Patent Publication Number: US-10308428-B2

Title: Waste receptacles and lift rod assemblies therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/213,190, filed Sep. 2, 2015, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application generally relates to waste receptacles, and, more specifically, to pedal-operated lift rod assemblies for opening the lid of waste receptacles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Waste receptacles or trash cans having pedal-operated lid opening mechanisms, such as lift rods, are known to experience issues in response to aggressive usage. For example, users may step on the pedal with a downward force in excess of a maximum force threshold of the pedal-lift rod assembly. In such cases, this aggressive usage may result in failure of the lift rod, the lid, or both. For example, the lid may become detached from the lift rod or break. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a waste receptacle includes an enclosure including an enclosed base portion and at least one sidewall extending from the base portion, the at least one sidewall defining an open top portion to receive waste material therethrough; a lid hingedly coupled to the enclosure; a pedal pivotably coupled to the base portion, the pedal being pivotable from a first position to a second position upon application of a minimum required force to the pedal by a user; and an elongated lift rod assembly including: a first end coupled to the pedal and a distal second end coupled to the lid such that when the pedal is in the first position, the lid is disposed in a closed position abutting the open top portion of the base portion, and, when the pedal is in the second position, the lid is disposed at a predetermined maximum pedal-adjusted angle, and a spring configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly. 
     In another embodiment, an elongated lift rod assembly for a waste receptacle having a pedal-operated lid, includes a first end configured to couple to the pedal and a distal second end configured to couple to the lid and a spring configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring now to the drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike. The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating examples of the disclosure, in which use of the same reference numerals indicates similar or identical items. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include elements, components, and/or configurations other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some of the elements, components, and/or configurations illustrated in the drawings may not be present in certain embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a waste receptacle, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a waste receptacle, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a waste receptacle, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a waste receptacle, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a waste receptacle having an elongated lift rod assembly, with the lid of the receptacle in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a waste receptacle having an elongated lift rod assembly, with the lid of the receptacle in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  is a plan view of an elongated lift rod assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is a partial plan view of the elongated lift rod assembly of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an elongated lift rod assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7B  is a partial perspective view of the elongated lift rod assembly of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a compression spring in its uncompressed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8B  is an end view of the compression spring of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9  is a partial plan view of an elongated lift rod assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial plan view of an elongated lift rod assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a partial plan view of an elongated lift rod assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial plan view of an elongated lift rod assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial plan view of an elongated lift rod assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial plan view of an elongated lift rod assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an elongated lift rod assembly for a waste receptacle that can withstand increased forces associated with users opening the lid of the waste receptacle. In example embodiments, the elongated lift rod assembly is configured to dampen the force applied to the pedal by the user and passed through to the lid of the waste receptacle by way of the lift rod assembly, to prevent failure at the lid, the pedal, and/or the elongated lift rod assembly. 
     For example, as will be described in more detail herein, the elongated lift rod assembly may include one or more elongated lift rods that extend between and connect the pedal of the waste receptacle and the lid of the waste receptacle, such that when the pedal is in the first (or unactuated) position, the lid is disposed in a closed position, and, when the pedal is in the second (or actuated) position, the lid is disposed in an open position. That is, a user may open the lid of the waste receptacle by applying a downward force to the pedal in excess of a minimum force threshold of the lift rod assembly. In typical rigid lift rod assemblies, the maximum force threshold of the pedal-lift rod assembly may easily be exceeded by vigorous use, resulting in failure of the lid, lift rod assembly, and/or pedal. For example, the lid may become detached from the lift rod or break. 
     Embodiments of the elongated lift rod assemblies described herein, and waste receptacles containing such assemblies, can withstand increased forces associated with users opening the lid of the waste receptacle and prevent failure of the lid, lift rod assembly, and/or pedal as a result of excessive force applied to the pedal. In contrast to rigid lift rod assemblies, the presently described lift rod assemblies include a spring configured to dampen excessive force applied to the pedal by the user, to prevent failure at the lid and the lift rod assembly. Thus, the ability of a user to apply excess force to the lid of a waste receptacle by applying force to the pedal is substantially reduced. For example, waste receptacles containing the elongated lift rod assemblies described herein may allow the lid to be held close when the pedal is actuated, without damaging the lid, lift rod assembly, and/or pedal. 
