Abstract:
A method of constructing a container, comprising disposing a primary lid over a storage cavity, the primary lid including a top surface that defines a dispenser portion through which items within the storage cavity may be dispensed, pivotally attaching a dispenser lid to the primary lid, the dispenser lid including a first biasing pin anchor and one of the dispenser lid and the primary lid having a second biasing pin anchor, connecting a first longitudinal end portion of a biasing pin to the first biasing pin anchor, and connecting a second longitudinal end portion of the biasing pin to the second biasing pin anchor, such that the biasing pin urges the dispenser lid towards an open position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/434,962, filed May 16, 2006. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention is generally related to containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to flexible sheet containers having a dispenser lid. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Flexible sheet containers are well known and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Portable flexible sheet containers, such as baby wipes containers, cleaning towels containers, and the like are popular for their mobility. Dispensing versions of these containers are particularly popular for their ease of use. They are convenient in situations where a user needs to quickly and repeatedly grab wipes or towels. For example, when a messy spill occurs, it is desirable for a user to quickly and easily grab successive cleaning towels as needed while cleaning the spill. In other situations, it may be desirable for a user, such as a parent changing a child&#39;s diaper, to be able to grab successive wipes with minimal complexity. 
         [0004]    Ideally, flexible sheet containers should have a relatively simple design so as to allow a user to conveniently and quickly dispense a flexible sheet. As the same time, users typically desire such containers to have a compact design and a pleasing appearance so that they can be conveniently stored on a bathroom shelf or in other areas of the home. For example, such containers typically have a dispenser opening, and access to the dispenser opening should be as easy as possible to maximize convenience to a user. Accordingly, there is a need for a flexible sheet container design that provides for easy access to stored flexible sheets, while still exhibiting a compact and aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a bottom and a plurality of walls that form a storage cavity. A primary lid is disposed over the storage cavity. The primary lid includes a top surface that defines a dispenser portion through which items within the storage cavity may be dispensed. A dispenser lid is pivotally attached to the primary lid. The dispenser lid has a closed position in which the dispenser lid is pivoted downwards relative to the primary lid to cover the dispenser portion and an open position in which the dispenser lid is pivoted upwards relative to the primary lid to expose the dispenser portion. A dispenser lid biasing means includes a biasing pin having a first longitudinal end portion and a second longitudinal end portion, a first biasing pin anchor disposed on the dispenser lid, the first end portion of the biasing pin being held by the first biasing pin anchor, and a second biasing pin anchor disposed on one of the primary lid and the dispenser lid, the second end portion of the biasing pin being held by the second biasing pin anchor, such that the biasing pin urges the dispenser lid towards the open position. 
         [0006]    A container lid biasing means for urging a lid pivotally attached to a container member towards an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible biasing pin having a first longitudinal end portion and a second longitudinal end portion, a first biasing pin anchor disposed on the container lid, the first end portion being held by the first biasing pin anchor, and a second biasing pin anchor disposed on one of the container member and the container lid, the second end portion of the biasing pin being held by the second biasing pin anchor, such that the biasing pin urges the container lid towards the open position. 
         [0007]    A method of constructing a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: disposing a primary lid over a storage cavity defined by a bottom and a plurality of walls, the primary lid including a top surface that defines a dispenser portion through which items within the storage cavity may be dispensed; pivotally attaching a dispenser lid to the primary lid, the dispenser lid having a closed position in which the dispenser lid is pivoted downwards relative to the primary lid to cover the dispenser portion and an open position in which the dispenser lid is pivoted upwards relative to the primary lid to expose the dispenser portion, the dispenser lid including a first biasing pin anchor and one of the dispenser lid and the primary lid having a second biasing pin anchor; connecting a first longitudinal end portion of a biasing pin to the first biasing pin anchor; and connecting a second longitudinal end portion of the biasing pin to the second biasing pin anchor, such that the biasing pin urges the dispenser lid towards the open position. 
