The airtight lid
It is probably surprising to learn that the airtight lid ( Milo, paint tins etc.) was designed by a New Zealander. Away back in 1884 a Dunedin tinsmith,
John Eustace designed a lid with a flange which clicked into place. Up until then lids were plain and slid on , and just as easily off.
He and his brother started manufacturing tins with the lids which proved to be really popular. To meet the growing demand they designed an automatic machine however it required a die to be cut for it in England. They did patent their invention but for some reason only for in New Zealand.
They were legally unprotected anywhere else, there was nothing to stop the die making company from stealing their idea – which, on realising that it was not patented in England it did. This company was soon producing millions of lids.
This bad fortune did not seem to faze John and his Dunedin company’s business thrived to where he was making 100 tons of lids a year.
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