WO2008105670A1

WO2008105670A1 - Container closure

Info

Publication number: WO2008105670A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2008/000028
Authority: WO
Inventors: Taihauauru Turoa Teharawira Haronga
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-02-28
Filing date: 2008-02-28
Publication date: 2008-09-04
Anticipated expiration: 2009-08-28
Also published as: NZ553498A; GB2459408A; US20100096387A1; GB2459408B; GB0914391D0

Abstract

A closure (1) comprises an attachment member (10) for releasably attaching the closure to a container (2), a cover member (20) for extending over an open top of the container, and a handle member (30). The open top of the container terminates at a peripheral lip (3). The attachment member (10) also comprises a closed loop (22, 25) having a flexible loop portion (22) which, in use, is contractible to secure the loop to the lip and to thereby attach the closure to the container. The cover member has a first edge portion which is attached to the attachment member, and a second edge portion which is opposite the first edge portion and is attached to the handle member. The cover member also comprises an elastic portion (21) which is contractible to draw the opposite edge portions of the cover member toward one another. The handle member has a hand grip portion (31) for manipulating the cover member. The handle member has an elongate rigid portion (32) which is adapted for engaging with a portion of the lip to secure the cover member in a closed position over the open top of the container. One preferred embodiment of the closure is to secure recyclable materials in a container in readiness for roadside collection.

Description

"CONTAINER CLOSURE" FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to closures for containers, and particularly to reclosable closures suitable for retro-fitting to open-topped bins provided by local territorial authorities to residents for kerbside collection of recyclable materials.

BACKGROUND

As recycling of waste materials has become more commonplace, local territorial authorities have provided residents with bins for periodic kerbside collection of recyclable materials. In many cases, the bins provided are open-topped resulting in littering of urban environments through loss of bin contents, particularly in windy environments.

Various covers have been proposed for recycling bins. The retro-fitting of some of these covers to the bins has required skills and tools not readily available in all households. Some covers have not been easy for users to close over the bin. Some covers have been difficult to quickly release and open the bins, for example when roadside collectors are. emptying the bins into collection vehicles. Some covers have been easily lost through not being held captive with the bin after the cover has been removed to empty the bin.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a closure for an open-topped container that mitigates, at least in part, one or more of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a closure that can be retro-fitted to an open-topped container without the use of tools.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a closure that, after retrofitting .to an open-topped container, can be held captive on the container even when not closed ^■ over the open top. Another object of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a container with a closure that can be retro-fitted to an open-topped container, the closure being releasably closable over the open top.

The invention may be broadly said to be a closure for a container having an open top which terminates at a peripheral lip, the closure comprising an attachment member for releasably attaching the closure to the container, a cover member for extending over the open top of the container, and a handle member; the attachment member comprising a closed loop having a flexible loop portion which in use. is contractible to secure the loop to the lip and to thereby attach the closure to the container, the cover member having first and second opposite edge portions, the first edge portion being attached to the attachment member and the second edge portion being attached to the handle member, the cover member comprising an elastic portion which is contractible to draw the opposite edge portions of the cover member toward one another, the handle member having a hand grip portion for manipulating the cover member, the handle member having an elongate rigid portion adapted for engaging with a portion of the lip and thereby securing the cover member in a closed position over the open top of the container in use.

Preferably, the flexible loop portion is elastic and is contractible to secure the loop to the lip and to thereby attach the closure to the container. Alternatively, the flexible loop portion is inelastic and comprises a fastening means by which the inelastic loop portion can be contracted in length and maintained in a contracted state to secure the loop to the lip and to thereby attach the closure to the container.

Preferably the elongate rigid portion of the handle member is U-shaped, comprising a middle portion and two end portions which extend transversely in a common direction from opposite ends of the middle portion.

In a first preferred embodiment the lip is an outwardly open channel and in use the loop is locatable in the channel and the flexible loop portion is contractible to secure the loop in the channel and thereby attach the closure to the container, and the rigid portion of the handle member is releasably locatable in the channel at said portion of the Hp to thereby secure the cover member in the closed position over the open top of the container. In one option of the first preferred embodiment, the loop comprises an elongate rigid loop portion the ends of which are respectively connected to opposite ends of the flexible loop portion. The rigid loop portion may be U-shaped, comprising a middle portion and two end portions which extend transversely in a common direction from opposite ends of the middle portion of the rigid loop portion. Preferably, the first edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid loop portion and the second edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid portion of the handle member. The cover member may comprise two elastic side lines which respectively connect the ends of the rigid loop portion to the ends of the rigid portion of the handle member. Preferably, the cover member comprises a net, and respective edge portions of the net extend along and are attached to the elongate rigid portion of the handle member, the elongate rigid loop portion and the two elastic side lines.

