Background of the invention There has been a long felt need in the packaging industry, particularly with regard to the packaging of liquid products such as paint, for a container and lid system made solely from a polymeric material. One of the difficulties of constructing both the container and lid from plastic is that there is a need to compromise between the closure being able to seal and stay on the container versus being able to readily remove it when required and reseal.

A ready solution to these problems is the provision of a locking ring to clamp the lid onto the container. The addition of a metal locking ring is a relatively expensive solution and not favoured by container manufacturers or packagers.

Whilst there have been plastic locking rings developed, the use of a separate locking ring with for example a plastic container of paint, means that packagers have to conduct several more steps in the packaging process.

Another solution to these problems has been to provide a tear off locking ring, however, once torn off, the locking ring is permanently disabled. Such a solution is of little use for the packaging of paint, because paint containers require the lid to be opened, then tinted, resealed, mixed and then transported.

Thus there has been a long felt need to produce a solution to these problems capable of being manufactured in an all plastic construction to provide a container lid and locking ring arrangement acceptable enough for packagers of liquid products to utilise for their packaging requirements.

Summary of the invention The present invention provides a combined or captured container lid and at least one locking ring segment, said lid including a closing surface-having at its peripheral edge a annular sealing channel to engage a container sealing rim for sealing said container sealing rim and a container opening by said annular sealing channel and said closing surface, said at least one locking ring segment being integral with or captured by or combined with said lid so as to prevent their separation under normal conditions of use, said at least one locking ring segment including an axially extending skirt which extends past said annular sealing channel, said skirt including along a substantial portion thereof a first radially extending flange at an upper location on said skirt and a second radially extending flange at a lower location on said skirt, so that in use said first radially extending flange engages said lid and said second radially extending flange engages directly or indirectly a locking flange on said container, so that the direct or indirect engagement of said second flange with said locking flange prevents said lid from axially moving with respect to said container.

In a first embodiment said at least one locking ring segment directly engages said container locking flange. The locking ring segment can be pivotally attached to said lid at one end of said locking ring segment. The other end of said locking ring segment can include said lever.

In a second embodiment said at least one locking ring segment indirectly engages said container locking flange via a portion of said lid. That portion of the lid is preferably a series of discrete lid or finger like extensions. Each lid extension including a groove to receive said second radially extending flange. Each lid extension including a

projecting rib extending away from said groove, said projecting rib engaging said locking flange on said container, when said at least one locking ring segment engages said groove and forces said projecting rib into engagement with said locking flange on said container.

In a third embodiment said at least one locking ring segment directly engages said container locking flange.

The locking ring segment can be independent from said container lid but combined with or captured by said lid.

The container lid can include a groove to receive said first radially extending flange. Said groove being of a size whereby when said locking ring segment when in the open condition remaining captured in said groove while said second radially extending flange clears said locking flange of said container allowing said lid to be lifted vertically off said container.

For each embodiment, said skirt in use, forces a portion of said annular sealing channel into contact with a sealing rim on said container.

For each embodiment the at least one locking ring segment can have a lever to move said locking ring segment relative to said lid in a direction towards and or away from said lid.

The lever can connects to said lid by a rotatable connection. Whereas the lever also connects to another end of said locking ring segment by a rotatable connection. The rotatable connection includes a pivot and a pivot holder.

The pivot can be located on an end of said lever and said pivot holder is located on said lid or on said another end of said locking ring segment. The rotatable connection can be formed by hinge. The hinge can be formed by a web of material integrally formed with said lid and said locking ring segment and which joins said locking ring segment to said lid or said another end of said locking ring segment. The rotation of said lever around the rotatable connection will cause said second radially extending flange to move into or out of engagement with said container locking flange or said container lid depending upon the direction of rotation of said lever.

The lever of the locking ring segment can include a pivot which engages a pivot holder mounted on said lid in said first and second embodiments or on a different end of said locking ring segment in said third embodiment, so that rotation of said lever around said pivot holder will cause said second radially extending flange to move into or out of engagement with said container locking flange or said container lid.

The lever can be attached to said locking ring by a strap. The strap can be integrally formed with said lever and said locking ring segment. Alternatively said strap is formed separately and assembled to both said locking ring segment and said lever. The strap is preferably substantially inextensible. The strap is preferably bendable.

The at least one locking ring segment is of any appropriate arc length. The locking ring segment is preferably of an arc length in the range of 90° to a approximately 360°. When one locking ring segment is provided it preferably has and arc length of the range of 300° to 360°. When two locking ring segments are provided each segment arc length is preferably in the range of 100° to 160°. When four locking ring segments are used an arc length in the range of approximately 75'to 85'is preferred. The locking ring segment can be greater than 360°, in which case the ends of the locking ring segment in use will over lap.

The lever can include a latch member mounted thereon, which in the case of said first and second embodiments cooperates with said lid, and in the case of said third embodiment cooperates with said at least one locking ring segment, so that when said lever is in a closed position, said latch member is releasably held relative to said lid in the case of said first and second embodiment or said at least one locking ring segment in the case of said third

embodiment. Alternatively said lid or said at least one locking ring segment can include a holding means to releasably hold said lever in a closed position.

