Abstract: A dish rack has a stationary first rack portion and a second rack portion pivotably coupled to the first rack portion. The second rack portion can be adjusted to occupy a plurality of different positions with respect to the first rack portion. A pivoting mechanism couples the second rack portion to the first rack portion.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a base secured to the bottom end of the shell, and a pedal assembly coupled to the base. The pedal assembly has a pair of parallel side bars pivotably secured to the base and spaced apart from each other to define an unoccupied space therebetween, and a foot pedal that is secured to the front portion of the side bars.

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 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 paper towel holder facilitates tearing of paper towels from a continuous roll of paper towels supported on the holder, and prevents excessive unraveling of the roll. A portable paper towel holder has a vertical pole and a base having an annular rim of uneven height. The uneven annular rim provides the combination of tall and short sections to balance between effectively holding the towel from excess unraveling, and facilitating ease of tearing of paper towel pieces from the roll. A releasable handle is provided at the distal end of the pole to securely retain the paper towel roll on the vertical pole. The handle is provided with recessed releasing buttons for releasing the handle from the pole. Another embodiment provides a paper towel holder that is structured for mounting to a vertical surface. A spring is provided to provide a bias in the axial direction of the roll.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has an outer shell having an enclosing wall, a top end, and a bottom end. The assembly includes a pedal bar pivotably coupled to the bottom end, a lid pivotably coupled to the top end, and a lifting rod that extends vertically inside the outer shell, with the lifting rod coupling the lid and the rear end of the pedal bar. An air damper is provided inside the outer shell and coupled to the rear of the pedal bar for applying an opposing force against the downward motion of the rear of the pedal bar.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has an outer shell, a foot pedal pivotably coupled to the bottom end of the outer shell along the front side of the outer shell, a lid pivotably coupled to the top end of the outer shell, and a link assembly coupling the foot pedal to the lid. The link assembly includes a lifting rod that extends vertically inside the outer shell, the lifting rod moving forwardly towards the front side of the outer shell when the lid is closed. A biasing member is provided inside the outer shell and applies an opposing force against the forward motion of the lifting rod when the lid is being closed.

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 dish rack has a collector tray that has a compartment. A retaining block is seated in the compartment for holding knives or other utensils having sharp edges.

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 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 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 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 body, a metal lid coupled to the top end of the body, and a non-metal lid liner having a top plate that has a periphery, and a lid liner skirt extending from the periphery. The lid liner is secured to the interior of the lid to dampen the closing motion of the lid, and to prevent rust to the lid.

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.