Patent Description:
The present disclosure is generally related to containers, such as trash can assemblies.

Receptacles and other devices having lids or doors are used in a variety of different settings, such as for containing refuse or for storing items such as recyclables, dirty laundry, pet food, etc. For example, known receptacles are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>. <CIT> discloses a trash can assembly including a shell or canister body having an interior cavity. The top edge of the shell has an annular lip which defines an open mouth. A user can insert trash into the interior of the shell via the open mouth. A trim is pivotably coupled to the lip via a pivot shaft, and is movable between closed and open positions. The trim has an annular base that is adapted to be seated on the lip of the shell, and an annular wall extending vertically from the base, and which is recessed from the base to define a shoulder between the wall and the base. A lid is pivotably connected to the upper portion of the shell using a hinged connection, such as the pivot shaft, and the lid is moveable between closed and open positions. The lid has an annular wall that is adapted to be seated on the annular base of the trim when the lid is closed. In both residential and commercial settings, trash cans and other receptacles often have lids or doors for protecting or preventing the escape of the contents of the receptacle. The lid or door can also inhibit or prevent odors from escaping and can hide the items within the receptacle from view. Additionally, the lid of a trash receptacle can help prevent contamination from escaping from the receptacle.

However, existing receptacles with lids, such as trash receptacles, can require a large region of upward and rearward clearance to completely open and/or to permit full access to the trash receptacle, which can be inhibited if the receptacle is positioned too close to a rear wall of the room in which it is located. Also, an edge of the lid can strike the rear wall when it opens, and the hinge or pivot region of the lid can repeatedly contact or rub against the rear wall of the room, producing a pattern of wear on the wall and creating a loud and annoying noise, especially when the lid is made of metal.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trash can assembly according to claim <NUM>. Optional features of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

Any of the structures, materials, steps, or other features disclosed above, or disclosed elsewhere herein, can be used in any of the embodiments in this disclosure, as long it falls within the scope of the appended claims. Any of the structures, materials, steps, or other features that are shown and/or described herein can be used in combination with any other of the structures, materials, steps, or other features that shown and/or described herein, within the scope of the appended claims.

The abovementioned and other features of the embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of the embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the embodiments. Various features of the different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.

The embodiments disclosed herein are disclosed in the context of trash can assemblies (also called trash cans, garbage bins, refuse containers, or otherwise) because they have particular utility in this context. However, the embodiments disclosed herein can be used in other contexts as well, such as in any other type of receptacle. Further, the invention is described herein in reference to various embodiments and drawings. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and improvements may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrate the external views of a step trash can <NUM>. The step trash can <NUM> has a body <NUM> and a lid <NUM> pivotally supported relative to the body. For example, the lid <NUM> can be hinged to the rear top edge of the body <NUM>, by a hinge <NUM> shown in <FIG>. One or more wheels <NUM> can be provided to facilitate moving the step trash can <NUM> along a rolling surface.

A lid actuator system (also referred to as an opening mechanism) can be provided at the rear of the step trash can <NUM>. The lid actuator system can be configured to activate pivotal opening of the lid <NUM> (see <FIG>). In some variants, the lid actuator system includes a foot piece, such as a pedal <NUM>, located near the front base of the body <NUM>. Linkages <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), which can include a lever member and lifting rod, can cooperate to move the lid to <NUM> from a closed to an open position. Certain aspects of the linkages <NUM>, <NUM> are described in greater detail below.

The lid <NUM> can include a lid latch <NUM>. The latch <NUM> can engage onto the edge of the trash container body to lock the lid to the edge of the opening of the body, thus securely covering the opening. The latch <NUM> can be integrated into, built into, or self-contained in the lid (as opposed to a separate external locking piece for the lid). In some variants, the latch <NUM> can be configured to slide with respect to the edge of the opening of the body from an unlocked position to a locked position. The sliding support interface between the latch and the lid can be provided with structures (e.g., indent and complementary locking tabs) that positively index the latch in the locked and unlocked positions.

<FIG> illustrate various features of the lid <NUM>, the latch <NUM>, and other components of the trash can <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the lid latch mechanism <NUM> in an opened/unlock position. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the lid latch mechanism <NUM> in a closed/lock position. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the lid <NUM> opened from the body <NUM>, showing the underside <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate in greater detail the sliding movements of the latch <NUM> with respect to the lid <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the top perspective view of the latch <NUM> with respect to the lid <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the sliding movements of the latch <NUM> with respect to the body <NUM>.

The latch <NUM> can comprise a plate section <NUM>, a bent section <NUM>, and a lip <NUM>. The bent section <NUM> can be exposed externally, as illustrated in <FIG>, and can have a profile that is flush with the profile of the adjacent structure of the lid <NUM>, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing and appealing structure. The plate section <NUM> can be provided with slotted holes <NUM>. The plate section <NUM> can be slidably attached to the underside <NUM> of the lid <NUM> near the front edge thereof, by two retaining screws <NUM> anchored to the underside <NUM> of the lid <NUM>.

The slotted hole <NUM> can be sized to allow the screws <NUM> to slide relatively within the slotted holes <NUM>, thereby allowing the plate section <NUM> to slide relative to the edge of the lid <NUM>, from the opened/unlock position shown in <FIG> to the closed/lock position shown in <FIG>. Further, at the sides <NUM> of the bent section <NUM> of the latch <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), slotted holes <NUM> can be provided to receive a stub <NUM> anchored at the adjacent section of the lid <NUM>. The slotted holes <NUM> can be sized to allow the stub <NUM> to slide relatively within the slotted holes <NUM>, thereby further supporting sliding movement of the latch <NUM> (e.g., the sides <NUM> of the bent section <NUM> of the latch <NUM> to slide relative to the lid <NUM>, from the opened/unlock position shown in <FIG> to the closed/lock position shown in <FIG>.

Detents 42a and 42b can be provided on the edges <NUM> at the front section of the lid <NUM>. The plate section <NUM> of the latch <NUM> has at each side, extending spring tabs <NUM> that are biased outward away from the plate section <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> can be provided with a detent with a rounded tip <NUM> that protrudes and can be received in the indentations 42a or 42b.

As the plate section <NUM> slides from an opened/unlock position to a closed/lock position, the tip <NUM> moves from a lodged position in indentation 42a as shown in <FIG>, to be lodged in indentation 42b as shown in <FIG>, thereby indexing the latch <NUM> from one position to another. The spring bias in the tab <NUM> is configured such that sufficient force is applied to lodge the tip <NUM> in the indentations 42a and 42b at the respective positions, to securely hold the latch <NUM> in place at the respective positions.

The periphery of the opening of the body <NUM> can have an outwardly extending flange or ledge <NUM>. In the opened/unlock position shown in <FIG>, the lip <NUM> of the latch <NUM> is released (i.e., does not catch) from the ledge <NUM>, allowing the lid <NUM> to be opened with respect to the body <NUM>. In the closed/locked position shown in <FIG>, the lip <NUM> of the latch <NUM> is latched onto (i.e., catches) the ledge <NUM>, thereby locking the lid <NUM> against the body <NUM>. In some variants, the ledge <NUM> is formed from an upper portion of the side wall of the body <NUM>. The upper portion can extend upwardly and/or outwardly away from the internal cavity of the body <NUM>. Additionally, stiffening ribs (not shown) can extend between the ledge <NUM> and the outer surface of the body <NUM> to enhance the stiffness of the ledge <NUM>.

While the above described examples are directed to deployment of the inventive latch in a step-type trash container having a pivoted lid, it is understood that the inventive latch can be used in a trash container that has a lid that is not attached to the container body, such as a lid that is removed or separated from the container body when opening the lid.

Certain examples of the trash can <NUM> include a damping mechanism <NUM> configured to dampen the movement of the lid <NUM>. In some variants, the damping mechanism <NUM> can be disposed at an end of the lever member <NUM> connecting the pedal <NUM> with the linkage <NUM>. In some variants, the linkage <NUM> can be a lifting rod. The lifting rod <NUM> can be connected to an end of the lever member <NUM> that is opposite the pedal <NUM>. As such, when a user depresses the pedal <NUM>, the lever member <NUM> pivots about a pivot member <NUM>, thereby causing the lifting rod <NUM> to rise and thereby open the lid <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the damping mechanism <NUM> can have a piston rod portion <NUM> and a cylinder portion <NUM>. The construction and operation of this type of damping mechanism is disclosed in <CIT>. Thus, a detailed description of the damping mechanism <NUM> is not included herein.

