Abstract:
A cosmetic case and applicator are disclosed in which the handle of the applicator extends partially outside the case and serves to open the case when turned.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is in the field of cosmetic packaging. In particular it is concerned with a portable cosmetic case having an applicator included. 
     The prior art contains several such cases. For example, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 281,731 shows a cosmetic case having a drawer and having a special niche for holding an applicator brush. 
     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 4,337,859 shows a case containing caked powder which has a special shallow recess to receive an applicaton. 
     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 4,421,127 shows a multicompartmetal compact case with interchangeable cosmetic containers such as lipsticks and compacted powder and having a painting brush inserted in the case. 
     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 4,555,020 shows a compact which holds numerous articles in frictionally engaged side compartments. The handles of the side compartments are specially shaped to prevent rotational movement. 
     Finally, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 4,579,133 shows a cosmetic compact with an extendible applicator. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises, in combination, a container and an applicator consisting of a brush or a sponge and a handle therefor, 
     the container being substantially rectangular and comprising top and bottom congruent components, the components being hinged along one long side and provided with a friction catch on the inside of the side opposite the hinged side, 
     the container being divided into a pair of compartments by a wall transverse to the long side, 
     the first compartment being designed to contain a substance to be dispersed by the brush or sponge, 
     the second compartment being open at the associated short side of the container, adjacent to the hinged side, 
     the applicator being substantially rectangular and dimensioned to fit snugly within the second compartment with the brush or sponge confined completely within the compartment and the handle being partially so confined with a portion extending from the open side, 
     whereby twisting the extending handle portion will release the friction catch and open the container. 
     The combination wherein the container has a mirrored surface is preferred as is the combination wherein the substance is a personal care product such as blusher or compressed powder. The combination wherein the applicator handle has an indentation and the second compartment has a raised ridge designed to engage the indentation is also preferred. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The drawing illustrates the best mode presently known for carrying out the present invention. 
     Figure --An exploded view of the cosmetic case and applicator. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The Figure illustrates a cosmetic case and applicator in accordance with the present invention. All essential features are shown as well as certain optional ones. 
     The rectangular container 1 includes a top component 1A and a bottom component 1B, which are hinged 5 along one long side. The container is divided into a first compartment 8 and a second compartment 9 by a transverse wall 7. The transverse wall is provided with a friction catch 6 which holds the top and bottom components together in the closed position. The first compartment is designed to contain material to be dispersed such a personal care products including cosmetics. The second compartment has one open side adjacent to the hinged side. An optional feature which is illustrated is the mirrored surface 10 inside the first compartment. 
     The applicator 2 is substantially rectangular and is designed to fit into the second compartment 9 with the brush or sponge end 3 contained entirely within the compartment and the handle 4 extending through the open side of the compartment. Twisting on the extending handle will exert sufficient pressure to release the friction catch and open the container. 
     Two other optional features which are illustrated are the raised ridge 12 in the second compartment designed to fit into the indentation 11 in the applicator handle. Although a brush is illustrated, a person skilled in the field of cosmetic packaging will appreciate that other delivery surfaces such as a sponge or puff can be employed with equal success and the choice will depend on the material to be dispersed. 
     A container of this type can be usefully employed to disperse a variety of personal care products such as shoe polish and all types of cosmetics. In particular, products such as blusher, compressed powder and eye shadow are especially suited for such a container and applicator. 
     The foregoing is illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.