WO2012162590A1

WO2012162590A1 - Flexible steam frame with modularizing pivot adaptor

Info

Publication number: WO2012162590A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/039531
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ognjen Vrdoljak
Original assignee: Euro-Pro Operating Llc
Priority date: 2011-05-26
Filing date: 2012-05-25
Publication date: 2012-11-29

Abstract

A steam frame for a steam appliance such as a steam mop has a central body and fingers extending outwardly in a longitudinal-lateral plane. Each finger is capable of flexing in the longitudinal-lateral plane such that upon physical contact with an external object, the fingers substantially conform to the shape of the external object to facilitate cleaning of the floor about such external object. An adapter for a steam frame of a steam appliance includes a housing and pivot joint assembly. A distributor coupled to the housing has an inlet for receiving steam from a steam conduit and outlets for distributing steam into the steam frame.

Description

TITLE OF APPLICATION

Flexible Steam Frame with Modularizing Pivot Adaptor

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed to the field of maneuverable steam appliances such as steam mops.

A maneuverable steam appliance including the likes of steam mops and portable steam units, among others, may include a steam frame and steam pad to facilitate the cleaning process. The steam appliance may be used for above-floor cleaning or for floor cleaning, including the likes of hardwood or laminate, among other suitable floor surfaces. The steam frame may be arranged at a distal end of an elongated body and be configured to receive steam from a boiler and direct it toward a floor-facing part of the steam frame. The steam pad, which may be in the form of a removable steam pocket, is held by the steam frame and contacts the surface to be cleaned, permitting the passage of steam onto the surface during the cleaning process.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to certain aspects of a steam appliance such as a steam mop. In one respect, a steam frame has an arrangement providing rigidity in one or more direction to maintain good contact between a steam pad mounted on the steam frame and a surface being cleaned, while also providing flexibility that enables the steam frame to conform to items such as table legs, bathroom fixtures, etc. that may be encountered during use. Such conformance can improve cleaning effectiveness with little or no additional effort by a user. In another respect, a pivoting adapter mechanically couples a steam frame to a body of the steam appliance with pivoting action while also providing delivery of steam from a boiler. Among other benefits, the modular design can enable a steam appliance to readily use multiple interchangeable steam frames, which may be of different shapes and sizes for different cleaning applications.

More specifically, disclosed herein is a steam frame having a central body and a plurality of fingers extending outwardly from the central body in a longitudinal-lateral plane. Each finger of the steam frame is capable of flexing in the longitudinal-lateral plane such that upon physical contact with an external object that is substantially non-planar, the plurality of fingers are flexible enough so as to bend and flex to substantially conform to the shape of the external object thereby facilitating cleaning of the floor about such external object.

In one embodiment, each finger may be substantially inhibited from bending or flexing in a longitudinal-vertical plane. In another embodiment, each finger may be substantially inhibited from bending or flexing in a lateral-vertical plane.

In one embodiment, the steam frame may further include an inlet disposed on the central body for receiving steam from the steam appliance, where the plurality of fingers are capable of guiding the steam from the central body out to the terminal ends of each finger.

In one embodiment, the steam frame may be used with a cover capable of covering the central body and the plurality of fingers to serve as a steam pocket for the steam appliance. The shape of the cover may be triangular or rectangular or other suitable polygonal shapes to conform to the shape of the frame.

In one embodiment, the steam frame may be used in combination with a steam appliance such as a steam mop or portable steam unit, among others.

In one embodiment, a steam mop includes a steam generator, a water tank in fluid communication with the steam generator for supplying water from the water tank to the steam generator, and a steam frame in fluid communication with the steam generator, the steam frame having characteristics as substantially discussed above.

The present disclosure is also directed to an adapter for coupling the steam frame to the steam appliance. In designing these adapters one may need to take into account the inclusion of a pivot/ball/universal joint and/or various steam conduits/pipes, among other components of the steam appliance. In general, it would be beneficial to have an adapter that is simple in design, inexpensive to produce, and can allow the different parts of a steam appliance to be connected or disconnected, or changed or replaced, with ease and simplicity.

