Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the pedal and the lid, and a motion damper coupled to the link assembly for slowing the closing motion of the lid. The assembly also includes an inner liner that is retained inside the shell, with a support frame secured to the top end of the shell and having a ridge on which a peripheral lip of the inner liner rests.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the pedal and the lid, and a motion damper coupled to the link assembly for slowing the closing motion of the lid. The assembly also includes an inner liner that is retained inside the shell, with a support frame secured to the top end of the shell and having a ridge on which a peripheral lip of the inner liner rests. Two or more inner liners can be provided inside the shell. In addition, the lid can be pivotably connected to the upper edge of the outer shell by a connector which has a sleeve that is coupled to the upper edge of the outer shell, a non-metal tube that is positioned inside the sleeve, and a shaft received inside the bore of the tube.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a foot pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the foot pedal and the lid, and a lock secured to the lid and removably engaged with the shell to maintain the lid in an open position without pressing the foot pedal.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a foot pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the foot pedal and the lid, and a locking member associated with the shell. The locking member engages the rod of the link assembly to maintain the lid in an open position without pressing the foot pedal.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing plastic bags and process for manufacturing the same. The container includes a front panel extending from the top of the container to the bottom of the container and having a substantially smooth surface with no sharp bents. The container includes a funnel-shaped aperture for facilitating insertion of the plastic bags into the container in a compact and collapsed form. One embodiment of the container has a flat profile that allows the container to be mounted to a vertical surface in a space-saving manner and that helps minimize entanglement as more bags are inserted into the container. The container also includes an access opening for dispensing the plastic bags. Another embodiment of the container is a free-standing structure having a base that can be rested on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell having a bottom end, a base secured to the bottom end and a foot pedal assembly coupled to the base. The foot pedal assembly has a pedal bar pivotably secured to the base, and a foot pedal. The foot pedal can be separated from the pedal bar before placing the trash can assembly inside a containing box.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a lid pivotably coupled to an upper end of an outer shell, and a pivoting pedal bar that is coupled to the lid via a link rod. The closing motion of the lid is dampened by counter-balancing the closing force of the lid, which can be accomplished by generating a counter-balance force against the pedal bar that is equal to or slightly less than the closing force of the lid. The counter-balance force can be made to vary during the closing motion of the lid. In addition, the entire link rod can be positioned inside the interior of the outer shell, and the pivot axis of the lid about the outer shell can also also positioned inside the interior of the outer shell.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing plastic bags and process for manufacturing the same. The container includes a front panel extending from the top of the container to the bottom of the container and having a substantially smooth surface with no sharp bents. The container includes a funnel-shaped aperture for facilitating insertion of the plastic bags into the container in a compact and collapsed form. The container has a flat profile that allows the container to be mounted to a vertical surface in a space-saving manner and that helps minimize entanglement as more bags are inserted into the container. The container also includes an access opening for dispensing the plastic bags.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a liner fitted inside the shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a foot pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the foot pedal and the lid, and a support block provided adjacent the bottom end of the shell for supporting the liner in a raised position with respect to the shell. In use, the user can fit a trash bag inside the liner, and then seat the liner inside the shell. To replace the trash bag, the user can raise the liner with respect to the interior of the shell, and support the liner on the support block in a raised position with respect to the shell when removing the trash bag.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell having an enclosing wall that defines a periphery. The assembly has a lid fitted over the top of the shell, and a foot pedal positioned adjacent the bottom of the shell, with a portion of the foot pedal positioned inside the periphery of the shell. The assembly also includes a link assembly coupling the foot pedal and the lid. The assembly can also include a liner defining a container body, the liner fitted inside the shell and having an indent provided on the container body. A handle mechanism has a link strip that has a hooked end, with the hooked end engaging the indent to lift the liner from inside the shell.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the pedal and the lid, and a motion damper coupled to the link assembly for slowing the closing motion of the lid. The assembly also includes an inner liner that is retained inside the shell, with a support frame secured to the top end of the shell and having a ridge on which a peripheral lip of the inner liner rests. Two or more inner liners can be provided inside the shell. In addition, the lid can be pivotably connected to the upper edge of the outer shell by a connector which has a sleeve that is coupled to the upper edge of the outer shell, a non-metal tube that is positioned inside the sleeve, and a shaft received inside the bore of the tube.

Abstract: A device for applying a non-circular adhesive label to a non-circular optical disc includes a disc support moveable between the first position supporting the disc in a spaced apart relationship with a label and a second position enabling contact between the label and the disc. An arm is provided and moveable with the disc support for compacting the disc and aligning the disc with a label as the disc is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A label applying apparatus for concentrically applying annular labels (having adhesive on one side) to compact discs. The apparatus is an insert which is dimensioned to be mounted in a lid portion of a conventional jewel case having cover and base portions capable of hinging relative to each other between open and closed positions. The insert has a central press surface to which an annular label may be temporarily retained, and peripheral shoulders which releasably engage guide tabs found on the cover portion. When the cover and base portions are hinged to the closed position, the annular label and the compact disc are concentrically aligned and joined together in a bonding relationship. Furthermore, the press surface preferably has an annular configuration with a convex-curvilinear cross-section which operates to evenly apply an annular label in a rolling manner.

Abstract: A device for applying a non-circular adhesive label to a non-circular optical disc includes a base having an axial opening therein and a platform surrounding the opening for supporting the non-circular label. A plunger having a disc support element projects from the platform though the base axial opening and movable between a fist position supporting the disc above the platform and a second position enabling contact between the label and the disc. Arms are provided and attached to the plunger and movable therewith for contacting edges of the disc and aligning the disc with the label on the platform as the plunger is moved from the first to the second position.