The latch member can be formed from a radially extending member when in the closed position, which terminates in a downwardly axially projecting shoulder. The downwardly axially projecting shoulder will engage a formation on said lid in the case of said first and second embodiments, or an edge of said first radially extending flange on said at least one locking ring segment in the case of said third embodiment to hold said lever in a closed position.

The lever can include an aperture therethrough to receive a radially outwardly directed tab mounted on said lid in the case of said first and second embodiments or on said at least one locking ring segment in the case of said third embodiment which tab is adapted to pass through said aperture so that once said lever has moved to said closed position said aperture will prevent said latch member moving away from said lid in the case of said first and second embodiments or said at least one locking ring segment in the case of said third embodiment.

The closing surface of said lid can include for each lever a recessed finger portion to allow a user's finger to pass under said latch member and to lift same to thereby release said latch member to move said lever to an open position.

The lever can include a detent surface to prevent said lever rotating past a predetermined location to an open position. The predetermined location is preferably at a rotation of approximately 90° from the closed position.

Preferably when in said predetermined location said lever can act as a handle to allow a user to lift said at least one locking ring segment and said container lid from said container.

In the third embodiment the at least one locking ring segment and said container lid, are formed together in a single mould. Preferably the two are formed concentrically. During assembly said lid is separated from said at least one locking ring segment. Preferably said at least one locking ring segment includes a bight to receive a locating member formed on said container lid. The container lid can include a raised upwardly projecting rim to assist nestability with the bottom of an adjacent container. Said upwardly projection rim can be discontinuous in the region of said lever.

Preferably said at least one locking ring segment and said container lid are formed integrally.

Preferably said at least one locking ring segment and said container lid are manufactured from one or more of the following: polymeric material; metal; sheet metal. Said container can be manufactured from one of the following: polymeric material; metal; sheet metal; glass ; ceramic.

A method of closing a container with a lid as described above, said method including; 1. positioning lid, container and locking ring segment being in a closed condition, over a container; 2. pushing said container lid and locking ring segment in a closed condition onto a container having a sealing rim and a locking flange to engage said annular sealing channel and said second radially inwardly extending flange respectively of said at least one locked ring segment.

A container having an open end for use with a container lid and locking ring segment being as described above, said container including a sealing rim near to said open end, and a locking flange downwardly displaced from said sealing rim, said sealing rim and said locking flange each being annular and having an inclined surface which serves to open out said container lid and at least one locking section enabling said container to receive a closed lid and locking ring segment.

Brief description of the drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pail lid and locking ring assembly in a pre- assembled condition as it exits a die or mould; Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of the pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figure 1 with the locking levers having their pivots captured in respective pivot holders, with the levers in an open position; Figure 4 illustrates an underneath perspective of the pail lid locking ring assembly of Figure 3.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figure 1 with the levers moved to the closed position ; Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate pivot holder; Figure 7 illustrates a partial cross section through a pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figures 1 to 5, in a closed condition attached to a pail; Figure 8 illustrates a partial cross section through a pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figures 1 to 5 through the lever and latch mechanism of the locking ring segment.

Figure 9 illustrates a cross section similar to Figure 8 with a pail lid and locking ring assembly in an open condition on a pail; Figure 10 illustrates an underneath perspective view of a second embodiment where the pail lid includes a series of fingers; Figure 11 illustrates a side elevation of a pail and pail lid with locking ring assembly with the locking ring segment removed to illustrate finger formations ; Figure 12 illustrates a partial cross section through a pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figures 10 in an open condition attached to a pail; Figure 13 illustrates a partial cross section through a pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figure 10 in a closed condition attached to a pail.

Figure 14 illustrates a partial cross section through a pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figure 10 in a closed condition, through the lever and latch member; Figure 15 illustrates a partial cross section through the pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figure 14 in an open condition, through the lid skirts stationary portion; Figure 16 illustrates an upper rear perspective view of a third embodiment of a pail lid and locking ring assembly as they are ejected from a die in which they are moulded; Figure 17 illustrates an underneath perspective view of the pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figure 16; Figure 18, illustrates a front elevation of the pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figure 16; Figure 19 illustrates an upper perspective view of the pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figure 16 with the locking lever having its pivot captured in a pivot holder formed on the locking ring, with the lever in an open position; Figure 20 illustrates the pail lid and locking ring assembly of Figure 16 with the lever locked in the closed position;

Figure 21 illustrates a partial cross section through the pail lid and locking ring of Figure 20; Figure 22 illustrates a partial cross section of the pail lid and locking ring of Figure 20 in a closed condition, through the lever and latch member in a closed condition on a pail; Figure 23 illustrates a plan view of a plastic lid and locking ring assembly for use with a metal pail; Figure 24 illustrates in detail in cross section a portion of the plastic lid and locking ring of Figure 23 in an open condition on a metal pail with a rolled rim;; Figure 25 illustrates in detail in cross section a portion of the plastic lid and locking ring of Figure 23 in an closed condition; Figure 26 illustrates a cross section through another latch mechanism; Figure 27 illustrates a perspective view of latch mechanism with a tamper evident tongue; Figure 28 illustrates a perspective view of a child resistant latch mechanism; Figure 29 illustrates a perspective view of another child resistant latch mechanism; Figure 30 illustrates a perspective view of a further child resistant latch mechanism; Figure 31 illustrates a perspective view of a security tab latch mechanism; Figure 32 illustrates a cross section through a further latch mechanism; Figure 33 illustrates a perspective view of the latch mechanism of Figure 32; Figure 34 illustrates a cross section through a push down release latch mechanism; Figure 35 illustrates a cross section through another push down release latch mechanism; Figure 36 illustrates a perspective view of the latch mechanisms of Figures 34 and 35; Figure 37 illustrates a cross section through a bottom portion of a latch mechanism ; Figure 38 illustrates a perspective view of the latch mechanism of Figure 37; Figure 39 illustrates a perspective view of a latch mechanism; Figure 40 illustrates a perspective view of another latch mechanism; Figure 41 illustrates a lid and locking wing assembly with a different hinge construction; and Figure 42 illustrates a cross section through a rim and latch of a lid and locking ring assembly.

