Abstract: A hand truck provides sturdy use for home, travel and shopping. The hand truck has a two-part tubular frame which extends for use and slides together to a compact and retracted configuration for travel. When in its opened or extended position, the frame is secured by fittings that latch together. If a force is thereafter applied to move the frame and any load placed upon it, it will not slide together to a closed position, until the closing force exceeds the holding power of the latch. When the holding power of the latch is overcome, the tubular frame easily slides into its closed or retracted and compact position. The holding power of the latch is greater than the forces acting upon the latch which randomly occur during the normal operation of pulling the cart.