     Example embodiments of waste receptacles and elongated lift rod assemblies are described in further detail below. As used herein, the term “about” means plus or minus 10 percent of the numerical value of the number with which it is being used. 
     Waste Receptacles 
     Waste receptacles including a spring-dampened elongated lift rod assembly are provided herein. Various suitable designs of waste receptacles (e.g.,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ) having pedal-operated lids are known in the art, including those shown at  FIGS. 1-5B . For example, the waste receptacle with a pedal-operated lid may be an indoor-style receptacle, a larger format receptacle, a wheeled receptacle, or any other suitable receptacle. One will recognize that various components of the waste receptacles having pedal-operated lids in the disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,972,966; 5,230,525; D332,852; D581,615; and D581,622 can be utilized in conjunction with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that any suitable waste receptacle, pedal, and lid designs may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     In example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a waste receptacle  100  includes an enclosure  102  having an enclosed base portion  104  and at least one sidewall  106  extending from the base portion  104  to define an open top portion (not shown) to receive waste material therethrough. As used herein, the terms “enclosure” and “enclosed base portion” refer to the receptacle  100  having substantially continuous side and bottom walls to contain the waste material; however, it should be appreciated that the walls may include certain openings, such as drains, vents, or other suitable openings. In certain example embodiments, the enclosed base portion  104  forms the bottom of the waste receptacle  100 . In certain example embodiments, as partially shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the at least one sidewall  506  includes a front wall  506   a , a rear wall  506   b , and two opposing sidewalls  506   c  and  506   d  (not shown). In certain example embodiments, the enclosure has a volume of from about 30 liters to about 100 liters. For example, the enclosure may have a volume of about 50 liters, about 68 liters, or about 90 liters. 
     In certain example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the waste receptacle  500  also includes at least one lid  508  that is hingedly and rotatably coupled to the enclosure  502 . For example, the lid  508  may be coupled to the enclosure  502  by any suitable means known in the art, such as is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,972,966 and 5,230,525. For example, the lid  108  may be coupled to the enclosure  102  by mold-in snap hinges. As used herein, the term “coupled” is used broadly and refers to components being directly or indirectly in contact with one another via any suitable fastening, connection, or attachment mechanism. In one embodiment, the at least one lid  508  is coupled to the rear wall  506   b  of the enclosure  502  at a position adjacent or near the open top portion  505 . In some example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a waste receptacle  300  includes a pair of lids  308   a ,  308   b  that are hingedly coupled to the enclosure  302  at opposed sidewalls  306   c  and  306   d.    
     In certain example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the waste receptacle  100  also includes a pedal  112  having a first end  112   a  and a distal second end  112   b  (not shown). The pedal  112  is pivotably coupled to the base portion  104  and is pivotable from a first position to a second position. For example, the first position may be an unactuated or “at rest” position of the pedal  112 , while the second position may be an actuated position achieved by a user applying at least a minimum required downward force on the first end  112   a  of the pedal  112  with his foot. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the pedal  312  may be disposed at the front wall  306   a  of the waste receptacle  300 . For example, the front wall  306   a  may have a width that is less than the width of sidewalls  306   c ,  306   d , such that the pedal  312  is provided in a wall having the smaller dimension, also known as an “end step” design. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the front wall  406   a  may have a width that is greater than the width of the opposed sidewalls  406   c ,  406   d , such that the pedal  412  is provided in a wall having a larger dimension, also known as a “front step” design. 
