WO2008034172A1

WO2008034172A1 - Resealable flexible container lid with pivoting portions

Info

Publication number: WO2008034172A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/001366
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Alexander Woinarski
Original assignee: Innovative Design Co Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-09-19
Filing date: 2007-09-14
Publication date: 2008-03-27
Also published as: CN101356098B; US20100038364A1; AU2007299573A1; AU2007299573B2; CN101356098A; NZ575994A; AU2007299573C1; MY163567A

Abstract

A closure (11) is disclosed for a container (10). The container (10) comprises a base (13) and a peripheral wall (15). A rim (16) forms an upper margin of the wall (15) and surrounds an opening of the container. An external protrusion (25) is formed integrally with and surrounds the rim. A portion (14) of the closure (11) is adapted to overlie the opening of the container. A skirt (20) is formed integrally with the closure portion and is arranged to surround the rim when the closure is mounted to the container. The skirt comprises a first portion (21) that is positionable adjacent to and to surround an external upper end of the rim. The skirt further comprises a second portion (22) that is connected to the first portion at a connection (23') and that extends downwardly therefrom to surround the rim below its upper end. The second portion also comprises an integrally formed first ledge (24) located therewithin that is positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the external protrusion (25). The connection has a width W sufficiently greater than its thickness so as to facilitate pivoting of the second portion (22) with respect to the first portion (21) to enable disengagement of the first ledge (24) from the external protrusion (25). The second portion (22) can also comprise a continuous and unbroken profile moving around the closure (11).

Description

RESEALABLE FLEXIBLE CONTAINER LID WITH PIVOTING PORTIONS

Technical Field

An improved closure for a container is disclosed wherein at least the closure (e.g. in the form of a lid) is moulded from plastic. More particularly, the closure is adapted for reuse, but may also be adapted to indicate tampering once initially removed.

Background Art Plastic and metal containers such as pails are used for holding chemicals including paints, solvents, oils, powders etc. Both transport regulations and market expectations require that the closure does not become detached from the container as a result of inadvertent dropping of the container and/or from shifting loads during handling, transport etc. At the same time, it is desirable that the closure be readily removable when access to container contents is required. GB 2091706 discloses a container lid provided with a lid flange that merges into a releasing flange. The releasing flange can assume a position in which an inwardly extending rib of the flange can engage a sealing edge on a container flange or a container external bead. The releasing flange is fabricated to have a thin walled portion so that it can act as a bistable snap catch to be pivoted to an extreme position to release from the container flange or external bead, and be retained thereat by means of its inherent annular tension. The thin walled portion is defined by a point at which both the lid and release flanges taper toward each other. However, this arrangement results in a closure that performs very poorly in relation to drop and stack tests, as specified in international transport regulations. AU 2006200114 discloses a container lid provided with an external skirt having a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion by a hinge. The second portion has an increased thickness to meet both transport regulations and market expectations that require the closure to maintain a secure fastening to the closure during handling, transport etc. However, to enable pivoting of the second portion with respect to the first portion about the hinge, one or more regions of deformability are required in the second portion. It would thus be advantageous to provide an alternative closure to that disclosed in AU 2006200114 that does not require regions of deformability in the second portion for pivoting. A reference herein to a prior art document is not an admission that the document forms part of the common general knowledge of a skilled person in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Present Disclosure

In a first aspect, a closure is provided for a container that comprises a base and peripheral wall, with a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, and an external protrusion formed integrally with and surrounding the rim; a portion of the closure being adapted to overlie the opening of the container, with a skirt formed integrally with the closure portion and arranged to surround the rim when the closure is mounted to the container, the skirt comprising a first portion positionable adjacent to and to surround an external upper end of the rim, and a second portion that is connected to the first portion at a connection and that extends downwardly therefrom to surround the rim below its upper end, the second portion comprising an integrally formed first ledge located therewithin, the first ledge being positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the external protrusion; wherein the connection has a width sufficiently greater than its thickness so as to facilitate pivoting of the second portion with respect to the first portion to enable disengagement of the first ledge from the external protrusion.

By ensuring a sufficient width of the connection relative to its thickness, the connection can "double back" on itself right around the closure during second portion pivoting. Thus, it has been discovered that the regions of deformability in the second portion (which were required in AU 2006200114) can be eliminated. Also, the second portion can still be provided with a sufficiently thick construction (ie. to have sufficient "hoop" tension to provide for secure mounting of the closure to the container) and yet pivoting of the second portion about the first portion can still take place.

