Abstract: A locking device for a container lid closing the open top of a cylindrical container having a radially inwardly opening annular recess. The locking device includes a central hand-controlled vertically reciprocable operating rod connected to the lid, with radially projecting connecting rods connecting the reciprocable operating rod with corresponding elastic latch members normally seated in the annular recess in the locking position. The raising of the operating rod and connecting rods by the handle control mechanism flexes the elastic latch members radially inward to disengage the recess and permit withdrawal of the lid from the container.