REMOVABLE ACCESSORY HOSE WITH STEAM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/719,845, filed on Nov. 13, 2024, entitled REMOVABLE ACCESSORY HOSE WITH STEAM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to a cleaning device, and more particularly to a cleaning device having a steam source that provides steam to a removable hose.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003]The present disclosure generally relates to cleaning apparatuses and devices. Cleaning devices may utilize steam and/or suction to clean a surface. Steam may be supplied to an end of a hose having a suction inlet, and suction at inlet may draw air and steam back into the hose to while a surface is being cleaned.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004]An aspect of the present disclosure is a cleaning apparatus or device including a motor that is configured to generate suction in a first portion of a suction path. The cleaning device further includes a steam generator that is configured to supply steam to a first portion of a steam path. A first interface of the cleaning device includes: 1) a first suction port fluidly coupled to the suction path; and 2) a first steam port fluidly coupled to the steam path. The cleaning device may include a hose having a second interface that is configured to be detachably connected to the first interface. The hose includes: 1) a second portion of the suction path and a second suction port that is configured to fluidly couple the second portion of the suction path to the first suction port when the second interface is connected to the first interface; and 2) a second portion of the steam path and a second steam port that is configured to fluidly couple the second portion of the steam path to the first steam port when the second interface is connected to the first interface. The cleaning device further includes a latch that is configured to detachably interconnect the first and second interfaces. The latch is configured to: 1) prevent disconnection of the first and second interfaces when the latch is in a latched configuration, 2) permit disconnection of the first and second interfaces when the latch is in an unlatched configuration, and: 3) cause steam to flow from the steam path to the suction path when the latch is in the unlatched configuration.

[0005]Another aspect of the present disclosure is a cleaning apparatus or device including a base, a hose, and a motor that is configured to generate suction in a suction path. The cleaning device further includes a steam generator that is configured to supply steam to a steam path, and an interface that is configured to releasably interconnect the hose to the base whereby a first portion of the suction path is releasably interconnected to a second portion of the suction path and a first portion of the steam path is releasably interconnected to a second portion of the steam path. The cleaning device includes a latch having a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. The latch prevents disconnecting the hose from the base when the latch is in the latched configuration. The latch is further configured to cause steam to flow from the steam path to the suction path when the latch is in the unlatched configuration.

[0006]Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of controlling steam flow between a base and a hose of a cleaning device. The method includes providing a cleaning device having a base and a hose that is configured to be detachably connected to the base by a latch whereby, in use, the base supplies steam to the hose and causes suction in the hose when the hose is connected to the base. The method includes utilizing the latch to cause steam from a steam supply path to flow into a suction path when the latch is unlatched, wherein at least a portion of the steam supply path extends along the hose.

[0007]These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]In the drawings:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a partially schematic side elevational view of a cleaning device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a schematic of a cleaning device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hose according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a latch of the hose of FIG. 4;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, showing an interface for connecting a hose;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a partially fragmentary cross-sectional view of the cleaning device of FIG. 5 taken along the line VI-VI, showing steam being vented into a suction path;

[0016]FIG. 7 is a partially fragmentary cross-sectional view of the cleaning device of FIG. 5 taken along the line VII-VII, showing a steam path having a portion in the base and a portion in the hose;

[0017]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a vent valve according to another aspect of the present disclosure showing the valve in a first state; and

[0018]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 9 showing the valve in a second state.

[0019]The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020]The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a cleaning device or apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0021]For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0022]The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0023]With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cleaning device 10 (FIG. 1) according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include a base 12 having a suction source 5 and a steam source or generator 15 that provide suction and steam, respectively, to a hose 14 when the hose 14 is attached to the base 12 to facilitate cleaning with hose 14. In use, a user may actuate a trigger 98 (FIG. 1) to release steam from an outlet 86 at distal end 88 of hose, and air, steam, and debris may be drawn into suction inlet 89. When steam is not being used, trigger 98 is not actuated, and pressurized steam is disposed in a portion 42B of a steam path 42 in hose 14. At least some steam in hose 14 may escape from a base end 68 of hose 14 when hose 14 is disconnected from base 12. As discussed in more detail below, cleaning device 10 includes a latch 78 that connects the hose 14 to base 12. Latch 78 also causes steam to flow through a steam vent path into a suction path 18 when the latch 78 is unlatched to reduce escape of steam from hose 14 when hose 14 is disconnected from base 12.

