Inventors and entrepreneurs have vocations fueled by passion. Many would have done it for free or as a hobby if it hadn’t become a profession. Mark Rosenzweig is a natural creator, driven by his passion. This fuel has led Mark to develop his ideas into viable products and innovations that he has been patenting since 2003. From an innovative filter sensor and indicator for vacuum cleaners to a basket for deep fryer and methods of cooking food products to a compact cyclonic bagless vacuum cleaner. Sometimes independently and often as part of creative teams, Mark has patented just under one hundred innovative inventions between 2003 and 2017.

1. US 20070050938A1
(19) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0050938A1
Rosenzweig (43) Pub. Date: Mar. 8, 2007
(54) STEAM CLEANER AND STEAM CLEANER Related U.S. Application Data
NOZZLEATTACHMENT
(60) Provisional application No. 60/656,432, filed on Feb.
25, 2005.
(75) Inventor: Mark Rosenzweig, Chestnut Hill, MA
(US) Publication Classification
(51) Int. Cl.
Correspondence Address: A47L 9/02 (2006.01)
SHOOK, HARDY & BACON L.L.P. (52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 15/322
6OO 14TH STREET NW SUTE 8OO
WASHINGTON, DC 20005-2004 (US) (57) ABSTRACT
(73) Assignee: EURO-PRO Operating LLC, Newton, This invention is to a steam cleanerand steam cleaner nozzle
MA attachment. The steam cleaner nozzle attachment has a
scrubbing implementthatis very effective in cleaning essen
(21) Appl. No.: 11/360,433 tially any type of Substrate that is in need of cleaning. It is
particularly effective in removing water insoluble materials
(22) Filed: Feb. 24, 2006 from a Substrate Surface.
14
10

2. US 2007/0050938A1Patent Application Publication Mar. 8, 2007 Sheet 1 of 5
FIG.
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3. Patent Application Publication Mar. 8, 2007 Sheet 2 of 5 US 2007/0050938A1
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4. Patent Application Publication Mar. 8, 2007 Sheet 3 of 5 US 2007/0050938A1

5. Patent Application Publication Mar. 8, 2007 Sheet 4 of 5 US 2007/0050938A1
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6. Patent Application Publication Mar. 8, 2007 Sheet 5 of 5 US 2007/0050938A1

7. US 2007/0050938 A1
STEAM CLEANER AND STEAM CLEANER
NOZZLEATTACHMENT
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS
0001) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi
sional Application No. 60/656,432, filed Feb. 25, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
0002 This invention relates to a steam cleaner and a
steam cleanernozzleattachment. Inparticular, this invention
relates to a steam cleaner and steam cleaner nozzle attach
ment that uses a scrubbing implement to assist in the
cleaning process.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
0003 Steam cleaners come in a variety oftypes, includ
ing hand held steam cleaners, canister Steam cleaners, hard
floor steam cleaners and carpet steam cleaners. Regardless
oftype, Steam cleaners are typically designed so that steam
is contacted directly with the substrate surface that is to be
cleaned.
0004 U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,913 discloses a fabric cleaning
device.The devicehas three main modes ofoperation. In the
simplest mode, dirt is removed from fabrics by normal
vacuuming. In another mode of operation, jets of water
sprayed into the fabric loosen the dirt from the fabric. The
water and dirt are then immediately vacuumed. In the third
mode of operation, cleaning fluid is sprayed from a hand
held container into the fabric. Rinsing wateris applied to the
fabric to dislodge dirt and cleaning fluid. A mixture of
cleaning fluid, rinsing water and dirt are then immediately
vacuumed. Each mode may be used separately or combined
sequentially with other modes to fully clean the fabric. The
device uses a standard vacuuming wand as a cleaning head.
0005 U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,144 describes a compact unit
for the generating and releasing of Steam. The steam
generating unit has a linear shape, is generally tube-shaped,
and its upperend is shapedasahandle. Such a unit,provided
with a housing, comprises a boiler, a thermoelectric resis
tance, a steam tube, a quick-action or quick disconnect
coupling, an electrovalve for the release of the steam, two
thermostats, a water level sensor, and a manometer. Differ
ent devices can be attached to the unit, including a brush
either with or without bristles, a rag-holding accessory, a
steam discharge nozzle, or an additional tube ending in a
nozzle or a brush.