     In some example embodiments, the enclosed base portion  104  defines a channel extending from or substantially from a front side of the base portion  104  to an opposing rear side of the base portion  104  to accommodate at least a portion of the pedal  112  therein. In some example embodiments, the pedal  112  is coupled to a pedal axle that is coupled to a bottom surface of the enclosed base portion  104 , such as by brackets or other suitable fasteners. In some example embodiments, the pedal axle is integral with and/or integrally formed with the pedal and extends longitudinally in a direction orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the pedal  112 . The pedal  112  may be coupled to the base portion  104  such that the pedal  112  is feely pivotable about a fulcrum defined by the pedal axle. In certain example embodiments, the pedal  112  is pivotable from the first position to the second position upon application of at least 5 pounds of downward force upon the first end  112   a  of the pedal  112  by a user. 
     In certain example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the waste receptacle  500  further includes an elongated lift rod assembly  516 . In example embodiments, the elongated lift rod assembly  516  includes a first end coupled to the pedal (not shown), a distal second end  528  coupled to the lid  508 , and a spring  522  configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly. The predetermined force threshold may be any suitable force above the minimum required force to pivot the pedal from the first position to the second position. That is, the spring may be configured to dampen the force applied to the pedal by the user and passed through to the lid of the waste receptacle by way of the lift rod assembly, to prevent failure at the lid and the elongated lift rod assembly. 
     In certain example embodiments, the elongated lift rod assembly  516  is configured such that when the pedal is in the first position, the lid  508  is disposed in a closed position abutting the open top portion  505  defined by the one or more sidewalls  506   a - d  of the enclosure  502  (as shown in  FIG. 5B ), and, when the pedal is in the second position, the lid  508  is disposed at a predetermined maximum pedal-adjusted angle (as shown in  FIG. 5A ). As used herein, the term “closed position,” when used with reference to the lid  508 , refers to the lid  508  abutting the open top portion  505  of the enclosure  502 . In some example embodiments, when in the closed position, the lid  508  lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of waste receptacle  500 . 
     In one example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , when a user applies a downward force on the first end  112   a  and pivots the pedal  112  from the first to the second position, the second end (not shown) of the pedal  112  moves in a generally upward direction causing the elongated lift rod assembly (not shown) to correspondingly move in an upward direction to open the lid  108  up to the maximum pedal-adjusted angle. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , when a user applies a downward force to pivot the pedal from the first to the second position, the second end of the pedal moves in a generally upward direction causing the second end  528  of the elongated lift rod assembly  516  to engage or otherwise enter a lid adjustment channel  510  to open the lid  508  up to the maximum pedal-adjusted angle. For example, the lift rod assembly  516  may move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the waste receptacle  500  (e.g., vertically upward) to move further into the lid adjustment channel  510  and open the lid  508 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the lid  508  is rotatable from the closed position ( FIG. 5B ) to the predetermined maximum pedal-adjusted angle ( FIG. 5A ), in response to the pedal being pivoted from the first position to the second position. Thus, the lid  508  is disposed at the predetermined maximum pedal-adjusted angle when the pedal is in the second position. In some example embodiments, the predetermined maximum pedal-adjusted angle is about 90 degrees or less, measured relative the closed position. In some example embodiments, the predetermined maximum pedal-adjusted angle is from about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, measured relative the closed position. In some example embodiments, the predetermined maximum pedal-adjusted angle is about 80 degrees, measured relative the closed position. In one example embodiment, application of downward force on the first end of the foot pedal to move the pedal to the second position opens the lid  508  to the predetermined maximum pedal-adjusted angle, for example, about 80 degrees. Once the lid  508  reaches the predetermined maximum pedal-adjusted angle, the lid adjustment channel  510  engaging the end  528  of the lift rod assembly  516  prevents the lid  508  from opening further. 
     In certain example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the elongated lift rod assembly  716  has a first end  718  configured to couple to the pedal (not shown) and a distal second end  728  configured to couple to the lid (not shown) of a waste receptacle. For example, the first end  718  may include an aperture in the elongated lift rod  717  that is configured to be coupled via a bolt and nut, screw, or rivet to a corresponding aperture in the second end of the pedal. In example embodiments, the lift rod engages the pedal via a snap feature, and this snap retention feature dually serves as the lower mounting pivot pin. 
