container

Abstract

The container includes a body, an upper head, and a lower base. The container includes a first opening in the upper head, the diameter of the first opening being smaller than the diameter of the body. The first opening may include a rim extending from the upper head. The container further includes a second opening in the upper head, the second opening including a vent.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 493,418, filed October 24, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 380,716, filed October 24, 2022, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] Industrial containers come in many different configurations. When determining which container is appropriate for a particular application, companies consider the container material, the gauge or thickness of that material, size, shape, lining, closure, head style, and many other factors. While there are many options for some of these factors, there are only two head styles: open head or tight head. Open head containers have a fully removable cover secured with a lever lock or bolt ring closure. Tight head drums (also known as closed heads) have a fixed top.

[0003] Tight-head drums are known to be safer and less costly than open-head drums. In a tight-head drum, the head is an integral part of the drum structure and is flanged and permanently sealed at both ends. Open-head drums rely on larger, more robust closing rings and gaskets to pass the inspections required to transport dangerous goods. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure presents a hybrid solution that lies between tight-head drums and open-head drums. For example, the container may include a tight-head format with a "lid" opening. In some embodiments, the opening allows for easy installation and removal of a liner from the drum or container while maintaining high performance. The drum opening can be sealed with a cover or "lid" that uses a much smaller closing ring than those currently used on full-open-head drums. This can result in lower costs than full-open-head drums because the closing ring is much smaller and does not need to be as robust. A smaller cover is also much easier to install than a large lid for an open-head drum.

[0005] In some embodiments, the container may include a body, an upper head, and a lower base. The container may also include a first opening in the upper head. The diameter of the first opening may be smaller than the diameter of the body. The first opening may include a rim extending from the upper head. The container may further include a second opening in the upper head, which may include a vent.

[0006] In some embodiments, the rim of the first opening may include an annular bead. The first opening may include an opening between about 3 inches (76.2 mm) and about 12 inches (304.8 mm). In some embodiments, the container may have a capacity of 55 gallons (0.208 m 3 ) drum. In some embodiments, the container may further include a cover configured to couple to the annular bead. In some embodiments, the outer rim portion of the cover may include an engagement groove for the annular bead on the rim portion. The cover may couple to the annular bead using a closing ring. In some embodiments, the cover may include a bung opening fitting. In some embodiments, the container may further include a liner disposed within the container. The liner may be removable and / or replaceable.

[0007] In some embodiments, the tight-head drum may include a cylindrical body having a sealed bottom end and a top end. The top end may include an opening having a smaller diameter than the cylindrical body. The opening may be sealed with a lid, which may be connected to the opening using a closing ring. In some embodiments, the opening may be between about 3 inches (76.2 mm) and about 12 inches (304.8 mm). In some embodiments, the tight-head drum may further include a liner disposed within the drum, which may include a material resistant to hazardous materials. In some embodiments, the top end may further include a vent. In some embodiments, the lid may include a steel cover. In some embodiments, the lid may further include an opening between about 3 inches (76.2 mm) and about 12 inches (304.8 mm). The opening may be configured to be sealed with a drum plug.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drum with lid may include a closing ring for securing the drum lid to a first opening in the drum. The first opening may include a rim portion with an annular bead extending from the top surface of the drum. The drum with lid may include a second opening defined by the top surface of the drum. The second opening may have a smaller diameter than the first opening. In some embodiments, the closing ring may include an engagement groove for engaging the annular bead on the peripheral rim portion of the lid. In some embodiments, the first opening may have a circular diameter, and the drum lid may define an opening with a smaller diameter than the first opening.

[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the subject matter of the present disclosure. Together, the specification and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a container according to some embodiments.

[0011] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0012] [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of a container according to some embodiments.

[0013] [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the container shown in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In some embodiments, a storage and transport drum assembly may include a liner disposed within the drum. The container and liner assembly represents a hybrid solution between a tight-head drum and an open-head drum. In some embodiments, the container may include a tight-head format having a first opening at the top or apex of the drum. In some embodiments, this first opening facilitates easy installation and removal of the liner from the drum or container while maintaining high performance. The drum opening can be sealed with a cover or lid using a much smaller closing ring than those currently used for full-open-head drums. This may result in lower costs than full-open-head drums because the closing ring is smaller than the open-head ring and does not require the same material strength and weight. Furthermore, a tight-head drum storage container with a first opening may more easily accommodate a smaller cover or lid than the larger lids for open-head drums.

