The Motivation Behind the I•OpenR

Have you ever “fumbled” your left over soda or waste paper while trying to discard it into the waste receptacles labeled “THANK YOU” in a quick service restaurant?  We certainly have.  You may remember some of the embarrassment or frustration that can happen to customers using these waste receptacles while making a conscientious effort to do their part to help keep the tables clean for the next users. 

The I•OpenR automatically opens the door and holds it open for your use, but this is only its secondary benefit.  It was not the driving purpose behind the invention of this unique, one of a kind, patented product.  The inventor, (who is now the President of our Company), simply did not want to touch those potentially “germ covered doors” as the last thing he did before he left the store.  Admittedly, our President likes things clean, but he does have a valid point.  Those doors come in contact with everything from the usual food items thrown away in a restaurant to a used tissue, or even a disposable baby diaper.  Although the doors may be cleaned frequently, their cleanliness is simply impractical to guarantee……the hands-free I•OpenR makes using the waste bins a sanitary, yet graceful task.  Talk about adding customer appreciation after a delicious meal! 

A Little Background on KZCO, inc. 

Founded in 1976 by two Nebraska farm boys, Keith and Kevin Ziegenbein; KZCO’s mission has always been to create convenient automated products that are useful for consumers.  2006 marks our 30^th year in business.  We invent, engineer, manufacture and sell our own products.  Our Company is made up of dedicated engineers, as well as sales and manufacturing staff with the drive and determination to create innovative products that are firsts in their respective industries.  We also take great pride in providing courteous customer service that promotes long lasting relationships. 

In 1982, Keith Ziegenbein had the idea for the original Press ‘n’ Pitch, which eventually became an I•OpenR in its most basic form.  Originally the Press ‘n’ Pitch was designed without the infrared electric eye; instead you simply tapped the door slightly and it opened for a few seconds, then it closed automatically.  For awhile it even had a voice box to thank you for throwing away your trash; but this feature never made it to the mainstream.  The original design was slightly simpler and not as intelligent when compared to the sleek new I•OpenR of today. 

If you live in the Eastern Nebraska area, you may remember some restaurants that had the Press ‘n’ Pitch in the mid 80’s, several are still in use today, 15-20 years later.  Many area homes have also installed the original Press ‘n’ Pitch in custom kitchen and bath cabinetry.  While successful on a regional basis, the ability to realize his vision of their use in a large number of places was not to be at that time. 

Ironically, what was originally perceived to be one of Press ‘n’ Pitch’s best features may have ended up contributing to its lack of large commercial success.  The Press ‘n’ Pitch’s touch actuated door meant that there was no visible change made to the outside of the waste receptacle.  The casual user perhaps pre-occupied with always having to hold the door open with one hand in order to use the waste receptacle often did not realize they were in fact, not holding anything open!  The new I•OpenR can still be used in this original Press ‘n’ Pitch manner if desired, without the infrared display sensor connected, but the typical customer wants the infrared eye to open the door even cleaner for them.  Thus, most users quickly notice the infrared display panel mounted on each waste receptacle and realize that this is no ordinary garbage can! 

Today, instead of making them in their farm shop in the wintertime; 30 years later we have grown to a closely held, ultra-clean, state-of-the-art organization.  While the Press ‘n’ Pitch may have originally been ahead of its time, we believe that 2006 marks a new beginning for the I•OpenR.  In today’s fast paced, mobile society, people have grown to expect the best in sanitary convenience and like it even more when it’s delivered in a high-tech fashion.  The I•OpenR is ready to lend a helping hand! 

While our core business is manufacturing electric actuators, primarily for smaller valves of various types; we have grown into a multi-market manufacturing facility.  Our electric valves are typically used on a wide variety of agricultural and industrial machinery worldwide.  However, applications range from whirlpools to fire trucks to giant farm sprayers.  We are always searching for new uses and modifications that will make our products more useful.  In that regard, the I•OpenR is a natural extension of our product line and abilities. 

We would love to hear from you with any ideas or feedback you may have about the I•OpenR, or any of our other products.