Good book for understanding simple machines

[trpastor]

Hey guys - I just posted another question, but I was thinking I'd like to have a better understanding of simple physics and machines.

For example, I was trying to find out what simple machine is used on a masons jar (where you have spring tension, and a oblong arc, that holds it down and keeps it from flipping back the other way on it's own)

What would this be called and where could I learn more about basic concepts like this? is there a good book for basics of physics and simple machines?
thank you

 

[Danger]

I was trying to find out what simple machine is used on a masons jar (where you have spring tension, and a oblong arc, that holds it down and keeps it from flipping back the other way on it's own)...
...is there a good book for basics of physics and simple machines?
thank you

You mention a very old style of jar; what most of us think of as a "Mason jar" is the newer model with a screw-on retainer for a rubber-gasketed lid. (Mason was the name of the manufacturer, not a reference to the jar's use.) The basic idea is called an "over-centre" latch. It's essentially a cam lock. The outward force acting upon it is actually tightening it.
I have a book called "Physical Mechanics" by Robert Bruce Lindsay, part of the "University Physics Series" that might be what you're looking for. It's far too mathematical for me, but probably not for you. It might be difficult to locate, though, because it was written in 1933. (Mine is the 3rd addition, printed in 1961.)