[0024]Suction source 5 may include a motor 16 that is configured to generate suction in suction path 18. Suction path 18 may have a first portion 18A in base 12 that is fluidly coupled to a second portion 18B of suction path 18 in hose 14 when hose 14 is connected to base 12. Steam generator 15 may supply steam to a steam path 42 having a first portion 42A in base 12 that is fluidly coupled to a second portion 42B of steam path 42 in hose 14 when hose 14 is connected to base 12.

[0025]Cleaning device 10 may include a first interface 63 having a first suction port 65 that is fluidly coupled to the suction path 18, and a first steam port 66 that is fluidly coupled to the steam path 42. Cleaning device 10 may further include a second interface 64 is configured to detachably connect to the first interface 63. Second interface 64 includes a second suction port 69 that is configured to fluidly couple the second portion 18B of suction path 18 to the first suction port 65 when second interface 64 is connected to first interface 63. Second interface 64 further includes a second steam port 70 that is configured to fluidly couple the second portion 42B of the steam path 42 to the first steam port 66 when second interface 64 is connected to first interface 63.

[0026]Latch 78 is configured to detachably interconnect the first and second interfaces 63 and 64, respectively. As discussed in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7, latch 78 is configured to prevent disconnection of the first and second interfaces 63 and 64, respectively, when latch 78 is in a latched configuration. Latch 78 is configured to permit disconnection of the first and second interfaces 63 and 64, respectively, when latch 78 in an unlatched configuration. Latch 78 is further configured to cause steam to flow from steam path 42 to suction path 18 when latch 78 is in the unlatched configuration. As discussed in more detail below, latch 78 may be moveably mounted to base 12 or to hose 14. For example, latch 78 may be moveably mounted to end 68 of hose 14 by pins 79 that permit movement of latch 78 as shown by the arrow “C” FIG. 2). Cleaning device 10 may optionally include a cover 99 that can be moved as shown by arrow “B” (FIG. 1) from an open position when hose 14 is attached to base 12 to a closed position in which cover 99 closes off first interface 63.

[0027]Cleaning device 10 may optionally include a handle 11 (FIG. 1) that is moveably interconnected with base 12 for rotation about a pivot axis 9 between a first position 11A and a second position 11B. Handle 11 may optionally include one or more structures 35 and/or 36 that support various components of the cleaning device 10. Cleaning device 10 may also optionally include one or more wheels 13 that are configured to support base 12 for movement on a surface 32. It will be understood, however, that handle 11 and wheels 13 are optional, and the present disclosure is not limited to a cleaning device having a specific configuration.

[0028]With reference to FIG. 2, motor 16 may be operably connected to a fan or impeller 20 whereby air flowing through suction path 18 may be directed to a receptacle 25 or the like along a pathway 26 whereby dirt or debris entrained in air flowing through suction path 18 is separated and deposited into receptacle 25. The motor 16 may optionally generate suction in a suction path 19 that is fluidly coupled to an inlet 28 on a lower side 30 of base 12 whereby air 34 is drawn into inlet 28 to remove debris from surface 32 and deposit debris in receptacle 25. Motor 16 and other powered features of cleaning device 10 may be operably connected to a power supply 22. Power supply 22 may optionally comprise a corded arrangement including a plug 24 that is configured to engage a wall outlet. It will be understood that power supply 22 may comprise virtually any suitable arrangement, and the present disclosure is not limited to any specific power supply.

