US Patent 9155440 Steam distribution apparatus and methods for steam cleaning devices

A steam cleaner having a base with a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom to form an outer perimeter of the base, and a handle extending from the base. A fluid tank and a steam generator are operatively associated with the handle or the base. The steam generator receives fluid from the fluid tank and convert it into steam. A first control selectively operates the steam generator. The base has a bottom steam distributor on the bottom of the base and a side steam distributor on the sidewall or a top wall of the base. The bottom distributor distributes the steam towards a first region located within the outer perimeter of the base. The side distributor distributes the steam towards a second region located outside the outer perimeter of the base. A second control selects whether to distribute steam through the bottom or side distributor.