Patent Publication Number: US-11040804-B2

Title: Bin and lid locking bands and methods of using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/480,290, filed Apr. 5, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to locking bands for securing storage bins and lids together. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Lids and containers are used to store and/or transport a variety of items. Lids are conventionally secured to containers by installing two or more locks (e.g., a combination or key padlock) through one or more pairs of corresponding openings in the lid and the container. However, installing and removing these locks may time-consuming and/or cumbersome. Additionally, a series of discrete locks does not supply uniform pressure around the entire periphery of the interface between the lid and the container. Instead, greater pressure is applied at the discrete locations at which the locks are installed compared to the regions between the locks. Accordingly, the lid may be susceptible to separate from the container in the regions that are not engaged by the one or more locks. Depending on the nature of the contents stored in the container, the separation between the lid and the container may permit the contents to be undesirably accessed while the lid is still locked to the container and/or may permit the contents to fall out of the container. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of a locking band for securing two components together, such as a lid to a container. In one embodiment, the locking band includes a first arm and a second arm configured to mate with the first arm. The first and second arms are configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The locking band also includes an inwardly-facing channel defined by the first and second arms that is configured to receive a peripheral portion of the lid and a corresponding peripheral portion of the container. One or more alignment pins are at a first end of one of the first and second arms. One or more alignment receptacles are defined at a first end of the other one of the first and second arms. The one or more alignment receptacles are configured to receive the one or more alignment pins when the first and second arms are in the engaged position. 
     The one or more alignment pins may be cylindrical projections extending outward from the first end of the first arm and the one or more alignment receptacles may be cylindrical blind holes extending inward from the first end of the second arm. The locking band may have a rectangular shape when the first and second arms are in the engaged position. The inwardly-facing channel may be defined by a first flange configured to engage a surface of the peripheral portion of the lid, a second flange spaced apart from the first flange configured to engage a surface of the peripheral portion of the container, and a sidewall extending between the first and second flanges. The locking band may also include at least one notch defined in the second flange that is configured to expose a portion of the surface of the peripheral portion of the container. The notch may be defined by a first notch segment proximate the first end of the first arm and a second notch segment proximate the first end of the second arm configured to cooperate with the first notch segment when the first and second arms are in the engaged position. The locking band may also include a first lug at a second end of the first arm and a second lug at a second end of the second arm that is configured to contact the second lug when the first and second arms are in the engaged position. 
     A locking band according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first arm and a second arm configured to mate with the first arm. The first and second arms are configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The locking band also includes an inwardly-facing channel defined by the first and second arms that is configured to receive a peripheral portion of the lid and a corresponding peripheral portion of the container. The locking band also includes a hinge at first ends of the first and second arms. The hinge is configured to facilitate rotating the first and second arms between the disengaged and engaged positions. The hinge includes a pin at the first end of one of the first and second arms and a receptacle configured to receive the pin at the first end of the other one of the first and second arms. 
     The locking band may also include a lap joint defined at the first ends of the first and second arms. The inwardly-facing channel may be defined by a first flange configured to engage a surface of the peripheral portion of the lid, a second flange spaced apart from the first flange configured to engage a surface of the peripheral portion of the container, and a sidewall extending between the first and second flanges. The locking band may also include a first notch defined in the second flange of the first arm and a second notch defined in the second flange of the second arm to expose portions of a surface of the peripheral portion of the container. The second notch may be opposite to the first notch when the first and second arms are in the engaged position. The locking band may also include a fastener-receiving mechanism configured to facilitate locking the first and second arms in the engaged position. The fastener-receiving mechanism may be opposite the hinge when the first and second arms are in the engaged position. 
     A locking band according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a band configured to engage a surface of a peripheral portion of the lid, a series of hooks extending in a first direction from the band, and a series of prongs extending in the first direction from the band. The hooks configured to extend through a first set of aligned openings in the lid and the container and the prongs are configured to extend through a second set of aligned openings in the lid and the container. 
