Abstract: A pail and bail in which the bail is molded integrally with the pail and includes a circular cross-section bead which extends around the pail coplanar with and spaced apart from the rim. The bead is connected to opposing sides of the pail either by a rib that has generally triangular fins which curve inwardly between two vertical flanges that project outwardly from the side wall of the pail, or by a single flange member that flares laterally outwardly and radially inward along a thin rectangular or flattened oval segment of the bail. When the handle segments of the bail are pivoted upwardly and inwardly toward one another to a position disposed above the open top of the pail, the entire bead forms a figure eight pattern with smoothly curving loops without creases or fold lines. The components connecting the bail to the pail will flex inwardly when the pail is loaded and supported by the bail.

Abstract: A container and lid assembly including a container having a cylindrical side wall and top rim, and a lid having an inverted U-shaped rim and depending skirt portion which is snapped over the rim of the container wall to form a sealing closure therewith. An annular ridge projects inwardly from the inner surface of the skirt portion so as to ride over and engage under the upper bead of the container wall, thereby creating single point interference fits between the container and lid. The outer edge of a first shoulder engages a score line on the inner surface of the skirt portion defining a bi-directional tear strip. The distal end of the tear strip closely confronts a second shoulder when the container is originally sealed. The inside wall of the lid prevents the container from being deformed or collapsing when opened.

Abstract: A flexible, plastic lid of the type used for closing commodity containers is provided with protrusion segments on the inside surface of its side wall to provide vent openings between adjacent, stacked lids. A stacking shoulder around the periphery of the top wall of the lid is also provided with raised ribs for further holding stacked lids in spaced apart relation. Vent passages formed between stacked lids by the protrusion segments and the ribs lessen the suction effect which normally tends to hold such lids together when stacked for handling and storage.