Abstract: A vessel defining a variable interior volume has a wall with a first and second wall portion, and a flexure zone parallel to a longitudinal axis. In a volumetrically reduced configuration, the wall portions are brought together by flexing of the flexure zone. A fixing element attached to the wall releasably maintains the wall in the reduced configuration by maintaining proximity of the wall portions. A spray bottle system includes a housing forming a receptacle for receiving a soft refill liquid container and having at least one opening representing a reduction in material of the housing. A spray head includes an operable trigger for causing dispensation of liquid from the container. A pivoting junction connects the housing to the spray head permitting flexing of the spray head.

Abstract: A container has a base and walls connected to the base to define an interior space. The walls have upper edges that terminate in a plane and define an opening for access to the interior space. Wetted donnable articles are stacked within the container, each article in a flat configuration at least partially perpendicular to the opening permitting withdrawal of any one of the donnable articles through the opening in a flat configuration. Walls on opposing sides of the base of the container diverge from each other with increasing distance from the base, such that the interior space widens gradually toward the opening. Walls on other opposing sides of the base have lower portions connected to the base and upper portions connected to the lower portions by steps that lengthen the interior space abruptly.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes an elongate pole, a mounting structure, a cradle, and a spray bottle. The elongate pole has a proximal end for manipulation by a user and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The mounting structure is attached to the distal end of the pole for connecting a mopping implement to the distal end of the pole. The cradle is attached to the pole between the proximal end and the distal end. The spray bottle includes a spray head, an operable trigger, and a container housing defining an internal reservoir space. The container housing is removably received by the cradle. A flat mop can be connected to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A satellite spray bottle use and refill system includes a spray bottle and a refill station. The spray bottle includes a container housing that defines an internal reservoir space, a spray head connected to an upper margin of the container housing, a mounting structure connected to the container housing, and a refill inlet in fluid connection with the internal reservoir space. The refill station has a support structure for supporting the mounting structure of the spray bottle, and a discharge outlet for refilling the internal reservoir space of the spray bottle. Upon engagement of the mounting structure of the spray bottle with the support structure of the refill station, the refill inlet of the spray bottle and the discharge outlet of the refill station are automatically docked establishing a fluid connection. In some cases, the refill station is vertically invertible.

Abstract: A broom comprises a head supporting bristles. A handle is connected to the head at a swivel joint where the swivel joint allows the handle to feely rotate relative to the head. A lock is movable to a locked position to fix the position of the handle relative to the head when the head is in a first position relative to the handle and an unlocked position where the head is free to rotate relative to the handle. A method of operating a broom comprises providing a head supporting bristles connected to a handle at a lockable swivel joint; locking the lockable swivel joint to fix the position of the handle relative to the head in a first position; and unlocking the lockable swivel joint to allow the handle to rotate relative to the head.

Abstract: A cart comprises a first pillar that is mounted on a platform and defines first and second load supporting surfaces. A second pillar is mounted on the platform defining a third and fourth load supporting surfaces. The first and third load supporting surfaces are coplanar and the second and fourth load supporting surfaces are coplanar such that the first and second pillars form an A-frame support structure. Movable platforms are connected to the pillars and are movable between a raised position and a lowered position. When the movable platforms are in the lowered position, they are coplanar and form a support surface. Hangers are pivotably attached to the first pillar and are movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: The convertible cart comprises a first platform and a platform assembly. The platform assembly comprises a second platform and a third platform and is pivotably connected to the first platform. The platform assembly moves between a first position where the second platform is disposed above the first platform and a second position where the third platform forms a continuous platform with the first platform. In another embodiment the cart comprises a first platform and a second platform movable between a first position where said second platform is disposed above the first platform and a second position where the third platform is coplanar with the first platform. Methods of converting a cart between a utility cart and a platform truck are also provided.

