WO2010078513A1 - Steam appliance with diffuser - Google Patents
Steam appliance with diffuser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010078513A1 WO2010078513A1 PCT/US2009/069943 US2009069943W WO2010078513A1 WO 2010078513 A1 WO2010078513 A1 WO 2010078513A1 US 2009069943 W US2009069943 W US 2009069943W WO 2010078513 A1 WO2010078513 A1 WO 2010078513A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- steam
- diffuser
- base
- appliance
- frame
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 51
- 239000003205 fragrance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011094 fiberboard Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002421 anti-septic effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 38
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 abstract description 8
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 abstract description 8
- 229920001410 Microfiber Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000003658 microfiber Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000010025 steaming Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003463 adsorbent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000645 desinfectant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013020 steam cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004326 stimulated echo acquisition mode for imaging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000341 volatile oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000037303 wrinkles Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/20—Mops
- A47L13/22—Mops with liquid-feeding devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/20—Mops
- A47L13/22—Mops with liquid-feeding devices
- A47L13/225—Steam mops
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/20—Mops
- A47L13/24—Frames for mops; Mop heads
- A47L13/254—Plate frames
- A47L13/256—Plate frames for mops made of cloth
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to steam appliances, and more particularly to steam appliances including a fragrance diffuser that emits a fragrance or other vapor when the appliance generates steam.
- the uses of the devices vary widely, and may include the application of steam to drapes or other fabrics to remove wrinkles, and the application of steam to objects to assist in cleaning the various objects and surfaces.
- nozzles used with the steam appliances do not have large surface areas and a cloth or fabric pad is placed over a steam frame to provide an enlarged steaming or cleaning surface.
- the fabric pad may have hook and loops fasteners, such as Velcro strips to secure the fabric to cleats on the nozzle.
- a fabric steam pocket may be placed around a flat steam frame with baffles in order to increase the cleaning surface area of the appliance.
- a fragrance diffuser for use with a steam appliance.
- the fragrance diffuser includes an absorbent substrate for holding a steam diffusible composition for placement between the appliance steam outlet and a fabric pad or pocket used with the appliance.
- the steam appliance has a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler to generate steam that envelopes the diffuser to dispense a fragrance or other material into the generated steam in response to a user use or movement of the appliance.
- the absorbent substrate may be mounted on a base or clip for mounting on the steam frame, or the substrate itself may be formed into a unitary clip to mount onto the steam frame.
- the diffuser may be formed from a carrier having a base with a clip and a perforated plate hinged to the base for holding an absorbent pad or substrate. The base is mounted to the appliance, preferably at the steam frame behind the fabric pad or pocket.
- the user may actuate the water pump by movement of the appliance to activate a mechanical pump piston, or actuate a motion switch or micro-switch, in response to the movement of the appliance.
- Water is pumped to a steam generator and the steam generated is distributed through a steam outlet or nozzle in the steam frame for steaming. As the steam passes the diffuse, it raises the temperature of the substrate to release the fragrance or other composition absorbed therein.
- the steam with fragrance is then passed through the fabric steam pad or steam pocket mounted on the steam frame to provide improved steaming
- the diffuser is formed from a porous substrate impregnated with a fragrance or other composition that is activated at or below steam temperature.
- the diffuser is placed in the towel frame between the steam outlet and the fabric towel. Steam generated in the boiler passes over the diffuser to vaporize the fragrance or other composition for dispensing through the fabric towel with the steam.
- Another object of the invention is to provide an improved steam appliance having a fragrance diffuser between the steam outlet and fabric pad or pocket to dispense a fragrance or other composition in the diffuser when the appliance is in use.
- a further object of the invention is to provide a fragrance diffuser in the form of a clip for use with a steam appliance.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a steam appliance with fragrance dispenser that pumps water to a steam generator in response to movement of the appliance.
- 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.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steam mop constructed and arranged in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIGS. 2 A and 2B are perspective side views of the mop housing in the steam mop of FIG. 1 showing the water inlet and funnel;
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the mop housing in section showing a reservoir, a pump and a boiler of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the mop housing in section showing connections for reservoir, boiler and steam mop frame in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 5 is an elevation view in section of the pump and boiler of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rectangular steam pocket frame suitable for use with the type of steam mop shown in FIG. 1 with a fragrance diffuser attached;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a triangular shaped steam pocket frame suitable for use with the type of steam mop shown in FIG. 1 with a fragrance diffuser attached;
- FIG. 8 is a plan view of the front side of the fragrance diffuser installed in the frames in FIGS. 6 and 7 including a fragrance absorbent material and mounting fingers;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the front side of the fragrance diffuser
- FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a fragrance diffuser showing the integral mounting fingers
- FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another form of a fragrance diffuser formed of a carrier and absorbent fragrance pad and its assembly
- FIGS. 14 is a perspective view of steam mop including a steam pad frame attachment for receiving a fabric steam pad;
- FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the steam pad frame of the steam mop of
- FIG. 14 with an installed diffuser
- FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a fabric steam pad suitable for use with the steam pad frame attachment of FIG. 14;
- FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the frame of FIG. 15 with the fabric steam pad of
- FIG. 16 mounted on the frame
- FIGS. 18 is a perspective view of a flexible steam frame suitable to receive a fragrance diffuser in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steam mop 10 constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention.
- Mop 10 includes an elongated housing 11 with a water reservoir 21 and a boiler 23 and an upper tube 12a and a lower tube 12b connected to one end of housing 11.
- a handle 13 is attached to the end of upper tube 12a.
- a steam frame 14 with an installed steam pocket 15 is operatively connected to the other end of housing 11 by a connector 16.
- connector 16 and frame 14 may be removed from housing 11 by pressing a release button 17 at the base of housing 11.
- Water is introduced into a reservoir 21 at a water inlet or opening 18a.
