Abstract:
A writing instrument and cosmetic compact having a writing cartridge disposed in a housing or barrel adapted to receive a compact designed to hold a cosmetic or similar makeup. The ink cartridge can be filled with an ink that is only visible upon interaction with another medium such as a light source, another chemical, or warmed or heated air.

Description:
PRIORITY  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of the provisional application having Ser. No. 60/707,207 filed on Aug. 10, 2005, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to writing instruments and more particularly to a writing instrument that has a cosmetic compartment and mirror.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     Cosmetic applicators have been known in the prior art for some time. These applicators tend to be large, bulky and heavy. The size and weight of these applicators is directly related to the need for room for the cosmetic and means of application.  
         [0006]     In U.S. Pat. No. 2,057,085, to G. J. Danco, a cosmetic applicator for lipstick is shown comprising an outer protective casing that is adapted to serve as a handle for applying the cosmetic to the user. The disclosed device includes flexible applicator band rotatably disposed on a complicated roller assembly. The user rotates the applicator band passed the cosmetic disposed in an interior of the housing, thereby picking up the cosmetic for application on the user. The disadvantage of the present reference is that it is complicated, difficult and time consuming to use. Additionally, the device is limited to the application of the cosmetic contained in the housing.  
         [0007]     There have also been devices developed to remove a cosmetic or make-up from a user. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,828, to Bourassa, a device is disclosed comprising a casing having a wiping tip protruding from one of its ends. Similar to the device to Danco above, a slidable ribbon of wiping material is disposed in the casing. The Bourassa device includes a storage compartment (an interior of the casing) for holding unused wiping material until it is advanced over the wiping tip, used and eventually feed into a refuse compartment. A disadvantage of the present device is that it includes a complicated advancement mechanism to advance the wiping material from the storage compartment to the refuse compartment. Additionally, the device is limited to the removal of a cosmetic or make-up material.  
         [0008]     What is needed is a device that provides uncomplicated access to and/or application of a cosmetic to a user. What is additionally needed is a device that can be utilized for something other than the storage or application of a cosmetic.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The invention is a writing instrument having cosmetic compartment and/or mirror disposed to a housing or barrel that can be griped by a user during use. The housing can contain a writing implement such as a pen cartridge or a make-up applicator that can be used with the cosmetic compartment to apply a cosmetic to a user.  
         [0010]     A wipe material can be removably stored in an interior of the housing for selective removal by a user through a slot or slit extending through and along at least a portion of the length of the housing. The wipe material can be saturated with chemical to aid in the removal of the cosmetic. In another embodiment, the wipe material can be impregnated with a scent that would be pleasant to the user. The scent can be a perfume that the user wipes upon themselves at any time of the user&#39;s choosing.  
         [0011]     A nose cap can be removably coupled to an end of the housing to secure the ink cartridge for writing. The nose is also adapted to retain the wipe material in the interior of the housing. In one example embodiment, the nose cap can have a shape, size, or configuration to allow it to be used as the applicator for the cosmetic contained within the cosmetic compartment.  
         [0012]     A nose cap cover can be removably coupled to and telescopically extend over the nose cap to provide a means of protecting the nose cap. The nose cap cover can have an attachment means formed, coupled and the like thereto to permit convenient transportation of the device.  
         [0013]     An end cap can be coupled to an end of the housing opposite the nose cap. The end cap is utilized to secure a free end of the ink cartridge in the housing. In the example embodiment having a wiping material, the end cap can be utilized to retain the wiping material in the interior of the housing.  
         [0014]     In one example embodiment of the invention, the cosmetic compartment is disposed to the end cap during transportation and/or while the device is being used as a writing instrument. An inner cover can be hingedly coupled proximate to an opening of the cosmetic compartment to define an interior for retaining the cosmetic.  
         [0015]     A mirror cap or reflective end cover can be disposed to an end of the cosmetic compartment to allow a user to observe the application of the cosmetic.  
         [0016]     An object of the invention is to provide a writing instrument having a cosmetic compartment that is easily manufactured and used.  
         [0017]     Another objection of the invention is to provide a cosmetic compartment containing that is visually integrated with the housing of the writing instrument.  