In some variants, the lower end of the piston rod <NUM> is connected to the end of the lever member <NUM> that is opposite the pedal <NUM>. In other variants, the lower end of the piston rod <NUM> is connected to an end of the lifting rod <NUM>. As such, when a user steps on the pedal <NUM>, the end of the lever member <NUM> connected to the lifting rod <NUM> rises, thereby opening the lid by raising the lifting rod <NUM>, and causing the piston rod <NUM> to rise, thereby moving the piston within the cylinder portion <NUM>. As such, the damping mechanism provides resistance to the upward movement of the lifting rod <NUM>. The damping mechanism <NUM> can dampen the movement of the lid toward the closed position by slowing the downward movement of the lifting rod <NUM>. Due to the damping provided by the damping mechanism <NUM>, the damping mechanism <NUM> itself can experience significant loads. Thus, in various examples, the cylinder portion <NUM> is supported by the body <NUM>. For example, the cylinder portion <NUM> can include one or more flanges <NUM> that secure the cylinder portion <NUM> in a fixed position relative to the body12.

In certain examples, the trash can body <NUM> is made from a plastic material. Some are made of softer and/or more malleable plastics, such as high impact polypropylene. However, if the cylinder portion <NUM> were attached directly to a body <NUM> made of those or other relatively soft plastic materials, the cylinder portion <NUM> may be more likely to move or twist during operation of the trash can <NUM> (e.g., under the loads generated during operation of the pedal <NUM> and the closing movement of the lid <NUM>. ) This could increase the likelihood of failure due to fatigue.

To reduce or avoid such concerns, the trash can <NUM> can include a mounting platform <NUM>, which can provide a more secure and reliable attachment of the damping mechanism <NUM> to the body <NUM>. In some examples, the mounting platform <NUM> can be made from material that is harder than the material used to make the body <NUM>. For example, the mounting platform <NUM> can be made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic, or other materials. The mounting platform <NUM> can include an opening <NUM> such as a groove or an aperture configured to allow the lifting rod <NUM> to freely move up and down as the user steps on or releases the pedal <NUM>. In certain variants, the cylinder portion <NUM> can be attached to the mounting platform <NUM> using the flanges <NUM> and any type of fastener. The mounting platform <NUM> can be connected to the body <NUM> in any known manner. For example, the mounting platform <NUM> can include apertures <NUM>, <NUM> through which threaded fasteners can extend to attach the platform <NUM> to the body <NUM>.

In some examples, the body <NUM> can include a downwardly facing surface <NUM> (<FIG>). The mounting platform <NUM> can be attached to the downwardly facing surface <NUM>, for example, with fasteners extending through the holes <NUM>, <NUM>. In certain variants, the mounting platform <NUM> can be glued to the lower surface <NUM>.

With the mounting platform <NUM> attached to the downwardly facing surface <NUM>, when the pedal <NUM> is depressed and the lifting rod <NUM> and the piston rod <NUM> are raised, substantially all, or all of the associated forces imparted to the mounting platform <NUM> are transferred to the downwardly facing surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. This provides the attachment of the damping member <NUM> to the body <NUM> with enhanced strength that can better withstand the forces generated when a user steps on the pedal <NUM>. For example, when a user stomps or otherwise rapidly depresses the pedal <NUM>, the upward movement of the piston rod <NUM> can be quite fast, and thus can cause significant forces on the mounting member <NUM>.

When the pedal <NUM> is released, thereby allowing the lid <NUM> to close, the lifting rod <NUM> falls along with the piston rod <NUM>. The devices within the cylinder portion <NUM> slow this movement, which can impart loads onto the plate <NUM>. These loads are transferred to the body <NUM> through the fasteners and/or any other attachment means for attaching the plate <NUM> to the body <NUM>. In some variants in which the plate <NUM> is made from a harder material than that used for the body <NUM>, the plate <NUM> does not deform as much compared to variants in which the plate <NUM> is made from a material that is as hard or is softer than the material used for the body <NUM>. This can facilitate more reliable and/or consistent operation of the damping mechanism <NUM>.

In some examples, the trash can <NUM> can be configured to be stackable (e.g., nestable), such as is shown in <FIG>. For example, the outer surfaces of the trash can body <NUM> can have a tapered shape (e.g., expanding outwardly and upwardly), such as is shown in the front elevational view of <FIG> and the right side elevational view of <FIG>. In certain such examples, with the lid <NUM> removed, a plurality of the trash can bodies <NUM> can be stacked one within another. In some variants, such as is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a rear surface of the body <NUM> can include a recessed channel <NUM> configured to receive the lifting rod <NUM>. This can reduce the profile of the trash can <NUM> and/or can aid in protecting the lifting rod <NUM> when the trash can <NUM> is stacked within another. In some examples, the trash can <NUM> can include a brow portion <NUM> which extends over the pedal <NUM>. In such examples, the interior surface of the brow portion <NUM>, can serve as a resting place for the pedal protector <NUM>' when the trash can <NUM>' is nested within the trash can <NUM>.

Certain trash cans <NUM> are configured such that the features near the bottom of the trash can <NUM> fall entirely within a footprint of the upper portion of the side wall forming the body <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the pedal <NUM> and the wheels <NUM>, as seen in a bottom plan view, can be positioned entirely within a periphery <NUM> or outer boundary of an upper portion of the side wall forming the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, when a first trash can <NUM> is stacked within a second trash can <NUM>, the pedal <NUM> and the wheels <NUM> of the first trash can <NUM> can fit within the cavity of the second trash can <NUM>, and so on.

The trash can <NUM> can include a pedal protector <NUM> (shown in phantom). The pedal protector <NUM> can be attached to the lower surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The pedal protector <NUM> can be fixed to the lower surface <NUM> with threaded fasteners, such as screws, extending through apertures a six disposed in tens of the protector <NUM>. In some implementations, the protector <NUM> can be in the form of a generally U-shaped bar. In certain variants, the lower surface <NUM> can include a recessed channel (not shown) into which the protector <NUM> can fit. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the protector <NUM> can be positioned so as to extend under the pedal <NUM>. As such, when one trash can <NUM>' is stacked within another trash can <NUM>, the protector <NUM>' can prevent the pedal <NUM>' from contacting other portions of the interior of the trash can <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the trash can <NUM> can include a rear projecting portion <NUM>. The rear projecting portion can also help in protecting the lifting rod <NUM> when the trash can <NUM> is stacked within another. For example, the projecting portion <NUM>, when the trash can <NUM> is stacked within another, will contact the upper peripheral edge of the body of another trash can, thereby preventing any portion of the lifting rod <NUM> from contacting the upper peripheral edge of another trash can.

<FIG> illustrate certain embodiments of another trash can <NUM>. In many respects, the trash can <NUM> resembles or is identical to the trash can <NUM> discussed above. As such, several numerals used to identify features of the trash can <NUM> are incremented by a factor of one hundred relative to the numerals used in connection with the trash can <NUM>, thereby indicating illustrative similar features. Many of the features of the trash can <NUM> are the same as, or similar to, the features described above in connection with the trash can <NUM>. Indeed, the trash can <NUM> can include one, some, or all of the features of the trash can <NUM>, including combinations falling within the scope of the appended claims. Components or steps disclosed in any embodiment in this specification can be used in other embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

As shown in <FIG>, the trash can <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a lid assembly <NUM>. The lid assembly includes a lid <NUM> and a lid base to which the lid <NUM> is attached. The lid base comprises a trim ring <NUM> that is attachable to the trash can body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the trash can body <NUM> comprises the lid base. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the lid base or trim ring <NUM> can extend around at least a portion of, or around a majority of, or entirely around, a peripheral edge of the lid <NUM>. In various embodiments, the lid base or trim ring <NUM> or upper portion of the trash can body <NUM> includes a hinge unit <NUM>. The trash can body <NUM> can include an internal cavity, into which trash, recyclables, pet food, or other materials can be disposed. For convenience and/or sanitation, a liner or trash bag (not shown) can be positioned in the internal cavity. For example, a lip of the liner can be positioned over an upper edge of the body <NUM> so that trash can be accumulated in the liner in the internal cavity.

