CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[ 0001 ] This application claims the benefit of priority to provisional application number 61/074,667 filed on June 22, 2008 by inventors Benjamin D. Tanner and Timothy R. Hillsamer, entitled "COMPACT CORDLESS STEAM CLEANER, POWERED BY ONLY BATTERIES."

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[ 0002 ] The invention relates generally to steamers and more specifically to cordless handheld steamers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[ 0003] Traditional steamers are well known in the art. Most steamers are used primarily for cleaning or for removing wrinkles from garments and other clothes. Steamers generally work by heating a heating element and passing water across the heating element such that the water is heated to the point of boiling and is therefore converted to steam. This steam is then directed towards a work area. [ 0004 ] Unfortunately, traditional steamers require large amounts of energy to generate meaningful amounts of steam. This large amount of energy is delivered to traditional steamers by a power source that is external to the steamer itself- usually by a cord plugged into a wall socket, or high- energy demand docking station. This severely limits the usability and utility of current steamers. The cord limits the range of motion, is constantly interfering with the application of steam, and is otherwise cumbersome. In addition to this limitation, there is no way to steam areas that lack an external power source. [ 0005] This highlights a significant impediment of the prior art in its inability to deliver sufficient energy from an onboard battery pack to a heating element to create a meaningful amount of steam without the use of external power sources and/or docking stations. The industry has repeatedly attempted to create a cordless handheld steamer but has been unable to create such a device that is capable of being powered solely by an onboard battery pack. [ 0006] For example, U.S. Patent 6,622,404 issued to Mohankumar Valiyambath ('"404 Patent") discloses a semi-cordless steaming device; however, among other significant differences, the semi- cordless steaming device requires a stand that contains an electrically heated boiler which creates the steam and then transfers the steam to the steaming device when the steaming device is docked with the stand. See column 2, lines 19-14, 30-32; column 3, lines 33-43. [ 0007 ] An additional example is U.S. Patent Application 20070130718 invented by Choon Myun Chung, et. al. ('"718 Patent Application") which discloses a non-handheld semi-cordless steaming device with an on board battery; however, among other significant differences, the device requires the water to be pre-heated to steam using an external power source - "water preheating for a steam function of the cleaner in the early stage of operation of the cleaner is achieved by receiving an external power." '718 Patent Application, Paragraph 11; See also paragraphs 13, 18, 19, 23, 54, and 56. [ 0008 ] A final example is U. S . Patent Application 20070133962 invented by Leandro P.

Rizzuro, et. al. ('"962 Patent Application") which discloses a non-handheld semi-cordless steaming device; however, among other significant differences, the device requires a "power base station [to supply] power to the heater assembly in order to use water to make steam." '962 Patent Application, Paragraph 10; See also paragraphs 23 and 30-32.

[ 0009] As shown by the above cited examples, although the industry has attempted to create a truly cordless steamer solution, the industry has continually failed to produce a completely battery operated truly cordless steamer, much less a handheld cordless steamer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[ 0010 ] There is a need for a cordless handheld steamer small enough to be easily transported with sufficient energy to perform a meaningful steaming session without the need for an external power source or a charging/docking station.

[ 0011 ] A technical advantage of the disclosed subject matter is having a cordless steamer small enough to be handheld.

[ 0012 ] Another technical advantage of the disclosed subject matter is having interchangeable battery packs. [ 0013] Yet another technical advantage of the disclosed subj ect matter is having rechargeable battery packs.

[ 0014 ] An additional technical advantage of the disclosed subject matter is being highly energy efficient.

[ 0015] Another technical advantage of the disclosed subject matter is efficiently and precisely heating and monitoring the temperature of the steam generation unit so as to not waste energy.

[ 0016] Still another technical advantage of the disclosed subject matter is using heat radiated from the steam generation unit to pre-heat the water contained in the water reservoir.

[ 0017 ] An additional technical advantage of the disclosed subject matter is having an insulation material which may include heat reflective material surrounding the steam generation unit and water reservoir.

[ 0018 ] Yet another technical advantage of the disclosed subject matter is having a replaceable towelette to reduce steam loss, assist in the cleaning process, and/or for enhanced cleaning abilities by using additives to the towelette.

[ 0019] Another technical advantage of the disclosed subject matter is having a user controlled amount of water dispensed into/onto the flash boiler.

[ 0020 ] An additional technical advantage of the disclosed subject matter is having the cordless handheld steamer shaped in a generally half spherical shape so as to comfortably fit in a user's palm. [ 0021 ] These and other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as additional novel features, will be apparent from the description provided herein. The intent of this summary is not to be a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter, but rather to provide a short overview of some of the subject matter's functionality. Other systems, methods, features and advantages here provided will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following FIGURES and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages that are included within this description, be within the scope of the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022 ] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the claims.

