Abstract: A mop (100) includes a mop head (101) having a housing (302) defining a major surface to couple to a cleaning pad (204). One or more flappers (201,202) are disposed along the major surface. The flappers, in response to actuation of an actuator (104), selectively pivot from a closed position disposed within the housing and substantially parallel with the major surface to an angularly displaced open position extending distally outward from the major surface. A user actuates the actuator (104) to detach the cleaning pad from the major surface without having to handle the cleaning pad.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a device for catching debris may comprise a flat surface for holding debris; a retaining wall surrounding the flat surface and extending vertically from the flat surface, configured to restrict movement of the debris beyond portions of the flat surface; a rigid counter guide configured to fit against a countertop while at least a portion of the flat surface extends below the countertop, wherein the rigid counter guide allows a user to push the retaining wall and the portion of the flat surface against the countertop; and a handle attached to the flat surface at an opposite end from the rigid counter guide, wherein the handle is shaped to fit a hand of a user.

Abstract: A waste collector comprises a handle assembly, a receptacle, a lid pivotally attached to the receptacle, a yoke operatively coupled to a shaft of the handle assembly, and a set of locking members. The yoke is pivotally attached to the receptacle. The lid incorporates a guiding channel for receiving the shaft. The receptacle incorporates a downward lip. A subset of the locking members is attached to walls of the receptacle and another subset of the locking members is attached to the yoke. Each locking member incorporates a set of through cuts. The set of through cuts creates a corresponding set of leaves. Each leave within the set is flexible and adapted to extend away from the corresponding locking member when a force is applied. When the force is released, the leaf intends to retain its original form.

Abstract: A lobby dustpan is self-standing, self-closing and comprises a lid-handle coupling feature for receiving a broom head for retaining the broom head in the bucket of the lobby dustpan. The lid of the lobby dustpan substantially covers the opening of the bucket when in a closed position. A lobby dustpan is self-standing, wherein the center of gravity is between the outer contact points of the base. In addition, when the lobby dustpan is standing in an upright position on a horizontal surface, the center of gravity of the handle keeps the lid in a closed position. Furthermore, the center of gravity of the bucket is offset from the pivot assembly which causes the bucket to close when the lobby dustpan is lifted up from an open position. The specific geometry of the lobby dustpan enables a combination of features that heretofore are not available with existing lobby dustpans.

Abstract: A leaf shovel for shoveling leaves and other debris is provided. The shovel has a cover movable between an open position for gathering leaves on the blade of the shovel, to a closed position for retaining the leaves on the blade of the shovel. Once the cover is in the closed position, the shovel may be moved to the desired receptacle, holding the leaves in place. The cover is then moved to an open position to dump the leaves out of the shovel.

Abstract: A pet feces collection bag comprises a carrier plate, a handle portion, and a bag. The handle portion, formed as a frame structure, is coupled to two corresponding sides of a periphery of the carrier plate and extends outward therefrom thereby defining the carrier plate into a front part having a first predetermined length and a rear part having a second predetermined length along a specific direction, wherein the first predetermined length is smaller than the second predetermined length. The bag is connected to peripheries of the handle portion and the rear part by a predetermined connection manner. The handle portion is operated to rotate around the carrier plate within 360 degrees about a specific axis whereby an opening of the bag is selectively to be opened or closed. The carrier plate and the handle portion are formed as one-piece unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a foldable scooper for use in picking up animal waste. The scooper can be folded and configured to attach to a leash or be inserted into a user's pocket, thereby making it hands free. In some embodiments, the foldable scooper can be wrapped by a waste bag, thereby allowing a user to pick up animal waste without ever coming in contact with the waste.

Abstract: An adapter apparatus to be installed on a pail to allow debris to be swept into the pail when the pail is resting on its side on a surface to be swept. A mounting section is included which is configured to be positioned over at least part of a lip of the pail and secured in place on the pail. A debris collector guide is attached to the mounting section, with the debris collector guide including a pair of sidewalls and a bottom section disposed intermediate the side walls, with the sidewalls and bottom section forming a debris collection region which permits debris to be swept into the debris section and into a pail on which the adapter apparatus is installed.

Abstract: A wet spill-dust pan, which includes an arched-shaped base panel, a back wall extending upward from a back edge of said base panel, a pair of side walls connected to arched sides of said base panel and extend the length thereof in an upward manner and are interconnected to said back wall, a top panel interconnecting said back wall and part of said side walls, said base panel having an open front with a leading rubber blade portion over which debris and wet spilled material can be squeegee swept, a generally U-shaped handle having a transverse portion and a pair of laterally extending arms, wherein each said arm is pivotally connected to an outside of one of said side walls such that said transverse portion is laterally spaced from said top panel and extends thereacross.

Abstract: A long handled cleaning implement such as a broom that is provided with a collapsible handle that can be used as a mini sweeping broom. This collapsible ability will also permit compact storage, a cooperating accessory dustpan is provided which the collapsible cleaning implement is stored into. When removed from the compact position the handle of the cleaning implement quickly and easily extends to a full length rigid position for use. In combination this provides the operator the choice of a large area cleaning or a small area hand sweep and the convenience of compact storage or transportation.

Abstract: A cleaning device including a handle and a pan is provided. The pan has a smooth, continuous inner surface which facilitates cleaning. A ramp portion of a base of the pan has a transitional angle of inclination which facilitates pulling waste into the pan. Spacers and supports are provided to ensure that the front ramp remains in contact with a surface when a downward force is applied to the pan. A method is also provided which, using the aforementioned cleaning device, reduces the time necessary to remove a hazard on a surface.

Abstract: A frame for catching pet waste for holding a bag for catching pet waste. The frame for catching pet waste includes a first tubular member that is elongate and has a first end and a second end. A second tubular member having a generally circular shape. The second end of the first tubular member is fluidly coupled to the second tubular member. Each of a plurality of clamps comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw hingedly coupled together. Each of the lower jaws is integrally coupled to the second tubular member. Each of a plurality of biasing members biases each of the upper jaws toward a respective one of the lower jaws.

Abstract: A lobby dust pan of the type generally having a receptacle portion pivotally connected to a yoke. The yoke is flexible and is connected to a shaft. The yoke is deformable to enable a latch thereon to be retained with or released from suitably disposed openings in the receptacle. A shaft in turn has a handle connected to the upper end, and the other end connected to the yoke. The yoke is provided with an array of spaced apart outwardly projections or teeth suitable for assisting in the removal of debris from the user's broom, brush, or the like.

Abstract: A refuse container includes a housing having an opening for receiving refuse, a bail pivotally attached to the housing for pivotal movement between a first position in front of the opening and a second position adjacent the housing, a handle attached to the housing positioned adjacent to the bail when the bail is in the second position and an attachment member for releasably attaching the bail to the attachment member when the bail is in the second position, the attachment member positioned adjacent the handle.