Patent Publication Number: US-2022212864-A1

Title: Trash can

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/150,620 filed Oct. 3, 2018, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/587,973, which was filed on Nov. 17, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present application relates generally to the field of trash cans. More specifically, this application relates to trash cans having removable liners. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one embodiment of the application relates to 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. For example, the bottom of the liner can rest directly on a top wall of the base. The lid is coupled to and is 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, such as to remove and/or replace a trash bag coupled to the liner. 
     At least one embodiment relates to a trash can having a frame, a liner that is removable from the frame and is configured to receive a trash bag, a hinge, a bag cover, and a lid. The frame includes a base, a casing supported on the base, and an upper support coupled to the top of the casing and disposed within a cavity of the casing. The removable liner extends through an opening in the upper support and is disposed within the cavity of the casing. The hinge includes a support mount fixedly coupled to the upper support, a pivot pin extending through a bore in the support mount, a lid mount rotatably coupled to the pivot pin, and a cover mount rotatably coupled to the pivot pin. The bag cover is fixedly coupled to the cover mount so that the bag cover and the cover mount are rotatable relative to the upper support between an open position and a closed position. The lid is fixedly coupled to the lid mount so that the lid and the lid mount are rotatable relative to the upper support between an open position and a closed position. 
     At least one embodiment relates to a trash can having a frame, a liner that is removable from the frame, and a lid. The frame includes a base, a casing supported on the base, and an upper support coupled to the top of the casing and disposed within a cavity of the casing. The removable liner extends through an opening in the upper support and is disposed within the cavity of the casing such that a top of the liner extends above (e.g., beyond, past, etc.) a top of the casing. The lid is coupled to and is 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. 
     At least one embodiment relates to a trash can having a frame that includes a base and a casing supported on the base; a liner removably disposed within a cavity of the casing; a lid 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; and a bag cover coupled to the frame and rotatable relative to the frame and the lid between a closed position, in which a top of the liner is concealed and the bag cover prevents the liner from being removed from the casing, and an open position, in which the top of the liner is accessible and the liner is removable from the cavity of the casing. 
     At least one embodiment relates to a trash can having a frame that includes a base and a casing supported on the base; a liner removably disposed within a cavity of the casing; a bag cover coupled to and rotatable relative to the frame between a closed position, in which the bag cover conceals a top of the liner, and an open position, in which the top of the liner is accessible; a lid 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 through an opening in the bag cover; and a hinge that rotatably couples both the bag cover and the lid to the frame, wherein the hinge is located forward of a rear surface of the casing and forward of a rear surface of the bag cover, wherein the lid does not extend rearward of the rear surfaces of the casing and the bag cover in the open position, and wherein the bag cover does not extend rearward of the rear surface of the casing in the open position. 
     At least one embodiment relates to a trash can having a frame that includes a base and a casing supported on the base; a liner removably disposed within a cavity of the casing and having a bottom that is supported by the base; and a lid 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. At least one of the base, the casing, the liner, and the lid includes a steel having a gloss level from 14 up to and including 29 at sixty degrees. 
     At least one embodiment relates to a trash can having a frame, a liner, a lid, and a hinge. The frame includes a base, a casing supported on the base, and an upper support coupled to the top of the casing and disposed within a cavity defined by the casing. The liner is removably disposed within the cavity and extends through an opening in the upper support. The lid is coupled to the frame 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 through the opening in the upper support. The hinge rotatably couples the lid to the frame, wherein the hinge and the lid do not extend rearward of a rear surface of the casing in the open position. 
     At least one embodiment relates to 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 removeably disposed within a cavity of the casing, the liner having walls and a top edge that protrudes above the casing. The top edge is spaced apart from the frame by a gap along an entire perimeter of the tope edge when the liner is fully installed within the casing. 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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a trash can, according to this application. 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1  with the lid open. 
         FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1  with the lid open. 
         FIG. 8  is another perspective view of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1  with the lid open. 
         FIG. 9  is another perspective view of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1  with the lid open and the bag cover partially open. 
         FIG. 10  is another perspective view of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1  with the lid and the bag cover open. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective front view of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1  with the lid and bag cover removed to show the liner extending above the casing. 
         FIG. 12  is a detail view of a hinge of the trash can shown in  FIG. 10  with the lid and bag cover open. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of part of the inside of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1  with the liner removed. 
