Container assembly, a lid, a lock band, an adapter, and a lid assembly for a container

Abstract

A container lid and lock band assembly includes a lid for a container and a lock band. The lock band is configured to extend loosely around the lid in an unclamped condition and to be closed in a clamped condition for securing the lid to a container. The assembly also includes a joint loosely connecting the lid and the lock band to one another in the unclamped condition.

Description

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY, A LID, A LOCK BAND, AN ADAPTER, AND A LID ASSEMBLY FOR A CONTAINERRelated Application Data

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 63 / 532,403 filed August 13, 2023 and under the title “Container Lid Lock Band and Lid Assembly for a Container.” The entire contents of this prior filed application are incorporated herein by this reference.Background1. Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed to lock bands for storage container lids, and more particularly to a lid, lock band, adapter, and lock band assembly for storage containers.2. Description of Related Art

[0003] Cylindrical containers of different sizes are known in the art for holding and storing many different types of materials. Such materials include solids, which may be pellets, granules, grains, particles, and the like. Such materials also include liquids, which may be chemicals, oils, paints, industrial materials, and the like. These types of containers come in a range of different shapes and sizes, including large fifty- five-gallon drums and small five-gallon buckets. These types of containers are sometimes constructed of a metal material such as steel. These types of containers are sometimes constructed of a fiber material and have a metal chime around the top and a steel closure at the bottom. These types of containers are also sometimes constructed of a molded plastic material, and particularly the smaller sized containers such as 5 gallon bucket type containers.

[0004] Material storage containers of this type include a removable lid, which is used to close off the open top of the container. The lids are typically formed from stamped metal or molded plastic. The lids are then secured onto the drums by a ring clamp or lock band. Such clamps or lock bands have a channel to capture a rim of the lid-to-container interface. An over-center lever is generally used to draw the ends of the ring clamp or lock band structure together. The lock band thus secures the lid in place on the container.

[0005] The lids and lock bands are typically manufactured, transported, stored, and installed as separate items to be installed on the containers. Thus, the lids and lock bands require two skews for transport, distribution, and tracking purposes. The lids and lock bands also require two separate storage areas in a facility where the containers are fdled and where the lids and lock bands are installed to seal the containers. The lids and lock bands also require separate handling by personnel within these facilities, such as the personnel installing the lids and the personnel installing and securing the lock bands in place. The lids and lock bands can also become separated during use. Thus, a user may have difficulty locating the lid or lock band when needed, or may have trouble locating or identifying, during use, the correct lid or lock band to match with the other, if the user has several different varieties on hand.

[0006] The number of different parts can add complexity and increase the cost of the manufacturing and filling processes. These issues can also result in either the lids or the lock bands being incorrectly selected and mated for a given container, if more than one size or type of container, lid, and / or lock band is being handled within the same facility. Such errors can create downstream problems with leakage or unintentional lock band or lid removal or detachment during shipping or handling.[0007| Also, many containers of the same size, and particularly in the smaller container category, such as five gallon containers or buckets, have slightly different top opening sizes and / or different top rim constructions or structures. Thus, each container may require a different, unique design for a lid and / or lock band for proper fit. This again can result in either poor fit of the lid once it is installed or the need to make, store, and manage numerous slightly different lid and / or lock band variations to accommodate these issues. Also, some OEM lids on these types of containers may crack or break when first opened. Thus, re-using the lid is either not possible or will result in a poor seal for the container.Summary

[0008] In one example according to the teachings of the present disclosure, a container lid and lock band assembly includes a lid for a container and a lock band. The lock band is configured to extend loosely around the lid in an unclamped condition and to be closed in a clamped condition for securing the lid to a container.A joint is configured to connect the lid and the lock band to one another in the unclamped condition.

[0009] In one example, the lid, a body of the lock band, or both can be formed of a plastic material.

[0010] In one example, the joint can include a connector protruding from the lid and an aperture formed in a surface of the lock band. The connector can be inserted into the aperture to connect the lid and the lock band.

[0011] In one example, the joint can include a pair fingers that are spaced from one another and are resiliently flexible. The fingers can protrude from an edge of the lid.

[0012] In one example, each finger of the pair of fingers can include a catch. The catches can protrude outward in a direction away from one another. The fingers can be configured to be forcibly received one way through the aperture, bending toward one another to clear the catches through the aperture. The catches can inhibit the fingers from being reversed the other way back through the aperture.

[0013] In one example, the fingers can be configured to be manually bent toward one another to release the catches and separate the lid from the lock band.

[0014] In one example, the pair of fingers can be formed integrally as a part of the lid.