It is to be understood that the term "width" when used herein in relation to the connection refers to the distance across the connection between the first and the second portions, when the connection is viewed in cross-sectional profile.

In the first aspect the second portion can be provided with a continuous and unbroken profile that may also be relatively thick (eg. by comparison to the releasing flange of GB 2091706) to provide a relatively increased "hoop" tension in the second portion.

In the first aspect typically the connection is located away from the first ledge to enable the second portion to pivot to a second stable position, as described hereafter. In a second aspect', there is provided a closure for a container that comprises a base and peripheral wall, with a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, and an external protrusion formed integrally with and surrounding the rim; a portion of the closure being adapted to overlie the opening of the container, with a skirt formed integrally with the closure portion and arranged to surround the rim when the closure is mounted to the container, the skirt comprising a first portion positionable adjacent to and to surround an external upper end of the rim, and a second portion that is connected to the first portion at a connection and that extends downwardly therefrom to surround the rim below its upper end, the second portion comprising an integrally formed first ledge located therewithin, the first ledge being positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the external protrusion; wherein the second portion comprises a continuous and unbroken profile, and wherein the connection is located away from the first ledge, with the second portion and the connection being configured so as to allow pivoting of the second portion with respect to the first portion to disengage the first ledge from the external protrusion. By contrast to GB 2091706, the location of the connection away from the first ledge better enables the second portion to assume a stable position after it has been pivoted up and away from the external protrusion. This location also provides a greater lever effect to the second portion, to enable a user to more easily and rapidly disengage the first ledge from the external protrusion moving around the closure. It also allows a larger first ledge to be employed (eg. by comparison to that employed in AU

2006200114). By enabling the use of a larger first ledge an even more secure mounting of the closure to the container can result.

In both the first and second aspects the connection may have a width that is at least twice that of its thickness. The connection is typically of uniform thickness throughout its width and moving around the closure. Optimally its thickness may also be greater than eg. the connection disclosed in AU 2006200114. In each of the first and second aspects the connection can be seen to function as a type of hinge between the first and second portions.

In each of the first and second aspects the first portion and the connection may together define an internal face that is arranged, when the closure is mounted to the container, to be in a close facing relationship with a corresponding external face of the external protrusion of the container.

In one form of each of the first and second aspects, the closure may further comprise a second ledge formed integrally with the closure portion that is positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with an internal protrusion formed integrally with and around the container rim to project inwardly of the container, the second ledge being configured such that, after disengagement of the first ledge from the external protrusion, closure removal from the container then requires the second ledge to be disengaged from the internal protrusion and, upon closure re-mounting to the container, the second ledge can be re-engaged with the internal protrusion to remount the closure to the container, whether or not the first ledge is re-engaged with the external protrusion.

When first and second ledges are present in the closure they can provide primary and secondary locking functions of the closure to the container, hi this regard, the interlocking engagement of the first ledge with the external protrusion provides a -"primary locking" of the closure to the container, and the interlocking engagement of the second ledge with the internal protrusion provides a "secondary locking".

The external and internal protrusions of the container may be provided in the form of beads that are integrally formed with the container rim.

As an alternative to employing a second ledge (eg. when the container does not include an internal protrusion), the closure may comprise an internal ridge that is formed integrally with the closure portion to be positioned (in a non-interlocking manner) adjacent to an internal face of the container at the rim. Optionally, an internal circumferential bump formed at the rim internal face can promote a type of friction or interference fit with the closure internal ridge when the closure is mounted to the container. In either case, the closure may further comprise an internal skirt that extends from and around the closure portion and is located inwardly of the second ledge or internal ridge. The skirt can have a distal end configured to abut an internal rebate of the container when the closure is mounted to the container. The internal skirt can be resilient. The internal skirt can provide for stacking support (ie. when overlying laden containers are positioned on the closure when mounted to the container).

An external recess can be defined adjacent to the second ledge or internal ridge, wherein a hinge portion can be defined in the closure at the external recess. The hinge portion can further help facilitate removal of the closure from the container.

In one form the length of the second portion is such that, when the closure is mounted to the container, its distal end can be positioned adjacent to a container flange formed integrally with and extending out from the container wall below the rim.