The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [ 0023] FIGURE 1 illustrates the outside of the cordless battery operated handheld steamer of the present embodiment. 100 Water Pump 102 Water fill tube cap 104 Charging port 106 On/Off switch 108 Towelette

[ 0024 ] FIGURE 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cordless battery operated handheld steamer of the present embodiment. 100 Water Pump 102 Water fill tube cap 104 Charging port

106 On/Off switch 108 Towelette 200 Draw tube 202 Water fill tube 204 Water reservoir

206 Battery pack 208 Wiring Harness 210 Wire to charging port 212 Wire to heating element 214 Plenum

216 Temperature control unit 218 Heating element 220 Steam generation unit 222 Towelette support 224 Insulating material 226 Internal chamber 228 Water injection to boiler tube [ 0025] FIGURE 3 illustrates the hand positioning of the cordless battery operated handheld steamer of the present embodiment. 100 Water Pump 104 Charging port 106 On/Off switch 108 Towelette

300 Hand

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[ 0026] Although described with particular reference to wireless and/or battery operated handheld steamers, many of the teachings contained in this disclosure could also be implemented on more traditional steamers such as corded and/or charge station enabled steamers whether handheld or not.

[ 0027 ] Additionally, those with skill in the arts will recognize that the disclosed embodiments have relevance to a wide variety of areas in addition to those specific examples described below. [ 0028 ] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. [ 0029] FIGURE 1 illustrates the outside of the cordless battery operated handheld steamer of the present embodiment. The outside of the handheld steamer contains a water pump 100. In the preferred embodiment, this water pump is a mechanically actuated pump (e.g. actuated by the user's thumb). The water fill tube cap 102 reduces the chances of foreign matter accidentally entering the water reservoir (not shown). The charging port 104 provides an electrical connection between a charging cord (not shown) and the onboard batteries (not shown) such that the onboard batteries can be recharged. The on/off switch 106 turns power to the device on or off. Finally, the towelette 108 is on the bottom of the device. The towelette 108 is removable and replaceable. In an alternative embodiment, the battery pack would be accessible through an opening or hatch in the top of the device (not shown) such that a user could replace a spent battery pack (not shown) with a charged battery pack (not shown). [ 0030 ] FIGURE 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cordless battery operated handheld steamer of the present embodiment. As briefly discussed previously, the charging port 104 provides an electrical connection between a charging cord (not shown) and the battery pack 206. This connection is completed by a wire to charging port 210 electrically connected between the charging port 104 and the wiring harness 208. The wiring harness 208 is then electrically connected to the battery pack 206. This permits the user to recharge a battery pack 206 without removing the battery pack 206. [ 0031 ] Again, the water fill tube cap 102 acts as a cover to the water fill tube 202 to reduce the possibility of foreign matter accidentally falling into the water fill tube 202. The water fill tube 202 is used to fill the water reservoir 204. In an alternative embodiment there is a small window (not shown) showing the level of the water reservoir 204 to assist the user in not overfilling the device. In the preferred embodiment, the water reservoir 204 is relatively small providing sufficient water for about 5 to 10 minutes of use. The water pump 100 transports water from the water reservoir 204 into the draw tube 200. From the draw tube 200, the water travels via the water injection to boiler tube 228 into the steam generation unit 220. The water reservoir 204 and steam generation unit 220 are contained in the interior chamber 226. In the preferred embodiment, the steam generation unit 220 is a flash boiler; however, other steam generation methods could be employed and are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, in certain places throughout the disclosure the benefits of using flash boiler are described. One of the benefits of using a flash boiler over a traditional "simple pressure boiler" is the ability to add water to the device at any time (even when the boiler is hot). [ 0032 ] In the preferred embodiment the water pump 100 is a mechanically actuated pump which allows the user to deliver only the amount of steam needed at that particular time. In an alternative embodiment, the water pump 100 is an electronic sprayer. By allowing the user to control the level of water converted to steam, the user can both extend the time between battery charges and only use the amount of steam necessary for the task at hand (by steaming less water at a particular time the heating element 218 will be cycled on less often, thereby, using less energy). [ 0033] When the device is switched on, via the on/off switch 106, a temperature control unit