         [0008]    A container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible bag having an upper surface and an openable portion formed in the upper surface. A container lid is disposed over the openable portion of the flexible bag. The container lid includes a bottom rim member attached to the upper surface of the flexible bag, and a main container lid portion pivotally attached to the bottom rim member, the main container lid portion having a closed position in which the main container lid portion is pivoted downwards relative to the bottom rim member and an open position in which the main container lid portion is pivoted upwards relative to the bottom rim member. A dispenser lid biasing means includes a biasing pin having a first longitudinal end portion and a second longitudinal end portion, a first biasing pin anchor disposed on the main container lid portion, the first end portion of the biasing pin being held by the first biasing pin anchor, and a second biasing pin anchor disposed on the bottom rim member, the second end portion of the biasing pin being held by the second biasing pin anchor, such that the biasing pin urges the dispenser lid towards the open position. 
         [0009]    These and other features of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of this invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1  with the dispenser lid removed; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a partial detailed perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a biasing pin used with the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the primary lid of the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a partial detailed perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1  with prior to attachment of the dispenser lid; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a partial detailed perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1  showing the dispenser lid being attached to the primary lid; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a partial detailed perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1  showing the dispenser lid being attached to the primary lid; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a partial detailed perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1  showing the dispenser lid attached to the primary lid; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a biasing pin used with the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the dispenser lid of the container of  FIG. 1  prior to attachment to the primary lid; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the dispenser lid being attached to the primary lid of the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the dispenser lid being attached to the primary lid of the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the dispenser lid being attached to the primary lid of the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the container of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a dispenser lid used in the container of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a biasing pin of the container of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the dispenser lid of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view showing the biasing pin of  FIG. 18  being held in position by the dispenser lid of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a partial detailed perspective view of the container of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a dispenser lid used in the container of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the container of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a partial detailed cross-sectional view of the container of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  is a partial detailed perspective view of the container of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a top perspective view of the dispenser lid used in the container of  FIG. 15  after a molding process; 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  is a bottom perspective view of the dispenser lid used in the container of  FIG. 15  after a molding process; 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a bottom perspective view of the fully assembled dispenser lid used in the container of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is an exploded view of a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  is a to perspective view of the dispenser lid used in the container of  FIG. 30  after a molding process. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]      FIG. 1  shows a container, generally designated by reference number  1 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The container  1  is generally rectangular in shape, but of course may have any other suitable shape, and includes a bottom  10  and a plurality of walls  12  that define a storage cavity  14  for storing flexible sheets, such as, for example, wet wipes. The various elements of the container  1  are preferably made of a flexible plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene. 
         [0043]    The container  1  further includes a removable primary lid, generally designated by reference number  16 , that is placed over the storage cavity  14 , and a dispenser lid, generally designated by reference number  40 , pivotally attached to the primary lid  16 . It should be appreciated that the primary lid  16  may also be pivotally attached to the container  1 . The primary lid  16  includes a top surface  18 , a back portion  13 , a front portion  15  and downwardly extending side walls  20 . The inner surfaces of the side walls  20  preferably include flanged portions (not shown) that can be snap fit over corresponding flanged portions (not shown) formed at the upper rim of the storage cavity  14  to hold the primary lid  16  in place over the storage cavity  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the primary lid  16  further includes a recessed dispenser portion, generally designated by reference number  22 , that permits flexible sheets stored in the storage cavity  14  to be dispensed. The dispenser portion  22  includes internal side walls  24  and a bottom wall  26  having a free edge  28 . A flap  30  is pivotally attached to a side wall  24  of the dispenser portion  22  by, for example, a living hinge (not shown). The flap  30  has a free edge  32 . The free edge  28  of the bottom wall  26  is contoured so as to define a number of projections  29 . Likewise, the free edge  32  of the flap  30  is contoured so as to define a number of recessed portions  34 . When the flap  30  is in the closed position it is generally co-planar with the bottom wall  26  and an aperture  31  is formed as defined by the free edge  32  of the flap  30  and the free edge  28  of the bottom wall  26 , as best shown in  FIG. 6 . Although the aperture  31  is shown as a narrow slit, it should be appreciated that the specific shape of the aperture  31 , as defined by the closely juxtaposed free edges  28 ,  32 , projections  29  and recessed portions  34 , is not significant, provided that the aperture  31  is capable of grasping and retaining an article in a dispensed or pop-up position. 
