Its has been fixed. I was able to create RobbiZ4 tool from my local hardware store but I could not figure out how to get to unlock the mechanism with it.
But while inspecting to find what im doing wrong I happened to see this-
So instead I wedged a long screwdriver in the slot and then lined it up through the opening where it is supposed to be screwed into -
Once I did that I engaged the top to go up and it finally released the lid.
After releasing I found that there was an E-clip which came off that holds a pin in place at that joint. After finding one at the local hardware store I pushed the pin in that location and put in the E-Clip and all is well. I opened and closed the top about 20 times to ensure everything is working!
Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and help as it brought me through the course of fixing my top.
