Abstract: A brake assembly is disclosed in which a first pivoted lever receives and transmits brake actuating force to a second pivoted lever via tapered rollers. As the first lever is pivoted, a force is transmitted from a point which moves along the first lever to a point which moves along the length of the second lever so as to provide an increase in the mechanical advantage of both levers. In addition, the point of force application moves along the axis of each tapered roller to increase the rate at which the second lever moves to apply the braking force.

Abstract: A brake assembly is disclosed in which a first pivoted lever receives and transmits brake actuating force to a second pivoted lever via rollers which transfer force between the two levers at a point which, due to the geometry of the second lever, moves progressively closer to the pivot point of the first lever and farther from the pivot point of the second lever as force is applied to the first lever.

Abstract: A wheeled hand truck for barrels, drums, and similar heavy articles is disclosed which comprises a selectively pivotably load supporting foot plate and an adjustable barrel lip restraining hook which facilitate loading of barrels or drums onto the truck, the selectively pivotable load supporting plate also facilitating safe, compact storage of the device.