Abstract: The problem of providing tight-fitting closures for containers is solved by the closures and the methods of installing and removing closures utilizing a closure (20) which includes a central portion (21) and an annulus portion (22) hingedly connected to the central portion by a hinge (23) to enable at least a portion of the annulus portion to contract during insertion and removal operations. The annulus portion pivots to an expanded position to become compressed between the central portion and the orifice surface (25). A retaining portion (68) in a modified form of closure serves to hold the outer edge of the annulus portion relative to movement of the central portion and to prevent premature removal. In installing and removing, the closure is readily adapted to be turned at an angle to the axis of the orifice for easier insertion and removal and for bung-type closures the filler apparatus for a beer barrel is useful in installing these closures.

Abstract: A bung for the bung orifice of a pressurized beer barrel and the like including an outer shell having an external wall surface adapted for sealing engagement with the wall of the bung orifice and a closure head extending radially inwardly from an attachment at an intermediate point on the inside of the outer shell. The outer shell and closure head preferable are an integral molded plastic unit exhibiting yieldability and resiliency.