         [0044]    Prior to use, the flap  30  can be pivoted upwards to expose the topsheet of a stack of sheets stored in the storage cavity  14 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Once the topsheet is partially pulled upwards out of the storage cavity  14 , the flap  30  can be pivoted downwards so that it is generally co-planar with the bottom wall  26 , and the projections  29  of the bottom wall mate with the recessed portions  34  of the flap  30  to trap the topsheet therebetween. A user may then later completely remove the topsheet for use, which will result in a subsequent sheet being dispensed out of the storage cavity  14  due to the stacking arrangement of the sheets. When in the downward position, the flap  30  is prevented from rotating into the storage cavity  14  by rotation limiters, such as stop surface  27  formed at the free edge  28  of the bottom wall  26  that engage with tabs  36  formed at the free edge  32  of the flap  30 . Preferably, the rotation limiters also prevent the flap  30  from being lifted upwards when a sheet is being dispensed from the storage cavity  14 . 
         [0045]    The top surface  18  of the primary lid  16  also includes a first recessed portion  19  at the front portion  15  of the primary lid  16 . A catch plate  21  is pivotally attached to the top surface  18  within the recessed portion  19  by, for example, a living hinge. The top surface of the catch plate  21  is generally co-planar with the non-recessed areas of the top surface  18  of the primary lid  16  when the catch plate  21  is in its non-pivoted, biased position. As explained more fully below, the catch plate  21  includes a tab receptor  23  that functions to lock the dispenser lid  40  in the closed position. 
         [0046]    As shown most clearly in  FIG. 6 , the top surface  18  of the primary lid  16  further includes a second recessed portion, generally designated by reference number  11 , at the back portion  13 . The second recessed portion  11  includes a bottom wall  9 . A lateral side wall of the second recessed portion  11  includes a first pivot pin receptacle  51  and an opposite lateral side wall of the second recessed portion  11  includes a second pivot pin receptacle  53 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the dispenser lid  40  is pivotally attached to the top portion  18  of the primary lid  16 . The dispenser lid  40  has the same general profile as that of the dispenser portion  22 , so that when the dispenser lid  40  is pivoted downwards it covers the dispenser portion  22  to provide the container  1  with a more compact shape when in storage. The dispenser lid  40  includes a bottom surface  42 , side surfaces  44 , a pivot end portion  46  and an opposite free end portion  48 . A tab  50  extends from a side surface  44  at the free end portion  48  of the dispenser lid  40 . The dispenser lid  40  can be locked in position over the dispenser portion  22  by pivoting the dispenser lid  40  downwards until the tab  50  can be inserted into the tab receptor  23  in the catch plate  21 . In this regard, the catch plate  21  can be pivoted such that the tab  50  is free to fall below the top surface of the catch plate  21  and into the tab receptor  23  Likewise, the dispenser lid  40  can be unlocked by pivoting the catch plate  21  such that the tab  50  is free to raise out of the tab receptor  23 , thereby allowing the dispenser lid  40  to be pivoted upwards relative to the primary lid  16 . The dispenser lid  40  and catch plate  21  may have any other configuration and number of tabs and receptors to allow for locking of the dispenser lid  40  in the closed position. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the dispenser lid  40  includes a first pivot pin  52  extending from a lateral side of the pivot end portion  46  and a second pivot pin  54  extending from an opposite lateral side of the pivot end portion  46 . The first pivot pin  52  is received within the first pivot pin receptacle  51  and the second hinge pin  54  is received within the second pivot pin receptacle  53 , thereby pivotally attaching the dispenser lid  40  to the primary lid  16 . 