The lid <NUM> is configured to move (e.g., rotate) relative to the body <NUM> to facilitate access into the interior cavity. The lid <NUM> is moveable between open and closed positions. The lid <NUM> can be operatively connected with a pedal <NUM>, such that actuation (e.g., depression) of the pedal <NUM> causes rotation of the lid <NUM> relative to the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, a linkage <NUM> connects the pedal <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. Certain embodiments include a damping mechanism <NUM> operatively connected with the pedal <NUM> and/or linkage <NUM>. As shown, the linkage <NUM> can be located in a channel <NUM> in the body <NUM> of the trash can <NUM>. In some embodiments, the damping mechanism <NUM> is located in a second channel <NUM>. As shown, the second channel <NUM> can be further recessed within the body <NUM> compared to the channel <NUM>. As illustrated, the damping mechanism <NUM> can be recessed with respect to the rear wall of the trash can body <NUM>.

The lid base or trim ring <NUM> is rotatable with respect to the body <NUM> and/or the lid <NUM>. The trim ring <NUM> is moveable between loading and securing positions. In some embodiments, in the loading position, the trim ring <NUM> facilitates loading or positioning of the liner into the internal cavity of the body <NUM>. A portion of the trim ring <NUM> is rotatable from the upper edge of the body <NUM> in the loading position, thereby providing a larger opening in the trash can body <NUM> into which the liner can be inserted, and/or allowing a portion of the liner (e.g., an upper lip of the liner) to be wrapped over the upper edge of the body <NUM>, which may otherwise be covered by the trim ring <NUM> when the trim ring <NUM> is in the securing position. In some embodiments, when the trim ring <NUM> is in the securing position, it engages with (e.g., rests on, rests adjacent to, attaches to, and/or locks onto, etc.) the upper portion of the body <NUM>, with the liner disposed between the trim ring <NUM> or lid and the upper portion of the body <NUM>. In certain variants, the weight of the lid base or trim ring <NUM> acting against the body <NUM> and/or a removable attachment of the trim ring <NUM> to the body <NUM> can aid in securing the liner with or in the body <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the lid base or trim ring <NUM> is configured to visually obscure the disposable liner wrapped over the upper edge of the body <NUM>. For example, the trim ring <NUM> can be wider than the upper portion of the body <NUM> and/or can extend around some or all of an outer periphery of the upper edge. In some implementations, an upper portion of the trim ring <NUM> is located vertically higher (e.g., located a greater distance from a generally flat surface on which the trash can <NUM> is positioned) than the upper edge of the body <NUM>. As shown, the trim ring <NUM> can extend generally downward and beyond the upper edge of the body <NUM> thereby obscuring the upper edge and/or the liner wrapped over the upper edge. In some variants, a lower portion of the trim ring <NUM> is located vertically below (e.g., located at a lesser distance from the generally flat surface on which the trash can <NUM> is positioned) the upper edge of the body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the trim ring <NUM> can have a height D2 and the distance between the top of the trim ring <NUM> and the bottom of the body <NUM> can have a distance D1. In various implementations, the ratio of D2 to D1 is less than or equal to about: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, values between the aforementioned values, and otherwise.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, certain embodiments of the trash can <NUM> have a liner dispenser unit <NUM>. The liner dispenser unit <NUM> can be configured to receive a plurality of the disposable liners for use one-at-a-time in the trash can <NUM>. In some embodiments, the liner dispenser unit <NUM> is configured to facilitate dispensing of the liners into the interior cavity of the trash can <NUM> through a wall, such as a rear wall, of the trash can <NUM>. For example, the body <NUM> can include an opening (not shown) through which the liners can travel or pass from the liner dispenser unit <NUM> into the interior cavity. This can provide convenient and ready access to the liners by a user. As illustrated, the liner dispenser unit <NUM> can include a rear opening <NUM>. In certain variants, the liner dispenser unit <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> through which a portion of the linkage <NUM> can pass. Further details regarding the liner dispenser unit <NUM> can be found in <CIT>, which is attached as Appendix A, , such that any feature, step, method, structure, or component disclosed in such application can be utilized with any embodiment described and/or illustrated in this specification.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, some embodiments of the trash can <NUM> have a stabilizer <NUM>. The stabilizer <NUM> can be configured to move between deployed and stowed (not shown) positions. In some embodiments, the stabilizer <NUM> slides relative to the body <NUM>, between the stowed and deployed positions. In certain variants, the stabilizer <NUM> rotates about a pivot <NUM> between the stowed and deployed positions. The stabilizer <NUM> can be configured to remain connected with the body <NUM> in the deployed and stowed positions, or can be configured such that the stabilizer <NUM> separates from the body <NUM> in the stowed position (e.g., to be placed in the internal cavity). Additional disclosure regarding one or more features of a stabilizer that can be used is provided in <CIT>.

In the deployed position, the stabilizer <NUM> can enhance or increase the stability of the trash can <NUM> and/or can decrease the likelihood of the trash can <NUM> tipping over (e.g., during depression of the pedal <NUM>). In certain implementations, the deployed stabilizer <NUM> can reduce the height of the center of mass of the trash can <NUM>, compared to the trash can <NUM> without the stabilizer <NUM>, or without the stabilizer <NUM> deployed. In some implementations, the stabilizer <NUM> is made of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, or otherwise), which can provide ballast for the trash can <NUM>, such as in embodiments in which the body <NUM> is made of plastic. In certain embodiments, stabilizer <NUM> can be coated with a flexible or resilient material, such as polyvinyl chloride, rubber, or another rubber-like material. This can protect the surface (e.g., flooring) on which the trash can <NUM> rests and/or can increase the amount of friction between the trash can <NUM> and the flooring (e.g., to reduce or avoid sliding and/or rocking of the trash can <NUM>).

The stowed position of the stabilizer <NUM> can facilitate storage and/or transport of the trash can <NUM>. For example, the stowed position can decrease the front-to-rear width of the bottom portion of the trash can <NUM>, which can facilitate stacking (e.g., nesting) of one body <NUM> within another body <NUM> as is discussed above, e.g., in connection with <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, with the stabilizer <NUM> deployed, the width of the trash can <NUM> is W1, but with the stabilizer <NUM> stowed, the width of the trash can <NUM> is W2, which is less than W1. This can reduce or eliminate a physical interference that the stabilizer <NUM> would otherwise present to stacking one body <NUM> within another body <NUM>. In various embodiments, the ratio of W2 to W1 is less than or equal to about: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, values between the aforementioned values, or otherwise. In several embodiments, in the stowed position, the stabilizer <NUM> is received in a channel <NUM> in the body <NUM>. This can reduce the height (the top-to-bottom profile) of the trash can <NUM> compared to a configuration without the channel <NUM>. In certain variants, the channel <NUM> is configured to receive the stabilizer <NUM> such that the stabilizer is recessed above, or flush with, a bottom surface of the trash can <NUM>.

In several embodiments, the lid assembly <NUM> is separable from the body <NUM>. This can facilitate storage and/or transport of the trash can <NUM> or a plurality of the trash cans <NUM>. For example, the lid assembly <NUM> can be separated from the body <NUM>, thereby opening-up the body <NUM> to receive another body <NUM> (e.g., similar to what is shown in <FIG> with regard to the trash can <NUM> described above). The lid assemblies <NUM> of the stacked bodies <NUM> can be stored separately or can be placed in the internal cavity of one or more of the bodies <NUM>. This can decrease the volume occupied by the plurality of trash cans <NUM> during storage and/or shipment, which can increase efficiency and/or reduce cost.

With regard to <FIG>, a bottom perspective view of the lid assembly <NUM> is illustrated. As shown, the lid <NUM> can be coupled with the trim ring <NUM>. For example, the lid <NUM> can be coupled with the trim ring <NUM> via a pivot connection <NUM>. This can allow the lid <NUM> to rotate relative to the trim ring <NUM>. In various implementations, during actuation of the pedal <NUM>, the lid <NUM> can rotate (e.g., between the open and closed positions) with respect to the body <NUM> as well as with respect to the trim ring <NUM>. In some variants, the pivot connection <NUM> include mating flanges on the lid <NUM> and trim ring <NUM> and a pivot-facilitating member, such as an expandable pin, bushing, or otherwise. In some embodiments, the lid <NUM> includes a linkage connection member <NUM>, such as a hook or boss, configured to connect with the linkage <NUM>. This can facilitate the operative connection between the pedal <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. In several embodiments, the lid <NUM> and the trim ring <NUM> can rotate about the same axis of rotation.