- the level of water present in a reservoir 21 in housing 11 shown in FIG. 3 can be viewed through a sighting window 19.
- the specifics of fabric steam pocket 15 will be described below.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective side views of housing 11.
- Water inlet 18a has a water cap 18b that is removed for filling to exposed opening 18a.
- the region around opening 18a is shaped like a funnel 20 allows a user to fill reservoir 21 without spilling.
- Housing 11 also includes at least one sighting window 19 that allows a user to observe the water level in water container 21.
- FIG. 3 is a front plan view in section showing the location of elements in housing 11.
- Water container 21 is positioned adjacent and surrounds a boiler 23.
- a one-way pump 22 pumps water from reservoir 21 to boiler 23 in response to the push-pull movement of mop 10. This movement of handle 13 causes operation of one way valve 22 as will be described in detail below.
- water container 21 wraps around the back of housing 11.
- FIG. 4 is a detailed front view of showing how water container 21, showing the hoses connecting one-way pump 22 and boiler 23 as described in connection with FIG. 5.
- Water pump 22 includes a pump body 33 having a pump cavity 33a.
- a pump piston 34 is connected to a push rod 36 which in turn is connected to pole 12 or handle 13.
- piston 34 creates a negative pressure in cavity 33a. This draws water from reservoir 21 into a water supply hose 21a that feeds into pump water inlet 27 through a one-way inlet valve 37 to fill cavity 33 a.
- piston 34 moves downward and water in cavity 33a is expelled through a one-way outlet valve 38 into pump outlet hose 28.
- This water is then introduced into a boiler inlet 23a in boiler 23.
- Water in boiler 23 is heated by a heating element 39 in a boiler cavity 41.
- Heating element 39 is connected to electrical connectors 39a and 39b.
- Steam generated in boiler cavity 41 is fed through a steam valve 42 into a steam chamber 43. Steam is then expelled through a steam outlet 44 to a steam hose 46 and to a steam outlet fitting 47.
- One-way inlet valve 37 and one-way outlet valve 38 are duck-bill valves formed of a flexible elastomeric material, such a rubber.
- the valves are conical in shape so that when handle 13 is pulled, water is drawn through inlet valve 37 while outlet valve 38 remains closed. Similarly, when handle 13 is pushed, water is forced out through outlet valve 38 and inlet valve 37 remains closed and water is fed into boiler 23.
- a mechanical bellow pump that may be used in steam mop housing 11 to pump water from water container 21 to boiler 23.
- 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 Serial No. 11/842,478. The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- Fabric steam pocket 15 is configured to slip over frame 14 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- pocket 15 is formed of a first layer of fabric 15a and an opposed second layer of fabric 15b (not shown).
- Fabric layers 15a and 15b each have a substantially rectangular shape with two opposed long edges 15c and 15d and two opposed short sides 15e and 15f. Long edge 15c and two opposed short side 15e and 15f are stitched to form pocket 15.
- fabric steam pocket 15 is open on long edge 15d.
- the fabric along the opening on long edge 15d may be optionally closed with a hook and loop fastener, buttons or snaps.
- steam pocket 15 is cut along a line 62 to form a slot 63 around the width of connector 16 on the first layer 15a and opposed second layer 15b to fit around connector body 16.
- Slot 63 has a length a distance 62a from rear edge 15d to about the pair of nozzles 16c shown in FIG. 7. This allows for vertical rotation of housing 11 without bending the fabric of fabric steam pocket 15 and use of both sides of steam pocket 15 for cleaning without having to remove and re-install steam pocket 15.
- steam pocket 15 is a cloth or towel.
- Steam pocket may be formed of any suitable fabric such as a natural or synthetic fabric material. Accordingly, it may be polyester, acrylic, polyamide or polyolefin fiber, or a blend. The material may be woven or knit.
- the fabric of pocket 15 is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber includes a synthetic polyester microfiber.
- FIG. 6 shows the details of steam pocket frame 14 having a front wall 101, an opposed rear wall 102, a right side wall 103 and left side wall 104.
- Rear wall 102 includes a cut-out section 106 for receiving connector 16.
- a steam distributor or manifold 107 extends from rear wall 102 to the front of frame 14 and connects connector 16 to the steam generated in boiler 23.
- Manifold 107 has steam openings 108 to distribute steam to both sides of frame 14.
- a plurality of interior baffles 109 extend from one side of frame 14 to the other side.
- baffles 109 are curved at ends 111 and 112 and have a straight section 113 in the center so they are parallel and perpendicular when they cross manifold 107.
- a diffuser 151 in accordance with the invention is installed in frame 14 at cut out 106 in rear wall 102 across manifold 107.
- FIG. 7 shows a triangular steam frame 121 having a rear wall 122 and two side walls 123 and 124 to form the triangular shape.
- Rear wall 122 has a cut-out section 126 for receiving connector 16.
- a steam distributor or manifold 127 with a plurality of steam openings 128 extends from cut-out 126 at rear wall 122 to the front of frame 121.
- a plurality of interior baffles 129 extend from one side of frame 121 to the other side.
- baffles 129 are curved at ends 131 and 132 and have a straight section 133 in the center and are perpendicular when they cross manifold 127.
- Diffuser 151 is mounted on frame 121 at the base of triangular frame 121.
- Diffuser 151 is shown in detail in FIGS. 8-10.
- Diffuser 151 is formed from an absorbable substrate material, such as a micro-porous polymer or a fiberboard. It is substantially planar with a rectangular diffuser base 152, or may have a piece of absorbent material secured on diffuser base 152.
- the substrate is formed from the absorbent substrate material formed into a single unitary piece.
- diffuser base 152 is formed with a flat substrate face 153 with a cut-out region 154 to allow for mounting over a steam frame manifold.