Thus also disclosed herein is an adapter for a steam frame of a steam appliance where the adapter is cheap to produce and simple in design. The adapter can readily allow different steam frames to be changed/replaced on the steam appliance and for different cleaning applications.

In one embodiment, the adapter includes a housing and a pivot joint assembly such as the likes of a universal connector, for example. In some embodiments, the pivot joint assembly may include a steam conduit that carries steam from a steam generator, the steam generator being generally located within a body of a steam mop. A distributor can be coupled to the housing, the distributor including an inlet for receiving steam from the steam conduit, and an outlet in communication with the inlet so as to distribute the steam onto the steam frame of the steam mop.

In one embodiment, a steam frame with which the adapter is used can include a steam pocket. In some embodiments, the steam frame can be polygonal in shape including without limitation rectangular, triangular, circular or square, among other shapes and sizes. As discussed above, the steam appliance can be a steam mop or a portable steam unit, among other suitable household steam appliances.

In one embodiment, the adapter further includes a locking mechanism for securing the adapter to the steam frame of the steam appliance. For example, the locking mechanism may include a pair of spring-loaded pins. The locking mechanism may automatically self-engage when the adapter is received by the steam frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a steam frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is a top-down view of a steam frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 is a top-down view of a steam frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 4A-4B are diagrams showing a steam mop with a steam frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure showing the steam mop in operation around a table leg from one direction.

Figures 5A-5B are diagrams showing a steam mop with a steam frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure showing the steam mop in operation around a table leg from different directions.

Figure 6 is a picture of a steam mop with a steam frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure showing the steam mop in operation around a sharp corner of a piece of furniture. Figure 7 is a picture of a steam mop with a steam frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure showing the steam mop in operation around a rounded corner of a piece of furniture.

Figure 8 is a picture of a steam mop with a steam frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure showing the steam mop in operation along the floor and wall.

Figures 9A-9B are top-down and rear perspective views of a pivot joint assembly in operation with an adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 10 is a top-down view of the adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 is a deconstructed perspective view of the adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 12 is a deconstructed perspective view of the distributor portion of the adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 13 is a top-down view of a pivot joint assembly coupled to a steam frame via an adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 14A-14B are top-down views of the adapter in closed and open positions, respectively.

Figures 15A-15B are rear perspective views of a pivot joint assembly coupled to different shaped steam frames using an adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 16A-16B are deconstructed views of a pivot joint assembly coupled to different shaped steam frames using an adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosure can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a steam frame 10 for a steam appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In general, the steam frame 10 may be used in conjunction with a steam appliance such as the likes of steam mop or portable steam units, among others. Examples of steam appliances include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2009/0320231 and U.S. Patent Application No. 2008/0066789, filed June 27, 2008 and June 27, 2007, respectively, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

As shown, the steam frame 10 includes a central body 12 and a plurality of fingers 14 extending outwardly from the central body 12. Although shown as having a substantially U- shape, the central body 12 can take on other feasible shapes including without limitation V- shape, O-shape, T-shape or H-shape. In addition, although shown as substantially looped in shape, the fingers 14 can take on other shapes, potentially polygonal, including without limitation tapered, solid filled or freeform. In some instances, the fingers 14 need not be closed off at the terminal end of the fingers 14. In one embodiment, the central body 12 and the fingers 14 may be formed as separate parts and subsequently coupled by suitable fastening means including glue, adhesive or screw, among others. In other embodiments, the central body 12 and the fingers 14 may be integrated or molded as a single unit.

In one embodiment, each finger 14 may be capable of bending or flexing in a longitudinal-lateral (X-Y) plane. In other words, the fingers 14 may be formed of a material that is flexible enough such that upon physical contact with an external object (e.g., leg of a chair or table), the fingers 14 can substantially deform plastically in the X-Y plane to conform to the shape of the external object. In general, the external object is substantially non-planar. The fiexibility may allow cleaning of the floor upon which the external object sits without a user having to pick up the steam frame 10 or move the external object. For example, the use of the steam frame 10 on a steam appliance such as a steam mop may provide the flexibility of allowing a user to clean around corners and furniture legs (e.g., non- planar surfaces) without having to twist the steam mop around or having to come at the corners and furniture legs from different angles, sides or orientations. In some instances, this may be made possible because the looped shape of the fingers 14 are flexible over the entire length of the fingers 14 with the exception of the attachment point to the central body 12, thereby allowing bending of the fingers 14 and the steam frame 10 and at the same time reducing mechanical stress at the attachment point. This will become more apparent in subsequent figures and discussion.