         [0049]    The container  1  also includes a dispenser lid biasing means, generally designated by reference number  60 , that biases the dispenser lid  40  in the open position. The biasing means  60  includes a biasing pin, generally designated by reference number  62 , a first biasing pin anchor, generally designated by reference number  70 , located at the pivot end portion  46  of the dispenser lid  40 , and a second biasing pin anchor, generally designated by reference number  80 , located within the second recessed portion  11  of the primary lid  16 . As shown most clearly in  FIG. 7 , the first biasing pin anchor  70  includes first and second parallel guide walls  72 ,  74  that form a guide groove  75  extending across the pivot end portion  46  of the dispenser lid  40 , a pivot bar  76  extending laterally between the guide walls  72 ,  74 , and a protrusion  78  extending from the bottom surface  42  of the dispenser lid  40  adjacent to the groove  75 . The second biasing pin anchor  80  includes an opening  82  formed within the bottom wall  9  of the second recessed portion  11  of the primary lid  16 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  shows a detailed view of the biasing pin  62  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The biasing pin  62  is generally an elongated element including an upper end  64  and a lower end  66 . An elongated opening  65  is formed adjacent to the upper end  64 . An upper flange  67  and a lower flange  69  are formed adjacent to the lower end  66 . The upper and lower flanges  67 ,  69  form a groove  68  therebetween. The upper flange  67  gradually expands away from the general plane of the biasing pin towards the lower end  66  so as to provide a ramp-like profile. In contrast, the lower flange  69  has a more abrupt profile that is wider than the other portions of the biasing pin  62  except for the widest portion of the upper flange  67 . 
         [0051]    A method of assembling the dispenser lid  40  onto the primary lid  16  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 5-9 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the biasing pin  62  is first inserted from underneath the primary lid  16  into the opening  82 . The opening  82  is preferably slightly smaller in width than the widest portion of the upper flange  67 , so that the biasing pin  62  will flex inwards to allow the bottom wall  9  of the second recessed portion  11  to fall within the groove  68 , thereby locking the biasing pin  62  with its upper end  64  extending perpendicular to the top surface  18  of the primary lid  16 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the upper end  64  of the biasing pin  62  is then “weaved” within the guide groove  75  formed on the dispenser lid  40  such that the biasing pin  62  is disposed between the pivot bar  76  and the bottom surface  42  of the dispenser lid  40  and the protrusion  78  extends through the elongated opening  65  formed in the biasing pin  62 . Simultaneously, the first hinge pin  52  is disposed within the first pivot pin receptacle  51  and the second hinge pin  54  is disposed within the second pivot pin receptacle  53 . The protrusion  78  is preferably ramp-shaped to facilitate engagement of the biasing pin  62 . 
         [0052]    Once the dispenser lid  40  is pivotally attached to the primary lid  16  in the manner discussed above, the rigidity of the biasing pin  62  results in the dispenser lid  40  being biased upwards relative to the primary lid  16 . Specifically, when a user pivots the dispenser lid  40  downwards towards the primary lid  16 , the biasing pin  62  bends around the pivot bar  76  against its naturally straightened configuration. As described above, the dispenser lid  40  can be locked in the closed position using the catch plate  21 . Once the dispenser lid  40  is unlocked, the biasing pin  62  naturally flexes back to its straightened configuration, thereby urging the dispenser lid  40  to pivot away from the primary lid  16 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  shows a biasing pin, generally designated by reference number  80 , used in another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The biasing pin  80  is generally an elongated element including an upper end  82  and a lower end  84 . An elongated opening  86  is formed adjacent to the upper end  82 . An upper flange  87  and a lower flange  89  are formed adjacent to the lower end  84 . The upper and lower flanges  87 ,  89  form a groove  88  therebetween. The upper flange  87  gradually expands away from the general plane of the biasing pin  80  towards the lower end  84 , and the lower flange  89  gradually expands away from the general plane of the biasing pin  80  towards the upper end  82 , so that both the upper and lower flanges  87 ,  89  provide ramp-like profiles. A pull hole  90  is formed in the biasing pin  80  between the lower flange  89  and the lower end  84 . 
