GB2537918A

GB2537918A - A tool for a steam cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2537918A
Application number: GB1507451.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Aitken David
Original assignee: AC Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Current assignee: AC Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-30
Filing date: 2015-04-30
Publication date: 2016-11-02
Also published as: AU2016254516A1; WO2016174440A1; GB201507451D0

Abstract

A tool for a steam cleaning apparatus comprises a first part 12 having a conduit 120 defining a flow path which extends along a generally elongate axis X-X and a second part 14 having a conduit 140 defining a flow path which extends along a generally elongate axis Y-Y, the first and second parts 12, 14 being connected to one another. The first and second parts 12, 14 can move relative to one another between a first configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths lie in a first plane and a second configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths lie in a second plane. This arrangement allows the user to clean a floor surface and then a wall surface by turning the second part 14 as opposed to rotating the whole steam cleaning apparatus. The first part 12 can for part of the steam cleaning apparatus.

Description

Title: A tool for a steam cleaning apparatus.

Description of Invention

This invention relates to a tool for a steam cleaning apparatus, and more particularly, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a tool for use with a hand-held steam cleaning apparatus.

Steam cleaning apparatus (e.g. of the hand-held type) can be configured to receive accessories for cleaning different surfaces. Presently, if a user intends to switch from cleaning a floor surface to cleaning a side wall surface the user must rotate the steam cleaning apparatus by approximately 90 degrees. This can be cumbersome and can cause discomfort to the user, especially if the user is required to hold the apparatus in an awkward position for long periods of time.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide an improved steam cleaning tool. In some embodiments, the present invention seeks to provide a steam cleaning tool that permits a user to clean surfaces having different orientations (e.g. floor surface, side wall surface or ceiling surface) whilst the steam cleaning apparatus remains in the same (i.e. upright) configuration.

In one aspect of the invention, we provide a tool for a steam cleaning apparatus, the tool including: a first part having a conduit defining a flow path extending along a generally elongate axis; and a second part having a conduit defining a flow path extending along a generally elongate axis, the first and second parts being connected to one another, wherein the first and second parts are movable relative to one another between a first configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths lie in a first plane and a second configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths lie in a second plane.

Preferably, the tool includes a locking mechanism which is actuatable between a first arrangement in which the first and second parts are fixed relative to one another and a second arrangement in which the first and second parts are movable relative to one another.

Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a collar arranged to at least partially surround the flow path of the first part, wherein the collar includes at least one locking formation configured to engage a corresponding locking formation of the first part.

Preferably, the collar is resiliently biased such that the or each locking formation of the collar engages, in use, the respective locking formation of the first part.

Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a spring arranged coaxially and externally with respect to the conduit of the first part, the spring being operable to displace the collar towards the first part.

Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to fix the first and second parts relative to one another when the tool is in one or both of the first and second configurations.

Preferably, the first and second parts are rotatable relative to one another between the first and second configurations, the relative rotation being about the generally elongate axis of the flow path of the first part.

Preferably, the first part includes an attachment formation for releasably attaching the tool to a portion of a steam cleaning apparatus.

Preferably, the attachment formation includes a releasable latching member.

Preferably, the cross sectional area at a first end of the conduit of the first and/or second parts is greater than the cross sectional area at a second end of the or each conduit remote from the first end.

Preferably, at least a portion of the conduit of the first and/or second parts is tapered between the first and second ends.

Preferably, the second part has an operative portion having a surface for directing towards or for bringing into contact with an item being cleaned, wherein the flow path of the second part terminates at the surface such that steam is dispensable from the tool at the surface.

Preferably, the surface is generally inclined with respect to the flow path of the first part when the tool is in one or both of the first and second configurations.

Preferably, the second part includes an attachment formation for releasably attaching the second part to an accessory, such as an agitator or a hard surface cleaning fitment.

Preferably, the attachment formation of the second part includes any one of a latching formation or a snap-fit member.

In a second aspect of the invention, we provide a tool for a steam cleaning apparatus, the steam cleaning apparatus being of the type which includes a steam outlet having a flow path extending along a generally elongate axis, wherein the tool includes a part having a conduit defining a flow path extending along a generally elongate axis, the tool being connectable to the steam cleaning apparatus, wherein the tool and the steam cleaning apparatus are movable relative to one another between a first configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths lie in a first plane and a second configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths lie in a second plane.

Further features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims thereto which are appended hereto.

Embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tool of an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tool of an embodiment; Figure 3a is a plan view of a tool shown in a first configuration; Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 3a; Figure 4a is a plan view of a tool shown in a second configuration; Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B of Figure 4a; Figure 5a is a plan view of a tool shown in a third configuration; Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C of Figure 5a; and Figure 6 is a side view of a tool of an embodiment attached to a steam cleaning apparatus.