0006 U.S. Pat. No. 6,589.478 discloses a steam disin
fecting device in which steam is guided through a specially
designed disinfection head. The disinfection head is mov
able, connected to an inlet hose for the steam via a holder
with a handle, then connected via a preliminary chamber to
a nozzle assembly, which maintains a distance of 2.5 cm
from the surface to be disinfected and forms a steam
chamber with the front section of the housing ofthe disin
fection head. The disinfection head is surrounded by a
Suction bell and Sucks away the condensed steam produced
via Suction nozzles on the disinfection head.
0007. In general, steam cleanerdesign arranges the steam
noZZle in a manner that allows the steam to directly contact
the substrate surface to be cleanedand thereby use the steam
Mar. 8, 2007
to function as the primary cleaning force. However, the
application of steam alone is often insufficient to properly
clean a surface, and it is difficult to scrub a surface while it
is being directly contacted with the full force ofthe steam.
It is, therefore, desirable to provide a steam cleaner and
attachment system that allows for a substrate surface to be
scrubbed while the full force of the steam is applied.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0008. This invention provides a steam cleaner nozzle,
and a steam cleaning unit containing the nozzle. The steam
cleaner nozzle includes a scrubbing implement that allows
the Steam from the steam cleaning unit to be largely dis
placed directly on the substrate surface rather than on the
cleaning implement. The result is that the heat and vapor
cleaning characteristics ofthe steam can be efficiently used
to remove dirt and grime from the Substrate Surface.
0009. According to the invention, there is provided a
steam cleaner nozzle and a steam cleaner that incorporates
the steam cleaner nozzle. In one embodiment, the steam
cleaner comprises a steam cleaning unit having a steam
discharge end, and a nozzle in fluid connection with the
steam discharge end ofthe steam cleaner.
0010. In one embodiment, the nozzle comprises a con
nection end having a coupling component for coupling to a
steam cleaner. The nozzle includes a nozzle discharge end
and has a steam channel extending from the connection end
to the nozzle discharge end.
0011. In one embodiment, the nozzle includes an imple
mentholding Surfacethatis atthe nozzle discharge end, with
a scrubbing implement attached to the implement holding
surface. The nozzle can be attached directly to the steam
discharge end or it can be coupled to a hose attachment and
the hose attachment is attached to the steam discharge end.
The hose attachment can include a cylindrical tube and
handle arrangement.
0012. In anotherembodiment, thecoupling component is
a detent component. Alternatively, the coupling component
is a screw component. The scrubbing implement can be
removably attached to the implement holding Surface or
permanently attached to the implement holding Surface.
0013 The scrubbing implement can be ofany form that
is suitable for scrubbing. In one embodiment the scrubbing
implement is porous pad. In another, the Scrubbing imple
ment is a plurality ofbrush bristles.
0014. In an embodiment in which a pad is used as the
scrubbing implement, thepad can have oneormorethan one
layer. In one embodiment, the pad is covered with a mesh.
0015. In one embodiment, the implementholding surface
contains a hook arrangement for holding the scrubbing
implement. Preferably,thescrubbing implementhasan open
channel that aligns with the steam channel. It is also pre
ferredthatthe scrubbing implementextends from /s" to 1%."
from the nozzle discharge end.
0016 Preferably the connection end ofthecleanernozzle
is made so that it is relatively cool to the touch as steam is
flowing through the nozzle. In one embodiment, the con
nection end has a ribbed or finned surface.

8. US 2007/0050938 A1
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
0017 Examples of various embodiments of this inven
tion are shown in the attached Figures, wherein:
0018 FIG. 1 shows a steam cleaner nozzle in which the
scrubbing implement is made ofa plurality ofbristles;
0.019 FIG. 2 shows a steam cleaner nozzle in which the
scrubbing implement is made of a pad;
0020 FIGS. 3A-3C show a variety ofpad type scrubbing
implements;
0021 FIGS. 4A and 4B show a nozzle and pad in which
the pad is removably secured to the implement holding
Surface using a hook type arrangement;
0022 FIGS. 5A-5C show a nozzle and cleaning unit
coupling arrangement in which both a detentand Screw type
coupling attachment are used; and
0023 FIGS. 6A-6C show a variety ofcleaning units to
which the steam cleaning nozzle can be attached.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
0024. This invention is directed to steam cleaning. There
is provided a steam cleaner nozzle that has a scrubbing
implement that is very effective in cleaning essentially any
type ofsubstrate that is in need ofcleaning. It is particularly
effective in removing water insoluble materials from a
Substrate Surface.