     The second end  728  of the lift rod assembly  716  may be rigidly or permanently coupled to the lid of the waste receptacle. In certain example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6A , the second end  728  is T-shaped. As used herein, the term “T-shaped” refers to the second end of the lift rod including a second rod member that is disposed perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the lift rod assembly. It will be appreciated that other suitable shapes and designs of the second end of the lift rod assembly may also be used. 
     Various configurations of elongated lift rod assemblies and springs are envisioned and the embodiments disclosed herein should be understood to represent example embodiments such that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosed lift rod assemblies can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not described herein. The spring may be designed to have suitable dimensions and spring characteristics to provide the desired spring force to the elongated lift rod assembly. 
     In example embodiments, the lift rod assembly is configured to be coupled directly or indirectly to the pedal and the lid of a waste receptacle, such that upon pivoting of the pedal to the second position, the lift rod assembly generally correspondingly moves to open the lid. Specifically, upon application of a force sufficient to move the pedal into the second position (i.e., of at least the minimum required force), the elongated lift rod assembly moves in a generally upward direction. Thus, in example embodiments, the spring of the elongated lift rod assembly is configured to absorb excessive forces (e.g., forces in excess of a force threshold of the lift rod assembly) applied to the pedal, and thereby dampen the force applied to the lift rod to open the lid of the waste receptacle. In certain example embodiments, the spring is configured to dampen the force applied at the pedal such that the lid is rotated from the closed position to the maximum pedal-adjusted position at a substantially constant rate, upon application of at least the minimum required force in a generally downward direction by a user to the pedal. 
     In certain example embodiments, the waste receptacle further includes a damper mechanism (not shown) for controlling the rate of closure of the lid once the force applied to pivot the pedal into the second position is removed. Suitable damper mechanisms that may be used with the present disclosure are known in the art. For example, a damper may be utilized to control the top lid closing speed. 
     Elongated Lift Rod Assemblies 
     Elongated lift rod assemblies for waste receptacles having pedal-operated lids are also provided herein. For example, the presently described lift rod assemblies may be adapted to be integrated into waste receptacles having the pedal-operated lid. For example, the presently described lift rod assemblies may be retrofit into preexisting waste receptacle designs. That is, the lift rod assemblies of the present disclosure may be substituted for existing rigid lift rod assemblies in known waste receptacles. The elongated lift rod assemblies may include any features, or combination of features, described herein. 
     In certain example embodiments, an elongated lift rod assembly for a waste receptacle having a pedal-operated lid includes a first end configured to couple to the pedal and a distal second end configured to couple to the lid, and a spring configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly. 
     In example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , the lift rod assembly  716  is configured to be coupled to the pedal and the lid of a waste receptacle, such that upon pivoting of the pedal to the second position, the lift rod assembly  716  generally correspondingly moves to open the lid. In certain example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the elongated lift rod assembly  716  has a first end  718  configured to couple to the pedal (not shown) and a distal second end  728  configured to couple to the lid (not shown) of a waste receptacle. For example, the first end  718  may include an aperture in the elongated lift rod  717  that is configured to be coupled via a bolt and nut, screw, or rivet to a corresponding aperture in the second end of the pedal. In example embodiments, the lift rod engages the pedal via a snap feature, and this snap retention feature dually serves as the lower mounting pivot pin. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7B , the elongated lift rod assembly may include a pedal coupling mechanism  930  that extends along less than 5 percent of the length of the elongated lift rod assembly. The pedal coupling mechanism  930  may include a threaded or unthreaded aperture or pair of apertures for receiving a coupling device (e.g., bolt, screw, rivet, cotter pin, clevis pin, hinge pin, clip, etc.) therethrough. For example, the pedal coupling mechanism  930  may be a flat, planar end of the elongated lift rod that is directly or indirectly coupled to the rod or integral therewith. 
     The second end  728  of the lift rod assembly  716  may be rigidly or permanently coupled to the lid of the waste receptacle. In certain example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6A , the second end  728  is T-shaped. As used herein, the term “T-shaped” refers to the second end of the lift rod including a second rod member that is disposed perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the lift rod assembly. It will be appreciated that other suitable shapes and designs of the second end of the lift rod assembly may also be used. 
