Free standing mop

This invention relates to a free standing implement such as a mop comprising: an elongate handle having a longitudinal axis; a base having a planar bottom adapted to support the mop with the handle in a free standing upright position; universal coupling means joining the base and handle; a nib having a rounded inward end extending inwardly from the handle beyond the universal coupling toward the base; and socket means, connected to the base and resiliently biased to engage the nib, for providing lateral resistance to brace the handle in said upright position and for releasing the handle to coact with the base in a universal manner when said axis is positioned at an acute angle relative to the planar bottom.