[0015] In one example, the assembly can also include an adapter configured to attach to the top opening of a container and to receive the lid and the lock band assembly attached thereto.

[0016] In one example, the adapter can include a channel configured to receive therein a top edge of a range of different containers, adapting the lid and the lock band to the range of different containers.

[0017] In one example, the lock band can include a lever movable between a clamped position and an unclamped position. The lever can snap into the clamped position.

[0018] In one example, the lever can produce an audible snapping sound when moved to the clamped position.

[0019] In one example, the lock band can include a lock tab protruding therefrom and the lever can include a gap to receive the lock tab in the closed or clamped position. A protrusion can be provided on the lever, the aperture, the lock tab, and / or any combination thereof to result in the lever snapping into the clamped position.

[0020] Tn one example according to the teachings of the present disclosure, a container assembly includes a container having a top opening, an adapter installed on a top edge of the container around the top opening, a lid for closing off the top opening of the container, and a lock band configured to extend loosely around the lid in an unclamped position and to be moved to a clamped position for securing the lid to the adapter.

[0021] In one example, the container assembly can further include a joint configured to loosely connect the lid and the lock band to one another to form a lid and lock band combination in the unclamped position.

[0022] In one example according to the teachings of the present disclosure a lock band is provided for securing a lid to a container. The lock band includes a lock band body have a generally circular shape, a split in the lock band body defining two ends thereof, and a lever connected to the lock band body. The lever is configured to be moved between an unclamped position and a clamped position in which the diameter of the lock band body is reduced. The lever is also configured to snap into the clamped position.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The drawings provided herewith illustrate one or more examples or embodiments of the disclosure and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. There may be other examples and embodiments that may be equally effective to achieve the objectives and that may fall within the scope of the disclosure. Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention should become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of one example of a container assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B show exploded views of one example of a lid assembly for a container in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of one example of the lid assembly of FIGS. 2A and 2B in an assembled condition.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a lid assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the components of the lid assembly taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

[0029] FIG. 6 a close up view of the right hand side portion of the cross-section of assembly in FIG 5.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows a close up view of a side portion of a lid adapter in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGS. 8A-8C show a progression of views of a lever and part of a lock band from a connected but open position to a connected and partly closed position in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIGS. 9A and 9B show perspective views of the lock band of FIGS. 8A-8C but in a closed position.

[0033] FIGS. 10A and 10B show close up perspective views of the lock band and lever of FIGS. 8A-8C in the unclamped or open position.

[0034] FIGS. 11A and 1 IB show close up views of the lock band and lever of FIGS. 9A and 9B in the clamped position.

[0035] FIGS. 12 and 13 show perspective views of an unassembled lid and lock band in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 14 shows a portion of the lid of FIGS. 12 and 13 and depicting a connector portion of a joint for loosely assembling the lid and lock band.

[0037] FIG. 15 shows a portion of the lock band of FIGS. 12 and 13 and depicting an aperture portion of a joint for loosely assembling the lid and the lock band.

[0038] FIG. 16 shows a bottom view of the lid and lock band assembly of FIGS. 12 and 13 and loosely assembled.

[0039] FIG. 17 shows a close up view of the assembled joint depicted in FIG. 16.

[0040] FIG. 18 shows another example of a lock band according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0041] The use of the same reference numbers or characters throughout the written description and drawings indicates similar or identical components, aspects, and features of the disclosure.Detailed Description

[0042] Aspects of the present disclosure are to provide container assemblies, lids, adapters, lock bands, and assemblies that solve or improve upon one or more of the above-noted and / or other problems and disadvantages with prior known container assemblies, lids, and lock bands. The disclosed lid and lock band assemblies can be used for various container sizes and lid styles. The lock bands and lid and lock band assemblies are not limited to a particular bucket or container configuration. The disclosed lock bands and lid and lock band assemblies may be constructed to join a lock band to a lid for which the lid is intended to be used. The joined lid and lock band parts together form one embodiment of a disclosed lock band assembly.

[0043] The joined lid and lock band may include an adapter as a part of the assembly. The adapter can clip or snap onto the top opening structure of a container or bucket and the lid and lock band can attach to the adapter instead of directly to the container or bucket. In the combined or joined arrangement, the lid and lock band, and the adapter, if utilized, can be transported, distributed, stored, and installed as one part. The disclosed lid and lock band, and adapter if utilized, can also be identified as a single skew number for tracking purposes during shipping, storage, and installation at a facility. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed lock bands and lock band assemblies may become apparent upon reading this disclosure.