     The elongated lift rod assembly may include one or more suitable elongated lift rods that extend between and connect the pedal of the waste receptacle and the lid of the waste receptacle, such that when the pedal is in the first (or unactuated) position, the lid is disposed in a closed position, and, when the pedal is in the second (or actuated) position, the lid is disposed in an open position. For example, the elongated lift rods may be of any suitable design, material, and configuration, including solid and hollow rods. 
     A spring may be incorporated into or with the elongated lift rods so as to limit the force that is transmitted from the pedal to the lid upon application of a force to the pedal by the user. That is, the spring may be designed to dissipate excessive energy applied to the lift rod assembly, such as under abusive conditions. In example embodiments, the elongated lift rod assembly includes one or more torsion springs, tension springs, leaf springs, compression springs, other suitable springs, or combinations thereof. The spring may be incorporated into or with the one or more elongated lift rods in any suitable fashion, some examples of which are detailed herein. Moreover, the spring may be designed to have suitable dimensions and spring characteristics to provide the desired spring force to the elongated lift rod assembly. 
     Torsion Spring Embodiments 
     In example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the elongated lift rod assembly  916  includes an elongated lift rod  932  and a torsion spring  934  configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly. In some example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the elongated lift rod assembly  916  includes an elongated lift rod  932  having an integral torsion spring  934 . That is, in some embodiments, the elongated lift rod assembly  916  includes a single elongated lift rod  932  having the torsion spring  934  formed therein. 
     Tension Spring Embodiments 
     In example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the elongated lift rod assembly includes a pair of lift rods coupled via a connection that includes a tension spring. In some example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the elongated lift rod assembly  1016  includes substantially parallel lift rods  1031 ,  1032  that are coupled to one another via transverse attachment portions having apertures therein to receive the other lift rod,  1031 ,  1032 . A tension spring  1034  is attached to the transverse attachments portions, such that tension spring  1034  is configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly  1016 . 
     In some example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the elongated lift rod assembly  1116  includes substantially parallel lift rods  1131 ,  1132  that are coupled to one another via transverse attachment rods  1135 ,  1135  that are each connected to both of the parallel lift rods  1131 ,  1132  via suitable attachment means (e.g., screw, bolt and nut, or rivet), such that the transverse attachment rods  1135 ,  1135  are movable between a position that is perpendicular to the substantially parallel lift rods  1131 ,  1132  and a position that is nearly parallel to the substantially parallel lift rods  1131 ,  1132 . A tension spring  1134  is attached to the transverse attachment rods  1135 ,  1135 , such that the tension spring  1134  is configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly  1116 . 
     Leaf Spring Embodiments 
     In example embodiments, as shown at  FIG. 14 , the elongated lift rod assembly  1416  includes a pair of lift rods  1431 ,  1432  coupled via a connection including a leaf spring. In some example embodiments, the lift rods  1431 ,  1432  are substantially parallel and are coupled to one another via a guide bracket  1437  that is rigidly attached to one lift rod  1432  and provides a channel or aperture in which the second lift rod  1431  is permitted to move or slide. The elongated lift rod assembly  1416  contains a leaf spring  1434  that is rigidly connected to the first lift rod  1432  and/or to the guide bracket  1437  and is in communication with an end of the second lift rod  1434 , such that the leaf spring  1434  is configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly  1416 . 
     Compression Spring Embodiments 
     In example embodiments, as shown at  FIGS. 6A-6B, 12, and 13 , the elongated lift rod assembly includes a pair of parallel lift rods coupled via a connection that includes a compression spring. 