     The band may be a monolithic rectangular member including a substantially planar surface configured to engage the surface of the peripheral portion of the lid and a rounded surface opposite to the substantially planar surface. Each hook may include a stem having a supported end at the band and a free end opposite to the supported end, an engagement tab extending outward from the free end of the stem. The stem is configured to extend through one of the aligned openings of the first set of aligned openings in the lid and the container and the engagement tab is configured to underlap a portion of the container. Each hook may be L-shaped. Each prong may be a cylindrical member. The hooks may be opposite the prongs. The band may include a pair of relatively longer segments and a pair of relatively shorter segments. The series of hooks may be arranged along one of the relatively longer segments and the series of prongs may be arranged along the other one of the relatively longer segments. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of features and concepts of embodiments of the present disclosure that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. One or more of the described features may be combined with one or more other described features to provide a workable device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate a perspective view, a top view, a side view, and an end view, respectively, of a locking band according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a disengaged position; 
         FIG. 1E  is an enlarged detail view of an end section of the embodiment of the locking band illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1D ; 
         FIGS. 1F-1I  illustrate a perspective view, a top view, a side view, and an end view, respectively, of the embodiment of the locking band illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1D  in an engaged position securing a lid to a container; 
         FIGS. 2A-2E  illustrate an exploded perspective view, a perspective view, a top view, a side view, and an end view, respectively, of a locking band according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in a disengaged position; 
         FIG. 2F  is an enlarged detail view of an end section of the embodiment of the locking band illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2E ; 
         FIGS. 2G-2J  illustrate a perspective view, a top view, a side view, and an end view, respectively, of the embodiment of the locking band illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2E  in an engaged position securing a lid to a container; 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  is a perspective view, a top view, a side view, and an end view, respectively, of a locking band according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure in a disengaged position; 
         FIGS. 3E-3I  illustrate a perspective view, a top view, a side view, an end view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the embodiment of the locking band illustrated in  FIG. 3A  in an engaged position securing a lid to a container; and 
         FIG. 3J  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hook of the locking band engaging a portion of the lid and the container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of a locking band for securing together two or more components, such as a lid (e.g., a cover) to a container (e.g., a storage bin). In some embodiments, the locking bands of the present disclosure are configured to wrap around or generally extend entirely around a periphery of the lid and/or a periphery of the container, which supplies a uniform and continuous or substantially uniform and continuous pressure at the interface between the lid and the container to more securely retain the contents stored in the container. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1A-1I , a locking band  100  according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first arm or arm  102  (e.g., a left arm) and a second arm or arm  103  (e.g., a right arm) configured to engage the first arm  102 . The first and second arms  102 ,  103  are configured to move between an open, disengaged configuration (as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D ) and a closed, engaged position (as shown in  FIGS. 1F-1I ). In the closed, engaged position, the locking band  100  is configured to releasably secure together two or more components. In  FIGS. 1A-1I , the locking band  100  is shown securing a lid L (e.g., a cover) to a container C (e.g., a storage bin) in a closed configuration, although the locking band  100  of the present disclosure may be configured and utilized to secure together any other suitable components with interfacing structures. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, when the arms  102 ,  103  are in the closed configuration, the locking band  100  has a rectangular shape having a pair of opposing relatively longer sides and a pair of opposing relatively shorter ends that match or substantially match the shape of the interfacing peripheral portions of the lid L and the container C that the locking band  100  is configured to secure together. In one or more embodiments, the locking band  100  may have any other suitable shape (e.g., a circular shape or any other polygonal shape) depending on the configuration of the components (e.g., the lid L and the container C) that the locking band  100  is configured to releasably secure together in a closed or locked configuration. Additionally, although in the illustrated embodiment the band  100  includes two arms  102 ,  103 , in one or more embodiments the band  100  may include more than two arms. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each arm  102 ,  103  defines an inwardly-facing channel  104  having open ends  105 ,  106 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 1E , each of the inwardly-facing channels  104  is defined by a flat or substantially flat upper flange  107  (e.g., an upper horizontal flange), a flat or substantially flat lower flange  108  (e.g., a lower horizontal flange) spaced apart from the upper flange  107 , and a sidewall  109  (e.g., a vertical sidewall) extending between outer ends of the upper and lower flanges  107 ,  108 . In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower flanges  107 ,  108  are substantially parallel to each other, and the sidewall  109  is substantially orthogonal to the upper and lower flanges  107 ,  108  such that flanges  107 ,  108  and the sidewall  109  together have a generally sideways U-shaped cross-section (e.g., a C-shaped cross-section) and the inwardly-facing channel  104  has a generally square cross-sectional shape. Although in the illustrated embodiment the inwardly-facing channels  104  have a generally square cross-sectional shape, in one or more embodiments the inwardly-facing channels  104  may have any other suitable shape depending, for instance, on the configuration of the components (e.g., the lid L and the container C) the locking band  100  is configured to secure together. For example, in one or more embodiments, the upper and lower flanges  107 ,  108  may be angled away or toward each other (e.g., upward or downward) such that the inwardly-facing channels  104  have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, or the upper and lower flanges  107 ,  108  and the sidewall  109  may be rounded such that inwardly-facing channels  104  have a semi-circular cross-section. When the first and second arms  102 ,  103  are connected together in the closed position, the inwardly-facing channels  104  of the first and second arms  102 ,  103  and the open ends  105 ,  106  of the inwardly-facing channels  104  cooperate to define a continuous channel (e.g., a rectangular inwardly-facing channel extending continuously around an entirety of the band  101 ). When the arms  102  and  103  are properly mounted on the lid L and the container C in the closed position, the upper flanges  107 , the lower flanges  108 , and the sidewalls  109  of the arms  102  and  103  are wrapped around the interfacing peripheral portions of lid L and the container C forming the generally continuous enclosure locking band  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1F ,  FIG. 1H  and  FIG. 1I , to prevent detachment of the lid L from the container C and block access to the interior of the container C from its opening. 
     Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second arms  102 ,  103  includes a rounded (e.g., curved) outwardly-facing surface  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rounded outwardly-facing surface  110  extends along the upper flange  107 , the sidewall  109 , and the lower flange  108 . In one or more embodiments, the outwardly-facing surface  110  may have any other suitable shape, such as, for instance, one or more flat (i.e., planar) surfaces. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1A-1C , a first end  111  of the first arm  102  includes a series of locating pins or alignment pins  112 , and a first end  113  of the second arms  103  includes a series of corresponding locating receptacles or alignment receptacles  114  configured to receive the alignment pins  112  when the first and second arms  102 ,  103  are engaged with each other in the closed position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1F-1I . The engagement between the alignment pins  112  and the alignment receptacles  114  is configured to ensure proper alignment between the first and second arms  102 ,  103  when they are in the engaged position (e.g., the alignment pins  112  may be guided into the alignment receptacles  114  while moving the first and second arms  102 ,  103  into the engaged position). In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment pins  112  are cylindrical projections extending from the first end  111  of the first arm  102 , and the alignment receptacles  114  are cylindrical blind holes extending from the first end  113  of the second arm  103 , although in one or more embodiments the alignment pins and receptacles  112 ,  114  may be any other suitable shape, such as, for instance, a prismatic shape (e.g., rectangular prisms) or any other suitable non-prismatic shape (e.g., a frusto-conical shape). Additionally, although in the illustrated embodiment the first arm  102  includes three alignment pins  112  and the second arm  103  includes three alignment receptacles  114 , in one or more embodiments, the locking band  100  may include any other suitable number of alignment pins and receptacles  112 ,  114 , such as, for instance, fewer than three pairs of alignment pins and receptacles (e.g., one or two alignment pins and a corresponding number of alignment receptacles) or more than three pairs of alignment pins and receptacles. Although in the illustrated embodiment the alignment pins  112  are on the first arm  102  and the alignment receptacles  114  are in the second arm  103 , in one or more embodiments, the alignment pins  112  may be on the second arm  103  and the alignment receptacles  114  may be in the first arm  102 . Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the band  100  may include any other suitable feature or features for ensuring proper alignment between the first and second arms  102 ,  103 , such as, for instance, a lap joint, grooves, rails, or a combination thereof, instead of, or in addition to, the alignment pins and receptacles  112 ,  114 . 