         FIG. 14  is another perspective view of part of the inside of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1  with the liner, bag cover, and lid removed. 
         FIG. 15  is another perspective view of part of the inside of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1  with the liner, bag cover, and lid removed. 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the lower portion of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of the lower portion of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a portion of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the rim of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the bag cover of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of a portion of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of a portion of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of a portion of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 24  is a top perspective view of a portion of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 25  is a side perspective view of a hinge of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of a hinge of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom perspective view of a hinge of the trash can shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 28  is a detail view of a void for tying off trash bags to the trash can. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view showing several additional embodiments of trash cans, according to this application. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to the Figures, disclosed herein are trash cans (e.g., trash receptacles, trash containers, garbage cans, refuse receptacles, trash can assemblies, etc.) for use in residential, commercial, industrial, and other applicable settings. The trash cans have removable liners that advantageously rest on the base, which is on the floor, rather than an upper lip/ledge of the casing, and extend above an upper edge of the casing. This arrangement simplifies removing the full trash bag and replacing it with an empty one, since both can be performed without moving or removing the liner. The trash cans also have trash bag covers that advantageously pivot between a closed position, in which a top part of the trash bag is covered (e.g., concealed) and/or retained in place, and an open position, in which the trash bag is accessible for changing out the bag. Further, the pivot axis about which the bag cover rotates is coincident with the pivot axis about which the lid rotates, which advantageously reduces packaging space allowing for the pivot hinge to be relocated inside the casing and within the bag cover when closed. The trash cans also advantageously have lids that when rotated to the full open position are generally flush with or forward of a rear surface of the casing, which allows the trash can to be positioned right up to and against the wall. Other advantages will be evident from the description and Figures of this application. 
       FIGS. 1-27  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a trash can  100  that includes a frame  101 , a bag cover  102  pivotally coupled to the frame  101 , a removable liner  103  disposed in a cavity of the frame  101  for receiving a trash bag/container, a lid  104  pivotally coupled to the frame  101  to provide access to the liner  103  (and trash bag) when open and prevent access when closed, and an actuation assembly  105  operatively coupled to the lid  104  to open the lid. The trash can  100  can optionally include other elements/components, as discussed below. 
     The frame  101  includes an outer casing  110  (e.g., shell), a lower support  111  that supports the casing  110  and rests on the floor or another supporting object, and an upper support  116  that is located proximate to a top of the casing  110  and supports the bag cover  102  and the lid  104 . As shown best in  FIGS. 1-5 , the casing  110  has a hollow generally rectangular shape with a front wall  110   a,  a rear wall  110   b  opposite the front wall  110   a,  and two side walls  110   c  coupling the front and rear walls together. The casing  110  is open at the top and the bottom, and the casing  110  can be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), a polymer, a composite, or other suitable material. 
     As shown best in  FIGS. 13-17 , the lower support  111  includes a base  112 , which rests on the floor (or other support object), and a cover  113  that is disposed on the base  112  at a rearward portion thereof to cover/protect a portion of the actuation assembly  105  and a damper if provided with the trash can  100 . The cover  113  prevents interactions (e.g., contact) between the liner  103  and the pedal (and damper if provided with the assembly). The base  112  includes a front wall  112   a,  a rear wall  112   b  opposite the front wall  112   a,  two side walls  112   c  coupling the front and rear walls together, and a top wall  112   d  coupled to the tops of the front, rear, and side walls. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the top wall  112   d  supports a bottom of the liner  103  such that the liner  103  rests on the top wall  112   d  when assembled. As shown in  FIG. 15 , a flange  112   e  extends outwardly from the bottom of each of the front, rear and side walls  112   a,    112   b,    112   c  for supporting a bottom of the casing  110 . The front, rear and side walls of the base  112  can be tapered outwardly moving from the top wall  112   d  toward the flange  112   e  to improve assembly between the casing  110  and the base  112 . For example, the top of the walls of the base  112  can fit loosely with the casing  110 , while the bottom of the walls can fit tightly with the casing  110 , such as when the bottom of the casing  110  rests on the flange  112   e.  