         [0018]     The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. The figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:  
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a writing instrument and cosmetic compact according to an example embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a nose cap according to an example embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2B  is a cross section view along line  1 - 1  of the nose cap of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0023]      FIG. 2C  is an end view of the nose cap of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0024]      FIG. 2D  is a partial perspective view of  FIG. 2C .  
         [0025]      FIG. 3A  is a cross sectional view of a nose cap cover of  FIG. 1  showing an interior thereof.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3B  is an end view of the nose cap cover of  FIG. 3A  showing an opening extending therethrough.  
         [0027]      FIG. 3C  is cross section view of the nose cap cover of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrating a cosmetic applicator assembly in an extended position.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3D  is a cross section view of the nose cap cover of  FIGS. 3A and 313  illustrating a cosmetic applicator assembly in a retracted position.  
         [0029]      FIG. 4A  is a side view of a coupling member for receiving a tether or the like for hanging the writing instrument and cosmetic compact about a user&#39;s neck.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the coupling member of  FIG. 4A .  
         [0031]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded perspective view of an end cap assembly comprising an outer end cap and an inner end cap according to an example embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5B  is a cross section view of the outer end cap of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0033]      FIG. 5C  is an end view of the outer end cap of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0034]      FIG. 5D  is a cross section of the inner end cap of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0035]      FIG. 5E  is an end view of the inner end cap of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0036]      FIG. 6A  is an enlarged view of an end of the outer end cap showing a coupling assembly.  
         [0037]      FIG. 6B  is a top view of the coupling assembly of  FIG. 6A .  
         [0038]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a reflective member and cosmetic compact according to an example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the cosmetic compact of  FIG. 7A .  
         [0040]      FIG. 7C  is an end view of the cosmetic compact of  FIG. 7A .  
         [0041]      FIG. 7D  is a side view of the reflective member of  FIG. 7A .  
         [0042]      FIG. 7E  is an end view of the reflective member of  FIG. 7A . 
     
    
       [0043]     The preceding description of the drawings is provided for example purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The following detailed description is provided for more detailed examples of the present invention. Other embodiments not disclosed or directly discussed are also considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0044]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7E , a writing instrument and cosmetic compact is indicated by the number  100 . Writing instrument and cosmetic compact  100  includes a housing, barrel, or pen tube  110  having an open first end  112  and an open second end  114  in registration with each other.  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment, housing  110  is manufactured from a polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene and the like. Housing  110  can be manufactured with any color, design or lettering printed on its outer surface for advertising of a particular trademark, logo, or brand. This is of particular importance if the writing instrument and cosmetic compact  110  is utilized as a marketing tool since vivid colors, designs and lettering typically attract a user&#39;s eyes and others toward the writing instrument.  
         [0046]     To ensure that housing  110  is comfortable to use it may have a generally cylindrical shape. However, housing  110  may have any cross sectional shape such as, for example triangular, square, oval, and the like. An outer surface of housing  110  may be coated and/or ribbed to increase tactile feel and improve comfort. A compressible sleeve (not shown) can be slid over housing  110  to provide additional comfort for a user.  
         [0047]     In one example embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an ink, marker or similar writing cartridge  125  is removably disposed within housing  110 . Writing cartridge  125  has a first writing end  128  that can be disposed proximate open first end  112  of housing  110  and second securing end  129  proximate open second end  114  of housing  110 . Writing cartridge  125  can dispense an ink, a cosmetic such as eyeliner, lipstick, or the like. In one embodiment, ink cartridge  125  dispenses an ink having the properties to be initially invisible or undetectable to the naked eye, only to reappear after a duration of time or the application of heat, another chemical, or the like.  
         [0048]     Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2D , and initially to  FIG. 2A , a nose cap  130  can be removably disposed over open first end  112  of housing  110  to provide support to writing cartridge  125 . In one example embodiment, nose cap  130  has a generally conical shape with a generally conical tip portion  132  and a generally annular collar portion  134 . Referring to  FIG. 2C , the generally annular collar portion  134  has an outer diameter generally greater than an outer diameter of tip portion  132 . As particularly illustrated in  FIGS. 2B-2D , nose cap  130  can have a lower or bottom wall  135  for supporting ink cartridge  125  when disposed in housing  110 . An annular channel  136  extends into annular collar portion  134  and about bottom wall  135  for receiving open first end  112  of housing  110 .  