     In example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the elongated lift rod  717  at least partially includes a tubular chamber  719  that defines and extends from the second end  720  of the elongated lift rod  717 . As used herein, the term “tubular chamber” refers to a tube-like member having an inner surface defining a passageway and an opposed outer surface. The tubular chamber  719  may have any suitable cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, rectangular, hexagonal, elliptical, etc.) and may have any suitable length. For example, the tubular chamber may be a hollow steel tube having an outer diameter of from about 4.5 mm to about 20.5 mm, and having an inner diameter of from about 4.0 mm to about 20.0 mm, other suitable extension chamber designs and sizes may be used. In one example embodiment, the outer diameter of the tubular chamber is about 7 mm and the inner diameter is about 6.5 mm. 
     In example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , an elongated lift rod assembly  716  includes an elongated lift rod  717  having a first end  718  configured to couple to the pedal and a distal second end  720 . 
     In some example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the tubular chamber  919  is substantially coextensive with the elongated lift rod  917 . That is, the elongated lift rod  917  is substantially formed by the tubular chamber  919 . As used herein, the terms “substantially coextensive,” “substantially formed by,” and similar terms refer to at least 95 percent of the length of the elongated lift rod  917  being the tubular chamber  919 . For example, the elongated lift rod  917  may include a pedal coupling mechanism  930  distinct from the tubular chamber  919 , and that extends along less than 5 percent of the length of the elongated lift rod  917 . The pedal coupling mechanism  930  may include a threaded or unthreaded aperture or pair of apertures for receiving a coupling device (e.g., bolt, screw, rivet, cotter pin, clevis pin, hinge pin, clip, etc.) therethrough. For example, the pedal coupling mechanism  930  may be a flat, planar end of the elongated lift rod that is directly or indirectly coupled to the rod or integral therewith. 
     In other example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  (which is an enlarged partial view of  FIG. 6A ), the tubular chamber  719  is disposed at a distance from the first end  718  of the elongated lift rod  717 . That is, the elongated lift rod  717  is not substantially coextensive with the tubular chamber  719 . For example, the tubular chamber  719  may be disposed between the second end of the elongated lift rod  720  and a longitudinal midpoint of the elongated lift rod  717 . For example, the tubular chamber  719  may be disposed between the first end  718  of the elongated lift rod  717  and a longitudinal midpoint of the elongated lift rod  717 . The tubular chamber  719  may be disposed at any suitable distance from the first end  718  of the elongated lift rod  717  and may have any suitable length. In such embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6A , the elongated lift rod  717  includes an extension lift rod  715  that forms all or a portion of the first end  718  of the elongated lift rod  717  and is coupled to the first end  723  of the tubular chamber  719 . For example, the extension lift rod  717  may be integrally formed with or coupled to (e.g., welded or otherwise attached to) the tubular chamber  719 . For example, the extension lift rod  717  may be a hollow steel tube having an outer diameter of from about 4.5 mm to about 20.5 mm, and having an inner diameter of from about 4 mm to about 20 mm, although solid rods, and other suitable extension lift rod designs and sizes may be used. In one example embodiment, the extension lift rod has an inner diameter of about 6.5 mm and an outer diameter of about 7 mm. 
     In example embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the elongated lift rod assembly  716  also includes a compression spring  722  disposed within the tubular chamber  719  and having a first end  723  and a distal second end  724 . The compression spring  722  may be any suitable compression spring known to those in the art. For example, the compression spring  722  may be designed to have suitable dimensions and spring characteristics to fit within the tubular chamber  719  and to provide the desired spring force. 
     In some example embodiments, the compression spring  722  has a free, or uncompressed, length that is less than the length of the tubular chamber  719 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 8A , the compression spring  1122  may have a free length (l) of from about 2 inches to about 5 inches, of from about 3 inches to about 4 inches, or of about 3.6 inches. For example, the compression spring  1122  may have a solid length of from about 0.5 inch to about 3 inches, of from about 1 inch to about 2 inches, or of about 1.2 inches. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8B , the compression spring  1122  may have an inner diameter (d i ) defining a passageway of from about 0.05 inch to about 0.25 inch, of from about 0.1 inch to about 0.2 inch, or of about 0.18 inch. For example, the compression spring  1122  may have an outer diameter (d o ) of from about 0.1 inch to about 0.4 inch, of from about 0.2 inch to about 0.3 inch, or of about 0.25 inches. For example, the compression spring  1122  may be formed of a single piece of wire wound into a plurality of wire coils, with the wire having a diameter (d) of from about 0.01 inch to about 0.06 inch, of from about 0.025 inch to about 0.045 inch, or of about 0.035 inch. For example, the wire forming the compression spring  1122  may wound into about 20 to about 50 wire coils, from about 30 to about 40 wire coils, or about 35 coils. For example, the compression spring  1122  may have a spring rate of from about 3 pounds/inch of compression to about 10 pounds/inch of compression, of from about 5 pounds/inch of compression to about 8 pounds/inch of compression, or of about 6 pounds/inch of compression. For example, the compression spring  1122  may be formed of steel or other suitable materials. For example, the compression spring  1122  may have closed ends. 