0.025 The steam cleaner nozzle is comprised of a con
nection end having a coupling component. The coupling
component functions in attaching the connection end ofthe
noZZle to the steam cleaner unit, and the attachment mecha
nism is preferably one that enables the nozzle to be easily
removed from the steam cleaner unit.
0026. A steam channel extends from the connection end
to the discharge end where the steam is discharged from the
noZZle. As the steam exits the discharge end, it preferably
contacts the substrate surface that is to be cleaned without
Substantial condensation.
0027. A scrubbing implement is attached to the steam
cleaner nozzle by way of an implement holding Surface
located at the nozzle discharge end. The scrubbing imple
ment is placed around or over the steam channel so as to
maintain the Steam in its vapor state, thereby contributing to
minimal condensation. The positioning also allows steam to
contact the substrate surface without substantial direct steam
contactto the Scrubbingimplement. According to this inven
tion, the Scrubbing implement is placed in a position that
allows the steam to be largely displaced on the substrate
Surface ratherthan on the cleaning implement. The heat and
vapor cleaning characteristics ofthe steam can therefore be
efficiently used to remove dirt and grime, particularly water
insoluble materials, from a Substrate surface.
0028. The connection end can be made of any suitable
material that can carry Steam with minimal corrosive, ero
sive or undesirable heat effects. Preferably, the coupling
component has sufficient insulating ability so as not to burn
to the touch while the steam cleaning unit is in operation.
Examples ofSuch materials include various metals, prefer
Mar. 8, 2007
ably including an insulating outer Surface, various ceramics
and various plastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene,
and polyvinyl chloride.
0029. In one embodiment, the connection end has a
ribbed or finned surface. Such a surface is particularly
beneficial in displacing heat and can aid as a gripping
mechanism.
0030 Theconnection end includesacouplingcomponent
for coupling the steam cleaner nozzle to a steam cleaning
unit. The coupling component can be any type ofcoupling
arrangement that enables the steam cleaner nozzle to be
attached to the steam cleaning unit, preferably in a manner
that prevents steam from leaking at the location ofattach
ment.
0031. In one embodiment, the coupling component is a
detent component. In general, a detent component is a
device for positioning and holding one mechanical part in
relation toanotherso that thedevicecan be released by force
applied to one of the parts. Examples of Such a device
include a catch, dog or spring-operated ball mechanism. In
general, a dog is considered any of various usually simple
mechanical devices for holding, gripping, or fastening that
consist ofa spike, bar, or hook.
0032. In another embodiment, the coupling component
includes an end having a screw component to couple to the
steam cleaner. The screw component can be eithera male or
a female type arrangement.
0033 Steam is passed from the nozzle connection end
through a channel and exits the steam cleaner nozzle at the
nozzle discharge end. The nozzle discharge end can have
any variety ofshapes or sizes Suitable for extending to and
adequately contactingtheSubstrate Surfaceto bescrubbed or
cleaned. For example, the discharge end can be square,
rectangular, oval, circular, or polygonal depending upon the
shape of the substrate surface that is to be cleaned.
0034. The scrubbing implement is theactual element that
is used to scrub the substrate surface. It can be made ofany
material suitable for scrubbing. The material from which the
scrubbing implement should be suitable for the particular
type of substrate being scrubbed and should be made of a
material having a melting point greaterthan the temperature
of the steam being discharged from the nozzle. Generally,
the scrubbing implement has a melting point greater than
100° C. Preferably, the scrubbing implement has a melting
point greater than 125° C., more preferably, greater than
1500 C.
0035. The scrubbing implement is affixed to the steam
cleaner nozzle by being attached to an implement holding
Surface. The implement holding Surface can be a surface
region that is directly aligned with the exit opening of the
nozzle discharge end of the steam cleaner nozzle or the
holding Surface can be located at a distance from the nozzle
discharge end as long as the scrubbing implement extends a
distance from the nozzle discharge end.
0036) The scrubbing implement should extend far
enough from the nozzle discharge end so that stream can
escape from the nozzle, but not so far that extensive steam
condensation has occurred at the substrate surface. If there
is too much condensation atthe Substrate Surface,then much
ofthe effective scrubbing or cleaning heat ofthe steam will
be lost.

9. US 2007/0050938 A1
0037. In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement
extends from /s" to 1 %" from the nozzle discharge end.