[0044] The specification does not necessarily describe all elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Descriptions of elements or components well- known in the art to which the present disclosure pertains or overlapping or repetitive descriptions have been omitted.

[0045] It should be understood that, when an element is referred to as being “connected” to another element, it can be directly or indirectly connected to the other element. An indirect connection includes one or more intervening elements or parts among or between two connected elements.

[0046] It should be understood that the terms "include," “comprise”, “have,” and the like, and variations thereof, when used in the present disclosure, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components. The terms do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0047] It should be understood that, where it is stated in the present disclosure that an element is located “on” another element, the element may be in direct contact with the other element or yet another element may be present between the one element “on” the other element.

[0048] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., and other such similar terms may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These types of terms are used merely to distinguish among various elements, unless expressly stated to the contrary.Similarly, the terms “up,” “upward,” “down,” “downward,” and the like are used for reference as relative directional terms. It should be understood that these terms are also not strictly limiting, unless expressly stated herein.

[0049] It should be understood that the use of singular forms is intended to include the plural forms as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, when a component, device, element, or the like of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, or the like, the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being “configured to” meet that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0050] Reference numerals, which may be used for method steps, are used for convenience of explanation, but not to limit an order of the steps. Thus, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the written order may be practiced otheiwise.

[0051] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows one example of a container assembly 50 of a type in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The container assembly 50 is depicted in a generic form in the drawings. In this example, the container assembly 50 has a container 52, an adapter 60 installed on the top opening structure of the container, a lid 70 closing the top opening of the container, and a lock band 80 securing the lid to the adapter and thus the container. FIG. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of the container assembly 50 and FIGS. 2A and2B illustrate different angle views, without the container, of the lid 70 separated from the lock band 80 and adapter 60, and with the lock band 80 open or unlocked. The lock band 80 can be closed or clamped (see FIG. 3) around a perimeter 82 of the lid 80 and a top opening 62 of the adapter 62, and thus the container to secure the lid in place. The lid 70 and lock band 80 in FIGS. 1-3 could be generic, existing components configured to be connected to one another as described herein, and then used with or without the novel adapter 60. Alternatively, the lid 70 and lock band 80 may be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and connected to one another in the manner described herein, and then also used with or without the adapter 60.

[0052] The embodiments described and shown herein show only example embodiments of the many possible variations and constructions of both the lid 70 and the lock band 80, as well as the adapter 60. The lid 70 and lock band 80 can each vary in size, shape, contour, features, and the like within the scope of the present disclosure. A seal (not shown) may be provided between a lid and a lip of the container or between the adapter and a lip of the container, to which the lid assembly is attached. The seal, if provided, may have a structure that can also vary within the scope of the present disclosure.[00531 The container 52 in this example can be a conventional plastic bucket, such as a five-gallon bucket. The container has a closed bottom (not shown) and a somewhat cylindrical, though vertically tapered, side wall 54 extending up from the closed bottom. The side wall terminates at a top edge (not shown), which surrounds and can define the top opening of the container. The top edge can vary from container manufacturer to container manufacturer. Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the adapter 60 has a U-shaped, downward facing annular channel 90 configured to fit over the top edge of the container 52. The channel 90 can have one or more ribs 92 protruding inward from an inner side wall 94 and / or an outer side wall 96 of the channel 90. The ribs 92 can be configured to create a snap on or snap over connection between the adapter 60 and the container top edge.

[0054] An upper wall 98 extends upward from a top wall 100 of the closed end of the channel 90 on the adapter 60. The channel 90, including the side walls 94, 96 and the top wall 100 and upper wall 98, are circumferential in nature, extending around the entire perimeter of the adapter 60. The upper wall 98 terminates at its upper endat a lip 102 that can be an annular lip that protrudes radially outward from a top edge 104 of the upper wall 98. The lip 102 and top edge 104 of the adapter 60 may be described as defining or forming an upper rim of the adapter 60. If no adapter is provided, the container 52 may include a similar lip, top edge, and upper wall that wall may be part of the container side wall 54 or an extension thereof.

[0055] The shape of the container lip or the adapter lip 102 at the top of a side wall, such as the upper wall 98 on the adapter 60, to which the lid 70 and the lock band 80 attach can also vary in size, shape, contour, and features. In other words, the lid 70 and the lock band 80 can be constructed to accommodate the particulars of the container 50 or the adapter 60, such as the upper wall 98 and lip 102 configurations. Likewise, the adapter 60, if provided, can be sized and shaped to accommodate a variety of different container lip sizes, shapes, and diameters, within a reasonable range, and then be configured to accommodate a specific lid 70 and lock band 80 configuration. Details of alternate structures of containers are not described in detail herein.

