Patent Publication Number: US-8985647-B2

Title: Integral handle locking band

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to containers and, more particularly, to an integral handle plastic locking band for securing a cover to a container. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In one form of conventional shipping and storage container, in the form of a drum, a tubular side wall is formed of fibrous material or other material. It is conventional to provide connecting rings at opposite ends of the sidewall for securing closures there across. The connecting rings may be of metal or plastic. Alternatively, the drum may be of one piece plastic construction, such as made by blow molding. 
     In one form of a container closure, a removable cover is configured to rest on the annular connecting ring at the top of the container. A locking band secures the cover to the retaining ring. The locking band most commonly has been formed of metal and includes metal locking structure riveted thereto. Such a metal locking band can be expensive and might also rust, which could contaminate the product stored in the container. Locking bands have also been formed of plastic. 
     The present invention is directed to solving one or more of the problems discussed above in a novel and simple manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a locking band for use with a container having an annular end portion defining a top opening and a removable cover overlying the opening. The locking band comprises a split circular ring, generally U-shaped in cross section, having first and second ends and including an outer circumferential wall. The second end is of a larger size than the first end to define a handle. A first notch opens outwardly proximate the first end and a second notch opens inwardly proximate the second end. Circumferential spacing between the notches is a select amount greater than a circumference of a cover. A band link has a first end and a second end, each end including a shaft receivable in the respective first and second notches. Spacing between the shafts is substantially similar to the select amount. In use, with the split circular ring surrounding the removable cover and annular end portion, the handle is forced inwardly toward the first end until the handle overlies the first end to secure the cover on the container. 
     It is a feature of the invention to provide locking structure operatively associated with the split circular ring for retaining the handle overlying the first end. 
     The locking structure may comprise an elongate hook extending outwardly from the outer circumferential wall spaced from the first end and an opening through the outer circumferential wall between the second notch and the second end. The elongate hook is selectively captured in the opening incident to the handle overlaying the first end to lock the band on the container. 
     It is a further feature of the invention that the elongate hook extends circumferentially along the circumferential wall and deflects downwardly as it is being captured in the opening. 
     It is still another feature of the invention that the elongate hook comprises a finger having a notch defining a shoulder and a ramped portion outwardly of the shoulder to facilitate insertion in the opening whereby the shoulder engages the handle at the opening to retain the handle overlaying the first end. 
     It is another feature of the invention that the locking structure comprises a twist lock including a T-shaped member connected to and extending outwardly from the outer circumferential wall spaced from the first end and an elongate opening through the outer circumferential wall between the second notch and the second end. The T-shaped member is selectively captured in the elongate opening incident to the handle overlaying the first end to lock the band on the container. 
     It is yet another feature of the invention that the T-shaped member is pivotally connected to the outer circumferential wall. 
     It is still a further feature of the invention that the handle is nested on the first end incident to the handle overlying the first end. 
     It is still another feature of the invention that the split circular ring includes a first support extending outwardly from the outer circumferential wall proximate the first end, the first support having a transverse opening to define the first notch, and the split circular ring includes a second support extending inwardly from the outer circumferential wall proximate the second end, the second support having a transverse opening to define the second notch. The transverse openings have a narrowed portion to capture the respective shafts therein 
     There is disclosed in accordance with another aspect of the invention a plastic locking band for use with a container having an annular end portion defining a top opening and a removable cover overlying the opening. The locking band comprises a split circular plastic ring, generally U-shaped in cross section, having first and second ends and including an outer circumferential wall. The second end is of a larger size than the first end to define a handle. A first support on an outside of the outer circumferential wall proximate the first end defines a first notch opening and a second support on an inside of the outer circumferential wall proximate the second end defines a second notch opening. Circumferential spacing between the notch openings is a select amount greater than a circumference of the cover. A band link has a first end and a second end, each end including a shaft receivable in the respective first and second notch openings, spacing between the shafts being substantially similar to the select amount. In use, with the split circular ring surrounding the removable cover and annular end portion, the handle is forced inwardly toward the first end until the handle overlies the first end to secure the cover on the container. 