As shown in  FIG. 17 , the base  112  also includes a support post  112   f  located in each of four corners of the base  112 . Each post  112   f  can contact the floor directly, or the lower support  111  can further include a compliant spacer  114  (e.g., grommet) disposed on the bottom of each post  112   f  (between the floor and the post). The spacer  114  can increase the friction to better hold the trash can  100  in position on the floor (or other support object) and/or can compress upon loading to allow the trash can  100  to sit on an uneven floor without rocking. The front wall  112   a  has an opening through which part of the pedal extends with a lower portion  112   g  of the front wall  112   a  supporting the pedal vertically. A compliant spacer  115  can optionally be coupled to the bottom of the lower portion  112   g  to contact the floor to increase the friction and/or compress upon loading, like each spacer  114 . The base  112  can optionally include a recess  112   h  for receiving and supporting a damper if provided. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the recess  112   h  is cylindrical to receive a cylindrical part (e.g., housing) of the damper. However, it is noted that the shape of the recess can be tailored to the shape of the damper. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14-17 , the cover  113  is generally a rectangular cuboid having a front wall  113   a,  a top wall  113   b,  a bottom wall  113   c  opposite the top wall  113   b,  and two opposing side walls  113   d  interconnecting the other walls of the cover  113 . The bottom wall  113   c  of the cover  113  can be coupled to the top wall  112   d  of the base  112  to secure them together. It is noted that the cover  113  can be shaped differently than a rectangular cuboid. For example, the front wall  113   a  can be aligned at an oblique angle (when viewed from the side) relative to the bottom wall  113   c  to eliminate altogether or shorten the length of the top wall  113   b  to form a generally triangular prismatic shape. This arrangement can advantageously guide the liner  103  down to rest on the top wall  112   d  of the base  112 . For example, gravity can pull the liner  103  along the oblique front wall  113   a  should a person try to incorrectly seat the bottom of the liner on the cover  113  rather than on the base  112 . Each corner of the top wall  112   d  can include an upwardly extending projection to guide the liner  103  onto the top wall  112   d  and prevent the liner  103  from being able to rest on the cover  113 . Disposed in the top wall  113   b  (or the front wall  112   a  if the top wall is too short or eliminated) is a slot  113   e  associated with a drive link (e.g., link arm  161 ,  162 ) of the actuation assembly  105  to allow the drive link to move relative to the cover  113  without the cover  113  retarding movement of the drive link. As shown in  FIG. 16 , each slot  113   e  is elongated in the fore and aft direction with one link arm  161 ,  162  passing through the slot  113   e.    
     As shown best in  FIGS. 10, 14, 15, and 19 , the upper support  116  is generally a rectangular member that is disposed within and coupled to the top of the casing  110  with an opening that receives the liner  103  when assembled. As shown in  FIGS. 14, 15, and 19 , the upper support  116  includes a front portion  116   a,  a rear portion  116   b,  and opposite side portions  116   c  interconnected together with an opening  116   d  between the portions for receiving the liner  103  (shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). Also shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the front portion  116   a  and side portions  116   c  are horizontal flanges that rest on top of the casing  110  when assembled. The rear portion  116   b  has a similar flange that rests on the casing  110 , and further includes a rear vertical flange  116   e  extending upward from the rear end and wraps partially around the side portions  116   c  to cooperate with the bag cover  102  to close off frame  101 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown best in  FIGS. 14 and 19 , the rear portion  116   b  has two offset holes  116   f  with each hole  116   f  receiving an associated link arm  161 ,  162  of the actuation assembly  105 . Although, each hole  116   f  is shown as having a closed rectangular shape, each hole  116   f  can be open (i.e., extend through at least one side of the portion) and/or have another shape (e.g., slot, elliptical, etc.). The rear portion  116   b  includes a mount  116   g  for each hinge of the lid, as discussed below. As shown, each mount  116   g  has a generally rectangular projection, which extends upward from the top of the rear portion  116   b  to receive part of the hinge, and two circular projections, which extend upward form the top of the rear portion  116   b  and within the rectangular projection to receive fasteners for coupling the upper support  116  and the hinge, as discussed below. 