In another option of the first preferred embodiment, the loop comprises two elongate rigid loop portions, each rigid loop portion having first and second opposite ends, the first ends being respectively connected to opposite ends of the flexible loop portion and the second ends being respectively connected to opposite ends of another portion of the loop. Preferably, the peripheral lip is quadrilateral and the rigid loop portions are L-shaped for fitting in the channel at respective corners of the peripheral lip. Preferably, the first edge portion of the cover member is attached to the rigid loop portions and the second edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid portion of the handle member. The cover member may comprise two elastic side lines which respectively connect the first ends of the rigid loop portions to the ends of the rigid portion of the handle member. Preferably, the cover member comprises a net, and respective edge portions of the net extend along and are attached to the elongate rigid portion of the handle member, the elongate rigid loop portions and the two elastic side lines.

In a second preferred embodiment, the lip is an outwardly projecting bead, the loop comprises first and second elongate rigid loop portions each having a U-shaped transverse cross-section shaped for fitting over respective portions of the bead, each rigid loop portion having first and second opposite ends, the first ends being respectively connected to opposite ends of the flexible loop portion and the second ends being respectively connected to opposite ends of another portion of the loop, and in use the first and second rigid loop portions are engagable over the respective portions of the bead, and the elastic loop portion is contractible to secure the loop to the peripheral Hp and thereby attach the closure to the container. In one option of the second preferred embodiment, at least one of the rigid loop portions is U- shaped comprising an intermediate portion and two end portions which extend transversely in a common direction from opposite ends of the intermediate portion. Preferably, the first edge portion of the cover member is attached along a portion of the loop between the two rigid loop portions and the second edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid portion of the handle member. The rigid portion of the handle member may have a U-shaped cross-section shaped to fit over a portion of the bead. Preferably, the first edge portion of the cover member is attached along the first rigid loop portion and the second edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid portion of the handle member. The rigid portion of the handle member may have a U-shaped transverse cross-section shaped to fit over the second rigid loop portion.

The cover member may comprise two elastic side lines which respectively connect the ends of the first rigid loop portion to the ends of the rigid portion of the handle member. Preferably the cover member comprises a net, and respective edge portions of the net extend along and are attached to the rigid portion of the handle member, the first rigid loop portion and the two elastic side lines.

In another option of the second preferred embodiment, the peripheral Hp is quadrilateral and the rigid loop portions are L-shaped for fitting in the channel at respective corners of the peripheral lip. Preferably, the first edge portion of the cover member is attached to the two rigid loop portions and the second edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid portion of the handle member. The rigid portion of the handle member may have a U-shaped transverse cross-section shaped to fit over a portion of the bead. The cover member may comprise two elastic side lines which respectively connect the first ends of the rigid loop portions to the ends of the rigid portion of the handle member. Preferably, the cover member comprises a net, and respective edge portions of the net extend along and are attached to the rigid portion of the handle member, the rigid loop portions and the two elastic side lines.

The invention may further be said to consist in any alternative combination of parts or features mentioned herein or shown in the accompanying drawings. Known equivalents of these parts or features which are not expressly set out are nevertheless deemed to be included. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments and methods of utilising the invention will be further described, with reference to the accompanying figures, by way of example only and without intending to be limiting, wherein;

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first preferred closure and a first container;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view, of a second preferred closure and a second container;

Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional side view, of a portion of the container shown in Figure 1 fitted with the closure shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 4 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of the container shown in Figure 2 fitted with the closure shown in Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention may be implemented in various forms and modes. The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is given by way of example only.

A first preferred closure 1 and a first container 2 are shown in a perspective view in Figure 1 and in a partial cross-sectional side -view in Figure 3.

The container 2 shown in Figures 1 and 3 is representative of one type of open-topped bin, typically moulded from a plastics material, and provided by local territorial authorities to residents for kerbside collection of recyclable materials. The open top of the bin terminates at a generally quadrilateral peripheral Hp 3 that is formed as an outwardly-open channel 4. The channel extends continuously around the complete periphery of the open bin top. The channel has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with substantially horizontal top and bottom walls 5, 6 joined by a vertically extending inner wall. The closure comprises an attachment loop 10 by which the closure can be releasably retro-fitted to the bin, a cover 20 comprising a net 21 for closing over the open top of the bin, and a handle 30 with a hand grip 31 for manipulating the cover when closing and opening the net over the open top of the bin.