- Diffuser base 152 may be formed in any convenient size, but should have a height no greater that the height of the side walls of frames 14 and 121.
- Diffuser base 152 is formed with two diffuser fingers 156 for a engaging a vertical frame member, such as an interior or outer side wall or baffle of a steam frame as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Each finger 156 is biased towards substrate face 153 so that when diffuser 151 is positioned on a vertical member in the frame, fingers 156 engage the vertical member to hold diffuser 151 in place.
- FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another fragrance diffuser assembly 211 formed from a carrier 212 having a base 213 with two mounting fingers 214 and a perforated cover plate 216 that is hinged to base 213 by a live hinge 218.
- a saturated fragrance pad 219 is placed on base 213 as shown in FIG. 12.
- Perforated cover 216 is closed over pad 219 as shown in FIG. 13.
- assembly 211 is installed on steam frame 14 or 121 over manifold 104 in the same manner as diffuser 111. This type of assembly allows a user to install fragrance diffuser 211 on a steam frame without having to touch adsorbent pad 219 that is saturated with fragrance.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a steam mop 200 having a housing or main body 201 connected to a steam pad frame 202 at one end and a pole 203 with a handle 204 at the other end of pole 203.
- Housing 201 includes a water container or tank 21 as shown in FIG. 3 as part of the upper part of housing 201 with a filler cap 208. Tank 21 is connected to boiler 23 by pump 22.
- An upper cord hanger 206 is mounted on handle 204 and a lower cord hanger 207 for easy storage of a power cord.
- Housing 201 includes an operating light 209 to indicate power is on.
- Steam pad frame 202 is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a central steam opening 211 as shown in FIG. 15. Steam generated in steam boiler 23 dispenses steam into central steam opening 211 in a depression 210 formed in frame 202.
- a substantially rectangular fabric steam pad 221 is mounted on frame 202 by attaching a pair of Velcro strips 222 and 223 to a plurality of cleats 224, 225, 226 and 227 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
- FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of rectangular steam pocket frame 202 with diffuser 151 installed.
- Frame 202 has a front edge 212, a rear edge 213, a right side edge 214 and a left side edge 215.
- a square grid formation 216 covers steam outlet opening 211 and a plurality of vanes or baffles 217 extend from depression 210 toward the four edges of steam pad frame 202.
- Grid 216 has a plurality of vents or openings 218 between the grid walls for distributing steam into the spaces between baffles 217 and to fabric steam pad 221 mounted thereon.
- Diffuser 151 is shown mounted on grid 216, but may be mounted on one of baffles 217.
- Steam pad frame 202 also includes runners 228 at each of the two rear corners thereof to facilitate sliding pad 221 on a surface to be steamed.
- FIG. 16 is a top plan view of fabric steam pad 221 suitable for use with steam pad frame 202.
- Steam fabric pad 221 is configured to attach to frame 202.
- Fasteners 203 are fixed to the top side.
- fasteners 203 are Velcro-type fasteners.
- other types of fasteners, such as clips or clamps may be used to secure and hold steam pad 221 in place when used to clean a floor or other surface.
- steam pad 221 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, fabric of pad 221 is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber.
- FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the mop of FIG. 14 with fabric steam pad 221 mounted on frame 202.
- fabric steam pad 221 is attached to steam pad frame 202 by fasteners (not shown).
- fabric steam pad 221 is larger than steam pad frame 202 in order to provide increased steam cleaning surface area.
- Fragrance diffuser 111 may be used with any steam appliance that uses a steam frame for distribution of steam and provides a suitable space for positioning the diffuser between the steam outlet and the fabric pad or steam pocket.
- the appliance may be a steam brush or a hand-held device of the type shown and described in U.S. applications Serial No. 12/540,957 and No. 12/617,518, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
- Diffuser 151 also may be installed in a flexible steam frame in accordance with the invention. Such frames with flexible steam frames may be used with hand-held appliances.
- the flexible steam frames have a handle mounted on a rigid base with a plurality of flexible members extending from the base away from the handle to form a skeleton with an interior space for receiving a fabric steam pocket.
- Examples of these flexible steam frames are described in U.S. application Serial No. 12/554,477, the contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
- FIG. 18 One such wedge shaped flexible steam frame 351 is shown in FIG. 18.
- Flexible steam frame 351 includes with a base 352 having a steam outlet 353 and handle 354 mounted to base 352 with a steam outlet hose connected to outlet 353.
- Diffuser substrate 112 may be formed from any material the will hold a quantity of fragrance or other composition, such a disinfectant or the like.
- the fragrance or other composition is formulated to be released only at elevated temperatures generated by steam in the space created by fabric steam pocket 15 mounted on a steam frame or below frame 202 and pad 221.
- the temperature in the space within steam pocket 15 have been measured to be between 175 0 F. to 195 0 F. (80°-90°C).
- suitable release temperatures in the range of 14O 0 F. to 195 0 F. (60°-90°C.) would be suitable.
- the release temperature is between 14O 0 F. to 16O 0 F. (60°-70°C).
- Substrate 112 may be any material, such as a fibrous or porous material capable of absorbing and releasing the fragrance composition.
- a porous or porous material capable of absorbing and releasing the fragrance composition.
- Such porous material may be carbon based or ceramic of the type disclosed in U.S. Application Serial No. 10/154,794 published as US 2002/0176949, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- One such porous substrate is formed from a polyethylene material that has undergone a series of curing processes resulting in microscopic voids being formed therein. Such materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,181,255, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the shape of the porous material used in diffuser 111 is not significant, but only that it can be secured to a steam frame inside the steam towel and that a quantity of fragrance or other composition can be absorbed and released at the temperature caused by the steam generated in the steam appliance and fed into the steam frame. It is preferable that the fragrance will not be released at lower temperatures and only when the steam appliance is generating steam for cleaning.
