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 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 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 platform truck (10) for transporting items includes a base member (11) having a top surface (13) to received the items thereon. A handle assembly (12) is pivotally carried by the base member (11) and is thereby positionable in a generally upright position for pushing the base member (11), a generally outward position for pulling the base member (11), and a generally horizontal position generally flush with the top surface (13) of the base member (11). Opposed side wall assemblies (14) extend generally vertically downwardly from the top surface (13) of the base member (11) and have opposed depressions (22) therein. Side wall assemblies also carry a latch assembly (45). When the handle assembly (12) is in the generally horizontal position, latch assembly (45) holds arms (24) of the handle assembly (12) which can be grasped at the location of at least one of the depressions (22) for carrying the platform truck (10).

Abstract: A refuse container (10) includes an open-top receptacle (12) that is selectively closed by a removable hood (14). The hood (14) carries a roll-back door (22) that is operatively connected to a foot pedal (16) by a pair of lifters (18). The container (10) is designed so that the door (22) rolls back to an open position when the foot pedal (16) is depressed. The connection between the foot pedal (16) and the door (22) allows the hood (14) to be removed from the receptacle (12) without requiring the user to disconnect the linkage. As such, the linkage is automatically disassembled when the hood (14) is removed and automatically reassembled when the hood (14) is placed on the receptacle (12). The connection generally includes an engagement bar (70) that projects from an upper end of each lifter (18). The door (22) has a pair of arms (88) that each have a slot (84) therein. When the hood (14) is placed on the receptacle (12), the slots (86) engage the engagement bars (70).

Abstract: A headband (22) for a mop head assembly (10) includes four scrubbing surfaces (40, 42, 44, and 46) that allow a user to scrub a surface with the headband (22). The scrubbing surfaces (40, 42, 44 and 46) include a plurality of interstices (34) and scrubbing sections (36) that are formed by coating a knitted polyester base material (30) with an adhesive and abrasive coating (32). The coating (32) provides strength, durability, and abrasiveness to the base material (30). In addition to the ability to scrub, the headband (22) allows the yarn (20) beneath the headband (22) to dry thus preventing mildew.

Abstract: A container (10) and dolly (14) assembly, comprising a container having a planar rearward side (18) and a lid (12) that is pivotally coupled to one of the container handles (34) and pivots thereabout into a vertical orientation against the container (10). Retention flanges (45, 80) of the container (10) and the lid (12), respectively, overlap to lock the lid in the open position. A dolly (14) is provided having upwardly directed tine members (118, 122) that engage container flanges (58, 60) as the container is lowered upon the dolly to latch the container and dolly together. A pivotal foot pedal (38) is disclosed, operable to laterally move one dolly tine member (122) and thereby facilitate disengagement of both container flanges (58, 60) from the dolly tine members (118, 120).

Abstract: A carrier including a platform body for supporting a refuse container having a base, first and second side walls and a generally tapered front wall; and including interlocking members which assist in securing together the carrier and a like carrier, wherein the interlocking members may be separated in response to pressure on a foot pedal secured to the carrier.