     With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1I , the locking band  100  also includes a lock-receiving or fastener-receiving mechanism  115  (see  FIG. 1F  and  FIG. 1G ) for receiving a fastener for locking or releasably locking the first and second arms  102 ,  103  together in the closed position around the lid L and the container C. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener-receiving mechanism  115  includes a pair of lugs  116 ,  117  at second ends  118 ,  119 , respectively, of the first and second arms  102 ,  103  opposite to the first ends  111 ,  113 , respectively, of the first and second arms  102 ,  103 . The lugs  116 ,  117  are configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a padlock, a bolt, a carabiner, a wire tie, or a pin) to secure the first and second arms  102 ,  103  together in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the lugs  116 ,  117  are configured to contact each other when the first and second arms  102 ,  103  are in the fully engaged (i.e., closed) position. In the illustrated embodiment, each lug  116 ,  117  is a rounded rectangular plate defining a through hole  120 ,  121 , although in one or more embodiments, the lugs  116 ,  117  may have any other configuration suitable for receiving a fastener to secure the first and second arms  102 ,  103  together. In the illustrated embodiment, when the first and second arms  102 ,  103  are in the fully engaged position, inner surfaces of the lugs  116 ,  117  contact (e.g., abut) each other and the through hole  120  in the lug  116  of the first arm  102  is aligned with the through hole  121  in the lug  117  of the second arm  103  to enable insertion of the fastener through the lugs  116 ,  117 . The fastener may be secured to the lugs  116 ,  117  by, for example, threading a nut onto the fastener and/or inserting a cotter pin through the fastener. 
     With reference now to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1B, 1D, 1G, and 1I , the band  101  defines a pair of opposing indentations or notches  122 ,  123  (i.e., a first notch  122  and a second notch  123 ) configured to facilitate carrying an assembly of the lid L, the container C, and the band  100  by exposing portions of the lower surfaces along the periphery of the lid L and the container C (e.g., the notches  122 ,  123  define spaces for a user to insert his or her hands to lift and carry an assembly of the lid L, the container C, and the band  100 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the first notch  122  is defined by a first notch segment  124  in the first arm  102  proximate to the first end  111  of the first arm  102 , and a first notch segment  125  in the second arm  103  proximate to the first end  113  of the second arm  103 . In the illustrated embodiment, the notch segments  124 ,  125  extend all the way to the first ends  111 ,  113  of the arms  102 ,  103 , respectively, such that the notch segments  124 ,  125  cooperate to define a continuous notch  122  when the first and second arms  102 ,  103  are connected in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second notch  123  is defined by a second notch segment  126  in the first arm  102  proximate to the second end  118  of the first arm  102 , and a second notch segment  127  in the second arm  103  proximate to the second end  119  of the second arm  103 . In the illustrated embodiment, the notch segments  126 ,  127  extend all the way to the second ends  118 ,  119  of the arms  102 ,  103 , respectively, such that the notch segments  126 ,  127  cooperate to define a continuous notch  123  when the first and second arms  102 ,  103  are connected in the closed position. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the opposing notches  122 ,  123  are provided at the joints between the first and second arms  102 ,  103 . Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the notch segments  124 - 127  are defined in the lower flanges  108  and the sidewalls  109  of the first and second arms  102 ,  103 . In one or more embodiments, the band  101  may define any other suitable number of notches  122 ,  123  (e.g., two pairs of opposing notches) and the notches  122 ,  123  may be arranged in any other suitable locations on the band  101  (e.g., the notches  122 ,  123  may be defined along the relatively longer sides of the band  101  or along both the relatively shorter ends and the relatively longer sides of the band  101 ). 
     To install the band  100  to secure the lid L to the container C, the first and second arms  102 ,  103  in the open position may first be aligned with the peripheral portions of the lid L and the container C at the interface between the lid L and the container C. The first and second arms  102 ,  103  may then be slid (arrow  128 ) toward each other along the peripheral portions of the lid L to the container C. As the first and second arms  102 ,  103  are advanced toward each other, the alignment pins  112  on the first arm  102  may be guided into the corresponding alignment receptacles  114  in the second arm  103  to ensure the proper alignment between the first and second arms  102 ,  103 . The first and second arms  102 ,  103  may be advanced toward each other until the band  100  is in the closed position, as shown in  FIGS. 1F-1I , at which point the alignment pins  112  are fully inserted into the corresponding alignment receptacles  114  and the lugs  116 ,  117  are contacting each other. When the band  100  is in the closed position, the peripheral portions of the lid L and the container C extend into the inwardly-facing channels  104  defined by the band  100  and the upper flanges  107  of the band  101  engages an upper surface of the peripheral portion of the lid L and the lower flange  108  of the band  100  engages a lower surface of the peripheral portion of the container C. The band  100  thus effectively wraps around the interfacing peripheral portions of the