A sack truck convertible into a four-wheeled hand truck with a main frame having a receiving nose plate at one foot end and two running wheels opposite the receiving nose plate. A subframe carries at least one steering wheel in the foot region, with a sliding guide which can be pivoted at the handle end of the main frame about a pivot axis parallel to the axes of the running wheels. A link, between the main frame and the subframe, articulates on the subframe in the foot region thereof about an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The subframe is guided in the sliding guide to slide freely between two end positions limited by stops that determine the positions for the sack truck and the hand truck, and that the link is mounted on the main frame so as to be stationary and pivotable to improve handling conditions.

A hand truck includes a frame that is supported by main wheels and a handle having two side members. Two handle brackets are pivotably mounted on opposite sides of the frame. The handle brackets are arranged for rotation in relation to the frame around a handle rotation axis. The handle brackets slidably receive the side members of the handle so that the handle is able to slide between a first retracted position and a second extended positon. The handle is also able to rotate with the handle brackets between first and second rotational positions. A lock mechanism that is mechanically associated with the handle brackets and the handle is able to releasably lock the degree of extension of the handle in at least one position between the retracted and extended positions and is able to lock the rotational position of the handle in at least one rotational position.

Described herein is a multi-use platform that is capable of being manipulated into multiple configurations. Example configurations include a mechanic's creeper (first configuration), a pushcart (second configuration), a hand truck (third configuration), a work platform, e.g., scaffold (fourth configuration), and a work bench (fifth configuration).

Material handling devices are generally disclosed. Specifically disclosed is an improved hand truck handle mechanism that improves ergonomics as well as provides for better control of the material handling device by providing several variable grasping points that allow manipulation of the material handling device depending on the load and environment.

Material handling devices are disclosed. Specifically disclosed are hand truck structures related to the toe plates of hand trucks. The disclosed toe plate mechanism includes both a static and folding toe plate that allows for a compact hand truck for storage. Also disclosed is a locking mechanism that allows the handle to have a compact storage position.

Material handling devices are disclosed. Specifically disclosed is a hand truck latch for a convertible hand truck that provides a simpler mechanism which is less prone to malfunctioning; visually conveys to a user of the material handling devices whether the handle mechanism is locked or unlocked; and is less prone to accidental unlocking.

Material handling devices are disclosed. Specifically disclosed are hand truck structures such as toe plates, wheel supports, handles, and lock mechanisms, as well as methods of construction and manufacturing. Toe plate support structure and geometry as well as manufacturing methods improve strength and functionality. Handle designs to improve maneuverability as well as comfort while using a hand truck are also disclosed.