Abstract: A locking mechanism for releasably coupling a generally cylindrical shaft to an item. The locking mechanism may be formed from a body having a cavity for receiving a shaft. The cavity may have an inner diameter that is slightly larger than an outside diameter of the shaft for producing a tight fit. The locking mechanism may also include an inner housing positioned in the cavity. The inner housing may include an internal cavity for receiving a locking device. The locking device may include one or more pins biased towards an outer surface of the inner housing. The pin may protrude through a hole in the inner housing and a hole in the body of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A cleaning implement formed from a body and a handle attachment base provided on the body for removable attachment of a handle to the body. The body has a gripping portion on the body. The gripping portion is ergonomically shaped to be gripped by a user's hand. The cleaning implement is usable both with a handle adapted for attachment to the handle attachment base and without a handle by gripping of the gripping portion by a user. The cleaning implement may be adapted for use with different handles.