     As shown best in  FIG. 18 , the liner  103  is generally a rectangular cuboid having an open top leading into a cavity to receive a trash bag and trash therein. The liner includes a front wall  131 , a rear wall  132 , a bottom wall  133  opposite the open top, and two opposing side walls  134  interconnecting the other walls. As shown best in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the top of the liner  103  extends above (e.g., is proud of) the top of the casing  110  and above the front and side portions  116   a,    116   c  of the upper support  116  by an offset distance, and the liner  103  includes a lip  135  (e.g., flange) that extends outwardly from the top of the walls of the liner  103 . This arrangement advantageously makes it easier to access and replace the trash bag when desired, since the offset distance allows a user to replace the trash bag without moving or removing the liner  103  from the casing  110  and the upper support  116 . The liner  103  can include features for securing the bag to the liner or a portion thereof. For example, a bell shaped void  136 , as shown in  FIG. 28 , can be incorporated with part of the liner  103  (or other elements of the trash can) to tie off excess portions of trash bags that are non-standard sized (e.g., not 13 gallon bags). It is noted that the void  136  can be incorporated onto the upper support  116  in place of or in addition to the void on the liner  103 . 
     As shown best in  FIGS. 6, 9, and 10 , the bag cover  102  is rotatable relative to the casing  110  and the upper support  116  between a closed position covering/concealing the top of the liner  103  and part of the upper support  116 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , and an open position allowing a user to access the liner  103  to remove and/or replace the trash bag coupled to the liner  103 , as shown in  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 9  shows the bag cover  102  in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions. As shown in  FIGS. 6, 8, and 20 , the bag cover  102  includes a generally rectangular ring shaped body  120  with a rectangular outer wall  121 , a rectangular inner wall  122  offset inwardly from the outer wall  121 , and a top wall  123  coupling the inner and outer walls together. The body  120  can optionally include one or more strengthening ribs  124  extending between the walls on the inside. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the body  120  includes a flange  125  extending inwardly from the inside of the inner wall  122  forming a recessed cavity for receiving the lid  104  when closed. The flange  125  extends around the entire inner periphery of the body  120  forming an inner ledge on which the lid  104  rests when closed. This arrangement advantageously allows the top of the lid  104  to sit flush with the top of the bag cover  102  when closed for a cleaner look. The body  120  can include another flange  126  that extends downwardly from the inner flange  125 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the body  120  has a channel  127  defined by any of the combined inner wall  122 , outer wall  121 , flange  125 , and/or the flange  126 , and the channel  127  receives and conceals the top of the liner  103  in the closed position of the bag cover  102 . As shown best in  FIGS. 8 and 20 , the body  120  includes two spaced apart holes  128 , where each hole  128  allows part of a hinge to pass through to couple to the lid  104 . Each hole  128  is shown in  FIG. 8  as a slotted hole extending through inner wall  122  and the flange  125 , but it is noted that each hole  128  can extend a longer or shorter distance depending on the design. The body  120  includes a central opening  129  for accessing the trash bag, and the bag cover  102  is rotatable between open and closed positions through one or more hinges  108 , which are discussed below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2, 5, 23 and 24 , the lid  104  has a generally rectangular shape for nesting in the cavity of the bag cover  102  in a closed position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The lid  104  is rotatable through one or more hinges  108 , which are discussed below, between the closed position and an open position (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to allow a user to discard trash into the trash bag coupled to the liner  103 . The lid  104  includes a top surface  141  that is generally flush with the top of the top wall  123  in the closed position and is generally flush with or forward of the rear surface of the rear wall  110   b  of the casing  110  and/or the rear surface of the outer wall  121  of the bag cover  102  as shown in  FIG. 7 . As mentioned, this arrangement advantageously allows the trash can  100  to be positioned with its rear surfaces (e.g., casing, bag cover, etc.) right up to and against a wall or other vertically extending object, since the lid  104  does not rotate rearward of the rear surfaces. As shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the lid  104  includes a bottom surface  142  that rests on the flange  125  either directly or indirectly through an intermediate layer of a material, such as a rubber (e.g., EPDM) or other suitable elastomer, that dampens vibration and deadens noise resulting from the closing of the lid  104  onto the bag cover  102 . Also shown, the bottom surface  142  does not extend out as far as the top surface  141  around the periphery, thereby forming a lip  143  extending around the outer periphery of the lid  104 . The lip  143  can rest in a complementing feature in the bag cover  102  with the bottom surface  142  disposed in part of the recessed cavity in the bag cover  102 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , the lid  104  includes a mount  144  having a raised surface relative to the bottom surface  142  for mounting to part of a hinge  108  and an edge around the raised surface that is raised relative to the raised surface to locate the part of the hinge relative to the lid  104 . 