In some embodiments, the fingers 14 may be substantially inhibited from flexing in the longitudinal-vertical (Y-Z) or lateral-vertical (X-Z) planes. In this case, the steam frame 10 may be capable of navigating and maintaining substantial contact with a floor or other surface in the longitudinal-lateral (X-Y) plane (e.g., floor to be cleaned) without the steam frame 10 bowing upward or over- flexing along the longitudinal-vertical (Y-Z) or lateral- vertical (X-Z) planes if the steam frame 10 should strike an external object at too high a rate of speed.

In one embodiment, the steam frame 10 includes an inlet 16 on the central body 12, the inlet 16 capable of receiving steam from a steam appliance. Additional grooves or guides (not shown) may be formed within the central body 12 for distributing the steam. More specific examples are described below. In some embodiments, the plurality of fingers 14 may facilitate in guiding the steam from the central body 12 out to the terminal ends of each finger 14. Doing so allows the steam to be better distributed throughout the steam frame 10 and may facilitate more uniform cleaning of the floor with the steam frame 10. In other embodiments, there may be fewer steam discharge openings than the number of fingers 14, to achieve a drier state of a cover during use. In particular, there may be no steam discharge openings toward the rear of the steam frame 10 so as to maintain the rear portion of the cover as dry as possible, facilitating quick drying of the floor after passage of the steam mop.

Reference is now made to Figure 2 showing a perspective view of a steam frame 10 for a steam appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the steam frame 10 may include a central body 12 having a plurality of fingers 14 extending outwardly therefrom, the central body 12 having an inlet 16 for receiving steam from a steam appliance. In one embodiment, a cover may be included as indicated by a dotted line 18 representing the periphery or outline of such a cover. The cover is capable of covering the central body 12 and the plurality of fingers 14 to provide a steam pocket for the steam appliance. The cover may be formed of a fabric or towel-like material, among other suitable materials. Examples of covers or steam pockets include the likes of those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2010/0269282 and 2010/0272948, each of which is filed May 15, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Examples of steam pads or materials/layers suitable for serving as the cover include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2009/0000051 and 2010/0024146, filed March 7, 2008 and August 4, 2008, respectively, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

In one embodiment, the fingers 14 may extend outwardly from the central body 12 to allow the cover 18 to be held in a specific shape. In this instance, the steam frame 10 with the cover 18 are substantially rectangular in shape. Although shown to be substantially rectangular in shape, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the cover 18 can take on other polygonal shapes including without limitation triangular, square and circular. In general, the cover 18 should conform to the shape of the steam frame 10. Specifically, the shape of the periphery of the steam frame 10 should correspond to and coincide with a peripheral edge of the cover 18.

In some embodiments, fingers 14 may be omitted in some areas of the steam pocket so as to allow more buckling of the steam frame 10 under high applied force. For example, although the steam frame 10 as shown includes twelve fingers 14 symmetrically distributed about the inlet 16, there may be ten fingers 14 or nine fingers 14 or eight fingers 14, the fingers 14 need not be evenly distributed or spaced. In other words, there may be missing fingers 14 or enlarged spacing between fingers 14, as necessary or desired. Doing so (i.e., providing empty spaces between fingers 14) may allow more "give" or flexibility. In other words, there may be as many or as few fingers 14 as needed, the fingers 14 need not be symmetric or have equal spacing.

Reference is now made to Figure 3 showing a perspective view of a steam frame 10 for a steam appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the steam frame 10 may include a central body 12 having a plurality of fingers 14 extending outwardly therefrom in freeform, the fingers 14 configured to take on various polygonal shapes and sizes. Like above, the central body 12 includes an inlet 16 for receiving steam from a steam appliance and a cover 18 to serve as a steam pocket for a steam mop.