Preferably, the scrubbing implement extends from 4" to 1"
from the nozzle discharge end, more preferably from /3" to
3/4" from the nozzle discharge end.
0038 Examples of the scrubbing implement include
brush bristles, scrubbing pads, etc. The implement can be
made of metal, ceramic, plastic, rubber or natural fiber.
0039. In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is
comprised of bristles. The bristles can be made of metal,
ceramic, plastic, rubber or natural fiber. The bristles can be
arranged in any mannerSuitable forScrubbing. Forexample,
in relation to the nozzle exit, thebristles can extendalongan
axis parallel to that ofthe exiting Steam, or can extend at an
inclined angle. The bristles can be arranged as individual
fibers, mixed bristles or tufts of bristles. Typically, the
bristles are affixed to the implement holding surface, pref
erably not being removable from the holding surface. The
bristles can be affixed by using pitch, resin, cement or other
adhesives. Alternatively, the bristles can be molded with the
implement holding Surface or welded onto the Surface.
0040. In another embodiment, the scrubbing implement
is comprised of a pad or cloth like material, particularly a
porous pad. The pad can be composed ofany ofa variety of
materials, so long as the pad is resistant to the heat and
moisture effects of the steam. Examples of such materials
include synthetics such as polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene
and polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, manufactured
cellulosics (such as rayon), and blends thereof. Such syn
thetic materials may be carded, spunbond, meltblown, air
laid, needlepunched, or otherwise conventionally processed.
0041. Othermaterials thatcan be used in the manufacture
of the scrubbing implement include naturally occurring
material (modified or unmodified), as well as synthetically
made material. Examples of suitable unmodified/modified
naturally occurring materials include cotton, Esparto grass,
bagasse, kemp, flax, silk, wool, wood pulp, chemically
modified wood pulp, jute, ethyl cellulose, and cellulose
acetate. Suitable synthetic or manufactured fibers can be
made from polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polytet
rafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics,
polyvinyl acetate, rayon, polyethylvinylacetate, non-soluble
or soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins such as polyethyl
ene and polypropylene, polyamides such as nylon, polyes
ters, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, and the like. The Scrub
bing implement can comprise naturally occurring materials,
synthetic or manufactured materials, or any compatible
combination ofnaturally occurring, manufactured, and Syn
thetic materials.
0042. The materials that can be used in manufacture of
the scrubbing implement useful herein can be hydrophilic or
hydrophobic, or a combination of both hydrophilic and
hydrophobic material. Particular selection ofhydrophilic or
hydrophobic materials will depend upon the other materials
included in the Scrubbing implement, whether cleaning
Solvents are used in conjunction with the Steam, and the
composition of the Substrate being cleaned. That is, the
nature of the material will be such that the scrubbing
implement exhibits the necessary Scrubbing and other desir
able characteristics. Suitable hydrophilic material for use in
the invention include cellulose or modified cellulose, rayon,
polyesters such as hydrophilic nylon. Suitable hydrophilic
Mar. 8, 2007
material can alsobeobtainedby hydrophilizinghydrophobic
material. Such as Surfactant-treated or silica-treated thermo
plastics.
0043 Suitable hydrophilic or hydrophobic thermoplas
tics can also be used in the manufacture of the Scrubbing
implement. Such materials include polyolefins. Such as
polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylics, polyamides,
polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like. Foamed thermo
plastics are particularly desirable.
0044) Wood pulp can also be incorporated into the scrub
bing implement. Such material can be obtained from well
known chemical processes Such as the Kraft and Sulfite
processes. These wood pulp materials can also be obtained
from mechanical processes, such as ground wood, refiner
mechanical, thermomechanical, chemimechanical, and
chemi-thermomechanical pulp processes. Recycled or sec
ondary wood pulp material, as well as bleached and
unbleached wood pulp, can be used.
0045 Chemically stiffened cellulose can also be used. As
used herein, the term “chemically stiffened cellulose” means
cellulose based material that has been stiffened by chemical
means to increasethe stiffness ofthe material underboth dry
and aqueous conditions. Such means can include the addi
tion of a chemical stiffening agent that, for example, coats
and/or impregnates the material. Such means can also
includethe stiffeningofthe material by altering thechemical
structure, e.g., by crosslinking polymer chains.