         [0049]     In one example embodiment, nose cap  130  can be threadedly coupled to housing  110 . In another example embodiment, nose cap  130  can be pressure fitted to housing  110 . Other fastening methods and means are also possible and should be considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0050]     Referring to  FIG. 2B , when nose cap  130  is disposed on housing  110 , first writing end  128  of writing cartridge  125  extends through holes  137  and  137 ′ extending through tip portion  132  and bottom wall  135  respectively.  
         [0051]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 A and  3 B, a nose cap cover  141  can be provided to prevent first writing end  128  of writing cartridge  125  from drying out. The nose cap cover  141  has a top or upper wall  142  and a peripheral wall  144  extending away therefrom. Referring to  FIGS. 7A-7C , peripheral wall  144  has an edge  146  defining an access opening  148  for receiving nose cap  130 . Nose cap cover  141  can comprise any generally rigid material such as plastic, wood, metal or the like.  
         [0052]     Referring to  FIGS. 3C   3 D, nose cap cover  141  can include a cosmetic applicator assembly  150  operatively disposed in an interior  152  thereof for applying the cosmetic on the user. In one example embodiment, the cosmetic applicator assembly  150  comprises a brush, elongate generally absorbable pad, or other like applicator  154  that is operatively disposed in and extendable from an interior of the housing  110 . The applicator can have a first end  156  that is extendable through an opening  157  in the upper wall  142  of the nose cap cover  141 .  
         [0053]     A second end  158  of the applicator  154  can be attached to a slide mechanism  160  that is utilized by a user to move the applicator  154  between an extended position (see  FIG. 3C ) and a retracted position (see  FIG. 3D ). The extended position is defined by the first end  156  of the applicator  154  extending through the opening  157  of the nose cap cover  141 . The retracted position is defined by the applicator  154  being substantially enclosed in the nose cap cover  141 .  
         [0054]     In one embodiment, the slide mechanism comprises at one elongate slide  162  having a knob portion  164  extending through an elongate slot or slit  166  in the peripheral wall  144  of the nose cap cover  141 . A user can user their thumb or finger to move the knob portion  164  along the slot or slit  166  and concomitantly, vertically move the applicator  154  between the extended and retracted positions. An outer surface of the knob portion  164  can include knobs, ribs, ridges, protrusions and the like  168  to facilitate the grip of the user&#39;s thumb or finger on the knob while moving it between the extended and retracted positions.  
         [0055]     In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an edge  170  defining the slot or slit  166  in the peripheral wall  144  of nose cap cover  141  can include spaced apart recesses or protrusions  172  that receive or interact with a portion of slide or knob portion  168  or slide  162  to retain the applicator in a relatively fixed position while being used. Other types of mechanisms are possible to facilitate the at least temporary fixing of the applicator  154  in either the extended or retracted position and should be considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0056]     In another embodiment of the invention, the applicator  154  can be removably disposed to another portion of the housing  110 . In this embodiment, the applicator  154  can be removably disposed to the second end  114  of housing  110  or other portion conducive to holding or receiving the applicator  154  in any form.  
         [0057]     Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a coupling member  180  such as an eyelet, loop, hook, strap, tether, and similar devices can be coupled to the peripheral wall  144  of nose cap cover  141  to allow a user to more easily carrying the writing instrument and cosmetic compact  100 . In an example embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , coupling member  180  comprises an eyelet having plug portion  182  joined to and extending from an anchoring portion  184 . Plug portion  182  is adapted for operative engagement to any portion of writing instrument and cosmetic compact  100 , but preferably the peripheral wall  144  of nose cap cover  141 .  
         [0058]     In an example embodiment, plug portion  182  can include a conical section  186  disposed on an end of a shaft section  188  that is centrally disposed on anchor portion  184 . Conical section  186  is adapted for operative engagement with at least one hole  187  extending into nose cap cover  141 .  
         [0059]     Anchor portion  184  can include a base section  190  and an attachment section  192 . The shaft section  188  is disposed on an upper surface of base section  190  while the attachment section  192  is disposed on a lower surface of base section  190 . In on example embodiment, attachment section  192  comprises a loop that is adapted to receive a tether or similar device. Attachment member  180  can comprise any compressible material such as rubber, plastic and the like.  
