Abstract: A hand truck for climbing stairs includes a frame having handles proximate a first end and at least two wheels proximate a second end. A stair climbing mechanism is engaged with the frame proximate the second end. The stair climbing mechanism has a motor and an output shaft having two ends drivingly connected thereto. At least two rotatable endless loop drive elements, generally parallel with respect to each other, are drivingly connected to the output shaft, one drive element at each end thereof. Each drive element includes at least one abutment member engaged with and extending outwardly therefrom. The motor drives the drive element to cause rotation of the abutment members, which interact with the stairs to lift the hand truck up the stairs.

Abstract: A device for handling containers, such as drums, is provided to facilitate holding a drum during drum handling by engaging the drum with a first clamping member and a second clamping member which can be selectively locked with a locking mechanism to facilitate the secure holding of the drum during handling by facilitating the maintenance of the drum in clamped engagement with the device.

Abstract: A device for handling containers, such as drums, is provided to facilitate holding a drum during drum handling by engaging the drum with a first clamping member and a second clamping member which can be selectively locked with a locking mechanism to facilitate the secure holding of the drum during handling by facilitating the maintenance of the drum in clamped engagement with the device.

Abstract: A hand truck convertible into either one of a cart and an inclined cart includes a primary frame having a first pair of wheels rotatably mounted thereon. A secondary frame is pivotally attached to the primary frame and has at least one additional wheel rotatably mounted thereon. A connecting member is attached to the secondary frame. A first locking mechanism is attached to the primary frame and detachably secures the secondary frame to the primary frame while the secondary frame is in the hand-truck-position and while the secondary frame is in the inclined-cart-position. A second locking mechanism is attached to the primary frame and detachably secures the connecting member to the primary frame while the secondary frame is in the inclined-cart-position. Alternatively, a channel is formed in the primary frame and the connecting member is slidably engaged with the channel.

Abstract: A hand truck which is convertible into a cart having an elevated tabletop surface. The hand truck has a primary frame which includes a first pair of wheels rotatably mounted thereon. The hand truck has at least one additional wheel adapted to allow the hand truck to be used as a cart. The primary frame is generally parallel to a supporting surface while the hand truck is being used as a cart. The improvement to the hand truck includes a plate movably attached to the primary frame and movable between a first position, generally parallel to and contacting the primary frame, and a second position, generally parallel to and spaced apart from the primary frame, forming the tabletop surface.

Abstract: A hand truck with a folding nose piece that uses an efficient mechanism to secure the nose piece in either one of a first position, ideal for the transportation of items, and a second position, ideal for storage of the hand truck. The hand truck includes a frame having a pair of wheels over which the center of gravity of items is aligned during transport. A nose piece is rotatably attached to the frame and is rotatable between a first position, generally perpendicularly extended from the frame, and a second position, generally parallel to the frame. A lever pivotally connected to the frame moves between a locked position and an open position. The lever engages and maintains the nose piece in the first position when the lever is in the locked position. The lever also engages and maintains the nose piece in the second position when the lever is in the locked position. The nose piece is movable between the first position and the second position when the lever is in the open position.