0046) Thermoplastic materials useful in the present
invention can be in any of a variety of forms including
particulates, fibers, foams or combinations thereof. Various
examples includepolyolefins such as polyethylene,polypro
pylene, polyesters, copolyesters, polyvinyl acetate, polyeth
ylvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,
polyacrylics, polyamides, copolyamides, polystyrenes,
polyurethanes and copolymers ofany ofthe foregoing Such
as vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate, and the like. Suitable ther
moplastic materials can also include hydrophobic fibers or
material. Such as Surfactant-treated or silica-treated thermo
plastics derived from, for example, polyolefins such as
polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylics, polyamides,
polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like. The surface ofthe
thermoplastic can be treated with a surfactant, Such as a
nonionic or anionic Surfactant, e.g., by spraying with a
Surfactant, by dipping into a surfactant or by including the
Surfactant as part of the polymer melt in the production
process. Upon melting and resolidification, the Surfactant
will tend to remain at the surfaces of the thermoplastic.
Suitable Surfactants include nonionic Surfactants such as
BRIJ(R) 76 manufactured by ICI Americas, Inc. ofWilming
ton, Del., and various Surfactants sold under the
PEGOSPERSE(R) trademark by Glyco Chemical, Inc. of
Greenwich, Conn. Besides nonionic Surfactants, anionic
Surfactants can also be used. These Surfactants can be
applied to the thermoplastic at levels of for example, from
about 0.2 to about 1 g/cm ofthermoplastic material.
0047 Suitable thermoplastic materials can be made from
a single polymer (monocomponent), or can be made from
more than one polymer (e.g., bicomponent or multicompo
nent). In one embodiment, a bicomponent fiber is used Such
that the fiber is comprised of a core fiber made from one
polymer that is encased within a thermoplastic sheath made
from a different polymer.

10. US 2007/0050938 A1
0.048. In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is
made of a polyurethane foam. In a particular embodiment,
the foam is a polyol based polyurethane foam, in another
embodiment a polyester based polyurethane, and in another
a polyether based polyurethane.
0049. Depending upon the composition of the scrubbing
implement, it can have a variety of desired characteristics.
The characteristics differ depending upon the substrate that
is to be cleaned. For example, highly abrasive materials can
be usedto clean metal Surfaces wherescratchingofthe metal
is not a concern.
0050. In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is a
pad having a porosity appropriate for cleaning the Substrate
surface. Preferably, the pad has a porosity ofat least 5 pores
perinch, morepreferably atleast30pores perinch,and most
preferably at least 60pores perinch. Porosity as used herein
is determined according to a linear cell count, i.e., number
of cells in a linear unit of measurement.
0051. The scrubbing implement in certain embodiments,
e.g., pad form, can also be defined according to density.
Preferably the scrubbing implement has a density of from
0.5 to 15 lbs per cu ft, more preferably from 1 to 10 lbs per
cu ft, still morepreferably from 1.2-5 lbs percu ft, and most
preferably from 1.5 to 2.5 lbs percu ft. Density is preferably
measured using test methods ofASTM D3547.
0.052 The scrubbing implement, preferably in pad form,
also has a desired hardness range. In on embodiment, the
scrubbing implement has a hardness of from 0.1 to 1.5
pounds per square inch, preferably from 0.2 to 1.2 pounds
per square inch, and morepreferably from 0.3 to 1 poundper
square inch. Hardness is preferably measured using the
method of ISO 3386.
0053. In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is
made of a foamed thermoplastic material containing cells.
The cells preferably have an overall or averageeffective cell
diameteroffrom 0.005 to 0.175 inches, preferably from 0.01
to 0.15 inches, and more preferably from 0.015 to 0.15
inches. The effective cell diameter can be calculated as:
d=(l'h'd)".
wherein l=cell length, h=cell height, and d=cell depth.
0054 Thescrubbing implement, particularly in pad form,
can also be wrapped in a mesh layer. Any type of polymer
Suitable for Such purpose can be used, including the poly
mers noted above, and in particular the thermoplastic mate
rials.
0.055 The thickness of the scrubbing implement in pad
formorthe lengthofthescrubbinginstrumentin bristle form
is not particularly important except to the extent that the
scrubbing implement retain its appropriate resiliency and
other desirable characteristics. In addition, the scrubbing
implement should not be too thin or short to impede steam
from escaping the steam nozzle, or it should not be too thick
or long such that steam condenses and cools too quickly to
effectively clean substrate surface. In instances where the
scrubbing Surface ofthe scrubbing implement is too distant
from the end of the Steam nozzle, the steam can cool and
condenseto thepointthattheScrubbing Surface is contacting
warm water rather than the relatively hotter steam.