Whereas in the steam frame 10 of Figure 2 each finger 14 has a symmetric loop shape about the line or axis along which it extends, in Figure 3 the fingers 14 include some fingers that are symmetric and others that are asymmetric. In particular, the fingers include front fingers 14c, side fingers 14d and front-corner fingers 14e. Each front-corner finger 14e is symmetrically shaped about its axis and therefore can flex both rearward and forward. Each of the front fingers 14c is asymmetrically shaped about its axis so as to more readily bend in a rearward direction upon encountering an external object during use. Similarly, the side fingers 14d are also asymmetrically shaped about their axes so as to more readily bend in a forward direction upon encountering an external object during use.

In some embodiments, the fingers 14 may have different properties. For example, fingers at a rear 14a of the steam frame 10 may be more rigid and not as flexible, because they are less likely to make contact with an external object, whereas fingers that extending toward the front 14b or sides of the steam frame 10 may be more flexible so as to distort or collapse as desired. Rigidity may be provided by interior stiffener elements 15 as shown. The difference in rigidity and flexibility may facilitate placement/removal of the cover 18. That is the cover 18 can be stretched during placement relying on a rigid finger at the rear 14a to hold the cover and more flexible fingers 14 to flex to accommodate the cover 18 if necessary.

Reference is now made to Figures 4A-4B illustrating a steam mop 20 in operation with a covered steam frame 18 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In general, the steam mop 20 may include a steam generator (not shown), a water tank in fluid communication with the steam generator, where the water tank is capable of supplying water from the water tank to the steam generator. The steam frame 18 may be in communication with the steam generator and receive steam from the steam generator via the inlet 16.

Additional details about the steam mop 20, water tank, steam generator and other components of a steam appliance may be found in the published patent applications as disclosed herein.

As shown, the covered steam frame 18 includes a steam pocket as discussed above. Figure 4A shows the steam frame 18 in preparation for making contact with a table leg 22, while Figure 4B shows the steam frame 18 flexing and bending in response to making contact with the table leg 22 as the steam mop 20 is pushed toward the table leg 22 from one direction (e.g., underside). In this instance, the steam frame 18 with steam pocket is able to bend or flex and conform to the shape of the table leg 22. And because of the flexibility of the steam frame 18, the floor around the table leg 22 can be cleaned without having to lift, twist or turn the steam mop 20, or having to come at the table leg 22 from different angles/ orientations .

Reference is now made to Figures 5A-5B illustrating a steam mop 20 in operation with a covered steam frame 18 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. These figures are substantially similar to the ones before with the exception that the steam mop 20 is coming toward the table leg 22 from another direction (e.g., sideway) as shown in Figure 5A, and in Figure 5B shows another side of the steam frame 18 coming in contact with the table leg 22. As in both instances the steam frame 18 and the coupled steam pocket are able to bend or flex and conform to the shape of the table leg 22 therefore allowing a user to clean the floor around the table leg 22 without having to lift, twist or turn the steam mop 20, or coming at the table leg 22 from different angles/orientations. Doing so may allow floor cleaning to be completed quicker, safer and faster thereby saving a user money, time and energy. Reference is now made to Figures 6-7 showing pictures of a steam mop 20 in operation with a steam frame 18 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In these instances, the steam mop 20 is being used around sharp and rounded corners of a piece of furniture 22. As discussed above, when the steam frame 18 is pressed against the corners, the steam frame 18 and the steam pocket are able to flex to accommodate by conforming to the shape whether it be sharp rectangular or square corners, or rounded corners. Doing so allows cleaning to be completed faster by not having the user lift, twist or come at the corners from different angles or directions.

Reference is now made to Figure 8 showing use of a steam mop 20 with a steam frame 18 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this instance, when the steam frame 18 is not being pushed against a non-planar object such as a table or chair leg, the steam frame 18 can function as effectively as a traditional steam frame 18 and allow cleaning along the floor and the wall (e.g., baseboards, edges of wall).