The attachment loop 10 comprises a flexible elastic cord 22 the ends of which are joined to the tips of two ends 23, 24 of an elongate rigid portion 25 to form a closed loop. The rigid loop portion 25 is U-shaped, having a generally straight elongate middle portion 26 and the two ends 23, 24 which extend transversely in a common direction from the opposite ends of the middle portion. The distance between the transverse ends 23, 24-of the.U-shape is pre-determined so that the ends can be simultaneously slid into the channel 4 at two opposite sides of the open bin top.

When the closure 1 is fitted to the bin 2, the rigid loop portion 25 is located in the channel 4. The middle portion 26 of the U-shaped rigid loop portion is located in the channel along a first side of the bin with the two transverse ends 23, 24 respectively extending part way along the channel at the two sides of the bin adjacent the first side. The elastic cord 22 is stretched around the remainder of the peripheral lip and located in the channel 4 along the remainder of the two adjacent sides and along the fourth side. The elastic cord 22 contracts to secure the loop 10 (that is, the elastic cord 22 and the rigid loop portion 25) in the channel 4 and thereby attaches the closure 1 to the bin 2. As .will be appreciated, no tools or special skills are needed to achieve this retro-fitting of the closure to the bin.

The length and elasticity of the elastic cord is selected to securely, but releasably, attach the closure to the bin and hold the closure captive with the bin, even if the closure is not closed over the bin top.

The handle_.30 has a hand grip 31 and a rigid elongate portion 32. The rigid elongate handle portion is U-shaped, having an elongate, generally straight, middle portion 33 and two ends 34, 35 which extend transversely in a common direction from the opposite ends of the middle portion.

The cover is a net 21 comprising a network of elastic cords. Opposite end edges of the net are attached to the rigid loop portion 25 and to the rigid elongate handle portion 32. The net includes two elastic side lines 27 which extend along the opposite side edges of the net. The side lines 27 connect respective ends of the rigid loop portion 25 to the ends of the rigid handle portion 32. The side lines are attached to the respective distal tips of the transverse ends 23, 24, 34, 35 of the rigid portions of the loop and handle.

When the closure cover 20 is to be closed over the open top of the bin 2, the elastic net 21 and side lines 27 are stretched over the bin opening, by pulling on the hand grip 31, and the rigid handle portion 32 is located in the channel 4. The generally straight middle portion 33 of the rigid handle portion 32 is located in the channel at the side of the bin opposite the side in which the middle portion 26 of the rigid loop portion 25 is located. The elastic net 21 and the two side lines 27 contract to draw the elongate handle portion toward the rigid loop portion, pulling the handle portion into the channel and thereby securing the net closed over the top of the bin. The transverse ends 23, 24, 34, 35 of the rigid portions of the loop and handle extend part way along the channel 4 at opposite sides of the quadrilateral lip to resist inadvertent removal of the rigid portions from the channel.

The net can extend flatly across the bin opening or, if the bin is loaded with contents extending above the peripheral lip of the bin opening, the net can be stretched and pushed upward (e.g. to the raised position as indicated in Figure 3) to accommodate the bin contents. In either case, the bin cover retains recyclable materials left in the bin at a kerb side until collection.

The cover 20 can be readily opened by pulling outwardly and then upwardly on the hand grip 31 to pull the transverse ends of the elongate rigid handle portion 32 out of the channel 4. The handle 30 and cover 20 can then be released, under the elasticity of the net 21 and side lines 27, toward the opposite end of the bin from where the handle and net can hang loosely from the rigid loop portion 25 that remains retained in the channel 4 at that end of the bin.

A second preferred closure 101 and a second container 102 are shown in a perspective view in Figure 2 and in a cross-sectional view in Figure 4.

The container shown in Figures 2 and 4 is a bin with an open top that terminates at a generally quadrilateral peripheral lip 103 that is formed as an outwardly-projecting bead 104. The bead extends continuously around the complete periphery of the open bin top. The second preferred closure, like the first, comprises an attachment loop 110 by which the closure can be releasably retro-fitted to the bin, a cover 120 comprising a net 121 for closing over the open top of the bin, and a handle 130 with a hand grip 131 for manipulating the cover when closing and opening the net over the open top of the bin.