With regard to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the trim ring <NUM> can include one or more connection members <NUM>, such as flanges, hooks, struts, ribs, or otherwise. As shown, the connection members <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM> can be laterally spaced apart from the pivot connection <NUM> (which connects the trim ring <NUM> and the lid <NUM>). In some embodiments, the connection members <NUM> connect with the hinge unit <NUM>. For example, each connection member <NUM> can include an opening <NUM>, which can be sized and configured to receive a portion of a securement member of the hinge unit <NUM> (e.g., a rounded or chamfered end of a pin, as is described in more detail below). In some embodiments, the trim ring <NUM> includes a strut <NUM>, which can be located between the connection members <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the trim ring <NUM> is configured to facilitate operation of the lid <NUM> when the lid assembly <NUM> is connected with the body <NUM>. For example, the trim ring <NUM> can include an aperture <NUM>, through which the linkage connection member <NUM> can extend (see, e.g., <FIG>). Various embodiments of the trim ring <NUM> are configured such that the lid <NUM> can be opened and closed independent of the trim ring <NUM>.

In certain implementations, the trim ring <NUM> is configured to receive the lid <NUM>. For example, the trim ring <NUM> can include a recessed portion <NUM> that receives the lid <NUM>. This can, for example, reduce the height or other profile of the trash can <NUM>. In some implementations, the trim ring <NUM> includes a peripheral wall <NUM> that can extend around some or all of the periphery of the lid <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is received in the recessed portion <NUM>.

In various embodiments, an outwardly-facing peripheral portion <NUM>' of the trim ring <NUM> is made of a different material than a radially-inwardly extending shoulder portion <NUM>" of the trim ring <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the outwardly-facing peripheral portion <NUM>' is made of metal and the shoulder portion <NUM>" is made of plastic. This can increase the strength and/or durability of the trash can <NUM> (e.g., compared to embodiments in which the peripheral portion <NUM>' and the shoulder portion <NUM>" are both plastic) while also reducing weight (e.g., compared to embodiments in which the peripheral portion <NUM>' and the shoulder portion <NUM>" are both metal). In some implementations, the outwardly-facing peripheral portion <NUM>' is made of stainless steel and the shoulder portion <NUM>" is made of polypropylene. In certain variants, the peripheral portion <NUM>' has greater hardness (e.g., using the Rockwell B scale) than the shoulder portion <NUM>". In some embodiments, the outwardly-facing peripheral portion <NUM>' comprises a metallic band that wraps around some, substantially all, or all of the periphery of the trim ring <NUM>. In various embodiments, the metallic band extends along one, two, three, or more sides of the outer periphery of the trim ring <NUM>. In some implementations, the height (e.g., parallel to the vertical axis of the trash can) of the metallic band is at least about <NUM>% of the height D2 of the trim ring <NUM>.

With regard to <FIG>, the trash can <NUM> is shown with the lid assembly <NUM> separated from the body <NUM>. To facilitate the presentation of these components, <FIG> do not show the lid <NUM> and a cover of the lid dispensing unit <NUM>. As described below, in several embodiments, the hinge unit <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM> is configured to selectively connect and disconnect the lid assembly <NUM> with the body <NUM>. In various embodiments, when the lid assembly <NUM> is connected with the body <NUM>, the lid <NUM> is operatively connected with the pedal <NUM>, such as via the linkage <NUM>. In certain implementations, when the lid assembly <NUM> is disconnected with the body <NUM>, the lid assembly <NUM> can be separated from the body <NUM> (e.g., to facilitate stacking of multiple instances of the body <NUM>) and/or can be positioned in the interior cavity of the body <NUM> (e.g., for storage).

In various embodiments, the body <NUM> can include a connection base <NUM>, such as flanges, ribs, hooks, struts, or otherwise. The connection base <NUM> can include openings <NUM>, which can be sized and configured to receive a securement member (e.g., a strut or pin <NUM>) of the hinge unit <NUM> on the trim ring <NUM>. As described in further detail below, the engagement and interaction between the connection base <NUM> and the hinge unit <NUM> can provide the connection between the lid assembly <NUM> and the body <NUM>. In various embodiments, the connection base <NUM> includes a gap G (also called a receiving area).

As illustrated, the connection base <NUM> can include a guide portion <NUM>'. The guide portion <NUM>' can facilitate engagement with the hinge unit <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM> by encouraging the hinge unit <NUM> into docking engagement with the hinge unit <NUM>. For example, the guide portion <NUM>' can direct a locating member <NUM> (e.g., a strut or brace) of the hinge unit <NUM> into the receiving area. In some embodiments, the guide portion <NUM>' extends at an angle α with respect to a horizontal plane. For example, the angle α can be greater than or equal to about: <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, values between the aforementioned values, or otherwise. As illustrated, in some embodiments, a guide portion <NUM>' of a first end of the connection base <NUM> extends at an angle (e.g., at least about <NUM>° relative to horizontal) toward a first lateral side of the trash can <NUM> and a guide portion <NUM>' of a second end of the connection base <NUM> extends at an angle (e.g., at least about <NUM>° relative to horizontal) toward a second lateral side of the trash can <NUM>.

As previously noted, the hinge unit <NUM> can include a locating member <NUM>, such as a tray, strut, brace, or otherwise. In some embodiments, the locating member <NUM> forms a bottom boundary of the hinge unit <NUM>. In certain variants, the lateral length of the locating member <NUM> is less than the lateral gap G of the connection base <NUM>. As discussed in more detail below, when the lid assembly <NUM> is connected with the body <NUM>, the locating member <NUM> can be abutted against and/or adjacent to the connection base <NUM>. As shown, the locating member <NUM> can include flanged portions <NUM>', such as generally upwardly directed members. In some embodiments, the flanged portions <NUM>' have openings, which can be similar to the openings <NUM> in the connection members <NUM>.

As also noted above, the hinge unit <NUM> can include a securement member, such as a strut or pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM> can move relative to the upper edge of the body <NUM>, such as between a first position and a second position. For example, the pin <NUM> can slide between the first position and the second position. As is discussed in more detail below, when the pin <NUM> is in the first position, the hinge unit <NUM> is configured to secure, and/or provide a pivotal connection between, the lid assembly <NUM> with the body <NUM>; and when the pin <NUM> is in the second position, the hinge unit <NUM> is configured to facilitate docking or separation of the lid assembly <NUM> with the body <NUM>.

As shown, the hinge unit <NUM> can include a plurality of the securement members, such as pins <NUM> and 161A. In some implementations, the pins <NUM>, 161A are generally oppositely directed. For example, the pins <NUM>, 161A can be configured to slide in substantially opposite directions. In certain embodiments, the pins <NUM>, 161A are substantially co-axial.

The pins <NUM>, 161A can be configured to move between respective first and second positions. For presentation purposes, the pin <NUM> is shown in its respective first position and the pin 161A is shown in its respective second position. In some variants, the pins <NUM>, 161A are closer to each other when both are in their respective second positions than when both in their respective first positions. In certain variants, the pins <NUM>, <NUM>' are configured to move independent of the other. For example, the pin <NUM> can slide between its first and second positions regardless of whether the pin 161A is in its first or second position, and vice versa.