[0015] The container may include a tight-head drum having a first opening in its top surface or upper head, a liner may be placed within the container, and the container assembly may then be filled with the storage material (e.g., hazardous waste). A lid or cover may be placed over the liner and opening of the container and secured thereto. In some embodiments, the lid may be secured with an adhesive, a friction or snap fit, an internal or external threaded connection, a gasket and latch connection, a toothed or other interlocking mechanism, or other connection method. In this manner, the container can contain the material to be transported or stored. In some embodiments, the lid or opening cover may be removable and resealable so that some or all of the material within the container can be accessed and removed from the container for use. In some embodiments, the liner may be removable and / or replaceable. If only a portion of the material is removed, the lid may be replaced, thereby allowing for further storage and / or transportation and / or handling of the container. At the same time, the remaining material can be saved for later use or continue to be isolated from the environment.

[0016] The container may be used for almost any type of content, including solids or other liquids, including, for example, food, detergents, cleaning agents, or other chemicals, or cooking products such as cooking oils, spreads, condiments, and the like. The container may be used with other types of contents, and the uses described herein are not intended to be limiting.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container 100 is shown. The container 100 may include a body 102, a lower base 104, and an upper head 106. The body 102 may be configured to define the shape of the container 100. In some examples, the body 102 may be cylindrical. In other examples, any suitable shape may be used, such as a cubic shape, or a shape dependent on the space utilization or contents of the container 100. The body 102 may further be configured to support the contents of the container 100 against any outward or inward forces imparted to the container 100 by the contents or other entities. In some examples, the body 102 may be configured to support a 55 gallon (0.208 m) capacity. 3 ) drum standard diameter, i.e., approximately 22.5 inches (571.5 mm). Lower bottom surface 104 may be sealed to body portion 102 by welding, connected with a closing ring and / or gasket, or monolithically or integrally formed with body portion 102 from a single material. Lower bottom surface 104 may include a generally flat outer surface for resting container 100 on a surface and may have a thickness and material strength suitable to support the container contents. In some embodiments, lower bottom surface 104 may be generally plate-shaped.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bottom 104 may be made of metal or plastic, composite materials, or other metallic materials. Other materials are contemplated by this disclosure, and such materials are not intended to be limiting. The thickness of the material may be selected based on the type of material used, the size of the container 100, and the type of substance stored in the container 100. In some embodiments, for example, the thickness of the body 102 and lower base 104 may range from approximately 1 / 16 inch (1.6 mm) to approximately 1 inch (25.4 mm), or from approximately 1 / 8 inch (3.2 mm) to approximately 1 / 2 inch (12.7 mm), or from approximately 3 / 16 inch (4.8 mm) to 1 / 4 inch (6.4 mm). In some embodiments, the volume of the container is 55 gallons (0.208 m). 3) In other embodiments, the container 100 or drum may be larger or smaller depending on the application. As such, other volumes may be provided, including volumes outside the aforementioned ranges.

[0019] In some embodiments, the container 100 may be a drum with a lid. In some embodiments, the container 100 may further include a liner 108 disposed therein. The liner 108 may be configured to fit snugly within the interior of the container 100 and the interior of the cylindrical body 102, and may provide a waterproof or fluid-tight membrane for retaining the contents and preventing leakage or other spillage of the contents. The liner 108 may be a vacuum-formed liner 108 and, as such, may be sized and shaped with specific dimensions. As shown, the liner 108 may be configured to fit snugly within the interior of the container 100 and may be disposed therein through a first opening 110 in the upper head 106. As such, the liner 108 may include a bottom and walls similar to those of the container 100, but slightly smaller, allowing the liner 108 to be disposed within the interior of the container 100 and for multiple sections of the liner 108 to be disposed directly adjacent to corresponding sections of the container 100. As such, when contents are contained within the liner 108 and the liner 108 is inside the container 100, the position of multiple portions of the liner 108 may be maintained by the container 100 due to the force or pressure that the contents exert on the liner 108. Accordingly, the liner 108, like the container 100, may include a bottom having a circular periphery such that the shape of the bottom of the liner 108 corresponds to the shape of the lower base surface 104 of the container 100.

[0020] Although liner 108 has been described as having a number of specific portions and elements with a particularly adapted size and shape, in other embodiments, liner 108 may be any suitable shape, such as a "pillow" shape or more pouch-like, and may be placed inside container 100. In this case, the contents contained within liner 108 may push liner 108 outward, causing liner 108 to conform to the shape of container 100. Other types and shapes of liners may also be provided.

