Described is a system for controlling the operation of a trash can lid that includes a shell for receiving trash, a lid assembly that covers a portion of the shell, and an actuator assembly that independently controls the rate in which the lid assembly moves with respect to the shell. Also provided is a system for improving the operation of a trash can that includes a lid assembly for covering a portion of a shell, an actuator assembly, a base assembly, and a hydraulic component. The hydraulic component controls the rate in which a portion of the lid assembly moves with respect to the shell. The system further includes an adjustable volume of space that is formed between the base assembly and the removable liner when the removable liner is coupled to the base assembly. The adjustable volume of space can be used to store deodorizers, insecticides, or the like.

An actuating garbage bin lid includes a frame, a lid body, a plurality of engaging units, and a control unit. The frame encloses an inlet opening. The lid body is pivotally connected to the frame to selectively cover the inlet opening. The driving unit is disposed on the frame to drive the lid body to pivot. Each of the engaging units includes a positioning assembly and a communication cable. The positioning assembly is disposed on the frame. A first end of the communication cable is electrically connected to the driving unit. The control unit is connected to one of the engaging units and includes a first member fixed to the positioning assembly and a sensor electrically connected to a second end of the communication cable. The sensor is adapted for being actuated and sends signals via the communication cable to control the driving unit.

A trash with an auto lid locking mechanism is designed to prevent accidental or unwanted exposure to waste and potentially hazardous material by humans, household pets and stray animals. In some embodiments, the lid of the trash can opens only when a force is continuously applied to the foot pedal of the trach can, and the lid automatically closes and locks when the force on foot pedal discontinues. In some embodiments, the trash can has an internal pulling force for the lid and does not rely on the weight (i.e., gravitational force) of the lid for it to close, thus the lid can still close automatically or remain closed even if the trash can is being knocked down and/or not in an upright position. In some embodiments, the foot pedal recesses and conceals within the trash can body, thereby making it more difficult for animals to step or continuously press on the pedal.

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.

Various embodiments of receptacle assemblies, such as trash cans, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the receptacle assembly includes a body portion with an interior space. The receptacle assembly can include a lid portion configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The receptacle assembly can include a pedal portion operably connected with the lid such that moving the pedal portion moves the lid portion between the open position and the closed position. The receptacle assembly can include a motion damper configured to dampen motion of the lid portion. The motion damper can be positioned near a front of the body portion and/or above a front portion of the pedal portion.

A trash with an auto lid locking mechanism is designed to prevent accidental or unwanted exposure to waste and potentially hazardous material by humans, household pets and stray animals. In some embodiments, the lid of the trash can opens only when a force is continuously applied to the foot pedal of the trach can, and the lid automatically closes and locks when the force on foot pedal discontinues. In some embodiments, the trash can has an internal pulling force for the lid and does not rely on the weight (i.e., gravitational force) of the lid for it to close, thus the lid can still close automatically or remain closed even if the trash can is being knocked down and/or not in an upright position. In some embodiments, the foot pedal recesses and conceals within the trash can body, thereby making it more difficult for animals to step or continuously press on the pedal.

Various trash can assemblies are disclosed. The trash can assembly can include a body and a lid that is movable between open and closed positions. The trash can assembly can be provided with a resistive load control system that controls the rate of movement of the lid from the open position toward the closed position and/or from the closed position toward the open position. The trash can assembly can be provided with an energy recapture system that translates mechanical energy into electrical energy through an electric generator. The electrical energy can be provided to other components of the trash can assembly, such as an ion generator that discharges ions into an interior of the trash can assembly to provide odor control.

The present disclosure is directed to apparatus including a container having an open top end, a closed bottom end, and a sidewall. The apparatus also includes a divider disposed within the container forming a first chamber and a second chamber isolated from the first, and at least one lid movably secured relative to the open top end of the container such that upon moving from a first closed position to an second open position at least one of the first or second chamber is accessible.

A trash can having a frame, a liner, and a lid. The frame includes a base and a casing supported on the base. The liner is removably disposed within a cavity of the casing and has a bottom that rests directly on the base in the cavity. The lid is coupled to and rotatable relative to the frame between a closed position, in which the liner is concealed, and an open position, in which the liner is accessible.

A container apparatus comprises a mounting means, a lid connected to the mounting means by a connecting means and a frame slideably connected to the mounting means. The frame is adapted to support a waste container. The frame is slideable between a first frame position, wherein an open end of the waste container is entirely covered by the lid, and a second frame position which is offset from the first position in a first direction. The connecting means allows the lid to move between a first lid position and a second lid position which is above the first lid position and is offset from the first lid position. The apparatus has lid moving means which move the lid to the second lid position when the frame is moved from the first frame position to the second frame position. A collar for mounting a container between runners of a retractable container apparatus is also provided.