[0029]As discussed in more detail below, latch 78 may be operably connected to a valve 80 whereby valve 80 is closed when latch 78 is in a latched configuration, and valve 80 is open when latch 78 is in an unlatched configuration. When valve 80 is closed, steam from steam generator 15 is supplied to second portion 42B of steam path 42 in hose 12. However, when valve 80 is open, steam may flow through steam vent path 46 to an opening or junction 81 that fluidly couples steam vent path 46 to suction path 18. Thus, when valve 80 is open, steam flows through steam vent path 46 into suction path 18 to thereby reduce an amount of steam that is released from second steam port 70 when hose 14 is detached from base 12. Steam path 42 may include a portion 39 that is fluidly coupled to an outlet 38 of steam generator 15. Portion 39 of steam path 42 may be fluidly coupled to steam supply path 45 and a first portion 46A of a steam vent path 46 at a junction 44. Steam supply path 45 is fluidly coupled to second portion 42B of steam path 42 when hose 14 is connected to base 12. First portion 46A of steam vent path 46 is fluidly coupled to a second portion 46B of steam vent path 46 when hose 14 is connected to base 12. The steam vent path may optionally extend through base 12 to an outlet or junction 81A of suction path 18 as shown be the dashed line 37 (FIG. 2), and a valve 80A may be positioned in base 12 may be operably connected to latch 78. Latch 78 may be positioned on base 12 or hose 14 and latch 78 may act directly on valve 80 or 80A. Alternatively, latch 78 may be operably connected to valve 80 or 80A via suitable linkage 77. It will be understood that, for clarity, steam vent path 46 is not shown in detail in FIG. 1.

[0030]Steam generator 15 may include a pump 48 and an electric heating element 49 whereby steam generator receives water from a reservoir or tank 50 and generates steam. The steam generator 15 may include valves and other mechanisms as required (not shown) to control the generation and flow of steam. Cleaning device 10 may optionally include a steam path 43 that supplies steam to a steam outlet 41 on a lower side of base 12 whereby steam 47 can be directed towards a surface 32. If cleaning device 10 includes a steam outlet 41 on base 12, device 10 may include a valve to close off steam outlet 41 when it is not in use.

[0031]In general, when cleaning device 10 is in use, steam generator 15 pressurizes steam in steam supply path 42 when hose 14 is attached to base 12. In use, a user can actuate a valve 82 (FIG. 2) adjacent end 88 of hose 14 by manually moving an actuator 84 whereby steam 85 selectively exits steam outlet 86 at end 88 of hose 14. As a surface is being cleaned, suction at inlet opening 89 at end 88 of hose 14 draws in air, steam, debris, and other material 90 into second portion 18B of suction path 18 and the debris and other material may be captured in a container 25. When valve 82 is closed (e.g. when a user has released actuator 84), pressurized steam is disposed in steam path 42B of hose 14. As discussed above, when latch 78 is unlatched to thereby open valve 80, steam flows through steam vent path 46 into suction path 18 to thereby reduce or eliminate a volume of steam that may otherwise escape from second steam port 70 when hose 14 is detached from base 12.

[0032]Cleaning device 10 may optionally include a fluid supply 52 that is configured to supply fluid to a fluid path 54. Fluid path 54 may include a portion 54A disposed in base 12, and a portion 54B disposed in hose 14. Fluid supply 52 may be fluidly coupled to fluid receptacles or tanks 56 and/or 58, which may be configured to supply water and/or a liquid cleaning fluid, respectively, to the fluid supply 52. Cleaning device 10 may optionally include a fluid path 55 that supplies fluid to a fluid outlet 57 on a lower side of base 12 to apply fluid 60 onto a surface 32 for cleaning purposes. It will be understood that the steam outlet 41, suction inlet 28, and fluid outlet 57 of base 12 are optional, and the present disclosure is not limited to a device including these features.

[0033]Referring again to FIG. 2, first interface 63 may include a first fluid port 92 (see also FIG. 3) that is fluidly coupled to the fluid path 54. Hose 14 may include a second portion 54B of fluid path 54 having a second fluid port 93 (see also FIG. 4) that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the first fluid port 92 when the second interface 64 is connected to the first interface 63. The hose 14 may include an actuator 94 that is operably connected to a valve 95 to permit a user to selectively open valve 95 by actuating (e.g. manually moving) the actuator 94 to open valve 95, thereby causing cleaning fluid 97 to exit outlet 96 to provide for cleaning a surface using hose 14.