The container flange and/or the second portion may be provided with one or more discrete recesses adapted for receiving finger(s) of a user therein to facilitate finger insertion under and lifting of the second portion, thus facilitating initiation of pivoting of the second portion with respect to the first portion.

For increased tamper resistance and increased secure mounting, the closure may further comprise a tear strip that is frangibly connected to a distal end of the second portion. In other words, prior to pivoting the second portion about the first portion, it must first be detached from the tear strip.

In this regard, when the container comprises a flange formed integrally with and extending out from the container wall below the rim, a distal end of the tear strip can be configured to abut an external rebate defined in the container flange when the closure is mounted to the container. Further, for an even more increased tamper resistance and increased secure mounting of the closure to the container, an internal surface of the tear strip can be configured to closely face a corresponding external surface of the container flange for the length of the strip internal surface.

In one form the second portion is adapted to pivot to a stable position whereby the second portion may be adapted to maintain itself in that position once pivoted thereto. In this regard, locating the connection away from the first ledge can help the second portion to maintain itself in that position once pivoted thereto.

In another aspect, there is provided a container-closure combination comprising: - a container that comprises a base and peripheral wall, with a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container and an external protrusion formed integrally with and surrounding the rim; and - a closure as defined in the first or second aspects. Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding other embodiments which may incorporate some or all of the features as outlined in the Summary, a number of specific closure and container embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a closure mounted on a container;

Figure 2 shows a side sectional view through a prior art closure and through the container of Figure 1, with Figure 2 being provided to illustrate a closure having an "un-flipped" configuration;

Figure 3 illustrates a view similar to Figure 2 and is provided to illustrate the prior art closure in a "flipped" configuration; and

Figures 4 to 7 show side sectional views, each through a part of a different closure embodiment, when mounted to a respective container.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1, a closure for mounting to a container is depicted as comprising a container in the form of a pail 10, and a closure in the form of a lid 11. The arrangements now described are typically for a circular pail and lid.

The pail and lid may each be moulded from polypropylene or high density polyethylene. The pail may be moulded in any desired size and may have a volumetric capacity in the order of e.g. 0.5 to 20 litres. The pail may also be formed from a metal material. In addition, the lid-pail arrangements are suited to both tapered (eg. as in Figure 1) and straight-sided containers.

In Figure 1 it will be seen that the pail has a base 13 and a peripheral wall 15, with a rim 16 forming an upper margin of the wall 15 and surrounding an opening of the pail.

In Figures 2 to 7, it will be more clearly seen that the lid 11 comprises a central portion 14 defining a well, and a skirt 20 located peripherally around the central portion. The skirt surrounds the rim 16 when the lid is first mounted to the pail. The skirt 20 is generally formed as a continuous wall surrounding and depending from the lid, and is substantially symmetrical about a cental axis of the Hd. Skirt 20 comprises first 21 and second 22 interconnected skirt portions. Whilst the second skirt portion can optionally be provided as a removable tear strip or band, to effect lid removal in the arrangements described herein the second skirt portion is flipped up rather than detached. In both the prior art arrangement of Figures 2 and 3 and in the lid configurations of Figures 4 to 7, the second skirt portion 22 depends from and is connected to the first skirt portion 21 by way of a connection that is shown in the form of an integrally moulded hinge 23. The hinge 23 enables pivoting of the second skirt portion with respect to the first skirt portion to effect lid detachment.

However, in the prior art arrangement of Figures 2 and 3 this pivoting may only occur because one or more regions defined in the second skirt portion break or deform (as described in AU 2006200114). These deformable or breakable regions result in a second skirt portion that has a discontinuous and broken profile. By way of contrast, and as described below, the hinge configurations employed in the lids of Figures 4 to 7 do not require or employ any such regions. This results in a lid having enhanced aesthetic appeal, and can provide a consumer perception that it is intrinsically easier to operate (ie. to detach the closure).

In the following text the features that are generally common between the lid of Figures 2 and 3, and those lids of Figures 4 to 7 will primarily be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3, for the sake of brevity and because these Figures also illustrate the flipping of skirt portion 22. Thereafter, the unique features of the lids of Figures 4 to 7 will be described.

