Abstract: A trash receptacle with a slowly closing lid is provided. A band of elastomeric material is provided around the rim of the trash receptacle opening to soften contact between the lid and the receptacle. The lid of the trash receptacle may be opened by depressing a foot pedal. When it is desired to close the trash receptacle lid, the foot pedal may be released. This causes the lid to close under its own weight. The lid has a damper arrangement that retards movement of the lid as the lid closes. The slow movement of the lid that is provided by the damper arrangement allows the lid to close quietly and safely by itself.

Abstract: A handle for a tool such as a lobby dustpan is provided. The handle is preferably mounted on a vertical shaft of the tool. The handle may be placed in either a locked position or an unlocked position. In the locked position the handle is rigidly connected to the shaft. In the unlocked position the handle moves freely with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A covered container having a step-on mechanism which allows "hands free" opening of the lid of the container by stepping on a foot pad. The step-on mechanism includes a safety mechanism which prevents opening of the lid of the container unless the safety mechanism is repositioned. The preferred embodiment includes a rotatable oblong member adjacent the foot pad. The oblong member is maintained in a vertical position to block downward movement of the foot pad. To open the lid of the container, the oblong member must be rotated so that its upper end is above the foot pad and both the oblong member and the foot pad may be depressed. It is not evident, at first glance, how to release the safety mechanism, thereby making the container relatively child-proof, and ideal for disposal of possibly harmful objects.

Abstract: A replaceable plastic mophead having means for attaching the mophead to a mophandle and securing water-absorbent mop material between two separately molded plates of a plastic material wherein the inner surface of each plate has a plurality of relatively uniform fingers projecting therefrom and the inner surface of one plate or the other has several spacers for securing the plates together a fixed distance apart such that when the two plates are secured together, the opposing fingers penetrate and displace local areas of the interposed mop material, substantially preventing any mop material from being pulled out of the mophead.

Abstract: A holder for a string-type or similar mop head. The holder is preferably made entirely of plastic and comprises a yoke, a mop head support member connecting the free ends of the arms of the yoke, and a mop head clamping assembly reciprocally mounted inside the yoke for clamping a mop head against the support member. The mop holder is opened for insertion or removal of a mop head by shifting the support member longitudinally to unlatch it and then rotating the support member out of the plane defined by the arms of the yoke.