[0034]Hose 14 may optionally include a user control feature such as trigger 98 (FIGS. 1 and 2) that is operably coupled to the steam supply valve 82 and the liquid valve 95, whereby actuation of trigger 98 simultaneously opens valves 82 and 95 to dispense steam 85 and cleaning fluid 97. As discussed above, fluid supply 52 is optional, and the present disclosure is not limited to cleaning devices that include a fluid supply feature.

[0035]With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, ports 66, 71, and 92 of first interface 63 (FIG. 3) and ports 70, 72, and 93 of second interface 64 (FIG. 4) may comprise fittings that releasably engage and seal each other to permit fluid to flow between interfaces 63 and 64 when hose 14 is installed on base 12, and the fitting may include valves that close off the ports when interfaces 63 and 64 are disconnected. For example, the ports may include a protrusion 73 that engages a valve 74 (FIG. 6) in a known manner when hose 14 is connected to base 12 to permit flow through the fittings. The valve 74 closes when the steam ports (fittings) 71 and 72 are disengaged to prevent flow from the exposed fittings (FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0036]With further reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, latch 78 may include a latch member 100 that is moveably mounted for movement between a latched configuration or position 100A and an unlatched position 100B. For example, latch member 100 may be pivotably interconnected with hose 14 by pins 79 (see also FIG. 4A). Latch member 100 may include an extension 108 having a transverse latch surface 102 that engages a latch retaining surface 104 of base 12 when latch member 100 is in latched position 100A to thereby prevent removal of hose 14 from base 12. When latch member 100 is shifted to the unlatched configuration or position 100B, latch surface 102 is not in registry with latch retaining surface 104 of base 12, such that hose 14 can be disconnected from base 12 by moving hose 14 upwardly relative to base 12, thereby shifting extension 108 of latch member 100 upwardly through opening 106 in base 12. Hose 14 can be attached to base 12 by moving hose 14 towards base 12 whereby angled or tapered end surface 103 of extension 108 slidably contacts surface 107 of base 12. This contact causes latch member 100 to momentarily shift from position 100A towards position 100B as extension 108 moves into opening 106 of base 12. It will be understood that extension 108 of latch member 100 may flex as a result of contact between tapered surface 103 of latch member 100 and surface 107 of base 12. When hose 12 is in the fully engaged position relative to base 12, latch member 100 shifts to the latched position 100A due to bias of spring 118 of valve 80.

[0037]Referring again to FIG. 6, latch member 100 includes a latch-engaging surface 110 that is configured to engage an end surface 112 of a moveable valve member 118 of valve 80. Moveable valve member 114 is moveably disposed in a housing or body 116 of valve 80, and the moveable valve member 118 may be biased towards a closed position by a resilient member such as spring 126.

[0038]When latch member 100 is in unlatched position 100B, the latch member 100 shifts the moveable valve member 114 to the open position shown in FIG. 6 whereby steam 85 flows through the steam vent path 46 into first portion 18A of suction path 18 through opening or junction 81. This causes steam 85 and air 90 to be returned to suction source 5. When valve 80 is open, a pressure of steam in steam path 42B of hose 14 (FIG. 7) is reduced or substantially eliminated due to opening of the steam vent path 46. Thus, unlatching of latch 78 to permit hose 14 to be disconnected from base 12 also opens valve 80 whereby steam 85 flows through steam vent path 46 into first portion 18A of suction path 18 to reduce or eliminate discharge of steam from second steam port 70 when hose 14 is disconnected from base 12.

[0039]With further references to FIGS. 8 and 9, a steam control valve arrangement 120 according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a moveable valve member 122 that moveably engages a housing or body 124. Body 124 may include ports 137, 138, and 139. Moveable valve member 122 is biased to a first position 122A (FIG. 8) by a spring 126. A force “F” may be applied to an end 123 of moveable valve member 122 by a user by actuating latch member 178 to thereby shift the moveable valve member 122 from the first position 122A (FIG. 8) to a second position 122B (FIG. 9).