     It is a feature of the invention that the band link comprises a pair of elongate parallel plates having the first and second shafts extending therebetween at opposite ends. The band link may further comprise a plurality of ribs connecting the elongate parallel plates. 
     Further features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the specification and from the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a container including a drum, cover and locking band in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the locking band of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a band link of the locking band of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed view taken from  FIG. 2  illustrating a thumb lock; 
         FIG. 5 . is a detailed view taken from  FIG. 2  illustrating a thumb lock receptacle; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the locking band of  FIG. 2  in a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view illustrating the locking belt retaining the cover on the container; 
         FIG. 7   a  is a detailed view taken along the line  7   a - 7   a  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7   b  is a sectional view taken along the line  7   b - 7   b  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7   c  is a sectional view taken along the line  7   c - 7   c  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken along the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken along the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed view illustrating the locking structure for the locking band of  FIG. 10  with a tamper evident locking element; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a locking band in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 12  is a detailed view illustrating a twist lock of the locking band of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a detailed view illustrating a twist lock receptacle of the locking band of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a detailed view illustrating the locking structure in a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the locking band of  FIG. 11  in a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view taken along the line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 ; and 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken along the line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first illustrated embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a container  20  includes a drum  22  having a tubular side wall  24  closed at a bottom by a bottom wall (not shown) and having an annular end portion  26  defining a top opening  28 . The annular end portion  26  comprises a connecting ring in the form of a chime  30 . In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the drum  20  is of one piece molded plastic construction such as may be formed by blow molding. Referring also to  FIG. 7 , the chime  30  defines an annular shoulder  32 . 
     As an alternative to a one piece plastic drum, the drum  22  may be formed of other materials such as a conventional fibrous tube side wall having a metal or plastic connecting ring defining a radially outwardly opening annular recess to define a shoulder similar to the shoulder  32 . 
     The top opening  28  is selectively closed by a cover or closure  34  secured to the chime  30  using a locking band  36  according to the invention. The closure  34  is of unitary construction and in the illustrated embodiment is injection molded of suitable synthetic resin. The closure  34  includes a generally circular top wall  38  surrounded by a downwardly opening U-shaped flange  40 . When the closure  34  is seated on the chime  30 , the chime  30  is received in the flange  40 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     The locking band  36  includes a split circular ring  42 , see  FIG. 2 . The split circular ring  42  is generally U-shaped in cross section, as shown in  FIG. 7 , including an outer circumferential wall  44  separating an upper wall portion  46  and a lower wall portion  48 . The U-shaped split circular ring  42  defines a channel  49 . In use, the outer circumferential wall  44  extends around the closure  34  with the lower wall portion  48  engaging the drum shoulder  32  and the upper wall portion  46  projecting radially inwardly above the closure flange  40  to retain the closure  34  on the drum  22 . Particularly, the upper wall portion  46  and the chime  30  sandwich the flange  40 . A gasket (not shown) may be included in the flange  40 . 
     The ring  42  has a first end  50  and an opposite second end  52 . The ring  42  is larger proximate the second end  52  to define a handle  54 . Particularly, the spacing between an upper wall portion  46 H and a lower wall portion  48 H, see  FIG. 9 , at the handle  54  is greater than normal spacing between the upper wall portion  46  and lower wall portion  48 , as is evident in  FIG. 2 . More particularly, the inside spacing between the portions  4611  and  48 H is greater than outside spacing between the normal portions  46  and  48  so that the handle  54  nests on ring first end  50  incident to the handle  54  overlying the first end  50  to lock the band  36  on the container  20 , as described below and shown in  FIG. 6 . The handle wall portions  46 H and  48 H are also deeper than the corresponding wall portions  46  and  48  to also provide room for the first end  50 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 9 , a first support  56  extends radially outwardly from the outer circumferential wall  44  proximate the first end  50 . The first support  56  includes a transverse opening  58  to define a first notch  60 . The transverse opening  58  is generally circular in cross section, having a radial opening defining the notch  60  less than the diameter of the transverse opening  58 . The first notch  60  opens outwardly relative to the outer circumferential wall  44 . 