         [0060]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 5 A- 5 E, at least one end cap assembly  200  is detachably couplable to the open second end  114  of housing  110  for holding the second end  129  of writing cartridge  125 . In one embodiment, end cap assembly  200  comprises an inner end cap  202  and an outer end cap  204  with the outer end cap  204  adapted to receive the inner end cap  202  and a compartment  400  adapted to hold a cosmetic.  
         [0061]     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the outer end cap  204  includes a generally centrally disposed wall  206  having a peripheral wall  208  extending diametrically from opposed surfaces of the wall  206  such that a bottom rim or lip  210  (see  FIG. 5B ) of the peripheral wall  208  defines an access opening  212  for receiving the inner end cap  202 . An upper rim  214  of the peripheral wall  208  defines an access opening  216  for receiving the compartment  400 .  
         [0062]     Outer end cap  204  includes a post  217   a  having a bore  217   b  extending longitudinally therein for receiving and at least temporarily securing cartridge  125 . Post  217   a  is centrally disposed on and extends from the central wall  206 . In another example embodiment, as particularly illustrated in  FIG. 5C , post  217   a  is divided along its longitudinal axis defining first  218  and second  220  post portions that extend away from each other when writing cartridge  125  is inserted in bore  217   b . In this embodiment, an inner diameter of bore  217   b  is at least slightly smaller than an outer diameter of writing cartridge  125  to create a friction fit therebetween.  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIGS. 5A, 5D , and  5 E, inner end cap  202  is operatively coupled between housing  110  and outer end cap  204  to secure outer end cap  204  to housing  110 . In an example embodiment, as particularly illustrated in  FIG. 5D , inner end cap  202  has a top wall  222  and a peripheral wall  224  extending away therefrom forming an interior space  226 . A pair of supports  228  and  228 ′ can be disposed in and extend generally across the interior space  226 . Supports  228  and  228 ′ can comprise plates or panels having a length generally equal to a length of peripheral wall  224 .  
         [0064]     Top wall  222  of inner end cap  202  has a generally centrally disposed aperture  230  extending therethrough for receiving post  217   a . In an example embodiment, post  217   a  is disposed generally between supports  228  and  228 ′. Inner end cap  202  can be secured in outer end cap  204  by an adhesive or other mechanical means such as by threaded engagement.  
         [0065]     Inner end cap  202  can also include a tab  232  extending away from an outer surface of its peripheral wall  224  for operatively engaging and securing inner end cap  202  and outer end cap  204  to housing  110 . In an example embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 , tab  232  can operatively engage a slit  234  and a notch  236  extending transversely therefrom into housing  110 . To secure inner end cap  202  to housing  110 , tab  232  is inserted and slid within slot  232 . Tab  232  becomes aligned with notch  234 . Rotation of inner end cap  204  forces tab  232  into notch  234  such that it extends transversely through notch  234  preventing its disengagement from housing  110 . Other means of engaging inner end cap  203  to housing  110  are also contemplated by the invention, for example threaded engagement, pressure fitting, and snap fitting.  
         [0066]     Referring to  FIGS. 6A-7E , and initially to  FIGS. 7A-7E , the compartment  240  includes a bottom wall  242  and a peripheral wall  244  extending away therefrom defining an interior  246 . A cosmetic  247 , such as lip gloss, lipstick, eye shadow, and the like is disposed in the interior  246  of the compact  240 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7C , compact  240  has a generally circular cross section. However, depending upon the cross sectional shape of housing  110  and outer end cap  204 , compact  240  can have any cross sectional shape. In one embodiment, the outer end cap  204  and the compact  240  are manufactured from a clear material such that the cosmetic  247  is visible from outside of writing instrument and cosmetic compact  100 .  