     In example embodiments, the elongated lift rod assembly  716  further includes a stub lift rod  726  having a first end  727  and a distal second end  728  (which forms the second end of the lift rod assembly  716 ). The first end  727  of the stub lift rod  726  abuts the second end  724  of the compression spring  722  within the tubular chamber  719 . Thus, the stub lift rod  726  may be slideably insertable into and at least partially disposed within the tubular chamber  719 . For example, the stub lift rod  726  may be slideably disposed within the tubular chamber  719 . The portion of the stub lift rod  726  that is slideably inserted into the tubular chamber  719  may have a cross-sectional shape that is the same or substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the tubular chamber  719 . The complimentary shapes of at least the portion of the stub lift rod  726  and the tubular chamber  719  may prevent or substantially limit rotation of the stub lift rod  726  when at least a portion is inserted into the tubular chamber  719 . In example embodiments, the portion of the stub lift rod  726  that is slideably inserted into the tubular chamber  719  may extend in a first longitudinal direction and the second end  728  of the stub lift rod  726  may extend in a second longitudinal direction that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first longitudinal direction to generally form a “T” shape. The second end  728  of the stub lift rod  726  may be configured to couple to the lid (not shown) of a waste receptacle. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the second end  528  of the stub lift rod  526  (which forms the second end of the lift rod assembly  516 ) may be rigidly or permanently coupled to the lid  508 . 
     In certain example embodiments, a suitable lubricant is provided within the tubular chamber  719  to lubricate compression of the spring  722  and/or sliding of the stub lift rod  726  within the tubular chamber  719 . For example, the stub lift rod may be a solid steel shaft having an outer diameter of from about 3.5 mm to about 19.95 mm, or of from about 6.25 mm to about 6.45 mm, although hollow rods and other suitable stub lift rod designs and sizes may be used. 
     In some example embodiments, the tubular chamber  719  has an inner diameter defining a passageway and at least a portion of the first end  727  of the stub lift rod  726  includes an outer surface having an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter of the portion of the stub lift rod  726  is less than the inner diameter of the tubular chamber  719 , to facilitate sliding movement of the first end  727  of the stub lift rod  726  within the tubular chamber  719 . In certain example embodiments, the outer diameter of at least a portion of the first end  727  of the stub lift rod  726  is greater than the inner diameter of the compression spring  722 , such that the stub lift rod  726  cannot enter the passageway defined by the inner diameter of the compression spring  722 . In some example embodiments, the compression spring is coupled to the stub lift rod. 