Detailed description of the embodiments The following description refers specifically to relatively small containers such as pails and paint tins or buckets. Notwithstanding this specific discussion it will be readily understood that the present invention is applicable to containers not only of the type specifically described herein.

Illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 is a first embodiment of a pail lid and locking ring assembly 100 which includes a lid 1 having a closure surface 4. The closure surface 4 has at its periphery an annular sealing channel 6 which will engage a sealing rim 8 (see Figures 7,8 and 9) of a pail 10. The annular sealing channel 6 has a substantially vertical portion 12, which at a lower portion thereof is connected to the closure surface 4. The annular sealing channel 6 also includes, a horizontal portion 14 and a downwardly extending skirt 16, which terminates on one side in a radially outwardly extending projection 18. The skirt 16 begins at one end with a vertical portion and then terminates on the other end with an inwardly angled portion. The sealing rim 8 of the pail 10 includes a radially outwardly extending annular sealing lip 20, which the skirt 16 will push against when the lid and locking ring assembly 2 is in a closed position or condition. The sealing lip 20 need not be present as will be described later.

Attached to the lid 1 via web hinges 22 are two diametrically opposed locking ring sectors or segments 2. The web hinges 22 are attached to the lid 1 at diametrically opposite locations on the lid 1. Each locking ring segment 2 includes an arcuate portion 24, which has a downwardly extending skirt 26 with a first radially inwardly extending flange 28 connected to the skirt 26 at the upper most portion of the skirt 26. At the lower most portion of the skirt 26 is a second radially inwardly extending flange 30. Between the flanges 28 and 30 is a groove 30B, which has a curved contour. The flange 28 and groove 30B are of the same circumferential length as the skirt 26. Whereas the flange 30, near to the terminus of the skirt 26, in the region of the web hinges 22, is discontinued for a length 32 as illustrated in Figure 4. The purpose of this discontinuation will be discussed later. At the opposite end of the flange 30 as also illustrated in Figure 4 a similar termination and tapering occurs.

On the end of the skirt 24, opposite to that of the web hinge 22, is a connecting strap 34, which interconnects the skirt 24 to a lever 36. The connecting strap 34 is constructed from a generally planar rectangular central portion, which form a web or strap and for the assembly 100 having a diameter of approximately 20cm, the strap 34 is of approximately 1.2 mm thickness. The central portion has its ends tapering to an approximate thickness of 0.8mm (a reduction of some 30% in thickness) where the central portion meets the skirt 24 and the lever 36. This reduction or tapering facilitates bending at the point of intersection of the strap 34 with the skirt 24 and lever 36.

The thicknesses chosen are a compromise of a number of factors such as the length and height of the central portion; the properties of the material chosen to mould the assembly; the diameter of the lid 1; the strain resulting from bending of the hinge; and the desired number of hinge movements prior to failure of the hinge.

The lever 36 has substantially the same arcuate shape as locking ring segment 2.

The lever 36, in a similar manner to the locking ring segment 2, includes a curved skirt 38, which lies in a generally vertical orientation with a radially inwardly extending flange 40 to give a degree of rigidity to the lever 36. At the proximal end of the lever 36 is a pivot 42 adjacent, which is an aperture 44 through the lever 36. The central longitudinal axis through the pivot 42 is located outside the arc, which forms or is the external surface of the skirt 38 so as to position the pivot 42 offset to the rear surface of the skirt 38.

At the end of the lever 36, opposite to the pivot 42, is a latch mechanism 46, which is made from a flange 48 extending generally perpendicularly to the skirt 38. The flange 48 is radially inwardly extending when the lever 36 is in a closed position, and the flange 48 is longer than the flange 40 on the lever 36. The flange 48 terminates in a downwardly extending catch member 50. In the middle of, and to the rear of, the flange 48 is an aperture 52 through skirt 38 the purpose of which will be discussed later.

Between the flanges 48 and 40 is a cut out portion 54, which terminates in a radiused end 56 to act as a stress reliever. The cut out 54 allows the flange 48 to have added flexibility in the vertical direction so as to engage and disengage the catch member 50 with respect to the annular sealing channel 6. Notwithstanding that cut out section 54 is preferable, the mechanical properties of the material from which the lever 36 is formed can be such that the cut out 54 may not be required.

The annular sealing channel 6 includes two diametrically oppositely located skirt extensions 30D, which extend downwardly from skirt 16. The skirt extensions 30D have an arc length of approximately 60° each. This means that in total the circumferential length taken up by the two skirt extensions 30D is 120°. This means that the locking ring segments 2 occupy approximately 120° each when the assembly 100 is in a closed condition on a pail.