     The trash can  100  includes hinges that rotatably couple the lid  104  to the frame  101  and rotatably couple the bag cover  102  to the frame  101  so that the lid  104  and bag cover  102  can rotate independently or simultaneously relative to the frame  101  between closed and open positions. As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , two hinges  108  rotatably couple the lid  104  and the bag cover  102  to the frame  101 .  FIG. 8  shows the lid  104  rotated relative to the bag cover  102  and the frame  101  through the hinges  108 , whereas  FIG. 9  shows the bag cover  102  rotated relative to the lid  104  and the frame  101 . 
     As shown best in  FIGS. 25-27 , each hinge  108  includes a first (e.g., support) mount  181 , a second (e.g., cover) mount  182 , a third (e.g., lid) mount  183 , and a pivot pin  184  rotatably coupling the mounts together. The support mount  181  is fixedly coupled to the upper support  116  and coupled to the pivot pin  184 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , the support mount  181  includes a base  181   a  that is fixedly coupled to one mount  116   g  of the upper support  116 , such as through fasteners. As shown in  FIG. 27 , the base  181   a  is generally rectangular and configured to complement the generally rectangular projection of the mount  116   g.  The support mount  181  also includes an arm  181   b  that extends from the base  181   a  and has a bore  181   c  that receives part of the pivot pin  184 . 
     The cover mount  182  of each hinge  108  is fixedly coupled to the bag cover  102  and rotatably coupled to the pivot pin  184  to allow relative rotation of the bag cover  102  and the cover mount  182  about the pivot pin  184 . As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 26 , the cover mount  182  includes a body  182   a  and two arms  182   b  extending from the body  182   a  forming a clevis shape. Each arm  182   b  is coupled to the bag cover  102 , such as through one or more fasteners. One arm  182   b  nests with the associated support mount  181  of the hinge  108  such that the cover mount  182  and support mount  181  are located side by side while allowing for relative rotation of the cover mount  182  relative to the support mount  181  about the pivot pin  184 . The body  182   a  has a notch  182   c  provided between the two arms  182   b  for receiving part of the lid mount  183 , as discussed below. As shown in  FIG. 25 , a bore  182   d  extends through the cover mount  182  to receive a portion of the pivot pin  184 . 
     The lid mount  183  of each hinge  108  is fixedly coupled to the lid  104  and rotatably coupled to the pivot pin  184  to allow relative rotation of the lid  104  and the lid mount  183  about the pivot pin  184 . As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 27 , the lid mount  183  includes a hollow sleeve  183   a,  which is disposed in the notch  182   c  of the cover mount  182  and receives a portion of the pivot pin  184  to allow the lid mount  183  to pivot about the pivot pin  184 , and a foot  183   b  extending away from the sleeve  183   a  in a transverse direction to a longitudinal direction of a bore in the hollow sleeve  183   a.  Part of the foot  183   b  is fixedly coupled to the lid  104 , such as through one or more fasteners, so that the lid  104  and lid mount  183  rotate together about the pivot pin  184 . The foot  183   b  includes an open circular notch  183   c  for receiving a link arm  161 ,  162  of the actuation assembly  105 . The open notch  183   c  simplifies assembly since the link arm can be inserted into the notch  183   c  through the opening. 
     The pivot pin  184  rotatably couples both the lid mount  183  and the cover mount  182  to the support mount  181  so that the lid mount  183  and the cover mount  182  can rotate independently or simultaneously, depending on whether a user wants to rotate just one of the lid  104  and the bag cover  102  or both together. The pivot pin  184  includes a cylindrical shaped element that extends through the bore  181   c  in the support mount  181 , the bore  182   d  in the cover mount  182 , and a bore in the hollow sleeve  183   a  of the lid mount  183 , such that the cover mount  182  and the lid mount  183  rotate about the same axis of rotation (defined by the cylindrical pivot pin  184 ) relative to the support mount  181  to in-turn rotate the cover mount  182  and lid  104 , respectively. Thus, the bore  181   c  in the support mount  181 , the bore  182   d  in the cover mount  182 , and a bore in the hollow sleeve  183   a  of the lid mount  183  are substantially concentric to one another and use the same pivot. This arrangement advantageously reduces the packaging space required for each hinge while allowing the lid  104  and bag cover  102  to rotate to open positions that do not extend rearward of the rear surfaces of the casing  110  and/or the upper support  116 . 