     In example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6A , the stub lift rod assembly  716  is configured to be coupled directly or indirectly to the pedal and the lid of a waste receptacle, such that upon pivoting of the pedal to the second position, the lift rod assembly  716  generally correspondingly moves to open the lid. Specifically, upon application of a force sufficient to move the pedal into the second position (i.e., of at least the minimum required force), the elongated lift rod  717  moves in a generally upward direction, such that the stub lift rod  726  that is at least partially disposed in the tubular chamber  719  and abutting the compression spring  722  therein (i.e., the first end  727  of the stub lift rod  726  abuts the second end  724  of the compression spring  722  within the tubular chamber  719 ) correspondingly moves in a generally upward direction. Thus, in example embodiments, the compression spring  722  is configured to absorb excessive forces (e.g., forces in excess of a maximum force threshold of the pedal-lift rod assembly) applied to the pedal, and thereby dampen the force applied to the stub lift rod  726  to open the lid of the waste receptacle. In certain example embodiments, the compression spring  722  is configured to dampen the force applied at the pedal to the stub lift rod  726  such that the lid is rotated from the closed position to the maximum pedal-adjusted position at a substantially constant rate, upon application of at least the minimum required force in a generally downward direction by a user to the pedal. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , when a user applies a downward force to pivot the pedal from the first to the second position, the second end of the pedal moves in a generally upward direction causing the second end  528  of the stub lift rod  526  of the elongated lift rod assembly  516  to engage or otherwise enter a lid adjustment channel  510  to open the lid  508  up to the maximum pedal-adjusted angle. For example, the lift rod assembly  516  may move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the waste receptacle  500  (e.g., vertically upward) to move further into the lid adjustment channel  510  and open the lid  508 . 
     In certain example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the second end  528  of the stub lift rod  526  is T-shaped. As used herein, the term “T-shaped” refers to the second end  528  of the stub lift rod  526  including a second rod member that is disposed perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the stub lift rod  526 . It will be appreciated that other suitable shapes and designs of the second end of the stub lift rod  526  may also be used. 
     It should be appreciated that while embodiments of the present disclosure have described the waste receptacle with respect to the elongated lift rod being coupled to the pedal and the stub lift rod being coupled to the lid, the opposite configuration is also intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in certain embodiments, the elongated lift rod is configured to couple to the lid of a waste receptacle while the stub lift rod is configured to couple to the pedal of a waste receptacle. 
     In some example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the elongated lift rod assembly  1216  includes a pair of parallel lift rods  1231 ,  1219  coupled via a connection that includes a compression spring. Lift rod  1219  includes a tubular chamber that receives an end of lift rod  1231 . A compression spring  1234  is disposed around the lift rod  1231  and is contained by at least one flange, or retainer,  1233 ,  1238 , which restricts the longitudinal movement of the compression spring along the lift rod  1231 , such that the compression spring  1234  is configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly  1216 . 
     In some example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the elongated lift rod assembly  1316  includes a pair of parallel lift rods  1331 ,  1332  coupled via a connection that includes a compression spring  1334 . In some example embodiments, the lift rods  1331 ,  1332  are substantially parallel and are coupled to one another via a guide bracket  1337  that is rigidly attached to one lift rod  1332  and provides a channel or aperture in which the second lift rod  1331  is permitted to move or slide. The elongated lift rod assembly  1316  contains a compression spring  1334  that is disposed about the second lift rod  1434  and is contained by at least one flange, or retainer,  1333  which restricts the longitudinal movement of the compression spring along the lift rod  1331 , such that the compression spring  1334  is configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly  1316 . 
     The elongated lift rod assemblies described herein can withstand increased forces associated with users opening the lid of the waste receptacle and prevent failure of the lid, lift rod assembly, and/or pedal as a result of excessive force applied to the pedal. In contrast to rigid lift rod assemblies, the presently described lift rod assemblies include a spring configured to dampen the downward force applied to the pedal by the user, to prevent failure at the lid and the lift rod assembly. Thus, the ability of a user to apply excess force to the lid of a waste receptacle by applying force to the pedal is substantially reduced. 
     Additionally, the presently disclosed lift rod assemblies reduce the noise associated with operation of the pedal-driven lid opening mechanism, by preventing the lift rod assembly from advancing too forcefully into the lid and preventing the lid from rotating too forcefully into a wall or other features or furniture adjacent the waste receptacle. Moreover, the present lift rod assembly design provides improved strength compared to rigid lift rod designs, providing less bending of the lift rod assembly, which allows the lid to be opened to the maximum opening angle and reduces noise associated with the lift rod hitting the exterior of the waste receptacle during operation. 
     While the disclosure has been described with reference to a number of example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosed embodiments can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not described herein, but which are commensurate with the scope of the disclosure.