It will be seen that the hinge 23 is located away from a first ledge 24 formed in the second skirt portion 22. This location away (or separation) of the hinge from the first ledge, when coupled with a continuous and unbroken second skirt portion 22 of the embodiments of Figures 4 to 7, provides for greater pivoting leverage, which in turn enables a user to more easily and rapidly disengage the first ledge 24 from an external protrusion of the pail in the form of bead 25, as they move their fingers (or a tool) around the lid. It also allows the second skirt portion 22 to be provided with a comparatively thick profile that can in turn enhance its tamper resistance. It further facilitates the second skirt portion 22 pivoting to a stable "flipped-up" position, as shown in Figure 3.

It will be seen that the first skirt portion 21, hinge 23 and second skirt portion 22 each have contiguous internal faces 2 IA, 23 A, 22A respectively, which locate in a close facing relationship with a corresponding external face 25 A of the bead 25 when the lid 11 is mounted on the pail 10. With the hinge 23 located away from the first ledge 24, face 23 A of the hinge can bear against bead face 25 A during pivoting, which further mechanically aids a user in pivoting the second skirt portion 22 from the un-flipped position of Figure 2 to the flipped-up position of Figure 3.

The lid 11 is adapted, when mounted to the pail 10, for the stacking of one or more other laden pails thereupon. In this regard, the pail rim 16 is offset with respect to the pail wall 15, to define a shoulder 28 in the wall. The shoulder 28 in turn defines an internal rebate in the form of an internal step 29 in the wall 15. An internal flange in the form of a lid stacking skirt 30 can then be provided to extend from an underside of lid 11 to locate at a distal edge against the step 29.

11 will further be seen that an inverted U-shaped channel 31 is formed in the lid 11 into which the rim 16 is inserted when mounting the lid to the pail. Also, an annular rebate 3 IA is defined in the lid upper surface and into which the distal end of a stacking skirt 30 of a like lid can be received for secure stacking together of a number of like lids 11.

Whilst the stacking skirt 30 provides additional rigidity to the lid, it also enables one or more laden (e.g. like) pails to be stacked on the lid 11. In this regard, the base of an overlying laden pail can be received in the well of central portion 14. The stacking skirt can then receive and transfers the laden pail mass to the step in the container wall, with the wall then transferring this mass to its base. This can prevent inward collapse of the lid under load.

In Figure 2, it will also be seen that the pail rim 16 includes the bead 25, which is formed integrally with and to surround the rim. The bead 25 is spaced from an upper free end 33 of the rim and has an undersurface 34 that extends from an outer surface 35 of the rim 16.

When the lid is first mounted onto the pail the ledge 24 rides past and interlockingly latches with the bead 25. The bead 25 thus provides for a primary locking of lid 11 to pail 10. As stated above, pivoting (or "flipping") up of the second skirt portion 22 around the hinge 23 (Figure 3) then disengages ledge 24 from the bead 25. Also, once the second skirt portion 22 has been pivoted (or "flipped") up, as shown in Figure 3, it can later be pivoted back down to enable re-establishment of this primary locking function. Optionally, an internal protrusion in the form of projecting bead 36 can be formed integrally with to extend internally of and around the rim 16, with the bead 36 being defined as part of the rim upper free end 33. The bead 36 again has an undersurface 37 that extends inwardly relative to an inner surface 38 of the rim 16. The bead 36 can provide for a secondary interlocking of lid 11 to pail 10. For example, after the skirt portion 22 has been disengaged from bead 25 (thereby disengaging the primary locking) such secondary interlocking enables the lid to be independently re-secured to the pail.

In this regard, the lid 11 comprises a ledge 42 projecting inwardly and downwardly from a land 43 of the lid. The ledge 42 interlockingly engages with the bead 36 when the lid is mounted to the pail as shown. The ledge 42 and bead 36 are configured such that, once the ledge 24 has been disengaged from the bead 25, the lid may now be "peeled" off the pail by using a manual peeling force that causes the bead 36 to disengage with ledge 42. The spacing of the beads 25 and 36 as shown also makes it easier for the lid 11 to be removed from container 10. More particularly, the bead 25 is spaced from the rim free end whilst the bead 36 is defined as part of the rim free end so that, once ledge 24 is disengaged from bead 25, it is then easier to disengage the ledge 42 from the bead 36 (ie. by pealing the lid away from the pail). In combination, the beads 25 and 36 overall provide for a greater securing of lid 11 to pail 10. This arises from the dual interlocking engagement between beads 25, 36 and ledges 24, 42 so that, once mounted to the pail, the lid is secured around its periphery by an interlocking with beads on both sides of the rim 16, with the rim 16 then being secured within the U-shaped channel 31. This assists with secure transport and storage of the pail contents, and can improve drop performance.