Landscapes
- Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A diffuser with an absorbent substrate for holding a steam diffusible composition, such as a fragrance for mounting on a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The steam appliance has a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler to generate steam fed into a steam frame with a fabric pad or steam pocket mounted thereon. The steam envelopes the diffuser to dispense a fragrance or other material in the absorbable substrate into the generated steam in response to a user use or movement of the appliance. When steam is generated and passes the diffuser, the composition is heated to a temperature it will vaporize and be distributed with the steam through the fabric pad or steam pocket.
Description
STEAM APPLIANCE WITH DIFFUSER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to steam appliances, and more particularly to steam appliances including a fragrance diffuser that emits a fragrance or other vapor when the appliance generates steam.
[0002] 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 remove wrinkles, and the application of steam to objects to assist in cleaning the various objects and surfaces.
[0003] In general, nozzles used with the steam appliances do not have large surface areas and a cloth or fabric pad is placed over a steam frame to provide an enlarged steaming or cleaning surface. The fabric pad may have hook and loops fasteners, such as Velcro strips to secure the fabric to cleats on the nozzle. Alternatively, a fabric steam pocket may be placed around a flat steam frame with baffles in order to increase the cleaning surface area of the appliance.
[0004] Recently, steam appliances have been developed where water is pumped from a water reservoir to a boiler in response to the push-pull movement of the appliance. This movement actuates a mechanical or electrical pump to pump water from the water reservoir to a steam generator in the appliance for feeding steam to the fabric pad or pocket. Examples of these features in steam appliances are shown and described in parent applications Serial No. 1 1/496,143 and No. 11/769,525. Hand-held devices include steam brushes with mechanical or electrical pumps as shown in U. S. application Serial No. 12/540,957, or electrical pumps as shown in Serial No. 12/617,518. Additionally, the appliance may have a rigid steam frame for installing a fabric pad or fabric steam pocket as shown in these
applications, or have a flexible steam frame as shown in Serial No. 12/554,477. The contents of each of these applications are incorporated here by reference in their entirety.
[0005] Notwithstanding the wide variety of steam appliances with various types of steam frames available, it remains desirable to provide additional steam products having improved features, such as emitting a vapor or fragrance when desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a fragrance diffuser for use with a steam appliance is provided. The fragrance diffuser includes an absorbent substrate for holding a steam diffusible composition for placement between the appliance steam outlet and a fabric pad or pocket used with the appliance. The steam appliance has a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler to generate steam that envelopes the diffuser to dispense a fragrance or other material into the generated steam in response to a user use or movement of the appliance. The absorbent substrate may be mounted on a base or clip for mounting on the steam frame, or the substrate itself may be formed into a unitary clip to mount onto the steam frame. Alternatively, the diffuser may be formed from a carrier having a base with a clip and a perforated plate hinged to the base for holding an absorbent pad or substrate. The base is mounted to the appliance, preferably at the steam frame behind the fabric pad or pocket.
[0007] The user may actuate the water pump by movement of the appliance to activate a mechanical pump piston, or actuate a motion switch or micro-switch, in response to the movement of the appliance. Water is pumped to a steam generator and the steam generated is distributed through a steam outlet or nozzle in the steam frame for steaming. As the steam passes the diffuse, it raises the temperature of the substrate to release the fragrance or other composition absorbed therein. The steam with fragrance is then passed through the fabric steam pad or steam pocket mounted on the steam frame to provide improved steaming
[0008] The diffuser is formed from a porous substrate impregnated with a fragrance or other composition that is activated at or below steam temperature. The diffuser is placed in the towel frame between the steam outlet and the fabric towel. Steam generated in the boiler passes over the diffuser to vaporize the fragrance or other composition for dispensing through the fabric towel with the steam.
[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved steam appliance.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved steam appliance having a fragrance diffuser between the steam outlet and fabric pad or pocket to dispense a fragrance or other composition in the diffuser when the appliance is in use.
[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide a fragrance diffuser in the form of a clip for use with a steam appliance.
[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a steam appliance with fragrance dispenser that pumps water to a steam generator in response to movement of the appliance.
[0013] Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
[0014] 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
[0015] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing(s), in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steam mop constructed and arranged in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIGS. 2 A and 2B are perspective side views of the mop housing in the steam mop of FIG. 1 showing the water inlet and funnel;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of the mop housing in section showing a reservoir, a pump and a boiler of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the mop housing in section showing connections for reservoir, boiler and steam mop frame in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an elevation view in section of the pump and boiler of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rectangular steam pocket frame suitable for use with the type of steam mop shown in FIG. 1 with a fragrance diffuser attached;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a triangular shaped steam pocket frame suitable for use with the type of steam mop shown in FIG. 1 with a fragrance diffuser attached;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the front side of the fragrance diffuser installed in the frames in FIGS. 6 and 7 including a fragrance absorbent material and mounting fingers;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the front side of the fragrance diffuser;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a fragrance diffuser showing the integral mounting fingers;
[0026] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another form of a fragrance diffuser formed of a carrier and absorbent fragrance pad and its assembly;
-4-
SUBSTITUTE SITEET (RULE 26)
[0027] FIGS. 14 is a perspective view of steam mop including a steam pad frame attachment for receiving a fabric steam pad;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the steam pad frame of the steam mop of
FIG. 14 with an installed diffuser;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a fabric steam pad suitable for use with the steam pad frame attachment of FIG. 14; and
[0030] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the frame of FIG. 15 with the fabric steam pad of
FIG. 16 mounted on the frame; and
[0031] FIGS. 18 is a perspective view of a flexible steam frame suitable to receive a fragrance diffuser in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steam mop 10 constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention. Mop 10 includes an elongated housing 11 with a water reservoir 21 and a boiler 23 and an upper tube 12a and a lower tube 12b connected to one end of housing 11. A handle 13 is attached to the end of upper tube 12a. A steam frame 14 with an installed steam pocket 15 is operatively connected to the other end of housing 11 by a connector 16. In this embodiment, connector 16 and frame 14 may be removed from housing 11 by pressing a release button 17 at the base of housing 11. Water is introduced into a reservoir 21 at a water inlet or opening 18a. The level of water present in a reservoir 21 in housing 11 shown in FIG. 3 can be viewed through a sighting window 19. The specifics of fabric steam pocket 15 will be described below.
