Abstract: An annular closure ring and bolt assembly for securing a lid or cover in sealed relation with an open-head drum is provided in which an annular split closure ring is closed by tightening a bolt between a pair of laterally spaced lugs attached to opposite ends of the closure ring. Each lug includes a hole to receive the bolt wherein at least one lug hole is unthreaded, and the bolt includes a shoulder or sleeve such that when the bolt is inserted into the unthreaded hole, the shoulder fits substantially flush with that unthreaded hole. The bolt engages either a threaded hole in one of the lugs or a jam nut to draw the lugs together and tighten the closure ring around the drum. The tight engagement between the unthreaded hole of the lug and the shoulder of the bolt thereby reduces movement of the bolt within the unthreaded hole to secure the connection of the ring around the open-head drum.

Abstract: An improved lever latch ring for securing a cover panel having a plurality of tabs thereon to a container wherein the tabs extend beneath an outwardly extending rim forming an upper margin of the container and against an outer wall thereof. The improved lever latch ring includes an arcuate member having a lower horizontal portion that coextends the tabs. The lower horizontal portion is urged against the tabs by a lever latch connected to opposing ends of the arcuate member and when so urged confines the tabs against the outer wall and against a lower portion of the rim. A vertical portion is connected to the lower horizontal portion and extends upwardly therefrom in contact with an outermost portion of the cover panel extending intermediate the vertical portion and the rim. Engagement of the lever latch urges the vertical portion against the cover panel to press the cover panel against the rim.

Abstract: A closure ring for use with an open head drum utilizes a reduced diameter portion proximal each end thereof to increase the force required to draw the end of the ring together about the drum head and an associated lid and gasket, thereby increasing the compressive force applied to the gasket in the reduced diameter region resulting in greater sealing effect at the junction of the ring ends.