         [0067]     Referring back to  FIG. 5A , compact  540  has a size and shape adapted for fitting into recess opening  216  of outer end cap  204 . In one embodiment, compact  240  is pressure fitted in the access opening  216  to temporarily secure compact  240  within outer end cap  204  until a user pulls on an end of compact  240  thereby removing it from the outer end cap  204 . In another embodiment of the invention, an outer surface of the peripheral wall  244  of compact  240  may be threadedly coupled to an inner surface of the peripheral wall  208  of the outer end cap  204 . Other methods and means of coupling, securing, fixing, attaching the compact  240  to the outer end cap  204  are also possible and should be considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0068]     Referring to  FIGS. 7A, 7D  and  7 E, a mirror or similar reflective member  300  can be coupled to outer end cap  204  to permit a user to observe themselves while applying the cosmetic. Reflective member  300  can comprise a housing  302  having a top wall  304  and a peripheral wall  306  defining an interior  308  thereof. A reflective mirror or similar surface  310  can be disposed in the interior  308 . In an alternate embodiment, an inner surface of top wall  304  can be polished to create a reflective surface, thereby eliminating the need for a separate mirror.  
         [0069]     As illustrated in  FIG. 7D , a lip  312  can extend beyond the mirror. Lip  312  can be used to operatively couple reflective member  300  to the outer end cap  204 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6A  a pair of prongs  314  and  314 ′ can extend from lip  214  of outer end cap  204 . Each of the prongs  314  and  314 ′ includes a protrusion  316  and  316 ′ respectively that can engage a portion of reflectively member  300 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7E , housing  302  of reflective member  300  can include a pair of slots  318  and  318 ′ for receiving prongs  314  and  314 ′ respectively. An inner surface of slots  318  and  318 ′ can include depressions for receiving protrusions  316  and  316 ′. In this particular embodiment, reflective member  300  is hingedly coupled to outer end cap  204  between an open position and a closed position. Reflective member  300  can also be threadedly coupled, pressure fitted, or snapped on outer end cap  204 . Other forms of engagement are also contemplated and should be considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0070]     As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the compact  240  can extend beyond the lip  214  of outer end cap  204 . The reflective member  300  can include a space defined by its lip  312  such that when the reflective member  300  is in the closed position the compact  240  can extend into at least a portion of the interior  308  of the reflective member  300 . When the reflective member  300  is closed its lip  312  surrounds the compact  240 .  
         [0071]     After purchase, a user lifts the reflective member  300  exposing the compact  240 . The user can then pull, rotate, pivot and the like to remove the compact  240  from the outer end cap  204 . Once the compact  240  has been removed, the user can press, slide, or otherwise move knob portion  164  such that the first end  156  of the applicator  154  extends through the opening  157  of the nose cap cover  141 .  
         [0072]     The user then places the tip or first end  156  of the applicator  154  into the cosmetic  247  to pick up some cosmetic for placing on their lips, eyelids or other bodily features. A user can then retract the applicator  154  back into the nose cap cover  141  for storage.  
         [0073]     A user can also remove the nose cap cover  141  to expose the cartridge  125  to right a message, note, and the like on a piece of paper. However, upon writing a message on the substrate, a user notices that no ink has apparently been disposed on the substrate. In example embodiments, the ink can reappear after a predefined period of time; if the user blows their warm breath on the ink soaked substrate; or if the user applies another chemical such as lemon juice and the like.  
         [0074]     In another embodiment, the ink may comprise a chemical or material, such as luminol. Once a light is placed on the ink soaked substrate it will illuminate the written message.  
         [0075]     In yet another embodiment, a user can write a message in reverse with the invisible ink contained in the ink cartridge  125 . Another user can then use reflective member  300  and the light chemical, breath and the like to read the reversed message.  
         [0076]     In another embodiment, wipes impregnated or soaked in a cleaning solution can be rolled up and placed in the interior of housing  110  such that when a user wants to remove the cosmetic they can pull the wipe through slit  234  of the housing  110 . In this example embodiment, the roll of wipes can include a plurality of wipes connected linearly by spaced transversally extending perforations.  
         [0077]     Numerous modifications are also contemplated in the present invention. For example, all parts of writing instrument and cosmetic compact  100  can be manufactured from a single material or they may comprise any combination of various materials. Advertising, logos, designs and other indicia can be imprinted or imparted on any component of writing instrument and cosmetic compact  100  including, but not limited to, housing  110 , nose cap  130 , cover  160 , nose cap cover  140 , and/or end cap  170 .  
         [0078]     The present invention may be embodied in these and other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.