Figure 1 shows a tool, indicated generally at 1, for a steam cleaning apparatus (not shown in figures 1 to 5). The tool 1 is attachable to the steam cleaning apparatus, for instance a hand-held steam cleaning apparatus, and can be utilised to convey steam from the steam cleaning apparatus and towards an item being cleaned.

The item being cleaned could be anything from the surface of a wall, a floor or a window to the surface of a vehicle.

The tool 1 may be configured so that it can be releasably attached to a portion of the steam cleaning apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tool 1 may include a first part 12 and a second part 14, the first and second parts 12, 14 being movable relative to one another. Each of the parts 12, 14 may include a respective conduit 120, 140 defining flow paths for conveying steam from the steam cleaning apparatus and towards the item being cleaned.

In embodiments, the first part 12 includes the conduit 120 which defines a flow path for conveying steam from the steam cleaning apparatus and towards the second part 14. The conduit 120 may be configured to receive or be received by a steam outlet of the steam cleaning apparatus, e.g. by an interference or friction fit. In some embodiments, however, the conduit 120 need not form an interference or friction fit with the steam outlet. Instead, the conduit 120 may be configured to form a snap or push fit with the steam outlet. Alternatively, the conduit 120 may simply abut a steam outlet of the steam cleaning apparatus in any manner that permits steam to flow from the steam cleaning apparatus to the conduit 120 and onward to the second part 14. In some embodiments, there may be additional members defining channels located between the conduit 120 and the steam outlet of the steam cleaning apparatus.

The first part 12 may include a latching assembly 122 including a locking member 124 for forming a positive latching engagement with a corresponding locking member of the steam cleaning apparatus. The latching assembly 122 may include a user operable portion 126 for controlling movement of the locking member 124. In such embodiments, the first part 12 may be fixed to the steam cleaning apparatus by inserting the locking member 124 into the steam cleaning apparatus. The latching assembly 122 may include a spring (not shown) for biasing the locking member 124 into positive locking with the corresponding locking member of the steam cleaning apparatus. To remove the tool 1 from the steam cleaning apparatus the user may depress the user operable portion 126 to overcome the force of the spring and cause the locking member 124 to release from the corresponding locking member of the steam cleaning apparatus.

Figure 2 shows a cross section along the long axis of the tool 1 of figure 1. In figure 2 it is clear that the conduit 120 defines a flow path that extends along a generally elongate axis depicted by the line X-X. The second part 14 includes a conduit 140 defining a flow path for conveying fluid from the conduit 120 to the item being cleaned. The conduit 140 defines a flow path that extends along a generally elongate axis depicted by the line Y-Y.

In embodiments, the second part 14 may include an operative portion 142 having a surface, indicated generally at 144, for directing steam towards the item being cleaned. In the illustrated embodiment the flow path 140 of the second part 14 terminates at the surface 144 such that steam is dispensable from the tool 1 at the surface 144. The surface 144 may be generally flat and lies in a plane depicted by the line Z-Z.

In use, the surface 144 may be used for bringing the tool 1 into contact with the item being cleaned.

Alternatively, the tool 1 may be configured for being attached to an accessory (not shown), such as an agitator or a hard surface cleaning fitment, e.g. a window or floor tool. For instance, in some embodiments, the second part 14 may include an attachment formation 146 for engaging a corresponding formation of the accessory to permit releasable engagement of the tool 1 and accessory. The attachment formation 146 of the second part 14 may be in the form of a latching formation or a snap-fit member. In some embodiments, the accessory may be attached to the tool 1 by a push or interference fit. When utilised with an accessory, steam is conveyed from the steam cleaning apparatus (via conduits 120, 140) to the surface 144 of the tool 1 and is dispensed into the accessory.

In embodiments, the cross sectional area at a first end 120a of the conduit 120 may be greater than the cross sectional area at a second end 120b of the conduit 120 remote from the first end 120a. The conduit 120 may be tapered along a portion thereof between the first and second ends 120, 120b. Advantageously, such narrowing and/or tapering of the conduit 120 between the first and second ends 120a, 120b means that steam accelerates as it flows through the tool 1 which can improve cleaning, particularly on surfaces having stubborn dirt. Additionally, the narrowing and/or tapering of the conduit 120 means that steam can be concentrated onto small surface areas, which can also improve cleaning.