The attachment loop 110 comprises two flexible elastic cords 122, 123; one of which is longer than the other. The longer cord 122 joins respective ends of two elongate rigid portions 125, 126 together, and the shorter cord 123 joins the other ends of the two rigid portions 125, 126 together, to form a closed loop.

The rigid loop portions 125, 126 have a U-shaped transverse cross-section that is shaped to fit over and engage the bead 104 at the peripheral Hp of the bin. The two rigid loop portions are L-shaped to engage the bead at respective corners of the peripheral Hp of the bin. The L-shaped loop portions are preferably curved to match any curvature of the bead around the corners of the peripheral Hp of the bin.

When the closure 101 is fitted to the bin 102, the two rigid L-shaped portions 125, 126 are engaged over the bead at two adjacent corners of the peripheral Hp of the bin. The two elastic cords 122, 123 are stretched around the remainder of the peripheral Hp, with at least the longer elastic cord 122 being located below the bead to extend around the two other corners and along three sides of the peripheral Hp. The shorter elastic cord 123 extends between the two rigid L-shaped loop portions, along the fourth side of the peripheral Hp.

The elastic cords 122, 123 contract to retain the rigid L-shaped loop portions on the bead corners and thereby attach the closure to the bin.

As will be appreciated, no tools or special skills are needed to achieve this retro-fitting of the closure to the bin.

The length and elasticity of the loop cords are selected to securely, but releasably, attach the closure to the bin. The use of two rigid L-shaped loop portions aUows one closure to fit a range of bin sizes, with the two elastic cords allowing the loop to adapt to the length of the peripheral Hp while the two rigid L-shaped portions fit closely to the bead at respective corners of the Hp. In the closure shown in Figure 2, the handle 130 has a hand grip 131 and a rigid elongate portion 132. The rigid elongate handle portion has a U-shaped transverse cross-section that is shaped to fit over the bead at the peripheral lip of the bin. The rigid elongate handle portion 132 is generally straight (i.e. it is without any transverse ends) so that it can be fitted to a range of bin sizes. As best seen in the partial cross-sectional side view of Figure 4, the upper flange of the U-shaped cross- section of the rigid handle portion 132 may extend beyond die lower flange to improve the security of the engagement of the handle portion on the bead.

In the closure shown in Figure 2, the cover is a net 121 comprising a network of elastic cords. One end edge of the net is attached to each of the rigid L-shaped loop portions 125, 126 and optionally (but not shown in Figure 2) to the shorter elastic, loop portion 123. The other end edge of the net 121 is attached to the rigid elongate handle portion 132. The net includes two elastic side lines 127 which extend along the opposite side edges of the net. The side lines 127 respectively connect the L-shaped rigid loop portions 125, 126 to the ends of the rigid elongate handle portion 132. Each side line is attached to a distal tip of one leg of the respective L-shaped rigid loop portion.

When the closure cover 120 is to be closed over the open top of the bin 102, the elastic net 121 is stretched over the bin opening, by pulling on the hand grip 131, and the rigid elongate handle portion 132 is engaged over the bead 104 at the side of the peripheral lip opposite the side between the two L-shaped rigid loop portionsl25, 126. The elastic net 121 and the two side lines 127 contract to draw the elongate handle portion toward the rigid loop portions, pulling the handle ^• portion onto the bead and thereby securing the net closed over the top of the bin.

The net can extend flatly across the bin opening or, if the bin is loaded with contents extending above the peripheral lip of the bin opening, the net can be stretched and pushed upward (e.g. to the raised position as indicated in Figure 4) to accommodate the bin contents. In either case, the bin cover retains recyclable materials left in the bin at a kerbside until collection.

The cover 120 can be readily opened by pulling outwardly and then upwardly on the hand grip 131 to pull the elongate rigid handle portion 132 off the bead 104. The handle 130 and cover 120 can then be released, under the elasticity of the net 121 and side lines 127, toward the opposite end of the bin. The handle and net can then hang loosely from the two rigid loop portions 125, 126 that remain retained on the bead 104 at that end of the bin. The foregoing describes the invention with reference to a preferred embodiment. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated within the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. The invention may also consist in any alternative combination of any of the parts or features mentioned herein or shown in the accompanying drawings.