         [0054]    A method of assembling the dispenser lid  40  onto the primary lid  16  using the biasing pin  80  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 11-14 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the biasing pin  80  is first “weaved” within the guide groove  75  formed on the dispenser lid  40  such that the biasing pin  80  is disposed between the pivot bar  76  and the bottom surface  42  of the dispenser lid  40  and the protrusion  78  extends through the elongated opening  86  formed in the biasing pin  80 . Then, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the lower end  84  of the biasing pin  80  is inserted into the opening  82  such that the pull hole  90  is exposed underneath the lower surface of the primary lid  16 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , a manufacturing tool  92  can be inserted into the pull hole  90  and used to pull the biasing pin  80  downwards until the bottom wall  9  of the second recessed portion  11  falls into the groove  88  formed between the upper and lower flanges  87 ,  89 . Simultaneously, the first hinge pin  52  is disposed within the first pivot pin receptacle  51  and the second hinge pin  54  is disposed within the second pivot pin receptacle  53  to complete the assembly of the dispenser lid  40  onto the primary lid  16 . As in the previous embodiment, the biasing pin  80  biases the dispenser lid  40  upwards relative to the primary lid  16 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 15  shows a container, generally designated by reference number  100 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As in the previous embodiment, the container  100  includes a bottom  110  and a plurality of walls  112  that define a storage cavity  114  for storing flexible sheets, such as, for example, wet wipes. The container  100  further includes removable primary lid, generally designated by reference number  116  that is placed over the storage cavity  114 , and a dispenser lid, generally designated by reference number  140 , pivotally attached to the primary lid  116 . The primary lid  116  includes a top surface  118 , a back portion  113 , a front portion  115  and downwardly extending side walls  120 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , which is a cross sectional view of the container  100 , the primary lid  116  includes a recessed dispenser portion  122  that permits flexible sheets stored in the storage cavity  114  to be dispensed. In this regard, the dispenser portion may include a flap (not shown) providing access to the flexible sheets, as in the previously-described embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0056]    The top surface  118  of the primary lid  116  also includes a first recessed portion  119  at the front portion  115  of the primary lid  116 . A catch plate  121  is pivotally attached to the top surface  118  within the recessed portion  119  by, for example, a living hinge. The top surface of the catch plate  121  is generally co-planar with the non-recessed areas of the top surface  118  of the primary lid  116  when the catch plate  121  is in its non-pivoted, biased position. 
         [0057]    The top surface  118  of the primary lid  116  further includes a second recessed portion, generally designated by reference number  111 , at the back portion  113 . The second recessed portion  111  includes a bottom wall  109  and side walls  117 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 17  shows the dispenser lid  140 , including a main dispenser lid portion  142  having a pivot end portion  144  and a free end portion  146 . A lock tab  145  extends from the free end portion  146  of the dispenser lid  140 . The dispenser lid  140  can be locked in position over the dispenser portion  122  by using the lock tab  145  and catch plate  121 , as described previously in regards to earlier embodiments of the invention. The main dispenser lid portion  142  has the same general profile as that of the recessed dispenser portion  122 , so that when the dispenser lid  140  is pivoted downwards, it covers the dispenser portion  122  to provide the container  100  with a more compact shape when in storage. A biasing pin anchor tab  146  extends from the pivot end portion  144  of the main dispenser lid portion  142 . The biasing pin anchor tab  146  includes a first biasing pin anchor formed by a centrally-located raised portion  148  and an elongated opening  150  that extends through the raised portion  146  to provide the raised portion  146  with an open edge  147 . An opening  152  is formed in the main dispenser lid portion  142  to form a second biasing pin anchor. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 18 , a biasing pin, generally designated by reference number  154 , according to the present embodiment of the invention is generally an elongated element including a first longitudinal end  156  and a second longitudinal end  158 . A first flange  160  is formed at the first longitudinal end  156 , and a second flange  162  is formed at the second longitudinal end  158 . The diameter of the first flange  160  is preferably smaller than that of the opening  152 , while the diameter of the second flange  162  is preferably larger than the opening  152 . 