[0021] The liner 108 may be made of any suitable material. When the contents are liquid, a liquid-impermeable material, such as plastic, polyethylene, or other substantially liquid-impermeable material, may be used. When the contents are solid, a highly permeable material, such as cloth, netting, mesh, or other material, may be used. Highly impermeable materials may also be used with solid contents. In some embodiments, the liner 108 may be a plastic material. The liner 108 may be a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material, a polypropylene material, a polyethylene and nylon co-extrusion material, an ethylene and vinyl alcohol co-extrusion material, a laminate material, or a foil material. As described above, the liner 108 may be vacuum-formed or other forming methods may be used. Additionally, other materials may also be used. The liner 108 may be removable and replaceable. In some examples, the liner may be hazardous material-resistant.

[0022] The liner 108 may be configured to engage with a cover, as described below. As such, the free end of the liner 108 may be sealed or connected to the periphery of the first opening 110. Connection features may be provided, any or all of which may be continuous around the entire periphery of the open top of the liner 108, or intermittent or varying features may be provided. In some embodiments, the liner 108 may extend upward from the container 100 and engage with the underside of the cover without specifically engaging the upper head 106 of the container 100.

[0023] In some embodiments, the upper head 106 may be sealed to the cylindrical body portion 102 by welding, connected with a closing ring and / or gasket, or monolithically or integrally formed with the cylindrical body portion 102 from a single material. The upper head 106 may include a generally flat outer surface.

[0024] The upper head 106 of the container 100 may include a first opening 110. The first opening 110 may be circular and / or cylindrical. However, the opening may also be square, trapezoidal, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the first opening 110 may be located at or near the outer periphery of the upper head 106. In some embodiments, the first opening 110 may include a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical body 102. In some embodiments, the first opening 110 may include a diameter of approximately 6 inches (152.4 mm). However, the first opening 110 may be smaller or larger than 6 inches (152.4 mm). For example, the first opening 110 can be about 3 / 4 inch (19.1 mm) or greater, about 1 inch (25.4 mm) or greater, about 2 inches (50.8 mm) or greater, about 3 inches (76.2 mm) or greater, about 4 inches (101.6 mm) or greater, about 5 inches (127.0 mm) or greater, about 6 inches (152.4 mm) or greater, about 7 inches (177.8 mm) or greater, about 8 inches (203.2 mm) or greater, about 9 inches (228.6 mm) or greater, about 10 inches (254.0 mm) or greater, or about 11 inches (279.4 mm) or greater. In some embodiments, first opening 110 can be in the range of about 3 / 4 inch (19.1 mm) to about 3 inches (76.2 mm), about 2 inches (50.8 mm) to about 4 inches (101.6 mm), about 4 inches (101.6 mm) to about 6 inches (152.4 mm), about 6 inches (152.4 mm) to about 8 inches (203.2 mm), about 8 inches (203.2 mm) to about 10 inches (254.0 mm), or about 10 inches (254.0 mm) to about 12 inches (304.8 mm).

[0025] The first opening 110 may include a rim portion 112 extending from the upper head 106. The rim portion 112 may extend less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) from the upper head 106. In some embodiments, the rim portion 112 may include an annular bead 114. The annular bead 114 may be configured to engage and / or connect to a cover configured to function as a lid for the first opening.

[0026] In some embodiments, the upper head 106 may also include a second opening 116. The second opening may include a vent. The second opening 116 may be a standard ¾ inch (19.1 mm) opening to prevent a vacuum from forming when evacuating material from the interior of the container 100. However, the second opening 116 may be smaller than ¾ inch (19.1 mm) or larger. For example, the second opening 116 may be about 1 inch (25.4 mm) or larger, about 2 inches (50.8 mm) or larger, about 3 inches (76.2 mm) or larger, about 4 inches (101.6 mm) or larger, about 5 inches (127.0 mm) or larger, or about 6 inches (152.4 mm) or larger. In some embodiments, the second opening 116 may be within a range of about ¾ inch (19.1 mm) to about 1 inch (25.4 mm), about 1 inch (25.4 mm) to about 2 inches (50.8 mm), about 2 inches (50.8 mm) to about 3 inches (76.2 mm), about 3 inches (76.2 mm) to about 4 inches (101.6 mm), about 4 inches (101.6 mm) to about 5 inches (127.0 mm), or about 5 inches (127.0 mm) to about 6 inches (152.4 mm). The second opening 116 allows for the venting of air while the contents of the tight head drum or container 100 are being vented. The second opening 116 may be located in any suitable position in the upper head 106. As shown, the second opening 116 is located generally opposite the first opening 110. In some embodiments, the second opening 116 may be located near the outer periphery of the upper head 106. The second opening 116 may be sealed using a fitting, which may include a bung, a stopper, a threaded fitting, a lid with a closing ring, or other suitable fitting.