In some embodiments, the conduit 140 of the second part 14 may also be configured to have a greater cross sectional area at one end 140a from the other end 140b. In some embodiments, the conduit 140 may also taper along a portion thereof between the two ends 140a, 140b to achieve the same effects as those described above in respect of the first part 12.

In embodiments, the surface 144 may be generally inclined with respect to the generally elongate axis X-X of the flow path of the first part 12. The first and second parts 12, 14 are connected to one another and are moveable relative to one another, so that a user can adjust the orientation of the surface 144 relative to the steam cleaning apparatus. In embodiments, the first and second parts 12, 14 may be rotatable relative to one another about the generally elongate axis X-X of the flow path of the first part 12.

Advantageously, this means that a user is able to adjust the orientation of the surface 144 without having to rotate the steam cleaning apparatus itself. A typical steam cleaning apparatus can be relatively heavy (particularly when full of water) and cleaning can be made easier for the user if the steam cleaning apparatus remains in an upright configuration during use. Relative rotation of the first and second parts 12, 14 means that up facing, down facing and side facing surfaces can all be cleaned whilst the steam cleaning apparatus remains upright.

In embodiments, the tool 1 may include a locking mechanism, indicated generally at 16, which locking mechanism 16 is actuatable between a first arrangement in which the first and second parts 12, 14 are fixed relative to one another and a second arrangement in which the first and second parts 12, 14 are movable relative to one another. Advantageously, this means that the second part 14 (and hence the surface 144) can be locked in a given configuration for cleaning. If the user desires to change the cleaning configuration the locking mechanism 16 can be actuated to permit rotation of the second part 14 relative to the first part 12.

The locking mechanism 16 may include a collar 160 arranged to at least partially surround the flow path of the first part 12. The collar 160 may include at least one locking formation 162 configured to engage a corresponding locking formation 128 of the first part 12.

In embodiments, the collar 160 may be resiliently biased such that the or each locking formation 162 of the collar 160 engages the respective locking formation 128 of the first part 12 (as is illustrated by figures 1 and 2). For instance, the locking mechanism 16 may include a spring 164 arranged coaxially and externally with respect to the conduit 120. In use, the spring 164 urges on a rim 166 of the collar 160 to displace the collar 160 towards the first part 12, such that the locking formations 128, 162 become interlocked. To unlock the locking mechanism 16 the user displaces the collar 160 away from the first part 12 and against the force of the spring 164. In doing so the locking formations 128, 162 disengage and this permits rotation of the first part 12 relative to the second part 14. It goes without saying that once the user releases the collar 160 the force of the spring 164 urges the collar 160 towards the first part 12 once again.

The first part 12 and the collar 160 may each include four locking formations 128, 162 spaced circumferentially thereof at 90 degree intervals.

Advantageously, this means that the second part 14 (and hence the surface 144) can be fixed relative to the first part 12 in four discrete configurations, e.g. for cleaning up facing, side facing and down facing surfaces, whilst at the same time maintaining the steam cleaning apparatus upright. Of course, it is within the scope of this specification for the tool 1 to include a greater or fewer number of corresponding locking formations 128, 162 spaced circumferentially thereof.

Figures 3 to 5 show various configurations of a tool 1 according to an embodiment. As the skilled person will appreciate, the first part 12 is fixed in the same configuration in each of the figures, whilst the second part 14 is shown in different configurations. Fixing of the first part 12 in this manner is intended to demonstrate how the tool 1 operates when the surface cleaning apparatus remains in its upright configuration.

Figures 3a and 3b show the tool 1 in the locked configuration with the corresponding locking formations 128, 162 of the respective first part 12 and collar 160 engaged. In this configuration the two parts 12, 14 are fixed with respect to one another. The surface 144 of the second part 14 is pointing in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the page and this configuration of the tool 1 is one which a user could adopt to clean an up facing surface, such as a floor surface. It will be appreciated that the generally elongate axis X-X of the first part 12 and the generally elongate axis Y-Y of the second part 14 lie in a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the page.

In order to adjust the configuration of the tool 1, the user urges the collar 160 away from the first part 12 in the direction of arrow R to unlock the locking mechanism 16, which means that the locking formations 128, 162 become disengaged, as illustrated by figures 4a and 4b. The first and second parts 12, 14 are now freely rotatable with respect to one another in either of the directions illustrated by arrow S. Figures 5a and 5b show the tool 1 in an unlocked configuration, but where the second part 14 has been rotated 90 degrees in the direction of arrow S from the configuration shown in figures 3a and 3b. Locking formations 128, 162 are aligned and will become engaged by the force of the spring 164 once the user releases the collar 160. It will be appreciated that the generally elongate axis X-X of the first part 12 and the generally elongate axis Y-Y of the second part 14 lie in a plane that is parallel to the plane of the page.