In some embodiments, the hinge unit <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM> includes one or more biasing members <NUM>, such as springs. The biasing members <NUM> can be configured to bias the pins <NUM>, 161A. For example, the biasing members <NUM> can bias the pins <NUM>, 161A toward the first position. In certain implementations, when the one of the pins <NUM>, 161A is moved to its second position, the biasing member for that pin is energized. In some variants, the biasing member <NUM> can encourage the pin <NUM> toward and/or through the openings in the connection member <NUM> and the locating member <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the hinge unit <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can be configured to receive a portion of the pin <NUM> and/or the biasing member <NUM>. For example, the pin <NUM> can slide in the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the pin <NUM> is coupled with an actuating portion, such as a grip or handle <NUM>. In certain implementations, the handle <NUM> can be a flange, hook, boss or other feature that is graspable or engageable by a tool (e.g., a lever) and/or a user's finger. In the embodiment illustrated, the handle <NUM> is a generally downwardly extending fin. As illustrated, some embodiments include a plurality of handles, such as one handle for each pin <NUM>. In certain variants, the handles <NUM> can be moved in a direction generally toward each other and/or against the bias of the biasing member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, lid assembly <NUM> can be connected with the body <NUM> by engaging (e.g., abutting) the hinge unit <NUM> of the lid assembly <NUM> with the support member <NUM> of the body <NUM>. For example, the locating portion <NUM> of the hinge unit <NUM> can be positioned in the gap G (also called the receiving area) of the support member <NUM>. In various embodiments, the pins <NUM> can be moved to the second position during the engagement. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the pins are pushed laterally inward (e.g., toward a centerline of the lid assembly <NUM>) in the course of such engagement. In some embodiments, the pins <NUM> engage (e.g., contact) the angled guide portions <NUM>' of the support member <NUM>, which act as cams to move the pins <NUM>. In some embodiments, the user actuates the handles <NUM> against the bias of the spring <NUM> to move the pins <NUM>. In various implementations, movement of the pins <NUM> can reduce or eliminate a physical interference between the hinge unit <NUM> and the connection base <NUM> and/or can reduce the lateral length of the hinge unit <NUM> to be approximately less than or equal to the gap G. This can enable the hinge unit <NUM> to be received in the connection base <NUM>. For example, the locating portion <NUM> of the hinge unit <NUM> can be positioned on or adjacent to the connection base <NUM>. In certain variants, when the hinge unit <NUM> is received in the connection base <NUM>, the pins <NUM> can be substantially aligned (e.g., are approximately co-axial) with the openings <NUM> in the support member <NUM>. This can allow the biasing members <NUM> to move the pins <NUM> through the openings <NUM> in the support member <NUM>, which in turn can provide securement of the lid assembly <NUM> with the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the engagement of the pins <NUM> of the hinge unit <NUM> with the openings <NUM> of the support member <NUM> provides a pivot about which the trim ring <NUM> and/or the lid <NUM> can rotate relative to the body <NUM>.

In some implementations, the locating member <NUM> is configured to aid in aligning the pins <NUM> with the openings <NUM> of the connection base <NUM>. For example, in certain variants, when the locating member <NUM> and the connection base <NUM> are engaged (e.g., in substantially flush abutment), the pins <NUM> are substantially aligned with the openings <NUM>. This can reduce or avoid the need for a user to visually align the pins <NUM> and openings <NUM>. As illustrated, in some variants, the mating surfaces of the locating member <NUM> and the connection base <NUM> are both generally flat. In some variants, the locating member <NUM> and the connection base <NUM> include location-facilitating features, such as a rib on one and a corresponding groove on the other.

In several embodiments, the locating member <NUM> and/or the connection base <NUM> are configured for increased strength and/or durability. For example, the locating member <NUM> and/or the connection base <NUM> can be made of a metal (e.g., steel). This can reduce the likelihood of the locating member <NUM> and/or the connection base <NUM> being damaged during mating of the lid assembly <NUM> with the body <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the only component made of metal on the body <NUM> is the connection base <NUM> and/or the stabilizer <NUM> (e.g., the remainder of the body <NUM> is plastic). In some variants, the only component made of metal on the lid assembly <NUM> is the locating member <NUM> and/or the peripheral portion <NUM>' (e.g., the remainder of the lid assembly <NUM> is plastic).

In certain embodiments, lid assembly <NUM> can be disconnected with the body <NUM> by removing the engagement of the hinge unit <NUM> and the connection base <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, moving the handle <NUM> moves the pin <NUM> against the bias of the biasing member <NUM>, thereby removing the pin <NUM> from the openings <NUM> in the connection base <NUM>. This can selectively remove the physical interference of the pin <NUM> with the support member <NUM>, thereby allowing the hinge unit <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM> to be separated from (e.g., lifted-off of) the body <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate certain views of the hinge unit <NUM> engaged with the lid assembly <NUM>. As shown, in the engaged configuration, the pin <NUM> can extend through the opening <NUM> in the connection member <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM> and/or can extend through the opening <NUM> in the connection base <NUM> of the hinge unit <NUM>. In various embodiments, the pin <NUM> can thus provide a pivot axis about which the trim ring <NUM> and/or lid <NUM> can rotate relative to the body <NUM>. In various embodiments, the pin <NUM> can axially engage with the connection member <NUM> and/or the connection base <NUM> to limit the amount of movement of the pin <NUM>. For example, the pin <NUM> can include a shoulder (e.g., a region of an increased diameter) that axially engages with the connection member <NUM>, and/or does not pass through at least one of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>.

As noted above, the pin <NUM> can be biased by the biasing member <NUM>. In some embodiments, one end of the biasing member <NUM> engages (e.g., presses against) a projection on the pin <NUM> and another end of the biasing member <NUM> engages the strut <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM>. For example, the strut <NUM> can be positioned laterally between the biasing members <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In various embodiments, certain portions of the trash can <NUM> are configured for increased strength and/or durability. For example, in some embodiments, certain components that experience increased loading during the operation of the trash can <NUM> (e.g., opening the lid <NUM> by depressing the pedal <NUM>) are made of a stronger material than other portions of the trash can <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support <NUM> is made of a different material than the body <NUM> of the trash can <NUM>. For example, the support <NUM> can be made of a metal and the body <NUM> can be made of a plastic. In certain embodiments, the support <NUM> has a higher hardness (e.g., using a Rockwell Hardness B standard) than the body <NUM>. Having an increased hardness and/or strength for the support <NUM> can facilitate guiding the connection member <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM> during engagement of the trim ring <NUM> and the hinge unit <NUM> and/or can improve durability of the hinge unit <NUM>, which can experience stress during opening and closing of the lid <NUM>.

Some embodiments of the trash can <NUM> are configured to be a lightweight trash can <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, some, or substantially all of the trash can <NUM> is made from a plastic material. This can reduce the weight of the trash can <NUM> (e.g., compared to an all-metal trash can), which can facilitate ease of positioning for a user and reduce costs associated with manufacturing and/or transporting the trash can <NUM>. In some variants, the lid <NUM> is plastic. In certain implementations, the body <NUM> is plastic. At least a portion of the trim ring <NUM> is plastic. As noted above, part of the trim ring <NUM> is plastic and part of the trim ring <NUM> is metal. In certain variants, the pedal <NUM> is plastic. In some implementations, the pedal <NUM> is metal. In various embodiments, the linkage <NUM> is metal. Some embodiments have the hinge unit <NUM> made substantially or entirely of metal. In certain embodiments, the support <NUM> and/or the pin <NUM> is metal. In certain embodiments, the pin <NUM> is plastic.

In some embodiments, the trash can <NUM> is configured to be readily assembleable and/or to not require any special tool to assemble. For example, in some embodiments a method of assembling the trash can <NUM> includes removing the lid assembly <NUM> from an interior cavity of the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the method includes substantially aligning the hinge unit <NUM> with the connection base <NUM>. Certain variants include receiving the hinge unit <NUM> in the connection base <NUM>. In some embodiments, the method includes abutting the locating member <NUM> with the connection base <NUM>. In certain implementations, the method includes guiding the hinge unit <NUM> with one or more guide portions <NUM>'. Certain embodiments of the method can include moving (e.g., sliding) the pin <NUM>, such as by pressing against the handle <NUM> that acts against the bias of the biasing member <NUM> and/or by a cam-action from engaging the pin <NUM> with the angled guide portion <NUM>'. The method can include substantially aligning the pin <NUM> with the opening <NUM> (in the connection member <NUM>) and/or with the opening <NUM> (in the connection base <NUM>). The method can include moving the pin <NUM> through one or both of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, such as by decreasing or removing pressure on the handle <NUM>, thereby allowing the biasing member <NUM> to move the pin <NUM>. In some embodiments, the method includes moving (e.g., rotating) the stabilizer <NUM> from the stowed position to the deployed position.

In various embodiments, a method of disconnecting the lid assembly <NUM> from the body <NUM> includes removing the pin <NUM> from engagement with the connection base <NUM>, such as by sliding the pin <NUM> out of the opening <NUM>. For example, the method can include actuating the handles <NUM> against the bias of the biasing members <NUM>, thereby moving the pin <NUM> out of the opening167. The method can include removing the hinge unit <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM> from the gap G in the connection base <NUM>. In some embodiments, the method includes placing the lid assembly <NUM> in the interior cavity of the trash can <NUM>. Some embodiments of the method include receiving a portion of another body <NUM> in the interior cavity of the body <NUM>, such as in a nested configuration. Certain variants of the method include moving (e.g., rotating) the stabilizer <NUM> from the deployed position to the stowed the position.