[0040]When moveable valve member 122 is in first position 122A (FIG. 8), steam from a steam source 115 can flow through a steam supply path 128 to an outlet 186 of hose 114. Steam supply path 128 includes port 137, interior space 130 of body 124, port 139, and a steam supply path 128A of hose 114. Hose 114 may include a valve 133 that can be selectively opened by a user applying a force to a trigger or actuator 132 whereby steam 185 may exit outlet 186 of hose 114. Hose 114 includes a suction path 134 whereby air and other material 190 entering inlet 189 of hose 114 travels through suction path 134 to a suction source 105. When valve 120 is in the first configuration (FIG. 8), port 138 is closed off by end portion 142 of moveable valve member 122, such that steam from steam source 115 does not flow through steam vent path 136 to suction source 105.

[0041]With reference to FIG. 9, when valve member 122 is in second position 122B, port 139 is closed off from port 137, and steam vent path 136 is fluidly connected to suction path 134 at a junction 181. Thus, when valve member 122 is in second position 122B, steam flows into port 137, through interior space 130 of body 124, through port 138, through steam vent path 136 into suction path 134 at junction 181. The steam then flows to suction source 105.

[0042]In general, a cleaning device according to the present disclosure may include a latch that is operably connected to a valve whereby the latch redirects steam through a steam vent line or path to a suction line or path whereby steam that is in a steam path of the hose is vented to the suction line, and an amount of steam that would otherwise exit from a steam supply line in the hose when the hose is disconnected from a base is thereby reduced. The latch may be mounted on the hose or the base, and the steam vent valve may be mounted on the hose or the base. Thus, the latch and steam vent valve may both be mounted on the hose, or the latch and the steam vent valve may both be mounted to the base. Also, the latch may be mounted to the hose, and the steam vent valve may be mounted to base. Conversely, the latch may be mounted to the base, and the steam vent valve may be mounted to the hose. Also, the steam vent valve may open the steam vent line without closing the steam supply path to the hose as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7. Alternatively, the steam vent valve may close off the steam supply path to the hose when the steam vent path is opened as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0043]An aspect of the present disclosure is a cleaning device including a motor that is configured to generate suction in a first portion of a suction path. The cleaning device further includes a steam generator that is configured to supply steam to a first portion of a steam path. The cleaning device further includes a first interface including: 1) a first suction port fluidly coupled to the suction path; and 2) a first steam port fluidly coupled to the steam path. The cleaning device includes a hose having a second interface that is configured to be detachably connected to the first interface. The hose includes: 1) a second portion of the suction path and a second suction port that is configured to fluidly couple the second portion of the suction path to the first suction port when the second interface is connected to the first interface; and 2) a second portion of the steam path and a second steam port that is configured to fluidly couple the second portion of the steam path to the first steam port when the second interface is connected to the first interface. The cleaning device further includes a latch that is configured to detachably interconnect the first and second interfaces. The latch is configured to: 1) prevent disconnection of the first and second interfaces when the latch is in a latched configuration, 2) permit disconnection of the first and second interfaces when the latch is in an unlatched configuration, and: 3) cause steam to flow from the steam path to the suction path when the latch is in the unlatched configuration.

[0044]The latch may optionally include a valve and a latch member. The valve may have a closed configuration in which the valve prevents steam from flowing from the steam path to the suction path, and an open configuration in which the valve permits steam to flow from the steam path to the suction path. The valve may be operably coupled to the latch member whereby movement of the latch member from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration causes the valve to shift from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0045]At least a selected one of the latch member and the valve may be movably disposed on the hose.

[0046]The latch member and the valve may be movably mounted to the hose adjacent to the second interface.

[0047]The cleaning device may optionally include a steam vent pathway that is configured to allow steam from the steam path to flow into the suction path.

[0048]At least a portion of the steam vent pathway is optionally formed on the hose.

[0049]The first interface optionally includes a first steam vent port that is fluidly coupled to the first portion of the steam path, and the second interface optionally includes a second steam vent port that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the first steam vent port when the second interface is connected to the first interface. The steam vent pathway optionally extends from the second steam vent port to the second portion of the suction path.

[0050]The cleaning device optionally includes a fluid supply that is configured to supply cleaning fluid to a first portion of a fluid path. The first interface optionally includes a first fluid port fluidly coupled to the fluid path. The hose may further include a second portion of the fluid path having a second fluid port that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the first fluid port when the second interface is connected to the first interface.

[0051]The cleaning device optionally includes a valve that closes off the first steam port when the first steam port is disconnected from the second steam port.