[0056] The container 50, adapter 60, and lid 70 may each be constructed in many different shapes, sizes, and forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As noted above, the material or materials from which the container 50, adapter 60, and lid 70 are made can also vary. The container 50 may be molded as a one-piece plastic structure, as in the present example. Instead, the container can be formed of multiple steel components that are welded together or otherwise suitably assembled. The container can instead be made having a fiber material side wall with an attached steel bottom, a steel chime around the top opening, and a steel chime around the bottom, if desired. The shape and configuration of the upper rim, including the top edge and the lip, can also vary from the example described herein and yet perform as intended. The lock band 80, lid 70, and adapter 60, if used, can be designed to accommodate different sized and shaped upper rim and lid features on the container or adapter. The lid and adapter can also be formed of any suitable material.

[0057] In one example, still referring to FIGS. 1-7, the lid 70 has a top panel 110 that is generally disc shaped and sized to cover the top opening of the container 52. The top panel 110 may have contoured, non-flat feature or features on the top panel, which may extend circumferentially around the lid 70. In this example, the top panel 110 has a top side 112 defining an upper surface of the lid 70 and an underside 114defining a lower surface of the lid. The lid 70 has a lid rim 116 that extends around and is connected to a perimeter of the top panel 110 and in turn defines the outer periphery of the lid. In one example, the lid rim 1 16 has a channel section 118, defined by a wall 120. The wall 120 contoured or curved upward in the direction of the top side 112 and radially outward relative to the adjacent perimeter of the top panel 110. The channel section 118 forms a downwardly open channel 122 facing toward the top edge of the container 52 and / or the top edge 104 of the adapter 60. The lid rim 1 16 also has an annular bead 124 extending radially outward along the free edge of the channel section 118. The bead 124 is an outwardly thicker section of the channel section 118 and is configured to add strength and rigidity to the perimeter of the lid 70.

[0058] In this example, the channel section 118 is contoured in cross-section. The wall 120 of the channel section 118 is a continuously curved U or C shape, which is concave in the direction of the underside 114 of the top panel 1 10 and convex in the direction of the top side 112. The channel 122 is defined on the concave underside of the wall 120. The upper rim, i.e., the top edge and lip of the container 52, or as in this example, the top edge 104 and upper wall 98 of the adapter 60, can be configured having a shape that corresponds with and fits within the shape of the lid channel 122. Thus, the upper rim of the container 52 or adapter 60 can seat within the channel 122 of the lid rim 116.

[0059] The wall 120 of the channel section 118 on the lid rim 116 includes an inverted U or C shape in cross-section. The lid rim 116, i.e., the wall 120 of the channel section 118, has an annular inner wall portion 126 that extends around the top panel 110 and protrudes up from the perimeter of the top panel 110. An annular inner flange portion 128 is a continuation of the inner wall portion 126 and extends downward below the top panel 110. The lid rim 116 also has an annular outer wall portion 130 that extends around the lid rim and that is spaced radially outward relative to the inner wall portion 126, and which terminates at the bead 124. In this example, the inner and outer wall portions 126, 130 are connected to one another at their respective upper ends by a shoulder portion 132 of the wall 120 that bridges the space between the wall portions. The wall 120 is elevated relative to the adjacent portion of the top panel 110 in one example. The channel section 118 of the lid rim 116, i.e., the wall 120, inclusive of the inner and outer wall portions 126, 130 and the shoulderportion 132, combine to define the upwardly closed channel 122 under the lid rim between the inner and outer wall portions. When the lid 70 is attached to the container 52 or, as in this example, the adapter 60 to close off the top opening of the container, the top edge of the container or the top edge 104 of the adapter rim seats in the channel 122. If provided, a seal may be sandwiched between the top edge and the surfaces of the channel. The seal may be a separate component or may be provided as a part of the lid 70 or of the container 52 or adapter 60.