[0027] Figure 2 is a top view of the container of Figure 1. Disposed over the first opening 110 is a lid or cover 118. As shown, the lid or cover 118 may be an approximately 6 inch (152.4 mm) cover formed over the rim portion 112 of the first opening 110. However, the cover 118 may be less than or greater than 6 inches (152.4 mm). For example, the cover 118 can be about 3 / 4 inch (19.1 mm) or greater, about 1 inch (25.4 mm) or greater, about 2 inches (50.8 mm) or greater, about 3 inches (76.2 mm) or greater, about 4 inches (101.6 mm) or greater, about 5 inches (127.0 mm) or greater, about 6 inches (152.4 mm) or greater, about 7 inches (177.8 mm) or greater, about 8 inches (203.2 mm) or greater, about 9 inches (228.6 mm) or greater, about 10 inches (254.0 mm) or greater, or about 11 inches (279.4 mm) or greater. In some embodiments, cover 118 can be in the range of about ¾ inch (19.1 mm) to about 3 inches (76.2 mm), about 2 inches (50.8 mm) to about 4 inches (101.6 mm), about 4 inches (101.6 mm) to about 6 inches (152.4 mm), about 6 inches (152.4 mm) to about 8 inches (203.2 mm), about 8 inches (203.2 mm) to about 10 inches (254.0 mm), or about 10 inches (254.0 mm) to about 12 inches (304.8 mm). A peripheral edge or peripheral rim 120 of cover 118 can be configured to engage with liner 108 to form a leak-tight seam, thereby maintaining contents within the space defined by liner 108 and cover 118. The peripheral rim 120 of the cover 118 may include an engagement groove that mates with the annular bead 114 of the rim 112. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge or peripheral rim 120 of the cover 118 may be configured to engage the upper head 106 of the container 100 with an interference fit. In some embodiments, the cover or lid 118 may be threadably coupled to the rim 112 of the first opening. The cover 118 may be operably or removably secured to the rim 112 of the first opening 110 and may be configured to provide access to the contents stored in the container 100.In some embodiments, the cover 118 connects to the annular bead 114 of the rim portion 112 using a closing ring 122. In some embodiments, the closing ring 122 may be a steel closing ring. The closing ring may have a diameter of 6 inches (152.4 mm). However, the closing ring 122 may be smaller or larger than 6 inches (152.4 mm). For example, the closing ring 122 can be about 3 / 4 inch (19.1 mm) or more, about 1 inch (25.4 mm) or more, about 2 inches (50.8 mm) or more, about 3 inches (76.2 mm) or more, about 4 inches (101.6 mm) or more, about 5 inches (127.0 mm) or more, about 6 inches (152.4 mm) or more, about 7 inches (177.8 mm) or more, about 8 inches (203.2 mm) or more, about 9 inches (228.6 mm) or more, about 10 inches (254.0 mm) or more, or about 11 inches (279.4 mm) or more. In some embodiments, the closing ring 122 may be within the range of about 3 / 4 inch (19.1 mm) to about 3 inches (76.2 mm), about 2 inches (50.8 mm) to about 4 inches (101.6 mm), about 4 inches (101.6 mm) to about 6 inches (152.4 mm), about 6 inches (152.4 mm) to about 8 inches (203.2 mm), about 8 inches (203.2 mm) to about 10 inches (254.0 mm), or about 10 inches (254.0 mm) to about 12 inches (304.8 mm).

[0028] The peripheral rim 120 of the lid 118 may include an upper surface and a container / liner engagement portion. The upper surface of the lid 118 may be a generally flat, plate-like element having a peripheral edge that generally conforms to the shape of the first opening 110 and is slightly larger than the periphery or peripheral rim 120 of the first opening 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 110 and the cover 118 may be generally circular or round. In some examples, the first opening 110 may be square, triangular, or trapezoidal in shape, or may be another suitable shape. The lid 118 may include an engagement feature (e.g., a closing ring 122) disposed along the outer edge of the rim 112 to engage with the annular bead 114. In some embodiments, the closing ring 122 may include an engagement groove configured to engage the peripheral rim 120 of the lid 118.