0056. In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is a
pad orclothhavingone layer. In another, thepad orclothhas
Mar. 8, 2007
at two or more layers. Each layer can be made ofthe same
ordifferent material, depending upon the characteristics that
are desired for scrubbing. The layers can be held together
using a suitable adhesive or other type bonding or attach
ment method.
0057. In another embodiment, the scrubbing implement
is a pad or cloth covered with a mesh material. The mesh
material can be made of any composition Suitable for
scrubbing theparticularSubstrate Surface. Examples include
metal, ceramic, plastic or rubber type compounds.
0058. In one embodiment, the scrubbing implement is
arranged around and/or over the Steam channel so that the
steam exiting the nozzle discharge end is largely unimpeded
from directly contacting the Substrate Surface. In one
embodiment, the scrubbing implement comprises a plurality
ofbristles arranged at a distance from oraround a periphery
of the channel at the nozzle discharge end. In another
embodiment, the scrubbing implement comprises a pad type
arrangement (synonymous with a cloth type arrangement),
with thepad having a channel extending through thepad for
the steam to pass. Preferably, the pad has an open channel
that aligns with the steam channel.
0059. The scrubbing implement can be permanently
affixed to the implement holding surface or it can be
removably attachedto theimplementholding Surface. In one
embodiment, the scrubbing implement is comprised of a
plurality ofbristles and the bristles are permanently attached
to the implement holding surface. In another, the scrubbing
implement is comprised ofa pad and the pad is removably
attached to the implement holding Surface.
0060 Any attachment mechanism can be used to reason
ably secure the removably attached scrubbing implement to
the implement holding Surface. For example, a screw, Snap,
hook or button type means can be used.
0061. In one embodiment, the implementholding surface
contains a hook arrangement for holding the scrubbing
implement. In this embodiment, the scrubbing implement
preferably has a Surface that is capable of attaching to the
hook arrangement. For example, the scrubbing implement
can be apad having fibers that are capable ofcatching to the
hook arrangement or the pad can have cells that effectively
couple to the hook arrangement. In one embodiment, the
Surface ofa pad includes loop type fibers. An example ofa
particulartype ofhookand loop arrangementis VELCROR).
0062) The steam cleaner nozzle ofthis invention is suit
able for use on any type ofsteam cleaner unit. The unit can
be ofany size from commercial scale to ahand carry model.
In general, the steam cleaning unit has a steam discharge
end, and the nozzle is in fluid connection with the steam
discharge end of the steam cleaner. The nozzle can fit
directly to the steam cleaner unit or can be attached through
a hose or wand arrangement. The hose attachment can be of
any standard type arrangement, including a cylindrical tube
and handle arrangement.
0063 Various embodiments of the steam cleaner nozzle
and steam cleaning unit of this invention are shown in the
Figures. FIG. 1 shows a steam cleaner nozzle having a
connection end 10 and a scrubbing implement 12. The
connection end 10 includes ribs or fins 14 to dissipate heat
more easily. The Scrubbing implement 12 is shown as being
made of a plurality of bristles, with the bristles being

11. US 2007/0050938 A1
attached to an implement holding Surface 16. Steam is
passed from the connection end 10 to a nozzle discharge end
18 by way of a steam channel running through the nozzle
(not shown). The scrubbing implement extends a distance
from the nozzle discharge end so that insubstantial steam
condensation occurs.
0064 FIG. 2. shows a nozzle 20 thathas attached thereto
a pad 22. The pad 22 is adjacent to a nozzle discharge end
24. Steam passes from a nozzle connection end 26, through
a steam channel 28, and out of the discharge end 24. The
steam then passes through a channel 29 in the pad 22 to
contact a Substrate surface.
0065 FIGS. 3A-3C show a variety ofpad type scrubbing
implements. FIG. 3A shows a single layer pad having a
channel running through thepad (the channel being depicted
by dashed lines). FIG. 3B shows a two layerpad, with each
layer being made ofa different material. FIG. 3C shows a
pad being covered by a mesh material to enhance Scrubbing
ability.