With regard to <FIG>, another embodiment of a receptacle <NUM>, such as a trash can <NUM>, is illustrated. In any respects, the trash can <NUM> can be identical or similar to and/or can include one or more of the components or structures of any of the other receptacles disclosed in this specification instead of or in addition to those illustrated and/or described in connection with <FIG>. The numerals used to identify features of the trash can <NUM> are incremented by a factor of one hundred relative to the numerals used in connection with the trash can <NUM>, thereby indicating illustrative similar features. The trash can <NUM> can include one, some, or all of the features of the trash can <NUM> and/or the trash can <NUM>, including combinations falling within the scope of the appended claims. Any component or step disclosed in any embodiment in this specification can be used in other embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

The trash can <NUM> includes a body <NUM>, lid assembly <NUM>, and hinge unit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the trash can <NUM> includes a pedal that is operatively connected to the lid assembly, such as via a linkage (for purposes of presentation, the pedal and linkage are not illustrated). In various implementations, when the pedal is depressed, a lid <NUM> of the lid assembly <NUM> moves to an open position, thereby allowing access to an interior cavity of the body <NUM>. For example, the lid <NUM> can rotate upwardly about the hinge unit <NUM>. In some embodiments, a lid of a trash receptacle can pivot peripherally, and the other components of the trash receptacle can be adapted accordingly. The lid assembly <NUM> includes a trim ring (not shown), which can rotate relative to the body <NUM>. For example, the lid <NUM> and the trim ring can rotate about the same axis.

In some embodiments, a portion of the lid <NUM> and/or the hinge unit <NUM> projects generally rearwardly from the body <NUM>. This allows the axis of rotation of the lid <NUM> to be positioned outside the body <NUM>, which can aid in opening the lid <NUM> and/or in rotating the lid <NUM> such that it is substantially or completely disengaged from an upper peripheral lip of the body <NUM>. In some variants, the lid <NUM> and/or the hinge unit <NUM> can extend from a rear outside edge of the upper peripheral lip of the body <NUM> by a horizontal distance of L1 (see <FIG>).

Several embodiments of the trash can <NUM> include a positioner or location device, such as a spacer <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> can selectively maintain the trash can <NUM> a distance away from an adjacent surface, such as a wall, cabinet, or other generally vertical interior structure. This can reduce the chance of the lid <NUM> rubbing against and/or impacting the wall when the lid <NUM> is opened, thereby reducing noise and inhibiting damage to the wall and/or the lid <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the trash can <NUM> is placed adjacent a wall, the spacer <NUM> can space the rearmost portion of the lid <NUM> apart from the wall by a sufficient distance to provide a clearance for the moving parts of the lid assembly and/or to provide a clearance between the lid in its fully opened position and nearby objects. For example, as in the illustrated embodiments, a vertical line extending through a rearmost portion of the spacer <NUM> can be positioned in a rearward direction from a vertical line extending through a rearmost portion of one or more moving parts of the lid assembly and/or from a vertical line extending through a rearmost portion of the lid in its fully opened position.

The spacer <NUM> can move between a stowed position (such as is shown in <FIG>) and a deployed position (such as is shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the spacer <NUM> rotates between the stowed and deployed positions. In certain variants, the spacer <NUM> slides between the stowed and deployed positions. For example, the spacer <NUM> can move in a telescoping or accordion-like manner. In several variants, the lid <NUM> can be operated (e.g., opened and closed) regardless of the position of the spacer <NUM>. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the spacer <NUM> is not configured to be a handle for the trash can <NUM>. For example, the spacer <NUM> is too narrow to provide a comfortable gripping surface (e.g., the spacer <NUM>, as shown, can be narrower along its length than the distance between the rear wall of the body <NUM> of the trash can <NUM> and the rearmost portion of the spacer <NUM>) and/or the spacer <NUM> is not connected to the trash can <NUM> in a manner that is configured to bear the weight of the trash can <NUM> (especially when filled) when moved.

When in the stowed position, the spacer <NUM> is not the rearward-most portion of the trash can <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, when the spacer <NUM> is in the stowed position, the rear of the lid <NUM> can extend rearward of the spacer <NUM>. In certain implementations, when the spacer <NUM> is in the stowed position, the trash can <NUM> occupies less space (e.g., the distance between the frontmost and rearmost portions of the trash can is reduced) and/or is more compact compared to when the spacer <NUM> is in the deployed position. This can aid in storing and/or transporting the trash can <NUM>. In some embodiments, including but not limited to those in which the lid <NUM> is not yet attached to the trash can <NUM>, as in the example illustrated in <FIG>, multiple trash cans <NUM> can be stacked in a vertically nested, stacked manner, with at least a first trash can <NUM> positioned at least partially within the interior cavity of a second trash can <NUM>, for efficiency and cost-savings in transportation and storage. In some embodiments, nesting or stacking of the trash cans <NUM> can be accomplished only with the spacer <NUM> in the stowed position; while in some embodiments, nesting or stacking of the trash cans <NUM> can be accomplished with the spacer <NUM> in either the stowed or the deployed positions. In some embodiments, the stowed position of the spacer <NUM> can create a low profile for the trash can <NUM>, which can decrease costs and increase shipping volumes by permitting the trash can <NUM> to be inserted into a substantially smaller individual package and/or by permitting multiple trash cans <NUM> to be inserted into a substantially smaller master carton, than if the spacer <NUM> were permanently in the deployed position.

When in the deployed position, the spacer <NUM> can project outward from one or more surfaces of the trash can <NUM>, such as rearward of the lid <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the spacer <NUM> is in the deployed position, the spacer <NUM> is the rearward-most portion of the trash can <NUM>. When the trash can <NUM> is positioned adjacent an external objected or surface (e.g., a wall or cabinet), the spacer <NUM> can provide a physical stop that spaces-apart at least a portion of the trash can <NUM> (e.g., the lid <NUM>) from such surface or object. As noted above, this can reduce the chance of the lid <NUM> rubbing against and/or impacting the surface when the lid <NUM> is opened, thereby reducing noise and inhibiting damage to the surface and/or the lid <NUM>. In the deployed position, the spacer <NUM> can extend rearwardly beyond a rear of the lid <NUM> in the closed position by a horizontal distance of L2 (see <FIG>). In some embodiments, the distance L2 is greater than or equal to about: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, values between the aforementioned values, or otherwise. In certain embodiments, the ratio of L2 to L1 is at least about: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, values between the aforementioned values, or otherwise.

The spacer <NUM> can be configured to position the trash can away from an adjacent surface. For example, the spacer <NUM> can be an elongate member, such as a curved wire, that can be selectively moved to extend rearward from the trash can <NUM>. In some implementations, the spacer <NUM> is a movable arm, flange, or bar. In several embodiments, the spacer is generally rigid, which can inhibit movement of the trash can <NUM> relative to the adjacent surface and/or can allow the spacer <NUM> be to be used as a hand-hold during movement of the trash can <NUM>. In several embodiments, the spacer <NUM> is made of metal, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or otherwise.

In some embodiments, the spacer <NUM> includes a handle portion <NUM>. This can provide a place for a user to grasp when moving the trash can <NUM>. For example, the trash can <NUM> can be lifted and/or pulled by the handle <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the spacer <NUM> is a generally U-shaped member with the handle portion <NUM> located in the bottom of the "U"; in other words, the spacer <NUM> can comprise a plurality of generally parallel portions and a portion that is generally perpendicular or generally orthogonal to the plurality of generally parallel portions. In some embodiments, when the spacer <NUM> is in the deployed position and the trash can <NUM> is positioned adjacent a wall, the handle portion <NUM> is configured to contact or to be positioned adjacent to the wall.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the side-to-side length of the spacer <NUM> is substantially less than the side-to-side width of the trash can <NUM>. For example, the distance between the rear corners of the trash can <NUM> (if included), or the diameter of a generally round trash receptacle, can be substantially larger than the side-to-side length of the spacer <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> can be positioned in a generally central, generally upper region of the rear portion of the trash can <NUM>, such as along an upper edge of the body <NUM> and generally surrounding the hinge or lid-opening assembly. In some embodiments, there is only a single spacer <NUM> on the trash can <NUM>, as illustrated, and no other portion of the trash can <NUM> extends in a rearward direction more than the single spacer <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the side-to-side length of the spacer <NUM> can be about the same as the side-to-side length of the hinge or lid-moving assembly.

