Patent ID: 7382692

Claim:
An add-on timer for attachment to a lid of a container, comprising: (a) a base plate having an underside, a perimeter and an upper side, wherein the underside has means to affix the base plate to the lid; (b) a housing having a top and side walls, wherein the housing is positioned to overlay the upper side of the base plate, and wherein the housing is coupled to the base plate to allow the housing to pivot relative to the base plate and to allow the housing to be displaced from a first position away from the base plate to a second position toward the base plate, while preventing the housing from becoming separated from the base plate; (c) a switch, positioned between the housing and the base plate, which is actuated by displacement of the housing relative to the base plate; (d) a timing unit, positioned between the housing and the base plate, the timing unit having a battery, a clock, a display, which is viewable from outside of the housing, and means to detect a switch actuation event and reset the clock; and (e) a means to draw the housing toward the base plate a sufficient distance to actuate the switch, when the housing is pivoted.