Patent ID: 7648303
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: B25G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An articulating joint for a dust mop, comprising: a handle element for attachment to a dust mop handle, the handle element having a fork extending therefrom, the fork having two substantially parallel arms and an intervening space, the two arms having facing surfaces and each arm having two side surfaces, the two arms further having first and second coaxial holes therethrough defining a first horizontal axis of rotation orthogonal to the facing surfaces thereof; a base element for attachment to a mop support plate having a pivot, the attachment at the pivot, the pivot defining a second horizontal axis of rotation, the second horizontal axis of rotation orthogonal to the first horizontal axis of rotation, the base element having an upper portion with a hollow therein and a third hole therethrough, the upper portion pivotally joined to the arms with a hinge pin connecting the first, second and third holes, whereby the hollow is substantially positioned within the intervening space; a sled element slidably disposed in the intervening space with a male appendage engageable to the hollow, the sled element having a first position wherein the male appendage and the hollow are interpositionally locked and the handle element joined thereby fixedly with the base element is free to articulate only about the second horizontal axis of rotation and a second position wherein the male appendage and the hollow are unlocked and the handle element joined thereby rotatably with the base element is free to articulate about both the first and second horizontal axes of rotation; and a means for reversibly moving the sled element from the first position to the second position by manipulating with a user's foot, as opposed to hand.