I dont know if my mind is playing tricks on me but does anyone remember a paint can that had this lever on the side of it that you pulled it and the paint can lid popped up. It was like some kind of paint can lid opener built in. Could have swore I saw one in the late 90's but I don't see it any more.

I remember something like that. Spent a lot of time searching the web but could not find anything.

It reminded me of my Grandfathers pipe tobacco tin. It closed like a paint can and had a little lever to pop it open.

WOW
I'm Pretty certain that it will be listed on one of the Patent sites with a diagram

I've tried some big Uk paint makers with no Joy (I know what you mean) They reverted to plastic tub/lids for the smaller quantaties
and the 'openers" faded away into obscurity
Try keywords like "Can openers" on Froogle (links to Google) or" tin openers" and set the price high to how...and there is a faint chance that something is listed

Another Possible to try and Not many people are aware of this service, is to try the BETA search page at Google Suggest...
Which is simplicity itself
Basically you do nothing just start typing and Google throws matches at you from its database...Very reliable up to 3 keywords then it gets confused
All you do is click on the Google search button
www.google.com/webhp?complete=1&hl=en

PS I forget if you need a Google account to access this service ...But my advice is ...Go for it and All the Programs on Google are now unlocked to you including the Versatile Gmail Program
Your screename becomes your Gmail screenname If and when you want to try that service out
https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount

Kainchild, I can't tell you what brand had a lid like that but the name of the system is Lever-Loc Closure system. Cans and pails are still manufactured with that closure system but again, I can't tell you what specific brands use it.

Only one I can find in production is this type for Chemical drums...Only images too
www.skolnikcontainer.com/quickleverpix.html

There was a can opening device which could be brought separately which would break the seal of the can Having no joy on locating these

All they sell you are these now www.anthonyco.com/canopeners.html

And these off Amazon which is lacking an Image for $25

Bedstor, the link you provided was where the above image was taken from. In order to find paint cans with the lever-loc closure system all you have to do is look for cans and containers manufacturers. There are specification files in pdf format online that show a wide variety of cans with this lid system.

Apologies Georgia...did not check the hyperlink

Look like this is going to turn up little or nothing
I'll check some Handyman sites see if there are any listed? Best UK site goes by the almost embarassing name of www.screwfix.com or this beauty www.screwfixdirect.com Both go to the same place and are legit

NOTE - Original purpose of company was to sell fixings such as wood screws in Bulk to the Trade

In the meantime these are the only types found on Froogle (Google product comparison site
And being tight with my money my "opener" is a big blunt screwdirver, or a car hubcap remover

To find manufacturers the best thing to do is check b2b (business to business) listings in yellow pages. That's how I found the manufacturers today at work. Remember, I work in internet yellow pages advertising so I have my sources

Yankee Containers is one such manufacturer as is Sourcing East Asia
Paint can from above site.

P.S. Google using the search criteria of Lever Lock Paint Cans and you will find many manufacturers.

No this thing you pulled it outwards like a chain. Then the lid just popped upwards.