[0033] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective side views of housing 11. Water inlet 18a has a water cap 18b that is removed for filling to exposed opening 18a. The region around opening 18a is shaped like a funnel 20 allows a user to fill reservoir 21 without spilling.
Housing 11 also includes at least one sighting window 19 that allows a user to observe the water level in water container 21.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a front plan view in section showing the location of elements in housing 11. Water container 21 is positioned adjacent and surrounds a boiler 23. A one-way pump 22 pumps water from reservoir 21 to boiler 23 in response to the push-pull movement of mop 10. This movement of handle 13 causes operation of one way valve 22 as will be described in detail below. Here, water container 21 wraps around the back of housing 11.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a detailed front view of showing how water container 21, showing the hoses connecting one-way pump 22 and boiler 23 as described in connection with FIG. 5. Water pump 22 includes a pump body 33 having a pump cavity 33a. A pump piston 34 is connected to a push rod 36 which in turn is connected to pole 12 or handle 13. As mop handle 13 is pulled by a user piston 34 creates a negative pressure in cavity 33a. This draws water from reservoir 21 into a water supply hose 21a that feeds into pump water inlet 27 through a one-way inlet valve 37 to fill cavity 33 a. As handle 13 is pushed during use, piston 34 moves downward and water in cavity 33a is expelled through a one-way outlet valve 38 into pump outlet hose 28. This water is then introduced into a boiler inlet 23a in boiler 23. Water in boiler 23 is heated by a heating element 39 in a boiler cavity 41. Heating element 39 is connected to electrical connectors 39a and 39b. Steam generated in boiler cavity 41 is fed through a steam valve 42 into a steam chamber 43. Steam is then expelled through a steam outlet 44 to a steam hose 46 and to a steam outlet fitting 47.
[0036] One-way inlet valve 37 and one-way outlet valve 38 are duck-bill valves formed of a flexible elastomeric material, such a rubber. The valves are conical in shape so that when handle 13 is pulled, water is drawn through inlet valve 37 while outlet valve 38 remains closed. Similarly, when handle 13 is pushed, water is forced out through outlet valve 38 and inlet valve 37 remains closed and water is fed into boiler 23. In another embodiment, a mechanical bellow pump that may be used in steam mop housing 11 to pump
water from water container 21 to boiler 23. 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 Serial No. 11/842,478. The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0037] Fabric steam pocket 15 is configured to slip over frame 14 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this respect, pocket 15 is formed of a first layer of fabric 15a and an opposed second layer of fabric 15b (not shown). Fabric layers 15a and 15b each have a substantially rectangular shape with two opposed long edges 15c and 15d and two opposed short sides 15e and 15f. Long edge 15c and two opposed short side 15e and 15f are stitched to form pocket 15. Accordingly, fabric steam pocket 15 is open on long edge 15d. The fabric along the opening on long edge 15d may be optionally closed with a hook and loop fastener, buttons or snaps. Here, steam pocket 15 is cut along a line 62 to form a slot 63 around the width of connector 16 on the first layer 15a and opposed second layer 15b to fit around connector body 16. Slot 63 has a length a distance 62a from rear edge 15d to about the pair of nozzles 16c shown in FIG. 7. This allows for vertical rotation of housing 11 without bending the fabric of fabric steam pocket 15 and use of both sides of steam pocket 15 for cleaning without having to remove and re-install steam pocket 15.
[0038] In this illustrated embodiment, steam pocket 15 is a cloth or towel. Steam pocket may be formed of any suitable fabric such as a natural or synthetic fabric material. Accordingly, it may be polyester, acrylic, polyamide or polyolefin fiber, or a blend. The material may be woven or knit. Preferably, the fabric of pocket 15 is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber includes a synthetic polyester microfiber.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows the details of steam pocket frame 14 having a front wall 101, an opposed rear wall 102, a right side wall 103 and left side wall 104. Rear wall 102 includes a cut-out section 106 for receiving connector 16. A steam distributor or manifold 107 extends
from rear wall 102 to the front of frame 14 and connects connector 16 to the steam generated in boiler 23. Manifold 107 has steam openings 108 to distribute steam to both sides of frame 14. A plurality of interior baffles 109 extend from one side of frame 14 to the other side. Here, baffles 109 are curved at ends 111 and 112 and have a straight section 113 in the center so they are parallel and perpendicular when they cross manifold 107. A diffuser 151 in accordance with the invention is installed in frame 14 at cut out 106 in rear wall 102 across manifold 107.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows a triangular steam frame 121 having a rear wall 122 and two side walls 123 and 124 to form the triangular shape. Rear wall 122 has a cut-out section 126 for receiving connector 16. A steam distributor or manifold 127 with a plurality of steam openings 128 extends from cut-out 126 at rear wall 122 to the front of frame 121. A plurality of interior baffles 129 extend from one side of frame 121 to the other side. Here, baffles 129 are curved at ends 131 and 132 and have a straight section 133 in the center and are perpendicular when they cross manifold 127. Diffuser 151 is mounted on frame 121 at the base of triangular frame 121.