lid L and the container C, which prevents the lid L from being inadvertently separated from the container C. In the illustrated embodiment, when the band  100  is in the closed position and engaged with the lid L and the container C, the band  100  extends entirely or substantially entirely around a periphery of the lid L and a periphery of the container C, which supplies a uniform and continuous or substantially uniform and continuous pressure at the interface between the lid L and the container C. Additionally, when the band  100  is in the closed position, a fastener (e.g., a padlock) may be inserted through the lugs  116 ,  117  in the first and second arms  102 ,  103  to prevent the first and second arms  102 ,  103  from inadvertently sliding apart from each other into the open position and thereby disengaging the lid L and the container C. Although the installation of the band  100  has been described above with reference to securing a lid to a container, in one or more embodiments, the band  100  may be used to secure any interfacing structures of other suitable components together. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 2A-2J , a locking band  200  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first arm  202  hingedly coupled to a second arm  203  by a hinge  204 . The locking band  200  is configured to rotate (arrow  205 ) about the hinge  204  between an open configuration (as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2E ) and a closed configuration (as shown in  FIGS. 2G-2J ). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each arm  202 ,  203  defines an inwardly-facing channel  206  having open ends  207 ,  208 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 2F , each of the inwardly-facing channels  206  is defined by a flat or substantially flat upper flange  209  (e.g., an upper horizontal flange), a flat or substantially flat lower flange  210  (e.g., a lower horizontal flange) spaced apart from the upper flange  209 , and a sidewall  211  (e.g., a vertical sidewall) extending between outer ends of the upper and lower flanges  209 ,  210 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower flanges  209 ,  210  are substantially parallel to each other and the sidewall  211  is substantially orthogonal to the upper and lower flanges  209 ,  210  such that the flanges  209 ,  210  and the sidewall  211  together have a generally sideways U-shaped cross-section (e.g., a C-shaped cross-section) and the inwardly-facing channel  206  has a generally square cross-sectional shape. Although in the illustrated embodiment the inwardly-facing channels  206  have a generally square cross-sectional shape, in one or more embodiments the inwardly-facing channels  206  may have any other suitable shape depending, for instance, on the configuration of the components (e.g., the lid L and the container C) the locking band  200  is configured to secure together. For example, in one or more embodiments, the upper and lower flanges  209 ,  210  may be angled away or toward each other (e.g., upward or downward) such that the inwardly-facing channels  206  have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, or the upper and lower flanges  209 ,  210  and the sidewall  211  may be rounded such that inwardly-facing channels  206  have a semi-circular cross-section. When the first and second arms  202 ,  203  are connected together in the closed position, the inwardly-facing channels  206  of the first and second arms  202 ,  203  and the open ends  207 ,  208  of the inwardly-facing channels  206  cooperate to define a continuous channel (e.g., a rectangular inwardly-facing channel extending continuously around an entirety of the locking band  200 ). 
     Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second arms  202 ,  203  includes a rounded (e.g., curved) outwardly-facing surface  212 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rounded outwardly-facing surface  212  extends along the upper flange  209 , the sidewall  211 , and the lower flange  210 . In one or more embodiments, the outwardly-facing surface  212  may have any other suitable shape, such as, for instance, one or more flat (i.e., planar) surfaces. 
     With reference now to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the hinge  204  includes a receptacle  213  defined in a first end  214  of the first arm  202  and a post or pin  215  at a first end  216  of the second arm  203 . The receptacle  213  is configured to receive the pin  215 . In one or more embodiments, the pin  215  may be provided on the first arm  202  and the receptacle  213  may be defined in the second arm  203 . In the illustrated embodiment the pin  215  extends upward, and the receptacle  213  has an open end facing downward configured to receive the pin  215 . In one or more embodiments, the pin  215  may extend downward and the receptacle  213  may extend downward and have an open end facing upward such that the pin  215  is configured to extend down into the receptacle  213 . Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end  214  of the first arm  202  includes an overlapping portion  217  configured to overlap an underlapping portion  218  at the first end  216  of the second arm  203 . Together, the overlapping and underlapping portions  217 ,  218  of the arms  202 ,  203  define a lap joint at the hinge  204 . In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle  213  is defined in the overlapping portion  217  of the first arm  202 , and the pin  215  extends from the underlapping portion  218  of the second arm  203 , although in one or more embodiments the receptacle  213  may be defined in the underlapping portion  218  and the pin  215  may extend from the overlapping portion  217 . In one or more embodiments, the hinge  204  may have any other suitable configuration, such as, for instance, a live hinge (e.g., a thin flexible hinge made from the same material as the first and second arms  202 ,  203 ). 