     The lid  104  and the lid mount  183  rotate together about the pivot pin  184  relative to the frame  101  and the support mount  181 , which is fixedly coupled to the upper support  116  of the frame  101  to move the lid  104  between open and closed positions. As discussed below, the lid  104  can be moved (e.g., opened, closed) through the actuation assembly  105 . The bag cover  102  and the cover mount  182  rotate together about the pivot pin  184  relative to the frame  101  and the support mount  181  to move the bag cover  102  between open and closed positions. As mentioned, the lid  104  and the bag cover  102  can be rotated independently from the other or can be rotated together at the same time. 
     The actuation assembly  105  includes a pedal  150  and one or more than one link arm (e.g., drive link, link, arm, etc.) connected to the pedal  150  and the lid mount  183  to drive movement of the pedal  150  to the lid mount  183  to move the lid  104 . As shown in  FIGS. 13-16 , the actuation assembly  105  includes a first link arm  161 , which is coupled to the pedal  150  at a first location and the lid mount  183  of one hinge  180  (e.g., the first hinge), and a second link arm  162 , which is coupled to the pedal  150  at a second location and the lid mount  183  of the other hinge  180  (e.g., the second hinge). As shown, the first and second link arms  161 ,  162  are configured the same. Each link arm  161 ,  162  is an elongated rod having a center section  163 , a lower end section  164  coupled to the pedal  150 , and an upper end section  165  coupled to the lid  104  such that movement of the pedal  150  in turn moves the link arm, which in turn moves the lid  104 . The center section  163  extends generally straight ( FIG. 15  shows the center sections  163  extending straight, but it is noted that the center sections  163  can bow and still function properly as shown in  FIG. 13 ). the lower end section  164  has a straight portion that extends from a bottom of the center section  163  and a transverse extension that together form an “L” shape (see  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). The upper end section  165  has a first straight potion that extends from a top of the center section  163 , a second straight portion extending parallel to and offset from the first straight portion, and a transverse extension interconnecting the straight portions to form a “U” shape (see  FIGS. 23, 24, and 27 ). As shown best in  FIG. 27 , the “U” shaped upper end section  165  engages the notch  183   c  in the lid mount  183  so that movement of the link arm moves the lid mount  183  (and the lid  104  coupled thereto) through the upper end section  165 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the pedal  150  is pivotally coupled to the base  112  of the frame  101  through a pivot  151 , which has a center portion extending through a bore in the pedal  150  and has ends that are disposed in and supported by bores in the base  112 . The pedal  150  includes a front portion  152  that is forward of the pivot  151  and includes a step portion  153  that extends forward of the both casing  110  and the base  112  allowing a person to step onto the front portion  152  to pivot the pedal  150  and move the lid  104 . The lower portion  112   g  of the base  112  supports the front portion  152  of the pedal  150 . The pedal  150  also includes a rear portion  155  that is rearward of the pivot  151  and is shown in  FIG. 17  as being integral with the front portion  152 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , a vertical portion  156  extends upwardly from the rear portion  155  within the cover  113 . The lower end section  164  of each link arm  161 ,  162  is operatively coupled to the vertical portion  156  and/or the rear portion  155  of the pedal  150  to communicate movement from the pedal  150  to the lid  104  through the link arms  161 ,  162 . 
     The lower end section  164  of each link arm  161 ,  162  is operatively coupled to the pedal  150  (e.g., the vertical portion  156 ) so that when a user steps on (or depresses downwardly) the step portion  153  of the pedal  150 , the downward movement of the front portion  152  (and step portion  153 ) moves the rear and vertical portions  155 ,  156  upwardly from the pivoting of the pedal  150  about the pivot  151 , which in turn moves the link arms  161 ,  162  upwardly through the lower end sections  164  to move the lid  104  (through the upper end sections  165  engaging the lid mounts  183  as discussed above). 