To the skirt extensions 30D are mounted pivot holders 62, a radially outwardly extending tongue or tab 64 and the web hinge 22. The extensions 30D include projections 30A along their arcuate length to engage the locking flange 76 even when the locking ring segments 2 are not in the closed conditions. The skirt extensions 30D each have a lower flange 30C, which extends between pivot holder 62 and tongue 64. The flange 30C enables a user to position their fingers under the extension 30D to prise the extension 30D off a pail, when the locking ring segment 2 is in an open condition. If the lower flange 30C is not provided, it is still possible for a user to place their fingers under the lower edge of the skirt extension 30D, but the user may have to grip the lower edge at more than one location, as the flange 30C helps make the lower edge more rigid. The extensions 30D allow the lid 1 to be snapped onto a pail and located so that the annular sealing channel 6 will be in an appropriate location for the locking ring segments 2 to secure the lid 1 to the pail 10.

The pivot holder 62 has a generally cylindrical recess or bight into which the pivot 42 will snap. As illustrated in Figure 6, an alternative pivot holder 43 could be utilised, which has a one way construction consisting of a bight 45 and two inwardly projecting prongs 47, which prevent a pivot 42 from exiting the holder 43 when in use.

Circumferentially spaced from the pivot holder 62 is the radially outwardly extending tongue or tab 64. The extremity of the tongue 64 includes an inclined under surface 66 and a substantially horizontal portion 68.

Centred around the tongue 64 is a depression 72 formed in the closure surface 4. The purpose of the depression 72 will be discussed in following paragraphs.

The pail lid and locking ring assembly 100 as illustrated in Figure 1 illustrates the assembly 100 as it comes out of a mould with all the components illustrated in the drawings being moulded as a single item. To assemble the assembly 100, the pivot 42 is positioned within the pivot holder 62 by a snap in action. When in the orientation as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the locking ring segments 2 are in a fully opened condition allowing the lid 1 to be placed onto or removed from a pail 10 and indicated in cross section in Figures 6,6A and 6B as item 10.

When placed on a pail 10 in an open condition, such as when it is desired to reseal the pail 10, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, rotating the levers 36 in this direction of arrows 74 will cause the skirt 26 to move in an arc around web hinges 22 towards the lid 1. As the lever 36 approaches the lid 1 the catch member 50, by virtue of its front tapered surface 75, will ride over the leading edge of the tongue 64 and move over the top surface of the tongue 64 and over the top surface 14 of the annular sealing channel 6 until the downwardly extending outwardly facing vertical surface of the catch member 50 moves downwardly and is held by the substantially vertical outer surface of side 12 of the annular sealing channel 6.

As the lever 36 is moving across the annular sealing channel 6 the tongue 64 passes through the aperture 52 and this will prevent the lever 36 moving in an axially upward direction thus preventing the catch member 50 from disengaging from the annular sealing channel 6 except when desired by a user. When in the closed position the lever 36 and locking ring 2 will have adopted the orientation of Figure 5 where it will be seen that the connecting strap 34 has bent over the pivot holder 62 and the web hinge 22 has also flattened out.

When in a closed condition, the skirt 26 via groove 30B will (as illustrated in Figures 7,8 and 9) push the flange 18 onto the annular sealing channel 6 in a radially inward direction, thereby forcing the vertical skirt 16 to engage the sealing lip 20 on the pail 10. The lowest end of the vertical skirt 16 will be bent around the sealing lip 20, and thereby seal and keep sealed the annular sealing channel 6 to sealing rim 8. The curved profile of groove 30B will restrict the flange 18 from moving radially outwardly when the locking ring segment 2 is in the closed

position. Further, the groove 30B via flange 18 will cause the skirt 16 to be tensioned thereby assisting the sealing forces exerted by vertical portion 12 and horizontal portion 14 onto the sealing rim 8.

As this occurs, the skirt 26 is located adjacent a locking flange 76 on the pail 10 thus positioning second flange 30 under locking flange 76. Thus in the closed position the annular sealing channel 6 and pail 10 are held together between the first flange 28 and second flange 30 preventing the annular sealing channel 6 and its vertical skirt 16 from disengaging from the sealing lip 20 of the pail 10.

To release the lever 36, in order to lift the lid 1 off a pail 10, a user inserts their fingers into the depressions 72, which allows their finger tips to make contact with the under portions of the catch member 50 and thereby prise the catch member 50 in an upward direction away from annular 6 profile so that once the catch member 50 has cleared the upper surface 14 of annular sealing channel 6 the user can apply a radially outward force to move the levers 36 in a clockwise direction around the pivots 42.

Beneath the pivot 42 is a radially outwardly extending flange 58, which provides a shoulder 60 adjacent to the pivot 42. The shoulder 60 will prevent the lever 36, when the pivot 42 is held in the pivot holder 62, from rotating past the orientation as indicated in Figures 3 and 4. That is, approximately 90° of rotation on the lever 36 need be applied to the lever 36 to move it from the open position to the closed position. When in the open position as illustrated in Figures 3,4 and 9 the locking ring segments 2 are such that the second flange 30 will be fully clear of the locking flange 76 on pail 10. As the skirt 26 is rotating around the web hinge 22 the portion of the second flange 30 closest to the web hinge 29 will clear the locking flange 76 on pail 10 because of the tapered end in region 32, which does not extend across the whole length of the skirt 26.