[0060] The lock band 80 is used to secure the lid 70 onto the container 52, either directly or indirectly through the adapter 60. The configuration and construction of the lock band 70 can also vary considerably and yet function as intended. Thus, the lock band 70 is only described generically herein, as these types of lock bands are generally known in the art. In this example, ith reference to FIGS. 1-3, the lock band 70 includes an elongate, discontinuous, circular, or ring-shaped body 140 defining a split ring structure. In other words, the body 140 has a split 142 that creates a first end 144a and a second end 144b that can be separated or disengaged from one another when the lock band 80 is in an opened configuration, as in FIGS. 1, 2A. and 2B.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, the first and second ends 144a, 144b are joined to or engaged with one another, indirectly, when the lock band 80 is in the closed configuration of FIGS. 9A and 9B. The lock band 80 has a handle or lever 146 connected to the body 140 via a pivotable snap connection 148, such as on or near the second end 144b. A connecting bar 150 on the other or first end 144a of the body 140 is received and captured in an openable track 152 on the lever 146. The bar 150 can enter the track 152 at the openable end and then can slide and snap into the opposite end of the track. The lever 146 can function having an over-center quality, pivoting about the pivot connection 148, pulling the bar 150 so that the two ends 144a, 144b are drawn toward one another. The lever 146 can secure the first and second ends 144a, 144b of the lock band 80 to one another so that the body circumferentially shrinks to a smaller diameter and clamps onto the container or the adapter and the lid. The pivot connection 148 and the bar 150 are positioned such that the lever 146 is in an over center condition when closed to aid in the lever and lock band 80 slaying closed.

[0062] In the disclosed example, the body 140 of the lock band 80 has a somewhat C-like shape when viewed in cross-section. The body 140 has a wall 160 with an upper section or top leg 162 that is oriented generally horizontally in this example. A free end of the top leg 162 may include a bead 164, similar to the lid 70, to add strength and rigidity to the body 140. The wall 160 of the body 140 also has a lower section or bottom leg 166 that is spaced from and below the top leg 162. The bottom leg 166 is also oriented generally horizontally in this example. The wall 160 of the body 140 also has a vertical leg 168 or wall section that extends between and connects the top and bottom legs 162, 166 to define the C-type cross-section shape of the body 140. The wall 160 also includes an annular contact flange 170 extending around and protruding downward from an inner edge of the bottom leg 166. The use herein of horizontal, vertical, top, bottom, and the like means only with reference to the normal, upright, in-use orientation of the container assembly 50, including the lock band 80.

[0063] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the wall 160 of the body 140 can be formed with a rounded cross-section having no readily discernable horizontal or vertical legs, comers, or the like. Alternatively, the legs can be formed so as not to be specifically or precisely straight or linear and / or so as not to be precisely or specifically vertical or horizontal, depending on the construction of a given container, adapter, and lid structure. The shape in cross-section of the body 140 is configured to clamp the lid 70 onto the container 52 or, as in this example, the adapter 60, as discussed further below.

[0064] The C-shape of the body 140 of the lock band 80 creates a ring channel 172 that is formed by a combination of the top leg 162, the vertical leg 168. and the bottom leg 166. The ring channel 172 is concave in a radially inward facing direction. The ring channel 172 can be sized to forcibly or interferingly receive therein and snap onto the assembled combination of the lid rim 116 and container rim or, as in this example, the adapter rim. including the top edge 104 and the lip 102. In one example, the top leg 162 may be slightly downtumed at an inner edge, i.e., at the bead 164. The inner edge can be angled slightly downward relative to horizontal or relative to a plane of a majority7of the top leg 162. The bottom leg 166 can be slightly angled downward in a direction toward the contact flange 170 to aid in attaching the lock band 80 to the container 52 or adapter 60 and the lid 70, when assembled. The contact flange 170 can also be oriented at a desired angle relative to the bottom leg166 so that the flange lies flat or flush against the side wall 54 of the container 52 or, as in this example, the upper wall 98 of the adapter 60.

[0065] When the lid 70 is placed over the top opening of the container 52 or adapter 60. the container or adapter rim. including the top edge 104 and the lip 102, are positioned under and align with the channel 122 of the lid rim 1 1 . See FIGS. 5 and 6, for example. In one example, the top edge 104 of the container or adapter rim can be formed having a curved or rounded surface, which can be similar to or mirror the shape of the channel 122 of the lid 70. The seal, if present, can be provided within the channel 122, if desired. Alternatively, the seal, if present, could be provided on the container 52 or adapter top edge 104, if desired, although such a seal might hinder fdling or dispensing contents from the container. As the lid 70 is lowered on the container 52 or adapter 60. the seal, if any, engages the surface of the top edge 104 of the container 52 or adapter 60. In one example, the seal can be centered within the channel 122 of the lid 70. When the lid 70 is pushed further onto the container 52 or adapter 60, the seal can be deformed to create a liquid tight seal between the lid 70 and the container 52 or adapter 60 within the channel 122.