         [0060]    During assembly of the container  100 , the biasing pin  154  is inserted from underneath the dispenser lid  140  by “weaving” the first flange  160  through the opening  152  formed in the dispenser lid  140 . The biasing pin  154  is then pulled though the opening  152  until the second flange  162  contacts the lower surface of the dispenser lid  140 , thereby anchoring the second flange  162  to the dispenser lid  140 . The biasing pin  154  is then stretched further so that the first flange  160  can be inserted into the elongated opening  150  through the open edge  147  of the raised portion  146  of the biasing pin anchor tab  146 . The fully assembled dispenser lid  140  including the biasing pin  154  is shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . In particular,  FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view showing the biasing pin  154  held in an elongated C-shape due to the first and second flanges  160 ,  162  being held by the first and second biasing pin anchors. 
         [0061]    The dispenser lid  140  is pivotally attached to the primary lid  116  by any suitable hinge means, such as through the use of hinge pins, as described previously in regards to prior embodiments of the invention. The biasing pin anchor tab  146  is placed within the second recessed portion  111  of the primary lid  116 , and the back side wall  117  of the second recessed portion  111  assists in retaining the first flange  160  of the biasing pin  154  within the elongated opening  150 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . The biasing pin anchor tab  146  may be held in place within the second recessed portion  111  by snap-fit means. 
         [0062]    Once the dispenser lid  140  is pivotally attached to the primary lid  116 , the tendency of the biasing pin  154  to flex back to its un-stretched condition results in the dispenser lid  40  being biased upwards relative to the primary lid  16 . Specifically, when a user pivots the dispenser lid  140  downwards towards the primary lid  116 , the biasing pin  154  is stretched between the first and second biasing pin anchors formed in the dispenser lid  140 . As described above, the dispenser lid  140  can be locked in the closed position using the catch plate  121 . Once the dispenser lid  140  is unlocked, the biasing pin  154  naturally flexes back to its un-stretched condition, thereby urging the dispenser lid  140  to pivot away from the primary lid  116 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 22  shows a container, generally designated by reference number  200 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The container  200  has the same general construction as that of the previous embodiment, except for the configuration of the biasing means. 
         [0064]    Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the container  200  includes a dispenser lid, generally designated by reference number  210 , including a main dispenser lid portion  212  having a pivot end portion  214  and a free end portion  216 . A lock tab  218  extends from the free end portion  216  of the dispenser lid  210 . The dispenser lid  210  also includes a recessed portion  220  formed at the pivot end portion  214 . The recessed portion  220  is in communication with the second recessed portion  111  at the back portion  113  of the primary lid  116  when the dispenser lid  210  is assembled on the primary lid  116 . The recessed portion  220  includes a back wall  222  and two side walls  224 . A biasing pin anchor tab  226  extends from the pivot end portion  214  of the main dispenser lid portion  212  adjacent to the recessed portion  220 . The biasing pin anchor tab  226  includes a vertically extending housing, generally designated by reference number  228 , including a top wall  230 , front wall  232 , back wall  234  and side walls  236 ,  238 , which forms a first biasing pin anchor. The top wall  230  of the housing includes a first opening  231  and a second opening  233  in communication with the first opening  231 . The first opening  231  is preferably wider than the second opening  233 . The second opening  233  extends to the front edge of the top wall  230  so as to be in communication with a third opening  240  formed in the front wall  232 . An opening  242  is formed in the back wall  222  of the recessed portion  220  to form a second biasing pin anchor. 
         [0065]    During assembly of the container  200 , the biasing pin  154  is inserted from underneath the dispenser lid  210  by “weaving” the first flange  160  through the opening  242  formed in the dispenser lid  210 . The biasing pin  154  is then pulled though the opening  242  until the second flange  162  contacts the lower surface of the dispenser lid  210 , thereby anchoring the second flange  162  to the dispenser lid  210 . The biasing pin  154  is then stretched further so that the first flange  160  can be inserted into the first opening  231  of the housing  228 , after which the biasing pin  154  flexes back until the first flange  160  contacts the inner surface of the front wall  232  of the housing  228 . The third opening  240  formed in the front wall  232  preferably has a smaller width than that of the first flange  160 , so that the first flange  160  is prevented from being pulled out of the housing  228 . Various views of the fully assembled dispenser lid  140  including the biasing pin  154  is shown in  FIGS. 24-26 . 