For example, although the preferred embodiment described above is a closure for a recycling bin, the closure is similarly applicable to other open-topped containers having a peripheral Hp formed as a bead or channel.

In one exemplary variation the flexible loop portion is inelastic, for example a cord, band, belt or strap. The inelastic loop portion includes a fastening means, for example a buckle or a pair of hook and loop fastening elements. The loop is fitted around the lip and the inelastic portion contracted in length and maintained in the contracted state by the buckle, or other fastener, to secure the loop to the Hp and to thereby attach the closure to the container. This provides a secure attachment of closure to container, reducing the likelihood of inadvertent detachment.

In another exemplary variation not shown in the figures, the U-shaped rigid loop portion 25 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3, may be replaced with two rigid L-shaped loop portions connected together by a pair of elastic cords to form the closed loop so that the closure can be fitted to bins from a range of differently-sized bins.

In another exemplary variation not shown in the figures, the loop has no rigid portions. In this case, the loop is an endless cord that is located in a peripheral channel such as that seen on the bin shown in Figure 1. A first end of the cover net is fixed along part of the loop cord and the second end of the cover net is fixed along part of the rigid handle portion. The complete cord may be elastic or the cord could be a length of relatively elastic cord joined to a length of relatively inelastic cord. In this latter case, the first end of the cover net could be fixed along the relatively inelastic cord.

In another exemplary option not shown in the figures, the L-shaped rigid loop portions shown in Figures 2 and 4 may be substituted by rigid loop portions that are substantially straight or U- shaped. In either case, a first end of the cover net could be fixed along the loop cord connecting between the two rigid loop portions and the second end of the cover net would be fixed along part of the rigid handle portion. Alternatively, a first end of the cover net could be fixed along a first of the two rigid loop portions and the second end of the cover net would be fixed along part of the rigid handle portion. In this latter alternative, the rigid handle portion would preferably have a U- shaped transverse cross-section shaped to fit over the second rigid loop portion.

The two L-shaped rigid loop portions described above with reference to Figures 2 and 4 as engaged over two adjacent corners of the quadrilateral lip, may instead be engaged over two opposite corners of the Hp. In either case, the two elastic cords are preferably located below the bead, each cord extending around a respective one of the other two corners of the lip.

In another embodiment not shown in the figures, the loop comprises only one rigid L-shaped loop portion and only one elastic loop portion which is located below the bead to extend around three corners and along all four sides of the quadrilateral Hp. In this case the single elastic cord contracts to retain the rigid L-shaped loop portion on the bead corner and thereby attach the closure to the bin.

In another embodiment, the handle 130 of the closure shown in Figures 2 and 4 is substituted by a handle having an elongate rigid portion with an overall U-shape, having an elongate middle portion and two ends which extend transversely in a common direction from the opposite ends of the middle portion to engage the bead at two opposite sides of the quadrilateral loop.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

Claims

WHAT? I CLAIM IS:

1. A closure for a container having an open top which terminates at a peripheral lip, the closure comprising an attachment member for releasably attaching the closure to the container, a cover member for extending over the open top of the container, and a handle member; the attachment member comprising a closed loop having a flexible loop portion which in use is contractible to secure the loop to the lip and to thereby attach the closure to the container, the cover member having first and second opposite edge portions, the first edge portion being attached to the attachment member and the second edge portion being attached to the handle member, the cover member comprising an elastic portion- which is contractible to draw the opposite edge portions of the cover member toward one another, the handle member having a hand grip portion for manipulating the cover member, the handle member having an elongate rigid portion adapted for engaging with a portion of the lip and thereby securing the cover member in a closed position over the open top of the container in use.

2. ^' A closure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flexible loop portion is elastic and is contractible to secure the loop to the lip and to thereby attach the closure to the container.

3. A closure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flexible loop portion is inelastic and comprises a fastening means by which the inelastic loop portion can be contracted in length and maintained in a contracted state to secure the loop to the lip and to thereby attach the closure to the container.

4. A closure as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the elongate rigid portion of the handle member is U-shaped, comprising a middle portion and two end portions which extend transversely in a common direction from opposite ends of the middle portion.

5. A closure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lip is an outwardly open channel and in use the loop is locatable in the channel and the flexible loop portion is contractible to secure the loop in the channel and thereby attach the closure to the container, and the rigid portion of the handle member is releasably locatable in the channel at said portion of the lip to thereby secure the cover member in the closed position over the open top of the container.