     A second support  62  extends radially inwardly from the outer circumferential wall  44  proximate the second end  52 . Particularly, the second support  62  is located within the handle  54 . The second support  62  includes a second transverse opening  64 , similar to the first transverse opening  58 , defining a second notch  66 . The second notch  66  opens inwardly relative to the outer circumferential wall  44 . The second transverse opening  64  is also circular and has a narrowed portion at the notch  66 , as with the first support  56 . 
     As described above, with the locking band  36  securing the cover  34  to the drum  22 , the handle  54  overlies the first end  50 . As such, the length of the ring  42  from the first end  50  to the second end  52  is greater than the circumference of the cover  34 . In accordance with the invention, circumferential spacing between the first notch  60  and the second notch  66  is a select amount greater than a circumference of the cover  34 . This select amount may be on the order of 3 to 4 inches. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the locking band  36  also comprises a band link  70 . The band link  70  is shown in greater in  FIG. 3 . The band link  70  comprises elongate, slightly arcuate, parallel plates  72  and  74 . The plates  72  and  74  have a radius corresponding generally to a radius of the cover  34 . A plurality of ribs  76  connects the parallel plates  72  and  74 . A first shaft  78  extends between the plates  72  and  74  at a first end  80  of the band link  70 . A second shaft  82  extends between the plates  72  and  74  at a second end  84  of the band link  70 . 
     The shafts  78  and  82  are cylindrical and have a diameter slightly less than a diameter of the support transverse openings  58  and  64  but greater than the narrowed portion defining the respective notches  60  and  66 . The shafts  78  and  82  are removably receivable in the respective first notch  60  and second notch  66 , as generally illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Spacing between the shafts  78  and  82  is substantially similar to the previously described select amount that the circumferential spacing between the notches  60  and  66  is greater than a circumference of the cover  34 . 
     To install the locking band  36  onto the drum  22  and closure  34 , the split circular ring  42  is placed around the closure  34  and chime  30 , as generally illustrated in  FIG. 7 , with the first end  50  and second end  52  spaced radially apart as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As such, the first end  50  is generally in contact with the closure  34 , while the handle  54  is spaced radially therefrom. The handle  54  is initially moved in a direction which will tighten the locking band  36  so that the band link  70  is in an over centered position. Thereafter, the handle  54  is pushed inwardly toward the container  20 . As the handle  54  moves inwardly, the band link  70  pivots in the notches  60  and  66  gradually forcing the second end  52  circumferentially away from the first end  50  until the handle  54  is nested over the first end  50 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     The locking band  36  comprises locking structure  86  shown in  FIG. 10 . The locking structure  86  retains the handle  54  overlying the first end  50 . The locking structure  86  comprises a thumb hook, see  FIGS. 2 and 4 , and a receptacle  90 , see  FIGS. 2 and 5 . 
     The thumb hook  88  extends outwardly from the outer circumferential wall  44  spaced from the first end  50 . The spacing is sufficient so that it is received just within the handle  54  with the locking band in the closed configuration as shown in  FIG. 6 . Referring particularly to  FIG. 4 , the thumb hook  88  comprises an elongate tab  92  extending circumferentially along the outer circumferential wall  44 . The tab  92  includes a neck  94  connecting a head  96  to the outer circumferential wall  44  to define a shoulder  98 , see  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b . The head  96  narrows outwardly from the shoulder  98 . 
     The receptacle  90  comprises a transverse semi-cylindrical inset  100 . A generally rectangular opening  102  extends circumferentially intersecting the inset  100 . Opposite shoulders  104  are just above the opening  102  on either side of the inset  100 . The opening  102  is of a size to receive the thumb hook head  96 . 