[0066] When the lock band 80 is not secured around the assembled lid 70 and the container 52 or, if used, the adapter 60, a vertical gap may be defined between the free edge of the top leg 162 and the inner edge of the bottom leg 166 of the body 140 of the lock band 80. The gap can be sized to permit easy or forced attachment to the container 52 or adapter 60 and the lid 70. When under no tension, the gap can be less than the distance between the assembled or installed combination of a lowermost free edge of the lip 102 on the container 52 or adapter 60 and the upper most point on the surface of the lid rim 116. To install the opened lock band 80, the body 140 can be forced circumferentially onto the assembled lid 70 and container 52 or adapter 60 rims. The gap into the ring channel 172 may be forcibly expanded, forcing the top leg 162 and bottom leg 166 further apart. The body 140 can be “zipped” around and / or snapped onto the assembled lid 70 and container 52 or adapter 60 from one end 144a or 144b to the other. This can be done until the top leg 162 of the body 140 snaps completely over the surface on the channel section 118 around the lid rim 116, the bottom leg 166 of the body seats completely under the lip 102 around the container 52 or adapter rim, or both. The lever 146 can then be utilized to close the lock band 80 and secure the lock band in place. See FIG 3, for example.

[0067] The lever 146 and its attachment to the lock band body 140 can also vary in configuration, construction, and function within the scope of the present disclosure. See FIGS. 8A-8C, 10A, and 10B, for example. In this example, the lever 146 of the lock band 80 is an over-center lever that is pivotally and, optionally, detachably connected to the ring body 140. The lever 146 can have an elongate grip section 180 at one end that can be easily grasped by a user and that can provide mechanical advantage to clamp the lock band 80 closed. The other end of the lever can be a pivot section including at least part of the pivotable snap connection 148 that is connectable to the ring body 140 of the lock band 80. The lever 146 in this example is generally U- or C-shaped in cross-section and has an outer vertical wall 182 that extends between and connects an upper wall 184 with a lower wall 186. respectively. Thus, when the lever 146 is closed, the lever can seat over the adjacent portion of the lock band body 140, as needed, to be flush with the body.

[0068] The pivot section or pivotable snap connection 148 of the lever 146 can vary widely in configuration and construction. A pivot pin 188 can be integrally formed as a part of the lever 146, as in this example, or as a part of the one end 144b of the body 140 of the lock band 80. A snap hook 190 can be configured on the other of the pivot section or the lever or, as in this example, the one end 144b of the lock band body 140. The pin 188 can engage and pivot about the hook 190, and the pin can be snapped into the hook. The other end 144a of the lock band body 140 can include the bar 150 extending between the ring body legs 162, 166 within a cut out or slot 192 in the end of the body. The lever can include the slot or track 152 that captures the bar 150 to connect the lever 146 to the other end of the lock band body 80. A proximal end of the slot can include a snap notch into which the bar 150 can be snapped and where the bar resides during pivoting and closing of the lock band 80. See FIGS. 8A-8C, 10A, and 10B. Pivoting the lever 146 will draw the other end 144a of the lock band body 140 toward the one end 144b, with the bar moving over center relative to the hook 190 and the first pin 188 and pivotable snap connection 148 between the lever and the body. This over center action reduces the diameter of the lock band 80 to clamp the lock band onto the lid 70 and container 52 or adapter 60.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a lock tab 200 can protrude outward from a surface of the lock band body 146. such as from the vertical leg 168. The lock tab 200 can protrude through a hole or gap 202 in the lever 146 between the upper andlower walls 184, 186, when clamped or in the closed or locked condition. See FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11 A, and 1 IB. The gap 202 can be defined between two spaced apart flanges 204 that are resilient and protrude inward toward one another from the upper and lower walls 184, 186 of the lever 146. The lock tab 200 can have an aperture 206 that is exposed through the slot or track 152. A lock (not shown), such as a lock strap, lock tie, zip tie, padlock, or the like can be slid through the track 152 and the aperture 206 to lock the lever 146 in place, if desired, during use. The lever 146 may also have a lock tab (not shown) with an aperture that aligns with the aperture 206 in the tab 200 on the lock band 80 or ring body 140. The lock can be threaded through both aligned apertures for a more robust lock feature, if desired.

[0070] The other or clamping end 144a of the lock band body 140, i.e., may comprise a stepped-up segment 210 that is slightly larger than the adjacent lock band body portion on the one end 144b. This stepped-up segment 210 is configured to nest over the lock band body 140 of the one end 144b when the lock band 80 is clamped or closed on the lid 70 and the container 52 or adapter 60. This stepped-up segment 210 can include the lever slot 192 for lever clearance when the lock band is closed. The bar 150 extends across the stepped up end 210 and lever slot 192. as shown. When closed or clamped, the lever 146 can pivot into the slot 192 to also enable a substantially flush configuration when the lock band 80 is clamped or closed.