[0029] The lid or cover 118, including the closing ring 122, may be made of any material. In certain embodiments, the lid 118 may be an injection-molded lid. As such, the lid 118 may be constructed of a plastic material or other injectable material. Other materials and processes for forming the lid 118 may also be used. In some embodiments, a portion of the lid 118 may be made of a relatively transparent or translucent material so that the contents and their color can be viewed without removing the lid 118.

[0030] In some embodiments, the lid or cover 118 may include a bung opening 124 for accessing the contents of the container 100 through the cover 118. In some embodiments, the bung opening 124 may be between about 3 / 4 inch (19.1 mm) and about 8 inches (203.2 mm). In some embodiments, the bung opening may be about 3 / 4 inch (19.1 mm) or greater, about 1 inch (25.4 mm) or greater, about 2 inches (50.8 mm) or greater, about 3 inches (76.2 mm) or greater, about 4 inches (101.6 mm) or greater, about 5 inches (127.0 mm) or greater, about 6 inches (152.4 mm) or greater, or about 7 inches (177.8 mm) or greater. In some examples, bung opening 124 can be in the range of about ¾ inch (19.1 mm) to about 3 inches (76.2 mm), about 2 inches (50.8 mm) to about 4 inches (101.6 mm), about 4 inches (101.6 mm) to about 6 inches (152.4 mm), about 6 inches (152.4 mm) to about 8 inches (203.2 mm), about 8 inches (203.2 mm) to about 10 inches (254.0 mm), or about 10 inches (254.0 mm) to about 12 inches (304.8 mm). As shown in FIG. 2 , the bung opening can include a bung 126 that seals bung opening 124. In some embodiments, the bung can be threadably coupled to or inserted into bung opening 124. In some examples, the bung can include a standard drum plug.

[0031] 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of container 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, diameter α of first opening 110 can be less than 20 inches (508.0 mm). In some examples, diameter α of first opening 110 can be less than 15 inches (381.0 mm), less than 10 inches (254.0 mm), or less than 8 inches (203.2 mm). In some examples, diameter α of first opening 110 can be approximately 6 inches (152.4 mm). In other embodiments, diameter α of first opening 110 can be less than 6 inches (152.4 mm). Diameter α can be 5 inches (127.0 mm) or less, 4 inches (101.6 mm) or less, or 3 inches (76.2 mm) or less. In some embodiments, the diameter α of the first opening 110 can be in a range from about 2 inches (50.8 mm) to about 4 inches (101.6 mm), from about 4 inches (101.6 mm) to about 6 inches (152.4 mm), from about 6 inches (152.4 mm) to about 8 inches (203.2 mm), from about 8 inches (203.2 mm) to about 10 inches (254.0 mm), from about 10 inches (254.0 mm) to about 12 inches (304.8 mm), from about 12 inches (304.8 mm) to about 15 inches (381.0 mm), from about 15 inches (381.0 mm) to about 18 inches (457.2 mm), or from about 18 inches (457.2 mm) to about 20 inches (508.0 mm). This opening allows the liner 108 to be easily installed and removed from the interior of the tight-head drum or container 100. Because the closing ring 122 is smaller than for an open-head drum, the container assembly is less expensive to manufacture because the closing ring is smaller and does not need to be as sturdy. Additionally, installing the cover 118 instead of a lid for an open-head drum is easier and more cost-effective.

[0032] The cover 118 allows access to the interior of the drum for placement of the liner 108. Once the liner is installed, the cover 118 may be sealed to the upper head 106 and access to the container may be through a bung opening 124. The liner 108 may be removable and replaceable.

[0033] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the container shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows the portions of the container assembly mated together. As shown, first opening 110 is a 6 inch (152.4 mm) opening. A rim portion 112 of first opening 110 includes an annular bead 114. A cover 118 is configured to couple to annular bead 114 to seal the cover to upper head 106. In some embodiments, cover 118 couples to annular bead 114 using a closing ring 122.

