Abstract: A lid for a container is provided generally comprising a main body and a door having a flip section pivotally connected to a push section, the push section pivotally connected to the main body. The main body includes a recess that defines a pivot wall. The flip section is positioned to engage the pivot wall and rotate relative to the push section in response to downward pressure on the push section. The floor of the recess includes a dispensing hole sized to dispense large items. Preferably, the dispensing hole is sized to accommodate a person's fingers while gasping an item. Additionally, the flip section of the door includes a sealing ring projecting from the underside of the door. The sealing ring is sized to engage the inner periphery of the dispensing hole to provide a seal to preserve organic or other perishable items.

Abstract: A lid for a container is provided generally comprising a main body and a door having a flip section pivotally connected to a push section, the push section pivotally connected to the main body. The main body includes a recess that defines a pivot wall. The flip section is positioned to engage the pivot wall and rotate relative to the push section in response to downward pressure on the push section. A detent mechanism is used to control opening the door in at least two stages. In the first stage, the detent mechanism substantially fixes the push section in a closed position, and in the second stage substantially fixes the push section in an open position. In one embodiment, the floor of the recess is sloped to increase container space and limit flexure of the push section of the door.

Abstract: A lid for a container is provided generally comprising a main body and a door having a flip section pivotally connected to a push section, the push section pivotally connected to the main body. The main body includes a recess that defines a pivot wall. The flip section is positioned to engage the pivot wall and rotate relative to the push section in response to downward pressure on the push section. A detent mechanism is used to control opening the door in at least two stages. In the first stage, the detent mechanism substantially fixes the push section in a closed position, and in the second stage substantially fixes the push section in an open position. In one embodiment, the floor of the recess is sloped to increase container space and limit flexure of the push section of the door.

Abstract: A unitary hinged connector connects a metal container lid and a metal container bottom to form a hinged container. The metal lid and bottom have matching formed edges which may be identical in shape or interfitting. The hinged connector is formed of molded thermoplastic and includes a ring member, a swingable partial segment, and an integrally formed hinge joining the ring member and the partial segment. The ring member, which is substantially continuous about the periphery, is normally attached to the formed edge of the container bottom, and has an upper seat for engaging less than all sides of the formed edge of the lid when the container is closed, leaving a hinge side of the formed edge free. The swingable partial segment securely grips at least the hinge side of the formed edge of the lid. The hinge is positioned to close the container in a normal condition and allow the container lid to pivot about the hinge to open the container.

Abstract: A socket for mounting a finial on either of two telescoping tubular support rods includes a first engagement surface that enters into and contacts the smaller rod and a second engagement surface that surrounds and contacts the larger rod. The engagement surfaces wedge into an interference or force fit with the rod ends to maintain the finial on the rods. The surfaces are preferably defined by the side walls of an annular groove shaped to conform to the cross section of the support rod. The socket includes slots for mounting the finial on a holdback bracket. The slots are conveniently formed as widened regions of the annular groove and are positioned in diametrically opposed locations to permit top-to-bottom symmetrical finials to be inverted about a horizontal axis and front-to-back symmetrical finials to be inverted about a vertical axis for mounting on the left or the right side of a window opening.

Abstract: A device for releasably coupling adjacent ends of cords includes a one piece body having a hole for mechanically securing the device to one of the cords. The body also includes another opening constructed to receive the free ends of the remaining cords and to release them if any force is exerted between the cords and toward the device.