in a liquid, such as a cleaning fluid, soap or detergent.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, a heating element 48 heats the water in the water reservoir 44 to transform it into steam. The heating element is preferably in the cleaning head 16 rather than in the handle 12 or connecting rod 14. The steam can rise up and into the steam conduits 50 via the direction of the arrows. The steam can then flow downward toward the bottom 52 of the cleaning head 16 and out the steam orifices 54 into a cloth or sponge (not shown) attached to the cleaning head 16. In a preferred embodiment, the top level of the water within the reservoir 44 lies a substantial distance from the tops 51 of the steam conduits 50. This minimizes the amount of water that may splash into the steam conduits 50. Once the cleaning liquid is poured into the cleaning liquid area 46, the cleaning liquid flows down the liquid conduit 56 through the cleaning liquid hole 57 to the bottom 52 of the cleaning head 16. The cleaning head 16 configuration is sized to enable the cleaning head to fit under the kick-space of a kitchen, which is often approximately 4 inches in height.

Preferably, the steam-cleaning device 10 operates via plugging the cord 17 into a power source. This supplies power to the heating element 48, which then heats the water from the water reservoir 44 into steam. When the cord 17 is unplugged, the heating element 48 cools, and the water is no longer converted into steam. In an alternative embodiment, a switch is placed on the handle 12 and/or cleaning head 16 to power the heating element 48 on or off.

In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the cap 40 is a known amount, so it may act as a measuring cup. The cap is sized to act in a predetermined ratio with the amount of cleaning liquid inserted into the cleaning liquid area 46. This allows for the cleaning liquid to run out at approximately the same time that the water in the reservoir 44 of the steam-cleaning device 10 runs out. This reduces the number of times that a user must stop to refill either the water or the cleaning liquid since they will run out at approximately the same time, thereby saving the user time and effort. Alternate fill ratios (e.g. 2 to 1, 3 to 1, etc.) can also be used.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been herein disclosed and described, it is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A steam cleaning device comprising:

a handle;

a cleaning head connected to said handle;

a water reservoir in said cleaning head to hold water to be steamed;

a heater to heat said water into steam; and

a liquid dispenser for dispensing a cleaning fluid,

wherein said cleaning head is adapted to simultaneously emit said steam and said cleaning fluid.

2. A steam cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising

a rod to connect said handle and said cleaning head.

3. A steam cleaning device according to claim 2, further comprising

a handle joint adapted to enable said cleaning head to be generally rotated up to 360 degrees about said rod.

4. A steam cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein

said handle joint comprises a ring fastened to said cleaning head and a pin securing said rod to said ring, wherein said ring selectively rotates in a direction about an axis parallel to the top longitudinal surface of said cleaning head.

5. A steam cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein

said rod comprises a first portion selectively connectable to said handle and a second portion selectively connectable to said cleaning head, and wherein said first portion and said second portion are adapted to be selectively connectable to each other.

6. A steam cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein

said cleaning head further comprises an opening to receive said water and said cleaning fluid.

7. A steam cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein

said cleaning head further comprises a removable cap to cover said water reservoir.

8. A steam cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein

said removable cap is adapted to act as a measuring cup.

9. A steam cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein

said removable cap has a volume that enables said water and said cleaning fluid to be depleted at approximately the same time.

10. A steam cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein

said cleaning head has a height of less than approximately 4 inches.