[0034] As shown, the diameter β of the bung opening 124 may be less than 4 inches (101.6 mm). In some embodiments, the diameter β of the bung opening 124 may be less than 3 inches (76.2 mm) or less than 2 inches (50.8 mm). In some embodiments, the diameter β of the bung opening 124 may be approximately 6 inches (152.4 mm). The bung opening 124 may be sealed with a bung 126 or may be sealed with a standard 2-inch (50.8 mm) drum fitting. Additionally, in some embodiments, a faucet or other fitting may be connected to the bung opening 124.

[0035] In use, the illustrated container 100 may be used for multiple types of contents. In some embodiments, the container 100 may be used to store, transport, and handle liquids. A liner 108 may be attached to or disposed within the container 100. That is, in some examples, the liner 108 may be attached to or disposed within the container 100, and the assembly may allow the liner 108 to be suspended from the first opening 110 or upper head 106 of the container 100. The liner 108 may be filled with the intended contents. A cover or lid 118 including a 2-inch (50.8 mm) bung opening 124 may be placed over the upper head 106 and liner 108 and may be attached between the annular bead 114 of the rim portion 112 and the closing ring 122 so that the liner slides over the annular bead 114. The liner 108 and / or lid 118 may be pressed or sealed onto the top head 106, or the liner 108 and / or lid 118 may be glued to the top head 106. The material in the container 100 may be accessed through the bung opening 124 by removing the bung 126. The bung 126 may be replaced as needed to access the material in the container 100.

[0036] The container 100 described herein may be advantageous for several reasons. A tight-head drum with a first opening 110 that is smaller in diameter than the cylindrical body 102 allows for insertion and removal of the liner 108 and is less expensive to manufacture than an open-head drum assembly. The bung opening 124 is located in a standard location on the tight-head drum and can accommodate standard fittings to access the contents of the container 100. Multiple components of the container 100 may be selectively sealed and / or opened for cleaning, liner removal, filling, or other operations. In this manner, the carbon footprint of waste disposal, transportation, and manufacturing is reduced. For example, the liner can be removed, folded, and recycled after use.

[0037] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, including preferred embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, functions may be separated or combined in different blocks or described using different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may be included within the scope of the disclosure, as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. a body section, an upper head, and a lower base; a first opening in the upper head, the diameter of the first opening being smaller than the diameter of the body, the first opening having a rim extending from the upper head; and a second opening in the upper head, the second opening including a vent; A container comprising:

2. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the rim of the first opening has an annular bead.

3. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the first opening comprises an opening between about 3 inches (76.2 mm) and about 12 inches (304.8 mm).

4. The container contained a cylindrical 55 gallon (0.208 m ３ 10. The container of claim 1, comprising a drum.

5. The container of claim 2 , wherein the container further comprises a cover configured to couple to the annular bead.

6. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the outer circumferential rim of the cover has an engagement groove for the annular bead of the rim.

7. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the cover connects to the annular bead using a closing ring.

8. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the cover has a bung opening fitting.

9. The container of claim 1 , further comprising a liner disposed within the container.

10. 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the liner is removable and replaceable.

11. a cylindrical body having a closed lower end and an upper end, said upper end including an opening of a smaller diameter than said cylindrical body; wherein the opening is sealed with a lid, and the lid is connected to the opening with a closing ring. A tight head drum with a

12. 12. The tight head drum of claim 11, wherein the opening is between about 3 inches (76.2 mm) and about 12 inches (304.8 mm).

13. 12. The tight head drum of claim 11, further comprising a liner disposed within the tight head drum, the liner comprising a material that is resistant to hazardous materials.

14. 12. The tight head drum of claim 11, wherein the top end further comprises a vent.

15. 12. The tight head drum of claim 11, wherein the lid has a steel cover.

16. 12. The tight head drum of claim 11, wherein the lid further comprises an opening between about 3 inches (76.2 mm) and about 12 inches (304.8 mm).

17. 17. A tight head drum according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the opening is configured to be sealed with a drum plug.

18. A drum with a lid, a closing ring for securing a drum lid to a first opening of the drum, the first opening having an annular beaded rim portion extending from an upper surface of the drum; and a second opening defined by the upper surface of the drum, wherein the second opening has a smaller diameter than the first opening; A drum with a lid.

19. 19. The lidded drum of claim 18, wherein the closing ring includes an engagement groove for engaging the annular bead on the outer peripheral rim of the drum lid.

20. 20. The lidded drum of claim 18 or 19, wherein the first opening has a circular diameter and the drum lid defines an opening having a smaller diameter than the first opening.

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