[0071] According to the teachings of the present disclosure, the lid 70 and lock band 80 may be configured to form a combination by being joined to one another. In one example as shown in FIGS. 12-16, the lock band body 140 can be joined to the rim 116 of the lid 70 via ajoint. The lock band body 140 can have a hole, bore, or receptacle 220 formed through a portion of the body, as in FIGS. 12 and 14. In this example, a hole 220 is formed through the vertical leg 168 of the C-shaped wall of the lock band body 140. The hole 220 is formed relatively opposite the split 142 or separation in the lock band body 140. In this example, a hood or handle 218 is provided on and protrudes radially outward from the channel section 118 of the lid rim 1 16. The hood or handle 218 is positioned to be aligned with the hole 220 and will partly conceal and cover the joint when the lid and lock band 80 are assembled. This will aid in preventing disassembly of the joint, whether intentional or unintentional.

[0072] The lid 70 in this example includes a pair of flexible fingers 222 that are spaced apart from one another and protruding from the lid, as in FIGS, 13 and 15. In this example, the fingers 222 protrude radially outward from the outer facing side or surface of the outer wall portion 130 of the channel section 118 on the lid 70. Each finger 222 has an angled, wider tip extending laterally (circumferentially relative to the lid) that forms a detent or catch 224. The detents 224 extend opposite and away from one another on the spaced apart fingers 222.

[0073] To assemble the lid 70 and lock band 80 combination, the fingers 222 are forced through the hole 220 or aperture in the lock band body 140 from the inner side of the band. The fingers 222 can resiliently flex toward one another and be pushed into and through the hole 220 or aperture. Once the detents 224 pass through the hole 220 in the lock band body 140, the detents snap past the edge of the hole and the fingers 222 return to their normal state or position. The detents or catches 224 then hold or retain the fingers 222 in the hole 220 or aperture and thus retain the lid 70 and lack band 80 connected to one another as a combination or assembly.

[0074] The lid 70 and lock band 80 can also be attached to the adapter 60 by locking the lid and lock band onto the top edge 104 and lip 102 of the adapter. Thus, all three components can be joined to form a combination or assembly, if desired.

[0075] Thus, whether the lock band 80 is clamped or closed or whether it is unclamped or open, the lock band will remain connected to the lid 70. In the open or unlocked condition, the lock band diameter is larger than that of the lid diameter. This can allow for the lock band 80 to be installed and fit around and then clamped onto the lid 70 and a container 52 or adapter 60, once the lid is placed over the top opening of the container and / the adapter.

[0076] The fingers 222 can be an integral part of the lid 70 or can be a separate part attached to the lid. Likewise, the hole 220 or aperture can be formed through the lock band body. In other examples, different types of complementary connectors may be employed on the lock band 80 and the lid 70 to join the two parts. Also, the hole 220 and the fingers 222 or connectors can be reversed on the two parts, if desired. However, the fingers or connectors must not interfere with the tight or sealed connection between the lid and the container or adapter and between the lid and the lock band.

[0077] The lock band 80 in a partly open and partly separated, but not detached, condition relative to the lid is shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 shows a close up view of the joint. The connectors or fingers 222 can be resiliency flexible enough and long enough to permit some movement of the lock band 80 relative to the lid 70 while maintaining the connection between the two parts. This can aid in first installing the lid 70 on a container 52 and / or an adapter 60, and then in positioning the lock band 80 around the container and / or adapter and the lid prior to clamping the lock band onto the lid and the container and / or adapter.

[0078] Alternatively, it is possible that the fingers and the hole or aperture can be placed elsewhere on the lid and the lock band. The fingers can be placed anywhere around the lid circumference, as the lid is likely of a uniform construction, other than the fingers or connectors. The hole or aperture can be placed closer to or very near either of the lock band ends instead of opposite the opening, separation, or gap in the lock band. Other joint examples are also possible, as long as the lid and lock band can be loosely joined to one another to form a combination of the two parts.

[0079] The lock band 80 can include a handle section somewhere around the circumference of the body 140. In the disclose example, the lock band 80 has the handle section or hood 226 disposed opposite the gap. separation, or split 142 on the lock band body 140. The handle 218 can also aid in grasping and manipulating the lock band 80 and the assembly by adding an extra grip.

[0080] Also, the slot or track 152 in the lever 146 can be bound by a flexible top portion 230, which allows the bar 150 to be inserted into the track. The flexible top portion 230 can then be formed to snap into place on the lever 146 body to keep the top portion in place assembled to the lever body and to keep the slot or track 152 closed.