The spacer <NUM> can include legs <NUM> that connect with the handle portion <NUM>. In certain implementations, the transition between the handle portion <NUM> and each of the legs <NUM> includes curves (e.g., two substantially <NUM>° bends). In some variants, the handle portion <NUM> is in a first plane P1 and the legs <NUM> are in a second plane P2. The first and second planes P1, P2 can be substantially perpendicular. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first plane P1 can be generally vertical and the second plane can be generally horizontal P2 when the spacer <NUM> is in the deployed position. Certain variants having the handle portion <NUM> and the legs <NUM> in different planes provide increased surface area of the handle portion <NUM>, compared to some embodiments in which the handle portion <NUM> and the legs <NUM> are in the same plane. An increase in the surface area of the handle <NUM> can spread over a larger area any force that is transmitted from the trash can <NUM> to an adjacent surface, such as a wall. This can reduce the likelihood of damage to the wall and/or can inhibit rocking of the trash can <NUM> (e.g., an upper portion of the trash can <NUM> tipping toward the wall).

In certain implementations, the spacer <NUM> can be connected with one or more securing members <NUM>, which are in turn connected with the body <NUM>. For example, as shown, the securing members <NUM> can be connected to a flange on the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the securing members <NUM> are formed as part of the body <NUM> (e.g., are co-molded with the body <NUM>). In some embodiments, the securing members <NUM> are separate components that are connected with the body <NUM>, such as with fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, or otherwise), adhesive, welding (e.g., thermal or ultrasonic), or otherwise.

The securing members <NUM> can include features that interact with the legs <NUM> of the spacer <NUM> aid in retaining the spacer <NUM> in the deployed position and/or the stowed position. For example, the securing members <NUM> can have catches or detents (e.g., ball detent, ramp detent, etc.) configured engage with the legs <NUM>. In some embodiments, the securing members <NUM> have grooves (e.g., channels, recesses, or otherwise) that are configured to at least partially receive the legs <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each groove is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the leg <NUM> received in that groove.

In some embodiments, the securing members <NUM> include openings (e.g., recesses) that are configured to receive a pivot end of one of the legs <NUM>. The pivot end can be the end of the respective leg <NUM> that is opposite the end that connects to the handle portion <NUM>. In some variants, the pivot end of each of the legs <NUM> extends in a direction generally parallel to the handle portion <NUM> and is received in the openings in the securing members <NUM>. This can provide a pivot axis about which the spacer <NUM> can rotate. In some embodiments, the pivot ends point generally toward each other and/or are approximately coaxial.

In certain variants, at least a portion of the spacer <NUM>, such as a contacting region of the spacer <NUM>, includes a coating or other region that is configured to contact an object or structure near the trash can <NUM> while avoiding or resisting interference, damage, and/or noise. For example, the coating can be positioned on the handle portion <NUM>. The coating can facilitate gripping of the spacer <NUM> by a user and/or can protect the coated portion of the spacer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the coasting comprises a flexible and/or scuff-resistant material, which can reduce the chance of the spacer <NUM> damaging or scuffing an adjacent surface. For example, the coating can be a rubber (e.g., natural or synthetic) or plastic (e.g., polyvinylchloride or otherwise). In certain variants, the coating is generally clear to visible light and/or is substantially colorless. In some embodiments, the coating is generally opaque to visible light.

The spacer <NUM> can be configured such that, when the spacer <NUM> is in the deployed position and the lid <NUM> is opened, the spacer <NUM> extends rearward of the rearward-most portion of the lid <NUM>. For example, the legs <NUM> can have a length such that the handle portion <NUM> is located rearward of the entirety of the lid <NUM>, when lid <NUM> in the open position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) and when the lid <NUM> in the closed position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). This can reduce the chance of the lid <NUM> contacting a wall or other surface that is adjacent the trash can <NUM>. In some embodiments, in the deployed position, the spacer <NUM> extends beyond a rear of the lid <NUM> in the open position by a horizontal distance of L3. In some embodiments, the distance L3 is greater than or equal to about: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, values between the aforementioned values, or otherwise. In some variants, the ratio of L3 to L1 is at least about: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, values between the aforementioned values, or otherwise.

<FIG> illustrate a trash can according to an embodiment of the invention. As with all embodiments in this specification, any individual feature, step, structure, material, or method that is illustrated and/or described in <FIG> can be used in combination with or instead of any individual feature, step, structure, material, or method that is illustrated and/or described in any other portion of this specification. As shown in <FIG>, the trash can <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and an upper closure assembly. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the body <NUM> has at least two main parts: an upper sidewall and a lower base. The upper sidewall can be made of a material that is different from the lower base. For example, the upper sidewall can be made of a metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, and/or the base can be made of a polymer such as plastic. The trash can <NUM> can include an aperture <NUM> that is configured to pass through trash bags or liners from the exterior of the trash can <NUM> to an interior region of the trash can <NUM>, such as in other embodiments that are illustrated and/or described in this specification.

The upper closure assembly can include multiple parts. The upper closure assembly includes a trim ring <NUM> that is pivotable with respect to the body <NUM>, and a lid <NUM> that is pivotable respect to the body <NUM>. The trash can <NUM> may also include an actuator such as a pedal <NUM> that is configured to permit a user to actuate a function of the trash can <NUM>, such as opening one or more portions of the closure assembly of the trash can, such as opening the lid <NUM> of the trashcan <NUM>. In some embodiments (not shown), there may be multiple actuators, such as multiple pedals, that may actuate a plurality of different functions of the trash can <NUM>, such as opening the lid <NUM> and/or the trim ring <NUM> of the trash can <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the trim ring <NUM> can comprise a wide band that extends generally around the entire periphery of at least the front and sides of an upper portion of the body <NUM> of the trash can <NUM>. The outer perimeter of the trim ring <NUM> can be larger than the outer perimeter of the upper portion of the body <NUM>, as shown; or the outer perimeter of the trim ring <NUM> can be approximately the same size as or smaller than the outer perimeter of the upper portion of the body <NUM>. As illustrated, the outer contours of the trim ring <NUM> can generally correspond to the outer contours of the upper region of the body.

The trim ring <NUM> is configured to move between a closed position (as illustrated, for example, in connection with the trim ring <NUM> of <FIG>) and an open position (as illustrated, for example, in <FIG>). In the closed position, a top edge or top region of the trim ring <NUM> can be generally horizontal and/or generally perpendicular to the vertical sidewall of the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, in the closed position, the trim ring <NUM> can extend downwardly along or overlap at least a portion of the upper region of the body <NUM>. As shown, the vertical height of the trim ring <NUM> can be approximately the same as the vertical height of the base of the trash can, although may other height dimensions are possible for either or both of these components, if even present.

In some embodiments, the trash can <NUM> does not include a removable rigid liner inside of the trash can <NUM> for receiving disposable trash bags or liners; rather, the trash can <NUM> is configured to receive an upper edge of the disposable trash bags or liners directly around the outer perimeter of the upper edge of the body <NUM> itself. When an upper edge of a trash bag or liner (not shown) is positioned around the upper edge of the body <NUM>, a portion of the trash bag or liner may be exposed on the outside of the upper region of the body <NUM>, which may present an undesirable aesthetic appearance. Conveniently, when the trim ring <NUM> is in the closed position, it can be configured to cover, obscure, and/or to securely hold the exposed portion of the disposable trash bag or liner along the upper region of the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the vertical length of the trim ring <NUM> is sufficiently long to cover or obscure any exposed portion of the upper edge of the disposable trash bag or liner when the trim ring <NUM> is in the closed position.