     With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2J , the locking band  200  also includes a fastener-receiving mechanism  219  for releasably locking the first and second arms  202 ,  203  together in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism  219  includes a pair of lugs  220 ,  221  at second ends  222 ,  223 , respectively, of the first and second arms  202 ,  203  opposite to the first ends  214 ,  216  of the first and second arms  202 ,  203 . The lugs  220 ,  221  are configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a padlock, a bolt, a carabiner, a wire tie, or a pin) to secure the first and second arms  202 ,  203  together in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the lugs  220 ,  221  are configured to contact each other when the first and second arms  202 ,  203  are in the fully engaged (i.e., closed) position. In the illustrated embodiment, each lug  220 ,  221  is a rounded rectangular plate defining a through-hole  224 ,  225 , although in one or more embodiments, the lugs  220 ,  221  may have any other configuration suitable for receiving a fastener to secure the first and second arms  202 ,  203  together. In the illustrated embodiment, when the first and second arms  202 ,  203  are in the fully engaged position, inner surfaces of the lugs  220 ,  221  contact (e.g., abut) each other and the through hole  224  in the lug  220  of the first arm  202  is aligned with the through hole  225  in the lug  221  of the second arm  203  to enable insertion of the fastener through the lugs  220 ,  221 . The fastener may be secured to the lugs  220 ,  221  by, for example, threading a nut onto the fastener and/or inserting a cotter pin through the fastener. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the fastener-receiving mechanism  219  is opposite the hinge  204 . In the illustrated embodiment in which the band  201  is rectangular, the fastener-receiving mechanism  219  and the hinge  204  are provided at two opposite corners of the locking band  200 . In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism  219  and the hinge  204  may be provided at any other suitable locations along the locking band  200 . 
     With reference now to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2E, and 2J , the band  201  defines a pair of opposing indentations or notches  226 ,  227  (i.e., a first notch  226  and a second notch  227 ) configured to facilitate carrying an assembly of the lid L, the container C, and the locking band  200  by exposing portions of the lower surfaces along the periphery of the lid L and the container C (e.g., the notches  226 ,  227  define spaces for a user to insert his or her hands to lift and carry an band of the lid L, the container C, and the locking band  200 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the first notch  226  is positioned along the shorter end of the first arm  202  and the second notch  227  is positioned along the shorter end of the second arm  203 . Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second notches  226 ,  227  are defined in the lower flanges  210  and the sidewalls  211  of the first and second arms  202 ,  203 , respectively. In one or more embodiments, the band  201  may define any other suitable number of notches  226 ,  227  (e.g., two pairs of opposing notches) and the notches  226 ,  227  may be arranged in any other suitable locations on the band  201  (e.g., the notches  226 ,  227  may be defined along the relatively longer sides of the band  201  or along both the relatively shorter ends and the relatively longer sides of the band  201 ). 
     To install the locking band  200  to secure the lid to the container, the first and second arms  202 ,  203  may first be rotated (arrow  205 ) about the hinge  204  into the open position. The inwardly-facing channels  206  defined by the locking band  200  may then be aligned with the peripheral portions of the lid L and the container C at the interface between the lid L and the container C. The locking band  200  may then be wrapped around the peripheral portions of the lid L and the container C by rotating (arrow  205 ) the first and second arms  202 ,  203  about the hinge  204  into the closed position. When the locking band  200  is in the closed position, the peripheral portions of the lid L and the container C extend into the inwardly-facing channels  206  defined by the band  206  and the upper flanges  209  of the band  201  engages an upper surface of the peripheral portion of the lid L and the lower flange  210  of the locking band  200  engages a lower surface of the peripheral portion of the container C. With the arms  202  and  203  properly mounted on the lid L and container C in the closed position, the upper flanges  209 , the lower flanges  210 , and the sidewalls  211  of the arms  202  and  203  are wrapped around the interfacing peripheral portions of lid and the container forming the generally continuous enclosure locking band  200 , as shown in  FIG. 2G ,  FIG. 2H ,  FIG. 2I , and  FIG. 2J , to prevent detachment of the lid L from the container C and block access to the interior of the container C from its opening. In the illustrated embodiment, when the locking band  200  is in the closed position and engaged with the lid L and the container C, the locking band  200  extends generally entirely around a periphery of the lid L and a periphery of the container C, which supplies a uniform and continuous or substantially uniform and continuous pressure at the interface between the lid L and the container C. Additionally, when the locking band  200  is in the closed position, a fastener may be inserted through the lugs  220 ,  221  in the first and second arms  202 ,  203  to prevent the first and second arms  202 ,  203  from inadvertently rotating (arrow  205 ) into the open position and thereby disengaging the lid L and the container C. Although the installation of the locking band  200  has been described above with reference to securing a lid to a container, in one or more embodiments, the locking band  200  may be used to secure together interfacing peripheral structures of any other suitable components. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 3A-3J , a locking band  300  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes band  300   a  plurality of hooks  302 , each extending downward from an underside of the locking band  300 , and a plurality of prongs  303  extending downward from the band  300 . In the illustrated embodiment, the locking band  300  is a monolithic member. Additionally, in the embodiment, the locking band  300  is rectangular and includes a pair of opposing relatively longer sides and a pair of opposing relatively shorter ends, although in one or more embodiments the locking band  300  may have any other suitable shape, depending, for instance, on the configuration (e.g., the shape) of the components the locking band  300  is configured to engage (e.g., the locking band  300  may have any shape corresponding or substantially corresponding to the shape of the lid and container the locking band  300  is configured to engage). In the illustrated embodiment, the locking band  300  has a generally solid cross-section and includes a generally flat (e.g., planar) lower, outer surface  304  and a rounded upper, outer surface  305  opposite to the lower, outer surface  304 . In one or more embodiments, the lower, outer surface  304  of the locking band  300  may have any other suitable configuration (e.g., shape) depending on the configuration of the lid L or other component the locking band  300  is configured to engage. For example, the lower surface  304  of the locking band  300  may be non-planar in order to engage a lid having a non-planar surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the hooks  302  are located on one of the relatively longer sides and the prongs  303  are located on the other of the relatively longer sides, such that the hooks  302  and the prongs  303  are opposite of each other. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the locking band  300  includes three hooks  302  arranged along one of the relatively longer sides of the locking band  300  and three prongs  303  arranged along the other relatively longer side of the locking band  300 . Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the hooks  302  and the prongs  303  are arranged opposite to each other. The hooks  302  are configured to extend into a first set of corresponding openings  306  in the lid L and the container C and the prongs  303  are configured to extend into a second set of corresponding openings  307  in the lid L and the container C. In one or more embodiments, the locking band  300  may include any other suitable number of hooks and prongs  302 ,  303  and the hooks and prongs  302 ,  303  may be arranged in any other suitable configuration, depending, for instance, on the number and arrangement of the openings  306 ,  307  in the lid L and the container C or other components the locking band  300  is configured to engage. Additionally, although in the illustrated embodiment the number of hooks  302  is equal to the number of prongs  303 , in one or more embodiments, the number of hooks  302  may be different than the number of prongs  303 . 
     With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3J , each of the hooks  302  is L-shaped and includes a stem  308  extending downward from the lower surface  304  of the locking band  300 . Each of the stems  308  includes a supported end  309  connected to the lower surface  304  of the locking band  300  and a free end  310  (i.e., unsupported or cantilevered end) opposite to the supported end  309 . Each of the hooks  302  also includes a releasable engagement tab or engagement lip  311  extending outwardly from the free end  310  of the stem  308 . In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement tabs  311  are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the respective stems  308  of the hooks  302 , although in one or more embodiments the engagement tabs  311  may have any other suitable orientation relative to the stems  308  (e.g., the engagement tabs  311  may be angled upward such that the engagement tabs  311  define an acute angle relative to the stems  308 ). 
     Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the prongs  303  includes a cylindrical member extending downward from the lower surface  304  of the locking band  300 , although in one or more embodiments, the prongs  303  may have any other suitable shape. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the hooks  302 , which are configured differently than the configuration of the prongs  303 , facilitate installation of the locking band  300  to secure the lid L to the container C, as described in more detail below. 