[0081] Further, the lever 146 can be configured to "‘snap’7onto the lock ring body 140 when in the clamped or closed position. In one example, the lock tab 200 can include one or more ramped protrusions or wedges 232 projecting from the side surfaces of the tab. These protrusions 232 can engage, i.e., snap over, the ribs or flanges, i.e., stand-offs 204 on the inside of the lever 146 when the lever is closed onto the lock band body 140. Such a configuration can provide at least two benefits. First, the snap feature generates an audible snapping sound as the protrusions 232clear the flanges 204. This can aid in knowing when the lever is completely closed. The snap protrusions 232, with the aid of the flanges 204 within the lever 146, can aid in retaining the lever in the closed or clamped position, at least until the lever is locked using the lock tab as described above. In one example, one protrusion 232 can be provided on one side of the tab 200 and another protrusion 232 can be provided on the other side of the tab. The two snaps can be provided at opposite comers or ends of the ab 200 as well. See FIG. 6 for example.

[0082] The hook 190 and pin pivot 188 connection of the lever 146 and lock band 80, and the nested nature of the various parts in the closed or clamped condition can be designed to hide the details of the components. A part of the lock ring body 140 or the lever 146, or both, can be designed to cover the joint or connecting parts between the lid 70 and lock band 80, as well as the lock band locking or clamping components. This can hide their appearance and provide some protection from contact or tampering damage.

[0083] In another example, and especially for larger containers such as 55 gallon drum containers, the lock band body 140 can include additional ribs 240 on the lock ring body. See FIG. 18. The ribs 240 can protrude outward from the C-shaped wall 160. One or more of the ribs 240 can extend circumferentially around the outside of the lock band body. One or more of the ribs 240 can extend axially across the lock band body. A number of the axially extending ribs 240 can be spaced apart around the circumference of the body. The ribs 240 can be provided to add strength and rigidity to the body 140, particularly for larger diameter lock bands 80. The ribs 240 can also be added for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the lock band 80.

[0084] Although certain lid and lock band assemblies and combination and lid, lock band, and adapter assemblies and combinations for containers have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A container lid and lock band assembly, the assembly compnsing: a lid for a container; a lock band configured to extend loosely around the lid in an unclamped condition, the lock band also configured to be closed in a clamped condition for securing the lid to a container; and a joint connecting the lid and the lock band to one another in the unclamped condition.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid is formed of a plastic material.

3. The assembly of claim 1. wherein a body of the lock band is formed of a plastic material.

4. The assembly of claim 1. wherein the joint includes a connector protruding from the lid and an aperture formed in a surface of the lock band, the connector inserted into the aperture to connect the lid and the lock band.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the connector includes a pair fingers that are spaced from one another and are resiliently flexible, the fingers protruding from an edge of the lid.

6. The assembly of claim 5, where each finger of the pair of fingers includes a catch, wherein the catches protrude outward in a direction aw ay from one another, wherein the fingers are configured to be forcibly received one way through the aperture, bending toward one another to clear the catches through the aperture.and wherein the catches inhibit the fingers from being reversed the other way back through the aperture.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the fingers are configured to be manually bent toward one another to release the catches and separate the lid from the lock band.

8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the pair of fingers is formed integrally as a part of the lid.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adapter configured to attach to the top opening of a container and configured to receive the lid and the lock band assembly attached thereto.

10. The assembly of claim 9. wherein the adapter includes a channel configured to receive therein a top edge of a range of different containers, adapting the lid and the lock band to the range of different containers.1 1 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein lock band includes a lever movable between a clamped position and an unclamped position and wherein the lever snapping into the clamped position.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the lever produces an audible snapping sound when moved to the clamped position.

13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the lock band includes a lock tab protruding therefrom, wherein the lever includes a gap configured to receive the lock tab in the closed or clamped position, and wherein a protrusion is provided on thelever, the aperture, the lock tab, and / or any combination thereof to result in the lever snapping into the clamped position.

14. A container assembly comprising: a container having a top opening; an adapter installed on a top edge of the container around the top opening; a lid for closing off the top opening of the container; a lock band configured to extend loosely around the lid in an unclamped position and to be moved to a clamped position for securing the lid to the adapter.

15. The container assembly of claim 14, further comprising: a joint loosely connecting the lid and the lock band to one another to form a lid and lock band combination in the unclamped position.

16. A lock band for securing a lid to a container, the lock band comprising: a lock band body have a generally circular shape; a split in the lock band body defining two ends thereof; a lever connected to the lock band body and configured to be moved betw een an unclamped position and a clamped position in which the diameter of the lock band body is reduced, wherein the lever is configured to snap into the clamped position.

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