It will also be seen that the second skirt portion 22 has an increased thickness relative to the remainder of skirt 20. The thickness is contributed to in part by the ledge 24. This thickness builds a tensile resistance (hoop tension) into the portion 22 that causes the ledge 24 to be urged under (or behind) the bead 25 (i.e. in a kind of snap-lock) once the ledge has moved past the bead during mounting of the lid to the pail. In this regard, the thickness and/or skirt material is selected to allow deformation of the second skirt portion during movement past the bead 25, but to impart sufficient resilience to cause the skirt portion to spring back to its original dimension once the lid is fully mounted to the pail.

The increased thickness of skirt portion 22 also provides bi-stability to the portion. That is, it locks in the position of Figure 2 but, when pivoted (or "flipped") upwardly (Figure 3), the portion 22 is also held in that position by the tensile resistance. In other words, the skirt portion 22 is stable in two positions (i.e. when pivoted down and when pivoted up).

An annular pail flange 50 is formed integrally with the rim 16. The flange projects so as to surround the pail peripheral wall 15 and serves, inter alia, to strengthen the pail wall. The flange is located below the level of the bead 25 to define a circumferential groove 51 for the receipt therein of skirt ledge 24. The flange comprises a ledge portion 52 formed integrally with, surrounding and extending out from the rim 16, and a wall portion 54 subtending from the ledge portion 52. The ledge portion 52 is slightly downwardly inclined with respect to the rim 16 (but may extend generally orthogonal thereto). The flange 50 can also contribute to the tamper-proof mounting of the lid to the pail, In this regard, the second skirt portion 22 is sloped at its distal end 55 to match the inclination of ledge portion 52. Further, distal end 55 extends down to the ledge portion 52 in a close facing relationship when the lid is mounted to the pail. This close facing relationship (which may e.g. be abutment) provides a tamper-proof region between the lid and pail and can help to prevent the insertion of a knife or other sharp or bladed instrument between the lid and pail. However, should such an attempt be made, the close facing relationship ensures that deformation or other damage will result, thereby providing a visual or tactile indication of tampering.

Whilst the flange 50 strengthens the pail it also provides resistance to lateral bumps and blows during transportation. In this regard, and as shown in Figures 2, 6 and 7, the flange projects laterally further than the lid, and thus preferentially receives and absorbs bumps, blows etc. This further contributes to a secure lid mounting in use. The flange may also comprise one or more recesses 60 extending part-way around the flange to accommodate and enable a user's fingers to be inserted therein (see Figure 1). Each recess facilitates lifting and pivoting ("flipping") of the second skirt portion 22. This lifting may alternatively be facilitated by an appropriately shaped tool. Recesses may additionally or alternatively be provided in the second skirt portion 22. In use, after the container has been filled and the lid has been mounted to the pail, when a user requires access to the pail contents, the second skirt portion 22 is lifted and pivoted to the position in Figure 3 by a user inserting fingers into recess 60, to disengage ledge 24 from bead 25. As mentioned above, in the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 this disengagement is allowed only because regions in skirt portion 22 deform or break. However, in the embodiments of Figures 4 to 7, no such deformation or breakage of skirt portion 22 is required.

To complete lid removal, a user may by hand or through the use of an appropriate tool now lift the lid away from the pail (eg. to detach ledge 42 from bead 36, but note the embodiment of Figure 7). For example, the upwardly extending (pivoted) skirt portion 22 can now be grasped and pulled to effect complete Hd removal. The pealing back of lid is from pail 10 allows access to the pail contents. After such access the lid can be re-mounted by pushing it back on to the pail (eg. until ledge 42 interlockingly engages with bead 36) thus partly re-sealing the pail contents. Prior to or after such re-mounting the second skirt portion may be pivoted back into the locking position (e.g. when the pail contents are to be stored, transported or later used).