As shown in <FIG>, which is a rear cut-away illustration of the trash can <NUM>, the trim ring <NUM> and/or the lid <NUM> can be rotatably or pivotally attached to the trash can <NUM> along a rear side of the trash can <NUM>. The pedal <NUM> can be directly or indirectly attached to a force-transferring system, such as one or more linkages <NUM>, <NUM>, that is or are configured to transfer force from the actuation of the pedal to the lid <NUM> to urge the lid to temporarily pivot upwardly into an open position. As illustrated in <FIG>, at least a portion of the lid <NUM> can be positioned to contact and rest upon an interior ledge region <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM>, and/or to nest at least partially within an upper region <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> and the trim ring <NUM> can together form a generally continuous exterior without protruding edges. For example, the uppermost edge of the trim ring <NUM> can be positioned at about the same vertical level as the uppermost surface of the lid <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> can be directly or indirectly attached to a damper (not shown), such as a dampening mechanism <NUM> at or near the base of the trash can <NUM>, as is illustrated and/or described in connection with the trash can of <FIG>, or any other type of damper. In some embodiments, the damper can help to slow down the closing and/or opening of the lid <NUM> to diminish noise and/or undesired knocking of the lid <NUM> against an adjacent wall or cabinet or furniture. The damper can be positioned at or near the bottom region or base of the trash can <NUM> of <FIG>, as illustrated in the embodiment of <FIG>, or in any other suitable position, such as in a top or middle region of the trash can <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown, the lid <NUM> can be pivotally attached to the trim ring <NUM>, which in turn can be pivotally attached to the body <NUM> of the trash can <NUM>. The trim ring <NUM> can be manually moved by a user from the closed position to the open position, as shown in <FIG>, such as by grasping a side or front region of the trim ring <NUM>, and rotating it upwardly. In some embodiments (not shown), the opening and/or closing of the trim ring <NUM> can be actuated in another way, such as with an actuator (e.g., a foot pedal, a lever, an electric motor, or some other actuation device). In some embodiments, the trim ring <NUM> can lock into or be held by the closure assembly in a temporarily open position to provide an opening that is sufficiently wide at the top of the trash can <NUM> to enable a user to maneuver around the top region of the trash can <NUM> in order to install a trash bag or liner along the top region of the trash can <NUM>, without significant obstruction by the trim ring <NUM>. The temporary locking or holding of the trim ring <NUM> can be accomplished, at least in part, by an actuator (e.g., a sliding switch, dial, or lever, electronic button, etc.) or by a particular manual movement of the trim ring <NUM> to engage a locking or holding mechanism (e.g., by pushing the trim ring <NUM> in a rearward direction after rotating it upwardly into the opened position).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the trim ring <NUM> can include a dampening mechanism, such as damper <NUM>, to slow down the opening and/or closing of the trim ring <NUM>. The damper <NUM> can be directly or indirectly attached to a movement component <NUM>, such as a hinge or pivot component, of the closure assembly. As illustrated, the damper <NUM> can be a rotation damper, which can provide rotational resistance against a torque applied to the movement component <NUM>. Any suitable type of dampening mechanism can be used instead of or in addition to the rotational damper <NUM>, such as an air damper, a liquid damper, or a spring damper. As illustrated, the trash can <NUM> can comprise at least two dampers: a first damper for dampening the opening and/or closing movement of the lid <NUM>, and a second damper for dampening the opening and/or closing movement of the trim ring <NUM>. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the lid <NUM> and trim ring <NUM> can move independently of each other, such that the lid <NUM> can be open while the trim ring <NUM> is closed, and/or the lid <NUM> can be closed while the trim ring <NUM> is open. Many other variations from those illustrated are possible. For example, the lid <NUM> can be attached to the trash can <NUM> independently of the trim ring <NUM>; the lid <NUM> and trim ring <NUM> can be damped using the same dampening mechanism, etc..

As shown in <FIG>, the trim ring <NUM> is formed from a plurality of different materials. The trim ring <NUM> comprises an exterior panel <NUM> and an interior panel <NUM>. The exterior and interior panels <NUM>, <NUM> are formed from different materials. The exterior panel <NUM> is formed from a metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, and the interior panel <NUM> is formed from a polymer, such as a plastic. In some embodiments, as shown, the exterior panel <NUM> can be substantially thinner than the interior panel <NUM>. A metallic exterior panel <NUM> can provide a desirable aesthetic appearance and/or can be easier to clean or to maintain clean than a polymer exterior panel; however, metallic materials can be more expensive, more heavy, and/or more difficult or more expensive to mold into a particular functional shape than a polymer material. On the other hand, a plastic interior panel <NUM> can be less expensive, light-weight, and easy to mold into a particular functional shape than a metallic material, such as in forming a hinge or attachment member in the pivot or movement region of the trim ring <NUM> or other component.

The exterior panel <NUM> can be attached to the interior panel <NUM> in many different ways. For example, the exterior panel <NUM> can be adhered onto an exterior face of the interior panel <NUM>, such as using any suitable type of glue or tape or other adhesive; or the exterior panel <NUM> can be mechanically affixed onto the interior panel <NUM>, such as by a snap fit, or by a friction fit, or by fasteners such as one or more screws, rivets, brads, etc. In some embodiments, the exterior panel <NUM> can be attached to the interior panel <NUM> in such a way that, as illustrated, the upper edge <NUM> and/or lower edge <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM> are covered (at least partially, or along a majority or their respective lengths, or at least along a majority of the front and lateral side regions, or substantially entirely) by the exterior panel <NUM>, at least along the front and/or lateral sides of the upper region of the trash can <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rear side of the interior panel <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM> is not covered by the exterior panel <NUM> (as shown). In some embodiments, the interior panel <NUM>, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the exterior panel <NUM>, is not exposed to outside view, including along at least a portion of, or a majority of, or the entirety of, the upper edge <NUM> and/or the lower edge <NUM> of the trim ring <NUM>, at least on the front and/or lateral sides of the trash can <NUM>. The exterior panel <NUM> is attached to the interior panel <NUM> by curling a portion of an upper edge <NUM> of the exterior panel <NUM> around an upper edge of the interior panel <NUM> and/or by curling a portion of a lower edge <NUM> of the exterior panel <NUM> around a lower edge of the interior panel <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown, the upper and/or lower edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the exterior panel are rounded, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the lid can comprise a least two components: an interior portion and an exterior portion. The interior and exterior portions can be made of different materials. For example, the interior portion can be made of a thick polymer, such as plastic, and the exterior portion can be made of a thin metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel. As illustrated, the trim ring <NUM> and the lid <NUM> can be formed and oriented such that only a metallic appearance on both of these components is visible from the exterior (at least on the front and/or lateral sides) when the lid <NUM> and trim ring <NUM> are both in closed positions.

Although the trash cans have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the trash cans extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. For example, although generally rectangular trash cans are depicted, the disclosed inventive concepts can be used in connection with a wide variety of trash can configurations. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of a receptacle or trash can. For example, the trash can <NUM> can include the hinge unit <NUM> of the trash can <NUM>. As another example, the trash can <NUM> can include the wheels <NUM> and/or the stacking functionality (see, e.g., <FIG>) of the trash can <NUM>. Or the trash can <NUM> can include the dispenser unit of <FIG>. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein but by the scope of the appended independent claim.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation as long as it falls within the scope of the appended independent claim. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination as long as it falls within the scope of the appended independent claim. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination as long as it falls within the scope of the appended independent claim.

Terms of orientation used herein, such as "top," "bottom," "horizontal," "vertical," "longitudinal," "lateral," and "end" are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as "circular" or "cylindrical" or "semi-circular" or "semi-cylindrical" or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.

Conditional language, such as "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Conjunctive language, such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z.

The terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms "approximately", "about", and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to <NUM>% of the stated amount. The term "generally" as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term "generally parallel" can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to <NUM> degrees.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, as long as dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are within the scope of the claims. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in other embodiments set forth herein within the scope of the claims. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

Claim 1:
A trash can assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) comprising an interior cavity, the body (<NUM>) having an upper opening (<NUM>) through which refuse can be inserted into the interior cavity;
a lid (<NUM>) pivotable with respect to the body (<NUM>) from a closed to an open position; and
a trim ring (<NUM>) pivotable with respect to the body (<NUM>) from a closed to an open position, the trim ring (<NUM>) comprising at least an exterior panel (<NUM>) and an interior panel (<NUM>), the exterior and interior panels (<NUM>,<NUM>) are formed of different materials, wherein the exterior panel (<NUM>) is made of a metal and the interior panel (<NUM>) is made of a plastic, wherein the exterior and interior panels (<NUM>,<NUM>) are attached by curling an edge (<NUM>,<NUM>) of the exterior panel around an edge of the interior panel (<NUM>).