The presently disclosed steam frames 10, 18 can be substantially rigid to facilitate cleaning of the floor in all directions. In addition to the rigidity provided along the longitudinal-lateral (X-Y) plane for floor cleaning purposes, the steam frames 10, 18 may also allow effective cleaning of the floor around rounded shapes, corners, legs of furniture, among other external objects without twisting or approaching these objects from different sides or angles because of the flexibility of the fingers 14.

Although not specifically shown, a steam appliance that includes the steam frame 10 will generally include a steam appliance body with a water tank and a steam generator coupled to receive water from the water tank. In use, the steam generator converts the water into steam to be discharged at a steam outlet of the steam appliance body, eventually entering and being discharged from the steam frame 10. The steam appliance may be configured as a steam mop, where the body has an elongated shape and terminates in a handle to be held by a user to maneuver the steam mop during use.

Reference is now made to Figures 9A-9B showing top-down and rear perspective views of a pivot joint assembly 40 forming part of an adapter 30 according to one

embodiment of the present disclosure. In general, the pivot joint assembly 40 and the adapter 30 may be used in conjunction with a steam appliance such as the likes of steam mop or portable steam units, among others. Examples of steam appliances and pivot joint assemblies include those disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2009/0320231 and U.S. Patent Application No. 2008/0066789. In one embodiment, the adapter 30 for a steam frame of a steam appliance includes two components: a distributor 32 and a housing 34, where the distributor 32 can be coupled to the housing 34 using suitable means including the likes of glue, screws, nuts and bolts, among other fasteners. In some instances, the distributor 32 and the housing 34 may be integrated as a single component. The distributor 32 is one type of connector that may be used to connect the housing 34 to a steam frame; in other embodiments a connector may be employed that does not provide steam distribution. One such example is described below.

In one embodiment, the housing 34 is configured to receive a pivot joint assembly 40 including the likes of a universal connector, for example. As shown, the yokes 50 of the pivot joint assembly 40 may be received by recesses within the housing 34 of the adapter 30. The pivot joint assembly 40 generally includes a steam conduit 42 that is capable of carrying steam from a steam generator, which is usually located within a body of a steam mop.

In one embodiment, the distributor 32 includes an inlet 38 in fluid communication with the steam conduit 42. In other words, steam from the steam conduit 42 can be received by the inlet 38 of the distributor 32. In some instances, corresponding holes or apertures may be formed in parts of the housing 34 to facilitate such a process.

In one embodiment, the distributor 32 includes a plurality of outlets 44, the outlets 44 being in communication with the inlet 38 so as to facilitate the distribution of steam from the steam conduit 42 onto a steam frame of a steam mop. The outlets 44 are arranged at a steam frame mating surface 43 that mates with a corresponding mating area of a steam frame. The steam, once distributed onto the steam frame, may subsequently be distributed onto a steam pad and transferred onto a surface to be cleaned, the types of cleaning surfaces include the likes of bare floor, hardwood floor, laminated floor, stove top, kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, among others.

In one embodiment, the steam frame can be used with a steam pocket as described above. Examples of steam pockets include the likes of those disclosed in U.S. Patent

Application Nos. 2010/0269282 and 2010/0272948, each of which is filed May 15, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Examples of steam pads or materials/layers suitable for serving as the cover 18 include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2009/0000051 and 2010/0024146, filed March 7, 2008 and August 4, 2008, respectively, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

In one embodiment, the adapter 30 further includes a locking mechanism 36 for securing the adapter 30 to the steam frame of the steam appliance. In one example, the locking mechanism 36 may employ a pair of spring-loaded pins. In another example, the locking mechanism 36 can automatically self-engage when the adapter 30 is coupled to the steam frame. This will become more apparent in subsequent figures and discussion.

In one embodiment, the distributor 32 and the housing 34 may be assembled using screws and/or nuts/bolts, among other suitable fastening techniques. In some instances, the distributor 32 and the housing 34 may be integrated as a single unit (e.g., integrally formed as one piece by molding). In other instances, the housing 34 may serve as a protective shell in preventing the distributor 32 from mechanical damage during use.