Figure 6 shows a tool according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, denoted generally by reference numeral 1'. Components of the tool 1' similar to those of the tool 1 are assigned the same number but are denoted with a prime 0.

The tool 1' is similar to the tool 1 of the embodiments described above, with the exception that the tool 1' has no "first part 12". Instead, the tool 1' includes part 14', which part 14' is directly attachable to a steam outlet 202 of a steam cleaning apparatus 200. The steam outlet 202 has a flow path extending along a generally elongate axis X'-X'.

The tool 1' operates in a similar manner to the tool 1 of the embodiments described above, in that the part 14' includes a conduit 140', a first portion 140a' which is aligned with the generally elongate axis X'-X' of the steam outlet 202 and a second portion 1401i which defines a flow path extending along a generally elongate axis Y'-Y'. The tool 1' and the steam cleaning apparatus 200 are movable relative to one another between a first configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths X'-X', Y'-Y' lie in a first plane and a second configuration in which the generally elongate axes X'-X', Y'-Y' of the respective flow paths lie in a second plane.

The tool 1' may include a locking mechanism, indicated generally at 16', which locking mechanism 16' operates in a similar way to the locking mechanism 16 described above.

For instance, the locking mechanism 16' may include a collar 160' arranged to at least partially surround the first portion 140a' of the flow path of the part 14'.

The collar 160' may include at least one locking formation 162' configured to engage a corresponding locking formation 204 of the steam cleaning apparatus 200.

In embodiments, the collar 160' may be resiliently biased such that the or each locking formation 162' of the collar 160' engages the respective locking formation 204 of the steam cleaning apparatus 200.

The terms "up facing", "side facing" and "down facing" are relative terms but in the context of the patent specification these terms are intended to mean "floor surface", "wall surface" and "ceiling surface", respectively.

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.

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.

Claims

Claims 1. A tool for a steam cleaning apparatus, the tool including: a first part having a conduit defining a flow path extending along a generally elongate axis; and a second part having a conduit defining a flow path extending along a generally elongate axis, the first and second parts being connected to one another, wherein the first and second parts are movable relative to one another between a first configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths lie in a first plane and a second configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths lie in a second plane.
2. A tool according to claim 1, including a locking mechanism which is actuatable between a first arrangement in which the first and second parts are fixed relative to one another and a second arrangement in which the first and second parts are movable relative to one another.
3. A tool according to claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism includes a collar arranged to at least partially surround the flow path of the first part, wherein the collar includes at least one locking formation configured to engage a corresponding locking formation of the first part.
4. A tool according to claim 3, wherein the collar is resiliently biased such that the or each locking formation of the collar engages, in use, the respective locking formation of the first part.
5. A tool according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism includes a spring arranged coaxially and externally with respect to the conduit of the first part, the spring being operable to displace the collar towards the first part.
6. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to fix the first and second parts relative to one another when the tool is in one or both of the first and second configurations.
7. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second parts are rotatable relative to one another between the first and second configurations, the relative rotation being about the generally elongate axis of the flow path of the first part.
8. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part includes an attachment formation for releasably attaching the tool to a portion of a steam cleaning apparatus.
9. A tool according to claim 8, wherein the attachment formation includes a releasable latching member.
10. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross sectional area at a first end of the conduit of the first and/or second parts is greater than the cross sectional area at a second end of the or each conduit remote from the first end.
11. A tool according to claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the conduit of the first and/or second parts is tapered between the first and second ends.
12. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part has an operative portion having a surface for directing towards or for bringing into contact with an item being cleaned, wherein the flow path of the second part terminates at the surface such that steam is dispensable from the tool at the surface.
13. A tool according to claim 12, wherein the surface is generally inclined with respect to the flow path of the first part when the tool is in one or both of the first and second configurations.
14. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part includes an attachment formation for releasably attaching the second part to an accessory, such as an agitator or a hard surface cleaning fitment.
15. A tool according to claim 14, wherein the attachment formation of the second part includes any one of a latching formation or a snap-fit member.
16. A tool for a steam cleaning apparatus, the steam cleaning apparatus being of the type which includes a steam outlet having a flow path extending along a generally elongate axis, wherein the tool includes a part having a conduit defining a flow path extending along a generally elongate axis, the tool being connectable to the steam cleaning apparatus, wherein the tool and steam cleaning apparatus are movable relative to one another between a first configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths lie in a first plane and a second configuration in which the generally elongate axes of the respective flow paths lie in a second plane.
17. A tool for a steam cleaning apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
18. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.