Abstract: A broom comprises a handle and a head supported by the handle. The head comprises a first head section pivotably connected to a second head section such that the head sections may rotate relative to one another between a folded position and an unfolded position. An actuator is movably mounted on the handle between a first position and a second position. A first connecting member connects the actuator to the first head section and a second connecting member connects the actuator to the second head section such that movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position moves the head sections relative to one another between the folded position and the unfolded position. A method of operating the broom is also provided.

Abstract: A broom comprises a head supporting bristles. A handle is connected to the head at a swivel joint where the swivel joint allows the handle to feely rotate relative to the head. A lock is movable to a locked position to fix the position of the handle relative to the head when the head is in a first position relative to the handle and an unlocked position where the head is free to rotate relative to the handle. A method of operating a broom comprises providing a head supporting bristles connected to a handle at a lockable swivel joint; locking the lockable swivel joint to fix the position of the handle relative to the head in a first position; and unlocking the lockable swivel joint to allow the handle to rotate relative to the head.

Abstract: A cart comprising a first support structure supported on wheels. A second support structure is connected to the first support structure. The second support structure is movable relative to the first support structure between a first extended position and a second retracted position. A collapsible container is supported by the second support structure. The container occupyies a first extended position when the second support structure is in the first position and a second collapsed position when the second support structure is in the retracted position.

Abstract: The convertible cart comprises a first platform and a platform assembly. The platform assembly comprises a second platform and a third platform and is pivotably connected to the first platform. The platform assembly moves between a first position where the second platform is disposed above the first platform and a second position where the third platform forms a continuous platform with the first platform. In another embodiment the cart comprises a first platform and a second platform movable between a first position where said second platform is disposed above the first platform and a second position where the third platform is coplanar with the first platform. Methods of converting a cart between a utility cart and a platform truck are also provided.

Abstract: A recycling/waste assembly comprises a plurality of base units, each comprising a base connection mechanism for connecting the base units to one another. The base units have a first wall connector for connecting each of the base units to at least one of a plurality of wall units. The assembly also comprises a plurality of top units, each comprising a top connection mechanism for connecting the top units to one another. The top units have a second wall connector for connecting the top units to the wall units. The top units comprise an opening and a lid for covering the opening. The wall units are engageable with the first wall connector and the second wall connector. The wall units also comprise wall connections for connecting the wall units to one another.

Abstract: A cart comprises a first pillar that is mounted on a platform and defines first and second load supporting surfaces. A second pillar is mounted on the platform defining a third and fourth load supporting surfaces. The first and third load supporting surfaces are coplanar and the second and fourth load supporting surfaces are coplanar such that the first and second pillars form an A-frame support structure. Movable platforms are connected to the pillars and are movable between a raised position and a lowered position. When the movable platforms are in the lowered position, they are coplanar and form a support surface. Hangers are pivotably attached to the first pillar and are movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A cart includes rolling members and a frame connected to the rolling members. The frame provides a ladder-storage space. The frame also is configured to hold a ladder in a substantially vertical position with at least a portion of the ladder in the ladder-storage space. The rolling members form a rolling-member perimeter. The ladder-storage space can be disposed within the rolling-member perimeter in the vertical direction. The frame can include a base having a ladder-support surface for contacting and supporting a ladder. The ladder-support surface can be disposed below tops of at least some of the rolling members.

Abstract: A transport system comprises a first cart comprising a first plurality of wheels and a first docking system. A second cart comprises a second plurality of wheels and a second docking system for releasably connecting to the first docking system such that at least one of the first plurality of wheels is axially aligned with at least one of the second plurality of wheels. The carts may comprise a two shelf cart, a platform truck, an accessory module or other type of cart. A method of using the transport system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods for transferring cleaning fluid from a tank to a reservoir located on a cleaning implement. The present invention provides a fluid-transfer system that may include a pump assembly for pressurizing fluid stored in a tank and a filling dock for providing fluid communication between the tank and the cleaning implement. The filling dock may releasably secure the implement during the fluid transfer operation. In operation, the cleaning implement is attached to the filling dock, and, after attachment, cleaning fluid flows from the tank, through the filling dock, and into the reservoir of the cleaning implement.