Abstract: A dustpan (10) comprises a body (12), a blade (20), and a rear support (22). The body (12) receives materials that are removed from a surface (24). The blade (20) and the rear support (22) are coupled to the body (12). The blade (20) includes a first end (20F), a second end (20S), a first contact point (25A) near the first end (20F), and a second contact point (25B) near the second end (20S). The rear support (22) includes a third contact point (25C) and a fourth contact point (25D). Each of the contact points (25A), (25B), (25C), (25D) contact the surface (24) when the dustpan (10) is in a resting position. Downward pressure on the dustpan (10) establishes firm and continuous contact between the blade (20) and the surface (24) along the length of the blade (20) from the first contact point (25A) to the second contact point (25B).

Abstract: A dustpan (10) comprises a body (12), a blade (20), and a rear support (22). The body (12) receives materials that are removed from a surface (24). The blade (20) and the rear support (22) are coupled to the body (12). The blade (20) includes a first end (20F), a second end (20S), a first contact point (25A) near the first end (20F), and a second contact point (25B) near the second end (20S). The rear support (22) includes a third contact point (25C) and a fourth contact point (25D). Each of the contact points (25A), (25B), (25C), (25D) contact the surface (24) when the dustpan (10) is in a resting position. Downward pressure on the dustpan (10) establishes firm and continuous contact between the blade (20) and the surface (24) along the length of the blade (20) from the first contact point (25A) to the second contact point (25B).

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for collecting swept waste material are described herein. The apparatus includes a dustpan having a base and a wall, a handle, and a plurality of protrusions. The base is configured to be placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned and includes a front lip over which debris can be swept. The wall extends upwardly from at least a portion of the base other than the front lip and is configured to contain debris in the dustpan. The handle is coupled to a top edge of the wall opposite the front lip and extends away from the wall and downwardly from the top edge so that an end of the handle is disposed approximately even with the base. The plurality of protrusions extend inwardly from the wall and are configured to remove debris from bristles of a broom when the broom is swept across the plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A lid for a dustpan/trash can comprising a generally circular top having a downwardly depending, circumferentially extending lip projecting from the outer periphery of said top, a trough like member attached to the lip of the top including a planar base positioning the top generally perpendicular to a surface on which the base is placed, said trough section having an upwardly inclined ramp, an elongated straight edge so that waste material may be scooped into the trough.

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.