Reference is now made to Figure 10 showing a top-down view of the adapter 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a notch may be formed in the housing 34 at the interface between the steam conduit 42 and the inlet 38 of the distributor 32. The notch may be able to serve as a clamp to the steam hose or conduit 42 thus eliminating the need for separate clamping. For example, the housing 34 may be designed to incorporate a specific ring extrusion to facilitate the coupling process of the adapter 30 with the steam conduit 42 of the pivot joint assembly 40. The notch feature may further eliminate labor involved with separate clamping means and/or reducing the number of parts.

Reference is now made to Figure 11 showing a deconstructed view of the adapter 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the housing 34 can be made of multiple parts (e.g., two or more parts) and assembled together using nuts/bolts or screws, among other fasteners. The multiplicity of parts may translate to ease of production in particular for plastic injection/molding processes. In other instances, the housing 34 can be assembled via other suitable fastening techniques. Likewise, the distributor 32a, 32b can be formed of one part or multiple parts (e.g., two or more parts). This is better illustrated in Figure 12 which shows a deconstructed perspective view of the two distributor portions 32a, 32b according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in Figure 12, the distributor 32 includes an upper cover portion 32a and a lower main body portion 32b. In some embodiments, the two parts 32a, 32b may be integrated as a single piece. The inlet 38 may be in the form of a barb nipple for receiving steam from the steam conduit 42. In general, the idea is to distribute steam throughout every chamber of the steam frame. This can be accomplished by guiding steam from the inlet 38 to the plurality of outlets 44 disposed about an exterior surface of the distributor 32 via steam channels 46. As shown in the lower main body 32b, the steam channels 46 may be similar to that of a moat and serve as channel guides to steam from the steam conduit 42 via the inlet 38. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, gaskets (not shown) and other

components may be used to ensure proper sealing occurs between the two parts 32a, 32b and that steam is properly guided from the inlet 38 to the outlets 44 without substantial leakage.

Reference is now made to Figure 13 showing a top-down view of a pivot joint assembly 40 coupled to a steam frame 60 using an adapter 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 14A-14B showing top-down views of the adapter 30 in closed and open positions, respectively. As shown in Figure 13, the pivot joint assembly 40 and the adapter 30 may be secured to the steam frame 60 via a locking mechanism 36 such as a pair of locking pins 36. In some instances, the locking pins 36 may be integrated into the housing 34. In operation, the locking pins 36 can be actuated which would in turn drive the corresponding mechanical posts 48.

For example, as shown in Figure 14A, the mechanical posts 48 are substantially extended when the locking pins 36 are not actuated. In this configuration (also as is the case in Figure 13), the adapter 30 and the pivot joint assembly 40 are securely locked to the steam frame 60 by the fully extended mechanical posts 48. In the alternative, as shown in Figure 14B, the mechanical posts 48 can be substantially retracted by inwardly actuating the locking pins 36 (e.g., squeezing the two locking pins 36 together). In this configuration, the adapter 30 and the pivot joint assembly 40 can be opened or released from the steam frame 60.

Because of the tapered edges of the mechanical posts 48, the adapter 30, along with the locking mechanism 36, has an automatic self-locking feature. In other words, the adapter 30 can automatically self-engage as it is slidably received in the steam frame 60. The process involves parts of the steam frame 60, because of its rigidity, actuating the mechanical posts 48 thereby forcing the mechanical posts 48 to transition from the locked position (prior to engaging the steam frame 60), to the unlocked position (as the adapter 30 engages the steam frame 60 and the rigidness of the steam frame 60 pushes on the mechanical posts 48), and finally back again to the locked position (as the adapter 30 is securely received by the steam frame 60 and the locking pins 36 and the mechanical posts 48 automatically click in place similar to that shown in Figure 13).

Reference is now made to Figures 15A-15B showing rear perspective views of a pivot joint assembly 40 coupled to different shaped steam frames 60 using an adapter 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In these instances, the shapes of the steam frame 60 can be triangular (Figure 15 A) or rectangular (Figure 15B). In other embodiments, the steam frame 60 can take on other polygonal shapes and sizes (not shown).