[0041] Diffuser 151 is shown in detail in FIGS. 8-10. Diffuser 151 is formed from an absorbable substrate material, such as a micro-porous polymer or a fiberboard. It is substantially planar with a rectangular diffuser base 152, or may have a piece of absorbent material secured on diffuser base 152. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the substrate is formed from the absorbent substrate material formed into a single unitary piece.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, diffuser base 152 is formed with a flat substrate face 153 with a cut-out region 154 to allow for mounting over a steam frame manifold. Diffuser base 152 may be formed in any convenient size, but should have a height no greater that the height of the side walls of frames 14 and 121. Diffuser base 152 is formed with two diffuser fingers 156 for a engaging a vertical frame member, such as an interior or outer side wall or baffle of a steam frame as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Each finger 156 is biased towards
substrate face 153 so that when diffuser 151 is positioned on a vertical member in the frame, fingers 156 engage the vertical member to hold diffuser 151 in place.
[0043] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another fragrance diffuser assembly 211 formed from a carrier 212 having a base 213 with two mounting fingers 214 and a perforated cover plate 216 that is hinged to base 213 by a live hinge 218. A saturated fragrance pad 219 is placed on base 213 as shown in FIG. 12. Perforated cover 216 is closed over pad 219 as shown in FIG. 13. Once assembled, assembly 211 is installed on steam frame 14 or 121 over manifold 104 in the same manner as diffuser 111. This type of assembly allows a user to install fragrance diffuser 211 on a steam frame without having to touch adsorbent pad 219 that is saturated with fragrance.
[0044] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a steam mop 200 having a housing or main body 201 connected to a steam pad frame 202 at one end and a pole 203 with a handle 204 at the other end of pole 203. Housing 201 includes a water container or tank 21 as shown in FIG. 3 as part of the upper part of housing 201 with a filler cap 208. Tank 21 is connected to boiler 23 by pump 22. An upper cord hanger 206 is mounted on handle 204 and a lower cord hanger 207 for easy storage of a power cord. Housing 201 includes an operating light 209 to indicate power is on.
[0045] Steam pad frame 202 is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a central steam opening 211 as shown in FIG. 15. Steam generated in steam boiler 23 dispenses steam into central steam opening 211 in a depression 210 formed in frame 202. A substantially rectangular fabric steam pad 221 is mounted on frame 202 by attaching a pair of Velcro strips 222 and 223 to a plurality of cleats 224, 225, 226 and 227 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0046] FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of rectangular steam pocket frame 202 with diffuser 151 installed. Frame 202 has a front edge 212, a rear edge 213, a right side edge 214 and a left side edge 215. A square grid formation 216 covers steam outlet opening 211 and a
plurality of vanes or baffles 217 extend from depression 210 toward the four edges of steam pad frame 202. Grid 216 has a plurality of vents or openings 218 between the grid walls for distributing steam into the spaces between baffles 217 and to fabric steam pad 221 mounted thereon. Diffuser 151 is shown mounted on grid 216, but may be mounted on one of baffles 217. Steam pad frame 202 also includes runners 228 at each of the two rear corners thereof to facilitate sliding pad 221 on a surface to be steamed.
[0047] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of fabric steam pad 221 suitable for use with steam pad frame 202. Steam fabric pad 221 is configured to attach to frame 202. Fasteners 203 are fixed to the top side. In the preferred embodiment, fasteners 203 are Velcro-type fasteners. Alternatively, other types of fasteners, such as clips or clamps may be used to secure and hold steam pad 221 in place when used to clean a floor or other surface.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, steam pad 221 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, fabric of pad 221 is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber.
[0049] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the mop of FIG. 14 with fabric steam pad 221 mounted on frame 202. Here, fabric steam pad 221 is attached to steam pad frame 202 by fasteners (not shown). Also, in this example, fabric steam pad 221 is larger than steam pad frame 202 in order to provide increased steam cleaning surface area.
[0050] Fragrance diffuser 111 may be used with any steam appliance that uses a steam frame for distribution of steam and provides a suitable space for positioning the diffuser between the steam outlet and the fabric pad or steam pocket. The appliance may be a steam brush or a hand-held device of the type shown and described in U.S. applications Serial No. 12/540,957 and No. 12/617,518, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
[0051] Diffuser 151 also may be installed in a flexible steam frame in accordance with the invention. Such frames with flexible steam frames may be used with hand-held appliances. Typically, the flexible steam frames have a handle mounted on a rigid base with a plurality of flexible members extending from the base away from the handle to form a skeleton with an interior space for receiving a fabric steam pocket. Examples of these flexible steam frames are described in U.S. application Serial No. 12/554,477, the contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
[0052] One such wedge shaped flexible steam frame 351 is shown in FIG. 18.
Flexible steam frame 351 includes with a base 352 having a steam outlet 353 and handle 354 mounted to base 352 with a steam outlet hose connected to outlet 353. A plurality of wires 356 for the wedge shape and have a fabric towel 357 or cloth in the form of a steam pocket positioned or slipped over wires 356 and base 352. The sole requirement is that the be a space between the steam outlet of the appliance and the fabric steam pocket to receive the diffuser containing the steam emitting composition.
[0053] Diffuser substrate 112 may be formed from any material the will hold a quantity of fragrance or other composition, such a disinfectant or the like. The fragrance or other composition is formulated to be released only at elevated temperatures generated by steam in the space created by fabric steam pocket 15 mounted on a steam frame or below frame 202 and pad 221. For example, the temperature in the space within steam pocket 15 have been measured to be between 1750F. to 1950F. (80°-90°C). Thus, suitable release temperatures in the range of 14O0F. to 1950F. (60°-90°C.) would be suitable. Preferable, the release temperature is between 14O0F. to 16O0F. (60°-70°C).
