A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle as well as a hopper. A method of using the storage receptacle can include receiving a force on a hopper handle of a hopper of a storage receptacle, the hopper having a cable connection point connected to a cable, based on the force, rotating the hopper to enable a user to place material in a storage bin of the storage receptacle, wherein the rotating causes the cable to have slack and preventing the cable having the slack from coming out of a groove in a pulley via a shroud positioned over at least a portion of the pulley.

An apparatus includes a flexible sheet of material having a perimeter edge and a central opening forming a discharge chute, and first and second clips coupled to the flexible sheet for securing an open end of a bag around an outer circumferential surface of the discharge chute, wherein the first and second clips are spaced apart about the outer circumferential surface of the discharge chute. With the discharge chut inserted into the bag and the bag secured to the clips, the flexible sheet is laid on the group and debris or other solid materials may be raked, shoveled, or otherwise placed on the flexible sheet. Raising the flexible sheet, such as by lifting with handles around a perimeter edge, causes the debris to pass through the discharge chute and into the bag. The size of the apparatus may be adapted for the application, such as leaf collection or sandbag preparation.

An apparatus includes a flexible sheet of material having a perimeter edge and a central opening forming a discharge chute, and first and second clips coupled to the flexible sheet for securing an open end of a bag around an outer circumferential surface of the discharge chute, wherein the first and second clips are spaced apart about the outer circumferential surface of the discharge chute. With the discharge chut inserted into the bag and the bag secured to the clips, the flexible sheet is laid on the group and debris or other solid materials may be raked, shoveled, or otherwise placed on the flexible sheet. Raising the flexible sheet, such as by lifting with handles around a perimeter edge, causes the debris to pass through the discharge chute and into the bag. The size of the apparatus may be adapted for the application, such as leaf collection or sandbag preparation.

An apparatus is provided with an outer frame with a series of wheels, and first and second support arms connected to the outer frame and extending upwardly. The apparatus has first and second rails to slidably receive an upper lip of a portable waste receptacle, with the first rail supported by the first support arm for translation relative to the first support arm. The apparatus has a dumping system with a lifting assembly and a power assembly. The dumping system is connected to the outer frame and the first rail to move the first and second rails along the first and second support arms between a load position and a dumping position. A controller is in communication with the dumping system to control the position of the first and second rails via the dumping system.

An animal waste containment assembly includes a container that is positioned outdoors to be accessible to people walking their pets. A drawer is slidably integrated into the container and the drawer supports a garbage bag for collecting animal waste that is deposited in the container. A lid is hingedly coupled to the container and the lid covers the opening in the container when the lid is positioned in a closed position. A deodorizer dispenser is disposed on the lid to dispense a measured amount of the chemical deodorant when the lid is opened. A foot pedal is movably disposed in the container and a linkage is movably coupled between the foot pedal and the lid. The lid is urged into the open position when the foot pedal is stepped upon to facilitate the person to deposit the bagged animal waste into the container.

The present invention discloses a load collecting device comprising: a case having an input port formed on one side thereof into which a load is put; a collecting unit disposed inside the case, and having an open top and an accommodation space which accommodates the load; an input unit arranged adjacent to the input port in the case, selectively rotating to open the input port, and transferring the load to the collecting unit; a pressing unit disposed on the top of the collecting unit, and of which at least a part of selectively lowers to pressurize the load accommodated in the collecting unit; and a sensing control unit sensing a load amount of the load accommodated in the collecting unit and controlling the pressing unit so as to selectively press the load.

A secured “smart” container is disclosed for collecting green waste products including operational functions for collection, video surveillance and monitoring capacity. The secured “smart” container may include one or more programmable logic controllers. Operational functions are performed by electrical components including sensors to determine green waste deposits characteristics and contents. Operational functions are further adapted to send and receive data, operationally wirelessly, and configured and adapted to utilize solar derived electric power and, optionally, electric power from other sources. Embodiments provide constant 24 hour/7 days a week video surveillance and alert monitoring capabilities. Disclosed systems and methods also include collection and transportation of waste contents from the container to a processing subsystem. Additionally, disclosed systems may also include a monitoring system for monitoring the collection of green waste product, delivery of the same to the processing subsystem and tracking to and throughout final processing of the green waste product and handling personnel.

A docking station for a surface cleaning apparatus has a floor standing base unit with a docking station dirt collection chamber, and upflow and down flow ducts that are connectable with the surface cleaning apparatus.

A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle. The pedal can rotate downward when pressure is applied in order to pull on a first cable coupled to the pedal. The first cable is connected to a spring, and the spring is connected to a second cable. The second cable connects the spring to a door via an upper pulley of the receptacle. The second cable causes the door to open when the second cable is pulled based on force applied to the pedal. A bottom pulley can be coupled to the pedal via the first cable and configured to translate an upward pull of the first cable to a downward pull of the spring and second cable. The spring controls the motion of the door such that the door does not open too quickly upon a force being applied to the pedal.

A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle. The pedal can rotate downward when pressure is applied in order to pull on a first cable coupled to the pedal. The first cable is connected to a spring, and the spring is connected to a second cable. The second cable connects the spring to a door via an upper pulley of the receptacle. The second cable causes the door to open when the second cable is pulled based on force applied to the pedal. A bottom pulley can be coupled to the pedal via the first cable and configured to translate an upward pull of the first cable to a downward pull of the spring and second cable. The spring controls the motion of the door such that the door does not open too quickly upon a force being applied to the pedal.