         [0066]    The dispenser lid  210  is pivotally attached to the primary lid  116  by any suitable hinge means, such as through the use of hinge pins, as described previously in regards to prior embodiments of the invention. The biasing pin anchor tab  226  is placed within the second recessed portion  111  of the primary lid  116 . 
         [0067]    Once the dispenser lid  210  is pivotally attached to the primary lid  116 , the tendency of the biasing pin  154  to flex back to its un-stretched condition results in the dispenser lid  210  being biased upwards relative to the primary lid  116 . Specifically, when a user pivots the dispenser lid  210  downwards towards the primary lid  116 , the biasing pin  154  is stretched between the first and second biasing pin anchors formed in the dispenser lid  210 . As described above, the dispenser lid  210  can be locked in the closed position using the catch plate  121 . Once the dispenser lid  210  is unlocked, the biasing pin  154  naturally flexes back to its un-stretched condition, thereby urging the dispenser lid  210  to pivot away from the primary lid  116 . 
         [0068]    It should be appreciated that the structure of the container according to the present invention is not limited to the various embodiments described herein. The present invention is intended to cover the general construction of a biasing pin useable with a container lid to urge the container lid towards an open position relative to another container element, such as another container lid. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 27-29  show a method of forming the dispenser lid  140  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , a mold is used to form the dispenser lid  140  such that a bottom rim member  141  of the dispenser lid  140  is formed co-planar with the main dispenser lid portion  142 .  FIG. 27  is a top perspective view of the dispenser lid  140  after the molding process, and  FIG. 28  is a bottom perspective view of the dispenser lid  140  after the molding process. The molding process results in the formation of a recessed groove  151  around the perimeter of the bottom surface of the main dispenser lid portion  142  and a living hinge  143  between the bottom rim member  141  and the main dispenser lid portion  142 . As shown in  FIG. 29 , the bottom rim member  141  is then folded about the living hinge  143  such that the bottom rim member  141  is disposed in face-to-face contact with the recessed groove  151 . The dispenser lid  210  can also be formed using a similar molding process. 
         [0070]    It should be appreciated that the dispenser lid of the present invention is not limited to use with a corresponding container lid or with a specific container type. For example, any of the previously described exemplary embodiments of the dispenser lid of the present invention may be applied to a bag-like structure, as shown in  FIG. 30 . In particular,  FIG. 30  shows a container, generally designated by reference number  300 , including a flexible bag, generally designated by reference number  302 , having an upper surface  304 . The upper surface  304  may include an opening  306  or a perforated portion that can be later removed by a user to form an opening, as is well known in the art of flexible bags for wet wipes. A dispenser lid, generally designated by reference number  308 , is disposed over the opening  306  formed in the flexible bag  302 . The dispenser lid  308  may have the same general construction as the lid shown in and an previously described with reference to  FIGS. 15-21  and  27 - 29 , except that the bottom rim member  312  is not fixed to the bottom surface of the main dispenser lid portion  314  and a catch plate  310  is preferably integrally molded with the bottom rim member  312  of the dispenser lid  308 , as best shown in  FIG. 31 . The catch plate  310  locks the dispenser lid  308  in the closed position, and the dispenser lid  308  can be unlocked by simply pressing down on the catch plate  310 , allowing the main dispenser lid portion  314  to pivot upwards relative to the bottom rim member  312 . The bottom rim member  312  of the dispenser lid  308  may be adhered to the flexible bag  302  by any suitable means, such as, for example, adhesive or sonic welding. In other embodiments, the dispenser lid  308  may have the same construction as the lid shown in and previously described with reference to  FIGS. 22-26 . 
         [0071]    Now that the preferred embodiments have been shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly and be limited only by the appended claims, and not by the foregoing specification.