[0054] Typically these compositions contain essential oils or gels and the release temperature can be controlled and made to vary widely. Substrate 112 may be any material, such as a fibrous or porous material capable of absorbing and releasing the fragrance composition. Such porous material may be carbon based or ceramic of the type disclosed in
U.S. Application Serial No. 10/154,794 published as US 2002/0176949, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. One such porous substrate is formed from a polyethylene material that has undergone a series of curing processes resulting in microscopic voids being formed therein. Such materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,181,255, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0055] The shape of the porous material used in diffuser 111 is not significant, but only that it can be secured to a steam frame inside the steam towel and that a quantity of fragrance or other composition can be absorbed and released at the temperature caused by the steam generated in the steam appliance and fed into the steam frame. It is preferable that the fragrance will not be released at lower temperatures and only when the steam appliance is generating steam for cleaning.
[0056] 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 and device 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
Claims
1. A steam appliance, comprising: an appliance housing including a steam generator and a steam outlet for the steam generated in the generator; a steam frame connected to the housing and coupled to the steam outlet; a fabric steam cloth mounted on the steam frame; and a diffuser having a composition absorbed therein mounted on the frame between the steam outlet and the steam cloth.
2. The steam appliance of claim 1 , wherein the diffuser is formed from a polymeric material having a plurality of microscopic voids.
3. The steam appliance of claim 2, wherein the polymeric material is suitable to release a composition at a release temperatures in the range of 1400F. to 195°F. (60°-90°C).
4. The steam appliance of claim 1 , wherein the diffuser includes a base with a polymeric substrate with microscopic voids mounted to the base.
5. The steam appliance of claim 1, wherein the diffuser is formed from a polymeric material.
6. The steam appliance of claim 5, wherein the diffuser includes a substantially planar base and at least one Finger biased towards the base lo engage the steam frame.
7. The steam appliance of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a fragrance.
8. The steam appliance of claim 1, wherein the composition is an antiseptic.
9. The steam appliance of claim 1, wherein the composition is a cleaning solution.
10. A diffuser, comprising: a base having at least one attachment member; the base including a composition absorbable substrate.
11.. The diffuser of claim 10, wherein the base has a substantial planar section and the attachment member is at least one finger spaced from and biased towards the planar section.
12. The diffuser of claim 10, wherein the attachment member is two fingers spaced from and biased towards the planar section at each end thereof.
13. The diffuser of claim 7, wherein the base is formed from the absorbable substrate.
14. The diffuser of claim 13, wherein absorbable substrate is a substantial rigid porous material.
15. The diffuser of claim 10, wherein the substrate is a porous material suitable to release a composition at a release temperatures in the range of 1400F. to 195°F. (60°-90°C).
16. The diffuser of claim 10, wherein absorbable substrate is a fiberboard material.
17. A diffuser assembly, comprising: a substantially rigid base; a perforated cover hinged to the base and adapted to fold on to one surface of the base; at least one attachment member mounted to the base on the other surface of the base; and a composition absorbable pad positioned on the first surface of the base with the cover folded on to the base to hold the pad in place.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN200990100716.1U CN202739935U (en) | 2009-01-02 | 2009-12-31 | Steam appliance with diffuser |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14229809P | 2009-01-02 | 2009-01-02 | |
US61/142,298 | 2009-01-02 | ||
US12/651,162 US8667637B2 (en) | 2009-01-02 | 2009-12-31 | Steam appliance with diffuser |
US12/651,162 | 2009-12-31 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2010078513A1 true WO2010078513A1 (en) | 2010-07-08 |
Family
ID=41733275
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2009/069943 WO2010078513A1 (en) | 2009-01-02 | 2009-12-31 | Steam appliance with diffuser |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8667637B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN202739935U (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010078513A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN102525352A (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2012-07-04 | 碧洁家庭护理有限公司 | Cleaning cloth, steam mop and method for cleaning surface |
EP2801314A1 (en) * | 2013-05-10 | 2014-11-12 | Black & Decker Inc. | Steam cleaning devices and compositions for use therewith |
EP2636353A3 (en) * | 2012-03-09 | 2015-11-25 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US11304584B2 (en) * | 2016-02-17 | 2022-04-19 | Bissell Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
Families Citing this family (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8052342B2 (en) * | 2008-05-09 | 2011-11-08 | Euro-Pro Operating Llc | Universal connector for a fluid mop |
US8731384B2 (en) * | 2008-07-21 | 2014-05-20 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Steam head for cleaner |
AU2015271987B2 (en) * | 2011-02-03 | 2017-09-14 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Steam appliance |
AU2012212339A1 (en) | 2011-02-03 | 2013-08-22 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Steam appliance |
US9964299B2 (en) * | 2011-09-02 | 2018-05-08 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Steam generator |
US8910343B2 (en) * | 2012-04-07 | 2014-12-16 | Season 4, Llc | Steam sponge |
US9574764B2 (en) * | 2012-05-25 | 2017-02-21 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Portable steam generating device |
US9877631B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2018-01-30 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Hard surface cleaning devices |
US10973387B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2021-04-13 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Multi-orientation cleaning device |
WO2017031122A1 (en) | 2015-08-17 | 2017-02-23 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Hard surface cleaning and conditioning assemblies |
US20190001480A1 (en) | 2015-08-17 | 2019-01-03 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Tool handles having stationary and rotational portions |
USD769129S1 (en) | 2015-09-21 | 2016-10-18 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Flexible pouch |