One desirable application for lid configurations that employ a pivotable (as opposed to a removable) second skirt portion 22 is where a further substance needs to be added and mixed with the pail contents (e.g. tinting for paint). After allowing access to pail contents by pivoting the skirt portion 22 away and pealing back the lid 11, the further substance can be added to the pail, and the lid can be fully re-mounted to the pail. Now the pail and lid can be shaken etc to mix in the further substance and can be stored, transported or later used.

Reference will now be made to Figures 4 to 7 which each illustrate alternative embodiments of lids 11', 11" and 11'". In these Figures like reference numerals will be used to denote similar or like parts to Figures 2 and 3, although the unique features of these lids will now be elucidated. It should also be understood that each of the lids illustrated in Figures 4 to 7 can be combined with various of the pails illustrated in Figures 1 to 7.

Referring firstly to Figure 4, it will be seen that the hinge 23' has a width noticeably greater than its thickness (approximately five times). The term "width" used in relation to the hinge defines the distance between the first and second skirt portions 21 and 22 in the cross-sectional profile shown, and for convenience is denoted in Figure 4 by a "w". It has been discovered that the hinge's width should be at least twice its thickness to enable flip up of the second skirt portion 22 and avoid the need for a region of deformability in portion 22. Pivoting of the second skirt portion 22 from the un-flipped position to the flipped position is thus made easier for the user in that the hinge can double back upon itself.

The skirt of the lid 11 ' further comprises an additional tear strip 62 which in this lid embodiment is connected to a distal end 64 of the second skirt portion 22. Detachment of the second skirt portion 22 from the tear strip 62 then enables it to be pivoted (flipped up). In this regards, a region of weakness is in the form of a frangible region 66 is employed to connect the tear strip 62 to the second skirt portion 22.

In the embodiment of Figure 4 the tear strip 62 is also configured such that it has a close facing relationship with a corresponding face 68 defined in an elongate rebate of wall portion 54 and subtending from the ledge portion 52. An additional shoulder 70 is formed in the wall portion 54 against which a distal end 72 of the tear strip 62 abuts. The tear strip may optionally be adhered into the elongate rebate.

This tear strip configuration further aids in preventing tampering of the seal of the lid 11 upon the pail 10, it now providing a tortuous path between the lid and flange. For instance, if an item such as a screw driver or knife were positioned between the distal end 72 of the tear strip 62 and the shoulder 70 of the wall portion 54 to try to remove the lid 11 ' from the pail 10', this would inevitably impart visible signs of tampering upon one or both of the tear strip 62 or wall portion 54.

Referring now to Figure 5, the lid 11 ' of Figure 4 is illustrated as mounted upon a pail 10" having a different configuration to that of the pail 10' illustrated in Figure 4. That is, rather than the tear strip 62 being in a close facing relationship along its length with a corresponding external face of the wall portion 54, the ledge portion 52 inclines down in a manner such that the distal end 64 of the second skirt portion 22 is now spaced from the ledge portion 52. Also, only the distal end 72 of the tear strip 62 now abuts a shoulder 70 of ledge portion 52.

Referring now to Figure 6, an alternative lid embodiment 11" is shown for use with a pail 10 (similar to Figures 2 and 3) and in which lid no additional tear strip is employed. In this embodiment, the ledge 42' is arranged as part of an additional hinge 74 defined in the lid to further aid in removal of the ledge 42' from its interlocking engagement with the inwardly projecting bead 36 of the pail rim. Also, the provision of the hinge 74 defines an annular channel 76 in the lid to provide a recess for receiving the stacking skirt 30 of another like lid that is stacked thereupon.

Referring now to Figure 7 further embodiments of a lid 11'" and pail 10" are shown. Here, a downwardly projecting ridge 42" of the lid engages an internal circumferential bump 36' of the pail when the lid is mounted thereto. However, neither is configured for interlocking engagement. Instead, the ridge 42" can engage the bump 36' in a friction or interference fit when the lid is mounted to the pail (ie. to still promote a type of peal-off function when removing the lid from the pail).

Also, an internal circumferential channel 78 is defined between ridge 42" and skirt portion 21 that is adapted for a receiving modified end 33' of the rim 16 of the pail 10".

Thus, in the lid and pail embodiments of Figure 7, only the ledge 24 of the second skirt portion 22 interlockingly engages with the bead 25 when mounting the lid 11 to the pail 10. The ridge 42" engagement with bump 36' is non-interlocking. As will be understood, the pails and lids of Figures 6 and 7 can be configured to include a tear strip appended to the distal end 55 of the second skirt portion 22 and to include pail shoulders and rebates of similar configuration to either of Figures 4 and 5.