     When the locking band handle  54  is moved to the nested position shown in  FIG. 6 , and as discussed above, the thumb hook  96  abuts a back side of the inset  100 . This causes the thumb hook  88  to deflect downwardly owing to the angled surface of the head  96 . Once the head  96  extends past the receptacle shoulders  104 , the thumb hook  88  returns to its non-deflected configuration with the thumb hook shoulder  98  engaging the receptacle shoulder  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b  and  10 . The neck  94  includes an opening  106 , see  FIG. 7   b . In the locked position, the opening  106  is positioned within the inset  100  and can receive a locking element  108  to provide a tamper evident lock. 
     To release the lock, the user depresses the head  96  so that the head  96  clears the shoulders  104 . Thereafter, the handle  54  can be pulled outwardly, as is apparent. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a locking band  36 ′ according to a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The locking band  36 ′ is generally similar to the locking band  36 , discussed above, except that it uses an alternative locking structure  120 . For simplicity, the locking band  36 ′ is referenced with identical reference numerals for elements identical to those with the locking band  36 . The locking structure  120  comprises a twist lock configuration including a T-shaped member  122 , see  FIGS. 11 and 12 , connected to and extending outwardly from the outer circumferential wall  44  spaced from the first end  50 . A lock receptacle  124 , see  FIGS. 11 and 13 , is positioned proximate the second end  54 . 
     The T-shaped member has a cylindrical neck  126  connected to a cylindrical head  128  in a T configuration. An underside of the neck  124  is connected to a shoulder  128 , see  FIG. 17 . The neck  124  and shoulder  128  are bifurcated as at  130 . A collar  132  extends upwardly from the outer circumferential wall  44  and includes a central opening  132 . The opening  132  is slightly larger than the neck  126  and smaller than the shoulder  128 . The T-shaped member is mounted by pushing the shoulder through the opening  132  causing flexing of the neck  126  owing to the bifurcation  130  until it is captured in the opening  132  as shown particularly in  FIG. 17 . As such, the T-shaped member  122  is pivotally connected to the collar  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the handle  54  includes a transverse opening  134  of a size larger than the twist lock head  128 . A semi-cylindrical valley  136  is provided on either side of the opening  134 . 
     When the locking band  36 ′ is moved from the open position, see  FIG. 11 , to the locked position, see  FIG. 15 , the twist lock head  128  is aligned transversely so that it can pass through the opening  134 . The twist lock head  128  is then rotated counterclockwise until the head  128  is received in the valleys  136 , as seen in  FIG. 14 . Stops  138  are provided in opposite corners of the opening  134 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , to prevent over rotation. Thereafter, the twist lock head  128  rests in the defined valleys  136  under tension. To unlock the locking band  36 ′, an anti-clockwise force must be applied to the twist lock head  128  with sufficient force to overcome the ramped surfaces provided by the valleys  136 . A groove  140  is provided in the head  128  to allow a straight screwdriver to operate the locking structure  120 . 
     Thus, the locking bands  36  and  36 ′ operate generally similar, except for the use of the different locking structure in each. 
     Owing to the illustrated construction, even if the band link  70  breaks or is otherwise damaged after installation, the locking structure  86  or  120  retains the locking band  36  or  36 ′ on the container  20 . Particularly, the band link  70  is used to provide an appropriate constricting force on the locking band during installation, but is effectively inoperative once the band is in the locked position. 
     In accordance with the invention, the locking bands are of all plastic construction. Particularly, the split circular ring  42  and band link  70  are both injection molded of synthetic resin such as high load melt index (HLMI) resin. 
     Because of the configuration of the locking bands  36  and  36 ′, both are bidirectional. As such, the bands can be put on in either orientation so that they function as a left handed locking band or right handed locking band, as necessary, or desired. 
     Thus, in accordance with the invention, there is provided an all plastic locking band for securing a closure to a drum to form a shipping and storing container. The locking band includes an integral handle eliminating the requirement for a separate piece for a handle. The handle side walls can be knurled for ease of operation. While the locking band is of all plastic construction, the band can be used on all drum types, namely fiber, plastic, steel or composite structures.