     During actuation (e.g., opening) of the lid  104 , a user steps on (or depresses downwardly) the step portion  153  of the pedal  150  to pivot the front and step portions  152 ,  153  of the pedal  150  downward about the pivot  151 , which in turn pivots the rear and vertical portions  155 ,  156  upwardly and moves the link arms  161 ,  162  upwardly through the coupled lower end sections  164 . Upward movement of the link arms  161 ,  162  in turn moves the lid  104  open by moving the lid mount  183  with the upper end section  165  of the associated link arm  161 ,  162 , which is engaged in the notch  183   c  of the lid mount  183 . The upward movement of the upper end section  165  pivots the lid mount  183  (and lid  104  coupled thereto) about the axis of rotation, since the notch  183   c  is offset from the pivot pin  184  (and the axis of rotation). 
     The trash can  100  can include a damper to provide a damping force during movement of the lid  104 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , a damper  109  is disposed within the cover  113  and is operatively coupled to the vertical portion  156  of the pedal  150  and the base  112  to provide a damping force during movement of the pedal  150  relative to the base  112 . The cover  113  protects against the damper and the pedal  150  from being contacted by the liner, such as when removing and returning the liner in place. According to an exemplary embodiment, the damper  109  is a liquid (e.g., hydraulic) damper having a casing  190  that houses a piston and a liquid (e.g., oil) that is moved between chambers during movement such as across a single seal to provide the damping force. Other types of dampers can be used. Also shown in  FIG. 16 , a first end  191  of the damper  109  is disposed in the recess  112   h  (e.g., the recessed bore) in the base  112  to secure the first end  191  in place relative to the base  112 , and a second end  192  of the damper  109  is operatively coupled to the vertical portion  156  of the pedal  150 . 
       FIG. 29  illustrates three additional exemplary embodiments of trash cans that can be configured having the elements/components described above for the trash can  100 . The trash can  100  is generally configured as a “wide” 13 gallon trash can, whereas the trash can  200  is similar to the trash can  100 , except the trash can  200  is generally configured as a “narrow” 13 gallon trash can. The overall structural arrangement (e.g., elements/components) of the trash can  200  can be basically the same as the trash can  100  but narrowed width wise (e.g., in the lateral direction) and extended in the fore and aft direction to fit within different sized areas. The trash can  300  is generally configured as a “half round” 13 gallon trash can. The trash can  300  has a flat rear side and a semi-circular front side, but otherwise the structural arrangement of the trash can  300  can be similar to the trash can  100 . The trash can  400  is a two-compartment version of the trash can  100  (which is a single compartment trash can), which can be used to separate trash and recycling or two different types of recycling (e.g., plastic from paper) as non-limiting examples. Therefore, the trash can  400  can include the same basic structural arrangement of the trash can  100 , except having two liners, two lids, two actuation assemblies, etc. housed in one casing/frame, with one liner, one lid, and one actuation assembly associated with the first compartment and the other liner, lid and actuation assembly associated with the second compartment. It is noted that additional trash cans can be configured having three or more compartments disposed in the same casing/frame and having the same basic structural arrangement as disclosed in, for example, the other trash cans disclosed herein. 
     The various elements/components of the trash cans disclosed herein can be made from (or to include) one or more various materials that advantageously provide better cleanability and/or prevent or hide soiling. By way of example, one or more of the casing, the base, the liner, the lid, the bag cover, and the pedal can be made from or can include a steel (e.g., an uncolored stainless steel) having a gloss level from fourteen (14) up to and including twenty (20) at sixty degrees)(60°. Even more specifically, the gloss level of the steel can be about seventeen (17) at sixty degrees. Also, by way of example, one or more of the elements of the trash cans disclosed herein be made from or can include a matte black stainless steel having a gloss level of between about twenty-two (22) and twenty-nine (29) at sixty degrees. Even more specifically, the gloss level of the matte black stainless steel can be about twenty-five (25) at sixty degrees. It is noted that the gloss levels provided herein are in accordance with the gloss level reading standards under ASTM D523. The inventors of this application found that the above noted gloss levels for the noted materials advantageously prohibit the appearance of fingerprints on the element(s)/component(s) of the trash can having the material(s). Thus, the element(s)/component(s) of the trash cans having the noted gloss levels can be handled without having to be cleaned (e.g., wiped) to remove the fingerprints, like with other gloss levels. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure, as well as the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the specified members or the specified members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     The construction and arrangement of the elements/components of the trash cans as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. 
     Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., the claims). For example, any element (e.g., frame, bag cover, liner, lid, actuation assembly, hinge, etc.) disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. 
     It is further noted that any means-plus-function language (or the like) is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.