In one embodiment, as the pivot joint assembly 40 and the adapter 30 are received in the steam frame 60, steam from the steam conduit 42 can be distributed by the outlets 44 into different chambers 42 of the steam frame 60. Doing so allows better steam distribution as steam is distributed throughout every chamber 62 of the steam frame 60. The distributed steam may subsequently be transferred onto the surface to be cleaned via steam fabric pads or steam pockets as discussed above.

Reference is now made to Figures 16A-16B showing deconstructed views of a pivot joint assembly 40 coupled to different shaped steam frames 60 using an adapter 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In these instances, the shapes of the steam frame 60 can be triangular (Figure 16A) or rectangular (Figure 16B). It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that these steam frames 60 are currently in public use and

substantially described in one or more of the patent applications referenced and incorporated herein. Accordingly, the presently disclosed adapter embodiments may be implemented into the current marketplace products.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed adapter embodiments may reduce the number of pivot joint assemblies necessary. In other words, the adapter may be universally and used in conjunction with various shaped pivot joint assemblies and steam frames thereby reducing the costs and inconvenience associated with having to provide/produce a different pivot joint assembly for each steam frame.

While various embodiments of the invention have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A steam frame for a steam appliance to be used in cleaning a surface, comprising:

a central body including an inlet configured to mate with and receive steam from a body of the steam appliance; and

a plurality of elongated fingers extending outwardly from the central body to define a longitudinal-lateral plane to be brought into proximity of the surface to be cleaned during use, each finger being sufficiently flexible in the longitudinal-lateral plane to substantially conform to the shape of an external object encountered by the steam frame during surface cleaning, thereby facilitating cleaning of the surface about the external object.

2. The steam frame of claim 1, wherein each finger is substantially inhibited from flexion in a longitudinal-vertical plane orthogonal to the longitudinal-lateral plane.

3. The steam frame of claim 1, wherein each finger is substantially inhibited from flexion in a lateral-vertical plane orthogonal to the longitudinal-lateral plane.

4. The steam frame of claim 1, wherein the fingers are configured to receive steam from the inlet and guide the steam outward toward terminal ends of the fingers.

5. The steam frame of claim 1, wherein the central body and fingers are configured for mounting of a removable, fabric steam pocket having a cleaning surface lying in the longitudinal-lateral place when the steam pocket is mounted on the steam frame, the fabric of a durable material and construction permitting passage of steam from the steam frame to the surface being cleaned during use.

6. The steam frame of claim 5, wherein the central body and fingers are configured to establish a peripheral shape corresponding to and coinciding with a peripheral edge of the steam pocket when the steam pocket is mounted on the steam frame.

7. The steam frame of claim 6, wherein the peripheral shape is a polygonal shape.

8. The steam frame of claim 5, wherein the fingers are front and side fingers, and further including a set of rear-corner fingers extending laterally outwardly at a rear section of the steam frame, the rear-corner fingers being substantially inhibited from flexion to rigidly hold a rear portion of the steam pocket.

9. The steam frame of claim 8, wherein the rear-corner fingers are loop-shaped and include interior stiffener elements to inhibit flexion.

10. The steam frame of claim 8, having an absence of steam outlets at the rear-comer fingers to maintain the rear portion of the steam pocket drier than a forward portion of the steam pocket during use.

11. The steam frame of claim 1 , wherein the fingers are loop-shaped.

12. The steam frame of claim 11, wherein each finger has a symmetric loop shape about an axis of the finger.

13. The steam frame of claim 11, wherein the fingers include front fingers, side fingers and front-comer fingers, each front-corner finger being symmetrically shaped about an axis of the front-comer finger, each of the front fingers being asymmetrically shaped about an axis of the front finger so as to bend in a predetermined rearward direction upon encountering the external object during use.

14. The steam frame of claim 13, wherein each of the side fingers is asymmetrically shaped about an axis of the side finger so as to bend in a predetermined sideward direction upon encountering the external object during use.

15. The steam frame of claim 1, wherein the central body is configured to distribute the steam from the steam inlet to a set of outward- facing steam outlets interspersed with the fingers.

16. The steam from of claim 15, wherein the number of steam outlets is less than the number of fingers so that one or more inter-fingers spaces do not include a steam outlet.