6. A closure as claimed in claim 5 wherein the loop comprises an elongate rigid loop portion the ends of which are respectively connected to opposite ends of the flexible loop portion.

7. A closure as claimed in claim 6 wherein the rigid loop portion is U-shaped, comprising a middle portion and two end portions which extend transversely in a common direction from opposite ends of the middle portion of the rigid loop portion.

8. A closure as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein the first edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid loop portion and the second edge portion of the cover member is attached ^' along the rigid portion of the handle member.

9. A closure as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8 wherein the cover member comprises two elastic side lines which respectively connect the ends of the rigid loop portion to the ends of the rigid portion of the handle member.

10. A closure as claimed in claim 9 wherein the cover member comprises a net, and respective edge portions of the net extend along and are attached to the elongate rigid portion of the handle member, the elongate rigid loop portion and the two elastic side lines.

11. A closure as claimed in claim 5 wherein the loop comprises two elongate rigid loop portions, each rigid loop portion having first and second opposite ends, the first ends being respectively connected to opposite ends of the flexible loop portion and the second ends being respectively connected to opposite ends of another portion of the loop.

12. A closure as claimed in claim 11 wherein the peripheral lip is quadrilateral and the rigid loop portions are L-shaped for fitting in the channel at respective corners of the peripheral Hp.

13. A closure as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the first edge portion of the cover member is attached to the rigid loop portions and the second edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid portion of the handle member.

14. A closure as claimed in claim 11, 12 or 13 wherein the cover member comprises two elastic side lines which respectively connect the first ends of the rigid loop portions to the ends of the rigid portion of the handle member.

15. A closure as claimed in claim 14 wherein the cover member comprises a net, and respective edge portions of the net extend along and are attached to the elongate rigid portion of the handle member, the elongate rigid loop portions and the two elastic side lines.

16. A closure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the lip is an outwardly projecting bead, the loop comprises first and second elongate rigid loop portions each having a U-shaped transverse cross-section shaped for fitting over respective portions of the bead, each rigid loop portion having first and second opposite ends, the first ends being respectively connected to opposite ends of the flexible loop portion and the second ends being respectively connected to opposite ends of another portion of the loop, and in use the first and second rigid loop portions are engagable over the respective portions of the. bead, and the elastic loop portion is contractible to secure the loop to the peripheral lip and thereby attach the closure to the container.

17. A closure as claimed in claim 16 wherein at least one of the rigid loop portions is U- shaped comprising an intermediate portion and two end portions which extend transversely in a common direction from opposite ends of the intermediate portion.

18. A closure as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein the first edge portion of the cover member is attached along a portion of the loop between the two rigid loop portions and the second edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid portion of the handle member.

19. A closure as claimed in claim 18 wherein the rigid portion of the handle member has a U-. shaped cross-section shaped to fit over a portion of the bead.

20. A closure as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein the first edge portion of the cover member is attached along the first rigid loop portion and the second edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid portion of the handle member.

21. A closure as claimed in claim 20 wherein the rigid portion of the handle member has a U- shaped transverse cross-section shaped to fit over the second rigid loop portion.

22. . A closure as claimed in claim 20 or 21 wherein the cover member comprises two elastic side lines which respectively connect the ends of the first rigid loop portion to the ends of the rigid portion of the handle member.

23. A closure as claimed in claim 22 wherein the cover member comprises a net, and respective edge portions of the net extend along and are attached to the rigid portion of the handle member, the first rigid loop portion and the two elastic side lines.

24. A closure as claimed in claim 16 wherein the peripheral lip is quadrilateral and the rigid loop portions are L-shaped for fitting in the channel at respective corners of the peripheral lip.

25. A closure as claimed in claim 24 wherein the first edge portion of the cover member is attached to the two rigid loop portions and the second edge portion of the cover member is attached along the rigid portion of the handle member.

26. A closure as claimed in claim 24 or 25 wherein the rigid portion of the handle member has a U-shaped transverse cross-section shaped to fit over a portion of the bead.

^' 27. A closure as claimed in claim 24, 25 or 26 wherein the cover member comprises two elastic side lines which respectively connect the first ends of the rigid loop portions to the ends of the rigid portion of the handle member.

28. A closure as claimed in claim 27 wherein the cover member comprises a net, and respective edge portions of the net extend along and are attached to the rigid portion of the handle member, the rigid loop portions and the two elastic side lines.