USD852444S1 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2019-06-25 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Bottle |
USD864511S1 (en) | 2016-08-16 | 2019-10-22 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Pole grip |
USD840625S1 (en) | 2016-09-14 | 2019-02-12 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Hard surface cleaning device |
EP3512400A4 (en) * | 2016-09-14 | 2020-06-03 | Unger Marketing International, LLC | Hard surface cleaning devices |
USD840626S1 (en) | 2016-09-14 | 2019-02-12 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Hard surface cleaning device |
USD850883S1 (en) | 2016-10-17 | 2019-06-11 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Tool handle |
USD848093S1 (en) | 2016-10-17 | 2019-05-07 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Hard surface cleaning device |
USD866899S1 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2019-11-12 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Tool grip |
USD867705S1 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2019-11-19 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Bottle |
USD881494S1 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2020-04-14 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Tool grip |
USD904704S1 (en) | 2018-03-14 | 2020-12-08 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Hard surface cleaning device |
DE102018106446A1 (en) * | 2018-03-20 | 2019-09-26 | Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG | Fragrance cartridge for a steam appliance, adapter for a steam appliance, and steam appliance |
FR3082414B1 (en) * | 2018-06-14 | 2020-06-12 | Occilab | FRINGE CLEANING DEVICE AND PERFORATION CHAMBER FOR USE WITH CLEANING LIQUID BERLINGOTS |
USD911844S1 (en) | 2019-01-18 | 2021-03-02 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Bottle for a cleaning device |
KR20230170492A (en) * | 2022-06-10 | 2023-12-19 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Module of cleaner |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4828542A (en) * | 1986-08-29 | 1989-05-09 | Twin Rivers Engineering | Foam substrate and micropackaged active ingredient particle composite dispensing materials |
EP1980192A2 (en) * | 2007-04-11 | 2008-10-15 | Jan G. C. Messing | Textile cover for a steam generation device |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4181255A (en) | 1977-05-31 | 1980-01-01 | Cdc Chemical Corporation | Odor filtering device |
JP2002345941A (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2002-12-03 | Minebea Co Ltd | Aromatic storage material |
ITPD20050078A1 (en) * | 2005-03-16 | 2006-09-17 | Euroflex Srl | STEAM FUCK FOR CLEANING FLOORS WITH ADJUSTABLE STEAM JETS LOWER AND / OR POINTED AND WITH DETERGENT MIXING |
US7774894B2 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2010-08-17 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Micro powered floor cleaning device |
US20080236635A1 (en) | 2006-07-31 | 2008-10-02 | Maximilian Rosenzweig | Steam mop |
US7650667B2 (en) | 2006-07-31 | 2010-01-26 | Euro-Pro Operating, Llc | Actuator for steam mop |
US8056272B2 (en) | 2008-08-14 | 2011-11-15 | Euro-Pro Operating Llc | Steam appliance with pump |
US8402597B2 (en) | 2008-11-13 | 2013-03-26 | Euro-Pro Operating Llc | Steam appliance with motion switch |
US20100212098A1 (en) | 2009-02-25 | 2010-08-26 | Euro-Pro Operating, Llc | Flexible Steam Frame For Steam Appliance |
-
2009
- 2009-12-31 CN CN200990100716.1U patent/CN202739935U/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2009-12-31 WO PCT/US2009/069943 patent/WO2010078513A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-12-31 US US12/651,162 patent/US8667637B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4828542A (en) * | 1986-08-29 | 1989-05-09 | Twin Rivers Engineering | Foam substrate and micropackaged active ingredient particle composite dispensing materials |
EP1980192A2 (en) * | 2007-04-11 | 2008-10-15 | Jan G. C. Messing | Textile cover for a steam generation device |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN102525352A (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2012-07-04 | 碧洁家庭护理有限公司 | Cleaning cloth, steam mop and method for cleaning surface |
EP2465400A3 (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2014-07-02 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Cleaning cloth with encapsulated formulation, steam mop and method |
AU2011254005B2 (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2014-12-18 | Bissell Inc. | Cleaning cloth with encapsulated formulation, steam mop and method |
US8927480B2 (en) | 2010-12-14 | 2015-01-06 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Cleaning cloth with encapsulated formulation, steam mop and method |
EP2636353A3 (en) * | 2012-03-09 | 2015-11-25 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US9320405B2 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2016-04-26 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
EP2801314A1 (en) * | 2013-05-10 | 2014-11-12 | Black & Decker Inc. | Steam cleaning devices and compositions for use therewith |
CN104138246A (en) * | 2013-05-10 | 2014-11-12 | 百得有限公司 | Steam cleaning devices and compositions for use therewith |
EP2939584A1 (en) * | 2013-05-10 | 2015-11-04 | Black & Decker Inc. | Steam cleaning devices and compositions for use therewith |
US9649004B2 (en) | 2013-05-10 | 2017-05-16 | Black & Decker Inc. | Steam cleaning devices and compositions for use therewith |
US11304584B2 (en) * | 2016-02-17 | 2022-04-19 | Bissell Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8667637B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 |
US20100186463A1 (en) | 2010-07-29 |
CN202739935U (en) | 2013-02-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8667637B2 (en) | Steam appliance with diffuser | |
AU2007281374B2 (en) | Steam mop with replaceable steam fabric pocket | |
US8205293B2 (en) | Steam mop | |
US8893410B2 (en) | Fabric care appliance | |
US8261402B2 (en) | Fabric pad for a steam mop | |
US8245351B2 (en) | Fabric pad for a steam mop | |
JP5800495B2 (en) | Steam mop with a steam distributor that moves back and forth | |
CA2741196C (en) | Steam mop | |
WO2009111710A1 (en) | Steam mop pad with pocket | |
EP1799089B1 (en) | Steam nozzle attachment for use with steam cleaner | |
CN205031183U (en) | Steam cleaning appliance | |
EP2494904A2 (en) | Surface cleaning apparatus with pivoting manifold | |
US20110240068A1 (en) | Universal connector for a fluid mop | |
US7600401B2 (en) | Fabric steam pocket and attachment for use with steam cleaner | |
WO2010123512A1 (en) | Shaggy towel steam pocket for a steam appliance | |
US7996949B2 (en) | Fabric towel with slider for steam appliance |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 200990100716.1 Country of ref document: CN |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 09804181 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 09804181 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |