Mop bucket with a planar platform

Abstract

A mop bucket is disclosed that includes an effectively planar platform for allowing a user to squeeze excess fluid from a flat mop by pressing the flat mop against the working surface of the planar platform. The mop bucket comprises a receptacle, a platform, and an access connection. The receptacle comprises a base and upward surrounding outer wall. The platform is raised from the base and entirely within the outer walls of the receptacle. The platform comprises a working surface that is opposite from the base of the receptacle. The access connection connects the working surface of the platform to the receptacle for fluid to pass from the platform into the receptacle. The platform is effectively planar, and the platform is inclined relative to the base.

1 . A mop bucket comprising:
 a receptacle comprising a base and upward surrounding outer wall;   a platform raised from the base and entirely within the outer walls of the receptacle, wherein the platform comprises a working surface that is opposite from the base of the receptacle;   an access connection connecting the working surface of the platform to the receptacle for fluid to pass from the platform into the receptacle;   wherein the platform is effectively planar; and   wherein the platform is inclined relative to the base.   
     
     
         2 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle comprises at least three surrounding outer walls. 
     
     
         3 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is raised from the base and supported by an inner wall. 
     
     
         4 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is raised from the base and supported by at least three inner walls. 
     
     
         5 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is raised from the base and supported around a perimeter of the surrounding outer wall. 
     
     
         6 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the platform includes a plurality of raised portions, the peaks of which are effectively planar. 
     
     
         7 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the raised portions are a plurality of discrete domes. 
     
     
         8 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the raised portions are a plurality of linear ridges. 
     
     
         9 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the planar platform is parallel with the base, which is planar. 
     
     
         10 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the access connection comprises at least one passage from the platform to the receptacle. 
     
     
         11 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the access connection comprises a plurality of passages from the platform to the receptacle. 
     
     
         12 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the access connection comprises a gap between the platform and the surrounding outer wall. 
     
     
         13 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the access connection comprises a gap between the platform and at least three of the surrounding outer walls. 
     
     
         14 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , further comprising a divider wall separating the receptacle from a second receptacle, which comprises a second base and a second surrounding outer wall. 
     
     
         15 . The mop bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is hingedly connected to the receptacle.