216 monitors the temperature of the heating element 218. In the preferred embodiment the temperature control unit 216 is a thermostat; however, other items capable of measuring temperature could be used such as a pressure monitor (because there is a linear correlation between steam temperatures and pressure at the pressures contemplated herein). If the heating element is too cold to produce steam, the temperature control unit 216 permits more energy to be transferred from the battery pack 206 to the heating element 218 via the wire to the heating element 212. When the temperature control unit 216 detects the heating element is nearing the optimum temperature, the temperature control unit 216 interrupts the energy from the battery pack 206. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature control unit 216 is sensitive - being able to detect temperature changes as small as 2 degrees Celsius. By using a sensitive temperature control unit 216, the heating element 212 is maintained at an optimum temperature. In the preferred embodiment, the optimum temperature is just over 120 degrees Celsius. This temperature allows the heating element 212 to flash boil the water and remain above the critical boiling temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. A lower temperature could be used, but if the user injected a large amount of water in the steam generation unit 220, there is the potential that the heating element's 212 temperature could briefly dip below the critical boiling temperature. If a more traditional temperature control unit were used, the temperature of the heating element 218 would routinely exceed the optimum temperature, thereby wasting a significant amount of energy. [ 0034 ] When a user actuated the water pump 100, water would be pumped into the steam generation unit 220 where the water would come in contact with the heating element 216, boiling immediately, and creating steam. As the steam expands, the steam fills the steam generation unit 220 and travels out the plenum 214 through the towelette 108 and then onto the target. By keeping the steam generation unit 220 relatively small, the plenum 214 path relatively short, and the towelette sealed against the plenum 214, the steam is held at a relatively high pressure and temperature, so more heat energy is delivered to the target area and less heat is lost while the steam is traveling from the steam generation unit 220 to the target area than in conventional steam cleaners. In the preferred embodiment, the steam's pressure is about 5 psi; however, other pressures can be utilized. [ 0035] The towelette 108 is a thin disposable non- woven material which assists in the cleaning process. The towelette 108 could contain additives such as cleaning solutions, fragrances, heat- indicating dyes, and/or disinfecting solutions. The towelette 108 is affixed to the device via the towelette support 222. In the preferred embodiment, the towelette support 222 is a ring that slides around the plenum 214 to affix the wipe to the base of the device and create a seal around the plenum to assist in directing all of the steam towards the target area. In alternative embodiments, the towelette 108 could be affixed to the base of the device via adhesives, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro®, a registered trademark of Velcro Industries B.V.), or other methods. In yet another alternative embodiment, the towelette 108 could be made thinner to lower the heat absorbed by the towelette 108. The additives, in conjunction with the steam, provide additional utility, convenience, aesthetic appeal, and/or cleaning/disinfecting ability than with either alone. Additionally, the towelettes 108 provide added convenience because the towelettes 108 are removable and disposable.

[ 0036] Although described herein as having a towelette 108, the device could also be operated without the towelette 108. [ 0037 ] The water reservoir 204 is positioned near and around the steam generation unit 220 such that the ambient heat from the heating element 218 and the steam generation unit 220 is readily transferred to the water in the water reservoir 204. The otherwise wasted ambient heat pre-heats the remaining water contained in the water reservoir 204 thereby reducing the energy required for future steam production. Also, to enhance the efficiency of the device, the steam generation unit 220 (again, in the preferred embodiment a flash boiler and in an alternative embodiment a pressure boiler chamber) is smaller than conventional steam cleaners which helps to reduce excess "heat sinking" during the initial heating of the heating element 218 and drastically reduces heat-up time. Additionally, the interior chamber 226, containing the steam generation unit 220 and water reservoir 204, are generally surrounded by an insulating material 224 that further reduces lost heat. In the preferred embodiment, this insulating material 224 includes heat reflecting material to additionally redirect otherwise escaping heat back into the water reservoir 204 and the steam generation unit 220. By reusing and redirecting otherwise lost heat, the energy and time necessary to pre-heat and operate the device is significantly reduced. The use of a full suite of insulating materials is in stark contrast to traditional steamers, which benefit from virtually unlimited access to power from external sources. An additional benefit of the insulating material 224 is keeping the outside of the device cooler to the touch both increasing comfort and lowering the chance of injury to the user.

[ 0038 ] FIGURE 3 illustrates the hand positioning of the cordless battery operated handheld steamer of the present embodiment. The device is designed in a generally half spherical shape so that the device fits comfortably in the palm of a user's hand 300. This design is superior from the traditional rod shaped handle of existing steamers because the hand 300 rests on the device, thereby not forcing the hand, wrist, and arm to contort to a rod shaped handle. Additionally, this design is superior to traditional steamers by not requiring the user to hold the steamer in the air and/or extended from the body. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the water pump 100 is positioned to be comfortably used with the thumb and the on/off switch 106 is positioned close enough to the thumb to be convenient and comfortable, but far enough away to protect against accidentally turning the device on or off. [ 0039] In addition to the above described embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that this disclosure has application in a variety of arts and situations and this disclosure is intended to include the same.