In the embodiments described the Ud is formed from deformable and/or deflectable materials (especially an injection mouldable plastic) to facilitate its mounting onto and removal from the pail. On the other hand, and as required, the pail may be formed from deformable or non-deformable materials such as plastic or metal etc.

Whilst a number of embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that the lid and pail arrangements described can be embodied in many other forms. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the closure or container.

Claims

1. A closure for a container that comprises a base and peripheral wall, with a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, and an external protrusion formed integrally with and surrounding the rim; a portion of the closure being adapted to overlie the opening of the container, with a skirt formed integrally with the closure portion and arranged to surround the rim when the closure is mounted to the container, the skirt comprising a first portion positionable adjacent to and to surround an external upper end of the rim, and a second portion that is connected to the first portion at a connection and that extends downwardly therefrom to surround the rim below its upper end, the second portion comprising an integrally formed first ledge located therewithin, the first ledge being positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the external protrusion; wherein the connection has a width sufficiently greater than its thickness so as to facilitate pivoting of the second portion with respect to the first portion to enable disengagement of the first ledge from the external protrusion.

2. A closure for a container as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second portion has a continuous and unbroken profile.

3. A closure for a container as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection is located away from the first ledge.

4. A closure for a container that comprises a base and peripheral wall, with a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, and an external protrusion formed integrally with and surrounding the rim; a portion of the closure being adapted to overlie the opening of the container, with a skirt formed integrally with the closure portion and arranged to surround the rim when the closure is mounted to the container, the skirt comprising a first portion positionable adjacent to and to surround an external upper end of the rim, and a second portion that is connected to the first portion at a connection and that extends downwardly therefrom to surround the rim below its upper end, the second portion comprising an integrally formed first ledge located therewithin, the first ledge being positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with the external protrusion; wherein the second portion comprises a continuous and unbroken profile, and wherein the connection is located away from the first ledge, with the second portion and the connection being configured so as to allow pivoting of the second portion with respect to the first portion to disengage the first ledge from the external protrusion.

5. A closure for a container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection has a width that is at least twice that of its thickness.

6. A closure for a container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection is of uniform thickness throughout its width and moving around the closure.

7. A closure for a container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion and the connection comprise an internal face arranged, when the closure is mounted to the container, to be in a close facing relationship with a corresponding external face of the external protrusion of the container.

8. A closure for a container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second ledge formed integrally with the closure portion that is positionable to locate in interlocking engagement with an internal protrusion formed integrally with and around the container rim to project inwardly of the container, the second ledge being configured such that, after disengagement of the first ledge from the external protrusion, closure removal from the container then requires the second ledge to be disengaged from the internal protrusion and, upon closure re-mounting to the container, the second ledge can be re-engaged with the internal protrusion to remount the closure to the container, whether or not the first ledge is re-engaged with the external protrusion.

9. A closure for a container as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the external and internal protrusions are provided in the form of beads that are integrally formed with the container rim.

10. A closure for a container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an internal ridge that is formed integrally with the closure portion to be positionable adjacent to an internal face of the container at the rim.

11. A closure for a container as claimed in Claim 10₃ further comprising an internal circumferential bump formed at the rim internal face that promotes a friction or interference fit with the closure internal ridge when the closure is mounted to the container.

12. A closure for a container as claimed in Claim 10 or 11, that comprises an external recess defined adjacent to the second ledge or internal ridge, whereby a hinge portion is defined in the closure at the external recess.

13. A closure for a container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a tear strip frangibly connected to a distal end of the second portion, wherein the container comprises a flange formed integrally with and extending out from the container wall below the rim, and the tear strip is configured whereby: - a distal end of the strip abuts an external rebate defined in the container flange when the closure is mounted to the container; or - its internal surface closely faces a corresponding external surface of the container flange for the length of the strip internal surface.

14. A closure for a container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion is adapted to pivot to a stable position whereby the second portion is adapted to maintain itself in that position once pivoted thereto.

15. A container-closure combination comprising:

- a container that comprises a base and a peripheral wall, with a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container and an external protrusion formed integrally with and surrounding the rim; and

- a closure as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14.