0.066 FIGS. 4A and 4B show a nozzle and pad in which
the pad is removably secured to the implement holding
Surface using a hook type arrangement. In FIG. 4A steam
emerges from the nozzle by way of a channel 40 at a
discharge end 42. Hooks 46 are secured to an implement
holding surface 44, and the hooks are used to hold the
scrubbing implement. In FIG. 4B, the nozzle is shown as a
side view.
0067 FIGS. 5A-5C show nozzle and cleaning coupling
attachments. FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a detent type of
coupling attachment In this arrangement, a protruding point
orprong 50 extends from the cleaning unit coupling attach
ment. Theprong 50 is to be slidably inserted into channel 52
to secure the nozzle to the cleaning unit. FIG. C exemplifies
a screw type couple in which the cleaning unit coupling
attachment functions as male Screw component 54.
0068 FIGS. 6A-6C show a variety ofcleaning units to
which the steam cleaning nozzle can be attached. FIG. 6A is
a hand held steam cleaner in which the nozzle is coupled to
a hose. FIG. 6B is a hand held steam cleaner in which the
nozzle is coupled directly to the steam cleaner. FIG. 6C is a
canistertype steam cleaner in which the nozzle is coupled to
the canister by way of a hose and wand device.
0069. Having now fully described this invention, it will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention
can be performed within a wide range ofparameters within
what is claimed, without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention.
What is claimed is:
1. A steam cleaner nozzle, comprising:
a connection end having a coupling component for cou
pling to a steam cleaner;
a nozzle discharge end;
a steam channel extending from the connection end to the
nozzle discharge end;
Mar. 8, 2007
an implementholding Surface atthe nozzle dischargeend;
and
a scrubbing implementattached to the implement holding
Surface.
2. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the
coupling component is a detent component.
3. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the
coupling component is a screw component.
4. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the
scrubbing implement is removably attached to the imple
ment holding Surface.
5. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the
scrubbing implement is pad.
6. The steam cleaner nozzle ofclaim 5, wherein the pad
has more than one layer.
7. The steam cleaner nozzle ofclaim 5, wherein the pad
is covered with a mesh.
8. The steam cleaner nozzle ofclaim 5, wherein the pad
has an open channel that aligns with the steam channel.
9. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the
implement holding Surface contains a hook arrangement for
holding the Scrubbing implement.
10. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the
scrubbing implement is comprised ofbristles.
11. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the
scrubbing implement extends from /s" to 1 %" from the
nozzle discharge end.
12. The steam cleaner nozzle of claim 1, wherein the
connection end has a ribbed or finned surface.
13. A steam cleaner, comprising:
a steam cleaning unit having a steam discharge end; and
a nozzle in fluid connection with the steam discharge end
of the steam cleaner, wherein the nozzle comprises
connection end having coupling component for cou
pling to a steam cleaner, nozzle discharge end; Steam
channel extending from the connection end to the
nozzle discharge end; implement holding Surfaceatthe
nozzle discharge end; and scrubbing implement
attached to the implement holding Surface.
14. The steam cleaner ofclaim 13, wherein the nozzle is
attached directly to the steam discharge end.
15. The steam cleaner ofclaim 13, wherein the nozzle is
coupled to a hose attachment and the hose attachment is
attached to the Steam discharge end.
16. The steam cleaner of claim 13, wherein the hose
attachment includes a cylindrical tube and handle arrange
ment.
17. The steam cleaner ofclaim 13, wherein the coupling
component is a detent component.
18. The steam cleaner ofclaim 13, wherein the coupling
component is a screw component.
19. The steam cleaner ofclaim 13, wherein the scrubbing
implement is removably attached to the implement holding
Surface.
20. The steam cleanerofclaim 13, wherein the scrubbing
implement is a pad.

12. US 2007/0050938 A1
21. The steam cleaner ofclaim 20, wherein the pad has
more than one layer.
22. The steam cleaner of claim 20, wherein the pad is
covered with a mesh.
23.The steam cleanerofclaim 20, wherein the pad has an
open channel that aligns with the steam channel.
24.The steam cleanerofclaim 13, wherein the implement
holding Surface contains ahookarrangement forholding the
scrubbing implement.
Mar. 8, 2007
25. The steam cleanerofclaim 13, wherein the scrubbing
implement is a plurality ofbrush bristles.
26. The steam cleanerofclaim 13, wherein the scrubbing
implement extends from /s" to 1 %" from the nozzle
discharge end.
27. The steam cleanerofclaim 13, wherein theconnection
end has a ribbed or finned surface.
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