Steam mop

Abstract

A steam mop having a main body with a boiler, a water container, a mechanical water pump between the boiler and container and at least one side arm connecting the boiler steam outlet to a fabric steam pocket frame. The water pump is actuated by movement of the mop when cleaning to send water to the boiler. The steam pocket frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles to distribute steam disposed substantially perpendicular to a steam channel having openings to distribute steam between the baffles. A replaceable fabric pocket fits snugly over the frame to distribute cleaning steam to the surface to be cleaned.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates generally to a steam mop, and more particularly to a steam mop including a mechanical water pump that is actuated by the movement of a user to pump water from a water container to a boiler for generating steam to be distributed to a steam pocket applied to a surface to be cleaned.[0002]Conventional mops have been widely used for cleaning floors. However, conventional mops have not been effective at cleaning dirt in small crevices and floor gaps. In addition, conventional mops require frequent rising since mops can only effectively clean a small surface area at a time.[0003]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 ease wrinkles, and the application of steam to objects to assist in cleaning the objects.[0004]Typical steam devices have a reservoir for storing water that is connected to an elec...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a steam mop having a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler is provided. The mop includes a housing with an electric boiler and a water pump coupled to a water tank with the pump being actuated by the user's movement to pump water to the boiler for distribution to a steam pocket frame attachment. A fabric steam pocket is mounted on the steam pocket frame to provide a improved cleaning surface.

[0010]In one embodiment, the steam pocket frame is pivotally connected to one side arm for allowing the frame to be flipped over to provide an additional cleaning surface. In another embodiment, there are two side arms also allowing the frame to be flipped over. This allows the mop to be used backward or forwards and is easy to use by right or left handed users.

[0012]Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a steam mop and steam pocket frame attachment to provide increased steam cleaning surface area.

[0014]Another object of the invention is to provide a fabric steam pocket that is easily mounted on a steam pocket frame.

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional mops have not been effective at cleaning dirt in small crevices and floor gaps.

In addition, conventional mops require frequent rising since mops can only effectively clean a small surface area at a time.

This tends to wet the cloth and reduce the cleaning effectiveness of the steam.

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