With the levers 36 in the orientation as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 the user can use the levers 36 to prise the skirt extensions 30D and projection 30A away from locking flange 76 so as to lift the lid 1 and locking ring segment 2 off the pail 10. Alternatively, the user can engage the flange 30C or extremity of skirt extension 30D to prise the projection 30A away from locking flange 76 to then lift the lid 1 from pail 10.

The above described embodiment provides a one-piece lid and locking ring assembly when manufactured from plastic allowing the assembly to be moulded as a single integral unit with a minor amount of post moulding assembly (namely the insertion of the pivot 42 into pivot holder 62 being required).

Once the lid assembly 100 is assembled and the levers 36 and locking ring segments 2 are moved to the closed condition, the lid assembly 100 can be simply pressed onto a pail 10, in the closed condition meaning that packagers do not need to rotate the levers 36 to seal a pail. A further advantage is that to reseal a pail the levers can be first closed and the closed lid assembly 100 simply pressed onto the pail from whence it came. This embodiment provides advantages to a user in that the lid is easily removed and resealable.

Whilst a one-piece construction and plastic moulding is preferred, the pail lid and locking ring assembly 100 can be manufactured from any appropriate materials and can be manufactured in multiple pieces. For example, if desired, the web hinge 22 can be replaced by a different hinge construction, which during assembly is linked to the skirt 26 and the lid 1. The connecting strap 34 can also be a separate member, which is connected to the skirt 26 and to the lever 36 during assembly. The pail lid and locking ring assembly 100 can also be readily adapted to use on metal cans.

A feature of the assembly 100 is that with the lever 36 in the closed position as illustrated in Figure 5, the lid and locking ring assembly 100 can be pressed onto a pail 10. This allows the assembly 100 to be assembled and

closed at the time of manufacture and supplied to the packager for pressing onto a pail, thereby ensuring the packager will not be required to open and or close the lever 36.

This assembly 100 also makes it easy to open and re-close the pail, especially in the case of paint where the retailer has to open the pail, tint, close and shake the pail to mix the tint into the base product, after which the pail is transported.

This feature of being able to place a closed lid and locking ring assembly onto a pail is a feature that is present in each of the assemblies 200,300 and 400 described below.

The skirt 16 terminates on one side with the projection 18 and an inwardly angled portion on the other. This assists with locking the lid onto the pail. In some circumstances the projection 18 and the inwardly angled termini 17 of skirt 16 will not be required and the skirt 16 can be finished without the termini 17. The absence of projection 18 and termini 17 can be preferred in those situations where there is less of a need to interlock the pail and lid together, such as when the pail is meant to hold powder, or highly viscous substances.

Illustrated in Figures 10 to 15 is a lid and locking ring assembly 200 and is similar to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 9. Like parts have been like numbered. The embodiment of Figures 10 to 15 differs from that of Figures 1 to 9 by the annular sealing channel 6 including a series of discrete extensions or fingers 202, which extend downwardly from the annular sealing channel 6.

The embodiment of Figures 10 to 15 will function in substantially the same manner as that of the previous embodiment except that the skirt 26 and second flange 30 will not directly engage the locking flange 76 on pail 10 but rather will engage a groove 204 on the outwardly directed face of the fingers 202. As the lever 36 is moved closer to the lid 1, the flange 30 will continue to move the fingers 202 until an inwardly projecting flange 206 on fingers 202 is moved into position under the locking flange 76, thereby interlocking the pail lid and locking ring assembly 200 onto a pail.

This arrangement is thought to be particularly useful with larger size drums and pails. This arrangement is expected to perform well in a situation where a pail is dropped and the pail impacts the ground on the locking ring segment. It is expected that the top portion 14 of the annular sealing channel 6 will not be able to move away from the sealing rim 8 of the pail 10 by virtue of firstly the frictional force of the skirt 16 against sealing lip 20 as well as the engagement of projection 206 under the locking flange 76 on pail 10.

Illustrated in Figures 16 to 22 is a pail lid and locking ring assembly 300. Features of assembly 300, which are the same as features in assembly 100 have been given a 300 series number with the last two digits of these numbers being the same as the item number of like features in assembly 100.

It will be noted that the assembly 300 of Figures 16 to 22 includes only one lever 336 whereas the assembly 100 had two levers.

In Figures 10 to 18 the lid 301 and locking ring segment 302 are illustrated in the orientation as they would be after coming out of a mould in which they are moulded as a single integral unit with the pivot unassembled. The pail lid 301 at its lower most portion includes a series of gates 303 interconnecting the pail lid 301 to the locking ring segment 302. The assembly 300 differs from the assembly 100 in that the locking ring segment 302 also carries the tongue 364 and the pivot holder 362 whereby the locking ring segment 302 will be closed without the lever 336 engaging the lid 301.

The lid 301 differs from the lid 1 of assembly 100 in that the annular sealing channel 306, which engages the pail sealing rim 8 includes an upwardly extending skirt 305 and a radially outwardly extending flange 307. The flange 307 and the upper surface 314 of the annular sealing channel 306 form a groove 353 therebetween to receive the first flange 328 of the locking ring segment 302.

