Mop having ergonomic handle and joint

Abstract

A mop pad support includes a frame configured to retain a mop pad, a handle for controlling the frame, and a connecting mechanism that connects the handle to the frame. The frame has a longitudinal direction and a latitudinal direction. The frame is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the latitudinal direction. The handle has a shaft portion that extends in a substantially longitudinal direction and a grip portion that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction. The grip portion is located farther from the frame than the shaft portion and has ends proximal and distal the shaft portion. The proximal end of the shaft portion is disposed lower than the distal end, such that the grip portion extends upward. The connecting mechanism is configured to permit the handle to rotate about a first axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame and to rotate about a second axis that is substantially parallel to the latitudinal direction of the frame.

1 . A mop pad support comprising: 
 a frame configured to retain a mop pad, the frame having a longitudinal direction and a latitudinal direction, wherein the frame is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the latitudinal direction;    a handle for controlling the frame, the handle having a shaft portion that extends in a substantially longitudinal direction and a grip portion that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction, the grip portion being located farther from the frame than the shaft portion and having ends proximal and distal the shaft portion, the proximal end being disposed lower than the distal end, such that the grip portion extends upward; and    a connecting mechanism that connects the handle to the frame, wherein the connecting mechanism is configured to permit the handle to rotate about a first axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame and to rotate about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.    
   
   
       2 . The mop pad support of  claim 1 , wherein the angle of the grip portion relative to the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion is at least 30 degrees.  
   
   
       3 . The mop pad support of  claim 1 , wherein the grip portion extends from an end of the shaft portion.  
   
   
       4 . The mop pad support of  claim 1 , wherein rotation of the grip portion about an axis that is substantially coincident with the longitudinal direction of the handle causes a corresponding rotation of the frame.  
   
   
       5 . The mop pad support of  claim 1 , further comprising a squeegee projecting from a forward edge of the frame, wherein the connecting mechanism is configured to inhibit rotation of the handle about the first axis.