Self-standing push broom with integrated support brace and method for using the same

A push broom apparatus, comprising:

• an elongated handle defining a handle axis and having a proximal end and a distal end;
• a broom head connected to said distal end of said handle, said broom head having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of bristles extending from said lower surface;
• a support brace assembly including:
• a mounting plate configured for attachment to said upper surface of said broom head;
• a handle socket connected to said mounting plate and defining a non-circular aperture configured to receive said distal end of said handle in a rotationally fixed relationship;
• a brace member having a proximal end connected to said mounting plate and a distal end spaced from said mounting plate, said brace member extending away from said handle axis;
• and
• a scraper feature disposed on said brace member;
• and wherein said distal end of said brace member is configured to engage a ground surface to support said push broom apparatus in a freestanding upright orientation.

A push broom consisting of:

• an elongated handle defining a handle axis and having a proximal end, a distal end, and a non-circular cross-sectional profile at said distal end;
• a broom head having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first lateral end, and a second lateral end;
• a plurality of bristles extending from said lower surface of said broom head;
• a support brace assembly including:
• a mounting plate secured to said upper surface of said broom head;
• a handle socket connected to said mounting plate and defining a hexagonal aperture sized to receive said distal end of said handle in a rotationally fixed relationship;
• a brace member pivotably connected to said mounting plate and movable between a stowed position wherein said brace member is disposed generally parallel to said handle and a deployed position wherein said brace member extends at an acute angle relative to said handle axis;
• a cam lock mechanism including a threaded fastener extending through said mounting plate and an actuating handle connected to said threaded fastener, said cam lock mechanism configured to selectively secure said brace member in said deployed position;
• and
• a scraper blade disposed at a distal end of said brace member;
• wherein in said deployed position said distal end of said brace member is configured to engage a ground surface to support said push broom in a freestanding upright orientation with said bristles contacting said ground surface.

A method of using a push broom, comprising the steps of:

• providing a push broom apparatus including an elongated handle connected to a broom head having a plurality of bristles, and a support brace connected adjacent a junction between said handle and said broom head;
• sweeping a surface with said plurality of bristles;
• orienting said push broom apparatus such that said support brace extends away from said handle;
• and
• releasing said push broom apparatus whereby said support brace engages said surface and said push broom apparatus remains in a freestanding upright orientation.