The flange 307 has an upwardly projecting rim 309 whose main purpose is to provide a nesting capability for another pail placed on top of the rim 309. The flanges 307 and rim 309 are not continuous on the lid 301. The first point of discontinuity is at a cut out 311 of some 5 to 8 millimetres in length whilst a much larger second cut out 313 is provided at a pre-determined angular distance from the cut out 311. Beneath the cut out 311 as illustrated in Figure 16 is a downwardly and outwardly projecting tab 315. The tab 315 is provided so that once the locking ring segment 302 is separated from the lid 301, by the breaking of the moulding gates 303, a bight 317 partially closed by prongs 319 can be aligned with the tab 315 and the tab 315 captured by the prongs 319. Once the tab 315 is captured by the prongs 319 the lever 336 will be positioned so that when in the closed position the flanges 340 and 348 will pass into the cut out 313.

Thus to assemble the lid 301 and its locking ring segment 302, after the components are integrally moulded, a machine will push the lid 301 in a downward direction, thereby breaking gates 303, to align the first flange 328 with the groove 353 provided between flange 307 and flange 314. Then the lid 301 will be rotated relative to the locking ring segment 302 until the tab 315 is aligned with the prongs 319 and the two are inter-engaged. Then the pivot 342 is inserted into the pivot holders 362. The lever 336 as illustrated in Figure 19 will thus be in the open condition on the pail lid 301. The lid 301 can then be placed on a pail with the lever 336 in the open condition allowing second flange 330 to clear the locking flange 76 of the pail 10. In this way the lid and locking ring segment together can be lifted off as a single unit or placed onto a pail as a single unit. As mentioned previously the assembly 300 is able to be pressed onto a pail in a closed condition.

By rotating the lever 336 from the assembled open condition illustrated in Figure 19 to the closed positions as illustrated in Figure 20 the flange 328 will move fully into the groove 353 provided between upper flange 307 and 314 on the lid 301 and the second flange 330 will have moved to a position beneath the locking flange 76 on the pail 10 thereby holding the annular sealing channel 306 of the pail lid 310 captured to the pail 10.

Illustrated in Figures 23 to 25 is a fourth pail lid and locking ring assembly 400, which is similar to that of the assembly 100. In these Figures a 400 series number is used and where like parts are present in the assembly 400 by comparison to assembly 100, with the last two digits of the 400 series number coincide 100.

The assembly 400 is illustrated with respect to attachment to a metal can or pail having a sealing rim 494. The assembly 400 is illustrated in the open condition in Figure 24. The lid 401 is used together with a gasket 423. In Figure 25 the pail and lid and locking ring assembly are shown in the closed condition. In this embodiment the lever 436 is secured against the locking ring segment 402 by lifting the end 437 of the lever 436 upwardly (or out of the page of Figure 23) as it approaches the catch 439 and passing the skirt of the lever downwardly into a groove 441 adjacent the catch 439 to thereby lock the lever 436 into the closed position.

As illustrated in Figures 7,8,9,12,13,14 and 15, the pail 10 has the sealing lip 20 and a locking flange 76.

Each of these features has a tapered surface, which tapers in a radially outward and axially downward direction.

The amount of taper provided will depend upon sealing requirements and user's packaging requirements. The tapers provided are useful but not essential, to assist the lid and locking being assemblies 100,200,300 and 400 to

be attached to a pail with the levers 36,336 & 436 in a closed condition. However, as can be seen from Figures 23 to 25, even if such a taper is not provided, as is the case with a metal pail with a rolled rim or if the sealing rim of the pail has substantially parallel sides without the presence of a lip, the pail lid and locking ring assembly when in a closed condition can still be pressed onto the pail to close and seal the pail.

Illustrated in Figure 26 is a latch arrangement similar to that of assemblies 100 & 200 except that a tongue 64 includes a downwardly extending barbed end 65, which provides additional security, for example for child resistance by requiring the lifting of both the latch member 46 and tongue 64 to unlatch the lever 36. If desired the latch member 46 on lever 36 could be dispensed with, thereby relying on barbed end 65 to provide a single latching arrangement.

Illustrated in Figure 27 is a tamper evident latch arrangement whereby a tongue 64 includes two horizontally extending barbs 67. To open this latch arrangement will require either the barbs 67 to be detached individually or by breaking off the end of the tongue 64, which includes barbs 67, or by pushing the barbs 67 inwardly to pass through aperture 52. If desired a line of perforations 69 can be provided to assist the detaching of the barbs 67 on tongue 64.

Illustrated in Figure 28 is another latch arrangement similar to that of Figure 27 whereby horizontally outwardly extending detents 71 are provided. The detents 71 are biased outwardly by their'leaf spring'structure.

This leaf spring structure requires the detents 71 to be moved inwardly against the bias provided thereby to enable the detents 71 to pass through aperture 52.

Illustrated in Figure 29 is latch arrangement similar in function to that of Figure 28, except that detents 73 are provided on a bifurcated end of tongue 64. The bifurcation effectively cantilevers the detents 73 off the tongue 64 to provide the elasticity or bias against which the detents 73 must be pushed to pass through the aperture 52.

Illustrated in Figure 30 is a latch arrangement similar to that of Figure 29, and like parts are like numbered. The detents 73, the tongue 64 and aperture 52 in Figure 30 differ from Figure 29 in that they are all deeper to increase the surface area with which the detents 73 will bear against the outside of the lever 36 near to the aperture 52.

