One piece locking belt

Abstract

A locking belt is used with a container having an annular end portion defining a top opening and a removable cover overlying the opening. The locking belt comprises a split circular ring, generally U-shaped in cross section, having first and second ends and including an outer circumferential wall. An arm extends outwardly from the outer circumferential wall proximate the second end to define a notch opening away from the second end. A lever arm has a near end and a distal end. The lever arm comprises an arcuate handle having sides to be received on the split circular ring and includes a member extending between the sides. A connecting strap is provided for integrally connecting the split circular ring first end and the lever arm. The ring, the connecting strap and the lever arm are of one piece plastic construction. In use, the member is received in the notch with the lever arm overlying the split circular ring at the second end to retain the cover on the container.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.