     To install the locking band  300  to secure the lid L to the container C, the locking band  300  may first be tilted or angled (arrow  312 ) with the hooks  302  of the locking band  300  closer to the lid L than the prongs  303  (as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D ). The hooks  302  may then be inserted into the first set of corresponding openings  306  in the lid L to the container C by first passing the engagement tabs  311  of the hooks  302  through the openings  306  and then inserting the stems  308  of the hooks  302  down into the openings  306 . In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement tabs  311  are larger (e.g., wider) that the first set of openings  306  in the lid L and the container C, and therefore angling the locking band  300  enables the hooks  302  to pass through the first set of corresponding openings  306  in the lid L and the container C securing the lid L and the container C together along that relatively longer side. The opposing relatively longer side of the band  300  along which the prongs  303  are located may then be rotated downward (arrow  313  in  FIGS. 3A and 3D ) until the prongs  303  are inserted into the second set of corresponding openings  307  in the lid L and the container C, and the lower surface  304  of the locking band  300  contacts (e.g., rests on) an upper surface of a peripheral portion of the lid L. 
     When the locking band  300  is installed to secure the lid L and the container C, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3E-3J , the stems  308  of the hooks  302  extend down through the first set of corresponding openings  306  in the lid L and the container C and the engagement tabs  311  of the hooks  302  extend outward beyond the openings  306  such that the engagement tabs  311  underlap a portion of the container C. The underlapping configuration secures the lid L and the container C. For instance, when an attempt is made to separate the lid L from the container C by lifting lid L after the locking band  300  is installed, the engagement tabs  311  of the hooks  302 , which extend outward beyond the first set of corresponding openings  306  in the lid L and the container C, advantageously contact a surface of the container C and thereby prevent removal of the lid L from the container C. In the illustrated embodiment, when the locking band  300  is in the closed position and engaged with the lid L and the container C, the locking band  300  extends entirely or substantially entirely around a periphery of the lid L and a periphery of the container C, which supplies a uniform and continuous or substantially uniform and continuous pressure at the interface between the lid L and the container C. 
     Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the prongs  303  includes an opening  314  (e.g., a circular through hole) extending laterally through the prong  303  (e.g., each of the prongs  303  defines an opening  314  extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a length direction of the prong  303 ). The openings  314  in the prongs  303  are configured to receive, for example, fasteners (e.g., padlocks, bolts, and/or pins). When the locking band  300  is installed on the lid L and the container C and the fasteners are secured to the prongs  303 , the fasteners (being larger than the second set of openings  307 ) prevent the prongs  303  from retracting out of the second set of corresponding openings  307  in the lid L and the container C, which prevents the band  300  from disengaging the lid L and the container C, and prevents the lid L from being removed from the container C. In that regard, the second set of openings  307  are sized to be only slightly larger than the width of the prongs  303  in the illustrated embodiment. 
     To remove the locking band  300  and permit the lid L to be removed the container C, the fasteners, if attached to the prongs  303 , are detached from the openings  314  in the prongs  303 . The locking band  300  may then be rotated (arrow  312 ) by lifting the relatively longer side of the locking band  300  along with the prongs  303  are located. As the locking band  300  is rotated (arrow  312 ), the prongs  303  are withdrawn from the second set of corresponding openings  307  in the lid L and the container C. The longer side of the locking band  300  along which the hooks  302  are located may then be lifted upward (i.e., away from the lid L) to withdraw the hooks  302  from the first set of corresponding openings  306  in the lid L and the container C. Once the prongs  303  and the hooks  302  of the locking band  300  have been removed from the openings  306 ,  307  in the lid L and the container C, the lid L is free to be detached from the container C. 
     While this invention has been described in detail with particular references to exemplary embodiments thereof, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the exact forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of assembly and operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of this invention, as set forth in the following claims. It is understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that any one or more features of an embodiment may be incorporated in addition to or in lieu of any one or more features in another embodiment. Although relative terms such as “outer,” “inner,” “upper,” “lower,” “below,” “above,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and similar terms have been used herein to describe a spatial relationship of one element to another, it is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the various elements and components of the invention in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Additionally, as used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” “generally” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the tasks described above may be performed in the order described or in any other suitable sequence. Additionally, the methods described above are not limited to the tasks described. Instead, for each embodiment, one or more of the tasks described above may be absent and/or additional tasks may be performed. Furthermore, as used herein, when a component is referred to as being “on” another component, it can be directly on the other component or components may also be present therebetween. Moreover, when a component is component is referred to as being “coupled” to another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or intervening components may be present therebetween.