In each of the latch arrangements of Figures 28 to 30, the latch member 46 is also present providing a degree of child resistance due to either a two handed opening operation or a complex and or high force opening requirement.

Illustrated in Figure 31 is latch mechanism similar to that of assemblies 100 & 200 except that the tongue 64 includes an aperture 77 through which can be inserted a security tab 79 having a lower barb 81 and a upper barb 83. Once the lower barb 81 is pushed through aperture 77 the security tab 79 must be cut or damaged to be removed. The security tab 79 and aperture 77 can be applied to any embodiment where the tongue 64 is present.

Illustrated in Figures 32 and 33 is a latch mechanism where the annular sealing channel 6 includes at the base of the skirt 16 an outwardly projecting section 85, which terminates in a barbed catch 87, which will pass under the lever 36 and be biased back into the position illustrated in Figure 32. The bias is provided by means of the cantilevering of the section 85 but could alternatively be cantilevered off the pail 10, or the locking ring segment in the case of the assembly 300.

Illustrated in Figure 34 is a latch mechanism having an aperture 89 provided in the latch member 46 whereby the latch member 46 can ride over the inclined surface 91 of catch 93. The catch 93 is depressable, or alternatively if not moveable, the latch member 46 can be lifted over the catch 93 to release the lever 36.

In Figures 35 and 36 is a latch mechanism similar to that of Figure 34, with like parts being like numbered. The catch 93 is cantilevered off the annular sealing channel 6 (or the locking ring segment 302 or 402 in the case of assemblies 300 and 400) which construction will provide sufficient elasticity or bias to bias the catch 93 to the closed position.

Illustrated in Figures 37 and 38 is a latch arrangement where by a moveable catch 95 is provided on the lower edge of the lever 36. The catch 95 includes an inwardly projecting portion, which terminates in an upwardly extending lip 97. The lip 97 includes an inclined plane 99 so that as the lever 36 moves towards the annular sealing channel 6 (or locking ring segment 302,402 of assemblies 300 & 400) the catch 95 will ride under the skirt 16 and once past it, will move to the closed position as illustrated in Figure 37. To release, the proximal end is pushed radially inwardly thus moving the catch 95 downward allowing the lever to move to the open condition.

Illustrated in Figure 39 is a latch mechanism, which is similar to that in assembly 400. The latch mechanism has an L-shaped catch 101, which extends from the annular sealing channel 6 (or locking ring segment 312 in the case of assembly 300) and the lever 36 is bent or rotated in the direction of arrow 103 and positioned in the bight 105.

The portion 107 of lever 36 is of a height less than the full length of the skirt 38. This height determines the height that the lever must be moved in direction of arrow 103 to clear the catch 101. A lift tab 109 is provided on the lever 36 to assist in the lifting action.

Illustrated in Figure 40 is a latch mechanism similar to that of Figure 39. In the embodiment of Figure 40 there is present an L shaped catch 111, which is biased to a closed position but is moveable in the direction of arrow 113 so as to release a side edge of a lever in a slot 115. The catch 111 includes an angled surface, which allows the end of the lever 36 to push catch 111 out of its path as the lever 36 is closed.

Illustrated in Figure 41 is a lid and locking assembly 500, which is similar to the assembly 100. Like parts of assembly 500 by comparison to assembly 100 are numbered with a 500 series number with the last two digits coinciding.

The embodiment 500 differs from the embodiment 100 by the substitution of the pivot 42 on lever 36 and pivot holder 62 on skirt extensions 30D by an integrally moulded web or strap hinge 593. By integrally moulding the web on strap hinge 593, a step in the assembly process of firstly assembling the pivot 42 in pivot holder 62 is removed.

The web or strap hinge 593 is constructed in a similar manner to the straps 34,334,434 and hinges 22, of the assemblies 100,200,300 and 400. These hinge 593 are constructed from a generally planar rectangular central portion, which forms a web or strap of approximately 1.2 mm thickness for an assembly of approximately 20cm in diameter. The central portion has its ends tapering to an approximate thickness in the range of 0.8 mm where the central portion meets the skirt extension 530D and the lever 536. This reduction or tapering facilitates bending and or rotation at the meeting points. In the case of the hinges 34,334 and 434, this tapering occurs where the central portion meets the end of the locking ring segment at one end and an intermediate point on the lever at the other.

The fact that hinges 22,522,593 and straps 34,334,434 have a central portion and a hinge line or axis of rotation at either end of the central portion, allows the respective locking ring segments to be formed in a mould at a sufficient distance away from the outer periphery of the lid.

A projection 595 of relatively short length is provided on the inside of the skirt 526 on locking ring segment 502, so that when the assembly 500 is in a closed condition the projection 595 will be located adjacent to and

beneath the lower most surface of skirt 516. This will assist in keeping the central regions of the locking ring segment 502 from moving relative to the skirt 516 when in the closed condition.

When moulding the locking ring segments 502, and the segments 2,202,302 and 402 of the assemblies 100, 200,300 and 400, the locking ring segments are given a radius of curvature, which is greater than the radius of the outer periphery of the lid. By also moulding the assemblies 100,200,300,400 and 500 from a material which has a shape memory, the locking ring segments 2,202,302,402 and 502 will rotate away from the lid when the lever is moved to the open condition, by virtue of a bias provided by the shape memory of the material. While this may not be sufficient to clear all portions of the locking ring segment away from the locking flange of a pail, it can be sufficient to allow the lid and locking ring assembly to be lifted off the pail as described above.