[0052]The cleaning device optionally includes a valve that closes off the first steam vent port when the first steam vent port is disconnected from the second steam vent port.

[0053]The cleaning device optionally includes a valve that closes off the first fluid port when the first fluid port is disconnected from the second fluid port.

[0054]The cleaning device optionally includes a base that includes the first interface and a latch retaining surface. The latch member may be pivotably interconnected to the hose, and the latch member may include a latch surface that engages the latch retaining surface when the latch member is in the latched configuration. The valve may include a valve housing, and a valve member movably disposed in the housing for movement between open and closed positions. The valve may further include a resilient member biasing the valve member towards the closed position. The latch may be configured to engage the valve member and shift the valve member from the closed position to the open position as the latch is moved from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration.

[0055]The base may comprise a housing, and one or more of the motor, a portion of the suction path, a portion of the steam path, and a portion of the fluid path may be disposed in the housing.

[0056]The second portion of the suction path optionally extends along at least a portion of the hose, and the second portion of the steam path optionally extends along at least a portion of the hose.

[0057]The first and second portions of the steam path are optionally fluidly interconnected when the first and second interfaces are interconnected, and the latch is in the latched configuration.

[0058]Another aspect of the present disclosure is a cleaning device including a base, a hose, and a motor that is configured to generate suction in a suction path. The cleaning device further includes a steam generator that is configured to supply steam to a steam path, and an interface that is configured to releasably interconnect the hose to the base whereby a first portion of the suction path is releasably interconnected to a second portion of the suction path, and a first portion of the steam path is releasably interconnected to a second portion of the steam path. The cleaning device includes a latch having a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. The latch prevents disconnecting the hose from the base when the latch is in the latched configuration. The latch is further configured to cause steam to flow from the steam path to the suction path when the latch is in the unlatched configuration.

[0059]The cleaning device optionally includes a steam vent path extending from the steam path to the suction path. The latch is optionally configured to cause steam to flow through the steam vent path when the latch is in the unlatched configuration.

[0060]The second portion of the steam path optionally extends from a base end of the hose adjacent to the interface to an outlet at a distal end of the hose. The latch is optionally configured to permit steam to flow through the second portion of the steam path to the outlet when the latch is in the latched configuration.

[0061]The latch optionally includes a latch member and a valve that is configured to control steam flow through the steam vent path. Movement of the latch member from a latched position to an unlatched position may shift the valve from an open state to a closed state to prevent flow of steam through the steam vent path.

[0062]The latch member and the valve may be movably mounted on the hose adjacent the base end of the hose.

[0063]The steam vent path optionally includes first and second portions that are releasably interconnected at the interface. The steam generator is optionally configured to supply steam to the first portion of the steam path and the first portion of the steam vent path.

[0064]The first portion of the steam path may be fluidly coupled to the first portion of the steam vent path.

[0065]A first portion of the interface may be on the base, and a second portion of the interface may be on the hose. The first and second portions of the interface may include suction ports and steam ports that fluidly interconnect first and second portions of the suction path and the steam path when the first portion of the interface engages the second portion of the interface.

[0066]The base optionally includes a cover that is adapted to close off the suction port on the base when the hose is disconnected from the base.

[0067]The cleaning device optionally includes wheels that are configured to facilitate movement of the base on a floor surface. The motor may be fluidly connected to a base suction path in the base having an inlet on a lower side of the base to pick up debris on a floor surface when the suction port on the base is closed off by the cover.

[0068]Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of controlling steam flow between a base and a hose of a cleaning device. The method includes providing a cleaning device having a base and a hose that is configured to be detachably connected to the base by a latch whereby, in use, the base supplies steam to the hose and causes suction in the hose when the hose is connected to the base. The method includes utilizing the latch to cause steam from a steam supply path to flow into a suction path when the latch is unlatched, wherein at least a portion of the steam supply path extends along the hose.

[0069]The method may optionally include unlatching a latch member of the latch to permit the hose to be disconnected from the base, wherein unlatching the latch member may shift a valve from a closed position to an open position to cause steam to flow from the steam supply path through a steam vent path to the suction path.

[0070]It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0071]For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0072]It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0073]It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.