17. A steam appliance, comprising:

the steam frame of claim 1 ; and

a steam appliance body having a steam outlet at which steam is discharged during use, the steam outlet coupled to the steam inlet of the steam frame to provide steam thereto.

18. The steam appliance of claim 17, wherein the steam appliance body includes a water tank and a steam generator coupled to receive water from the water tank, the steam generator operative to convert the water into steam to be discharged at the steam outlet during use.

19. The steam appliance of claim 18 configured as a steam mop, the body having an elongated shape and terminating in a handle to be held by a user to maneuver the steam mop during use.

20. An adapter comprising:

a pivot joint assembly having a steam conduit and being configured at one end for connection to a body of a steam appliance; and

housing retaining the pivot joint assembly, the housing being configured for modular mating with a steam frame from which steam is discharged during use of the steam appliance, the housing including a steam inlet to receive steam from the body of the steam appliance and a steam outlet to deliver the steam to the steam frame during use of the steam appliance.

21. The adapter of claim 20, wherein the steam outlet is substantially one opening at a central location on the housing, and further including a connector mounted to the housing and having a steam frame mating surface configured to mate with a correspondingly configured receiving portion of the steam frame, the connector including a steam channel for passing steam between the steam outlet of the housing and a steam inlet of the steam frame.

22. The adaptor of claim 21, wherein the steam inlet of the steam frame is substantially one opening at a central part of the receiving portion of the steam frame, and wherein the steam channel of the connector is a substantially straight-through passage between the steam outlet of the housing and the steam inlet of the stream frame.

23. The adapter of claim 21, wherein the steam inlet of the steam frame is a plurality of openings arranged across the receiving portion of the steam frame, and wherein the connector is a steam distributor including a steam distribution channel connecting the steam outlet of the housing to the plurality of openings of the steam frame.

24. The adapter of claim 22, wherein the steam distributor has an inverted-U shape corresponding to a U-shape of the receiving portion of the steam frame, the U-shaped steam distributor having a central portion and two symmetric arm portions extending therefrom, the central portion configured for coupling to the steam outlet of the housing, and the arm portions including a plurality of openings each aligned with a respective opening of the steam frame, the steam distribution channel having two symmetric channel portions each extending from the central portion along a respective arm portion of the steam distributor to direct steam to the openings of the arm portions.

25. The adaptor of claim 20, further including a flexible steam hose extending through the pivot assembly for carrying steam from a steam generator of the steam appliance to the connector, and wherein the steam inlet of the housing is configured as a hose clamp retaining one end of the steam hose.

26. The adaptor of claim 20, wherein the housing is configured to capture a horizontally extending pivot member of the pivot assembly, the horizontally extending pivot member providing for vertical pivoting of the body of the steam appliance with respect to the steam frame during use of the steam appliance.

27. The adapter of claim 20, further comprising a locking mechanism for securing the adapter to the steam frame of the steam appliance.

28. The adapter of claim 27, wherein the locking mechanism includes a pair of spring-loaded pins extending laterally in opposite directions to engage corresponding recesses at a receiving portion of the steam frame.

29. The adapter of claim 28, wherein the locking mechanism includes a pair of user- manipulated tabs each connected to a corresponding one of the pins, each tab having a rearward projection configured to be engaged by a user's finger to slide the corresponding pin into an unlocked position against a spring force.

30. The adapter of claim 29, wherein the tabs are spaced apart symmetrically with respect to an axis of the adapter.

31. The adapter of claim 27, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to automatically self-engage when the adapter is coupled to the steam frame.

32. A steam appliance, comprising:

a steam frame;

the adapter of claim 20 mated with the steam frame; and

a steam appliance body connected to the one end of the pivot assembly of claim 20 and configured to provide steam to the steam inlet of the housing during use of the steam appliance.

33. The steam appliance of claim 32, wherein the steam appliance body includes a water tank and a steam generator coupled to receive water from the water tank, the steam generator operative to convert the water into steam to be provided to the steam inlet of the housing during use of the steam appliance.

34. The steam appliance of claim 33 configured as a steam mop, wherein the steam appliance body has an elongated shape and terminates in a handle to be held by a user to maneuver the steam mop during use.