The assembly 500, by comparison to other assemblies, has levers 536 and skirt extensions 530D, which are of lesser circumferential length for the same diameter lid assembly. The skirt extensions 530D each have an arch length of approximately 30°, which means in total the circumferential length taken up by the two skirt extensions 530D is 60°. This provides greater strength to the levers 536, reduces the amount of material used in the lever 536 and provides a longer circumferential length of locking engagement of the locking ring segment to the lid. Another advantage of such a reduction in length is that once in the open condition, the lid assembly can be pulled off the pail easier, as the skirt extension 530D has a decreased circumferential length of engagement by comparison to the assemblies 100 and 200. This decreased circumferential length results in lesser stiffening or more flexibility in the skirt extension 530D.

As the skirt extensions 530D each have an arch length of approximately 30°, total the circumferential or arc length occupied by the locking ring sectors 502 is approximately 150°, when the assembly 500 is in a closed condition on a pail 10.

As the hinge 593 is formed integrally from a strap like construction, once the lever 536 is in a closed condition on a pail 10, there is a risk that the hinge 593 may allow some circumferential movement in a direction from the lever 536 towards the hinge 522. This movement may occur due to the locking ring segment 502, hinge 522 and strap 534 all being in tension and being anchored to the lid by hinge 522. Thus to prevent such circumferential movement, which may compromise the locking force of the locking ring segment 502, a closer tolerance is provided on the aperture 552 in the lever 536 so that when in the closed condition little to no circumferential movement between the aperture 552 and the tongue 564 will be possible. This can be achieved by requiring a slight interference fit between the tongue 564 and the aperture 552. This construction will provide little to no circumferential movement of the locking ring segment 502 once in a closed condition with the latch engaged.

Illustrated in Figure 42 is a cross section of a latch arrangement similar to that of Figure 26, wherein a barb 563 is located on the upper surface of the tongue 564. Unlike the latch arrangement disclosed in Figure 26 the radially inwardly facing vertical shoulder of barb 563 will engage the upper periphery or edge of the aperture 552. Thus the tongue 564 and the lever 536 will be engaged at two locations to lock them together.

An important feature of note in the cross section of Figure 42 is the shape and construction of the internal surface of skirt 516 and the termini 517 on the annular sealing channel 506. In the assemblies 100 (see Figure 8), 200 (see Figure 13) and 300 (see Figure 22) the internal surface of skirts 16 and 316 terminate in termini 17,217 and 317 respectively, which are inwardly angled surfaces. As can be seen in the cross section of Figure 42, the skirt 516 has a straight sided portion connected to the horizontal portion 514 and which is generally parallel to the

straight side of vertical portion 512. The next section of skirt 516 is a converging or inwardly angled portion 513 (converging relative to the straight side of wall 512) followed by a short straight length 315 then a diverging or outwardly angled termini 517.

The lower end of the vertical portion 512 terminates in an inwardly angled portion, which together with the outwardly angled portion 517 provides a tapering entry way for the sealing rim 8 of a pail to move into the annular sealing channel 506 of the assembly 500. It will also be noted that an outwardly projecting lip 519 is present just above the inwardly angled terminus of the vertical portion 512. The lip 519 serves the function of a wiper so that as the assembly 500 is pushed down onto a pail, any product which is contained in the pail, which may be on the inside cylindrical surface of the pail will be wiped or pushed downward to thus clean the inside of the pail in the vicinity of the sealing rim. This can be most advantageous when the pail is used for paint, as any paint splashed onto the sides of the pail near the sealing rim will be wiped downwards and thus will not act to make opening difficult. Also when the pail of paint is opened for tinting purposes, the wiping action will ensure that all the tint is added to the paint during mixing, and that none or very little of the tint will remain on the pail's internal wall near the sealing rim.

Depending upon the sealing rim construction of the pail to be sealed, it may be that the skirt 16, such as that illustrated in Figure 7, may be longer than or extend downwardly past the lowermost point of vertical portion 12.

Alternatively the vertical portion 12 may be shorter than the skirt 16. This is possible because all the embodiments described above form a seal with respect to an outside surface of a sealing rim of a pail. Thus while the sealing rim of a pail includes a portion of the inside and outside cylindrical surfaces of the pail in the vicinity and adjacent to the uppermost rim of a pail opening, the seal between the assemblies 100,200,300,400 and 500 and the sealing rim of a pail is formed with, as a minimum, the outside cylindrical surface of the pail. However the seal can alternatively or additionally be formed with the one or both of the other two surfaces, which make up the sealing rim of the pail.

Preferably the assemblies 100,200,300,400, and 500 are moulded from polypropylene but could be made from polyethylene, nylon, or any other appropriate polymeric material. The material selection will be dependent upon the contents to be stored in the pail, the manufacturing process and the load or stresses applied to the assemblies.

While the above description refers specifically to pails, which may be of metal or plastic construction, it will be readily understood that the inventions disclosed herein can be applied to other containers, such as jars or tubes, which may be made from materials such as glass or other materials.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

The foregoing describes embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art can be made thereto, without departing from the scope of the present invention.