COSMETIC JAR AND STORAGE DEVICE

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cosmetic dispensers, and more particularly to small jars having continuous thread covers and which contain cosmetic substances such as rouges and the like. In one embodiment, there is a cosmetic jar and applicator storage device (10) having a structural body (12) providing a pair of back-to-back shallow recesses (14, 16), a removable cover (18) carried by the body (12), enclosing one (14) of the recesses (14, 16) to retain cosmetic substance therein, and a second cover (20) carried by the body (12), enclosing the other (16) of the recesses (14, 16) to retain an applicator (22) therein. The second cover (20) has an anchorage portion (32, 34, 36) attached to the body (12), and a closure flap connected to the anchorage portion (32, 34, 36) by a thin, resilient integral hinge (40). The closure flap has a detent bead cooperable with a detent groove carried by the body (12), for yieldably holding the flap in a closed position wherein it closes the other (16) of the recesses (14, 16).

Description: COSMETIC JAR AND STORAGE DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to cosmetic dis¬ pensers, and more particularly to a class of devices commonly known in the trade as cosmetic "pots", which comprise small jars of varying sizes, that are typical¬ ly fitted with continuous thread covers and which con¬ tain cosmetic substances such as rouges, pressed powders, balms, eyeliner/eyebrow coloring, and the like. BACKGROUND ART The following references are indicative of some known, cosmetic dispensers of the type to which the present invention relates: U. S. Patents Nos.: 2,201,035 2,375,027 2,534,100 3,613,697 4,777,969 5,180,084 5,348,031 5,373,940 PCT Published Application No. WO 87/03179 UK Published Application No. GB 2 152 904A Several different cosmetic dispenser constructions are disclosed respectively, in U. S. Patents Nos. 2,201,035; 2,375,027; and 2,534,100. No. 2,201,035 illus¬ trates and describes a container having two product- carrying compartments and two brush applicators. No. 2,375,027 illustrates an elongated casing having multiple compartments for a cosmetic product, a brush, and a mirror, respectively, whereas No. 2,534,100 discloses a more conventional arrangement, involving a drawer-type structure having side-by-side compartments for a cos¬ metic material and an applicator brush, respectively. More recent variations which have been devised are shown in Patent No. 3,613,697, which illustrates a con¬ struction comprising an elongate casing having separate compartments, each containing a supply of cosmetic prod¬ uct and an applicator brush. U. S. Patent No. 4,777,969 and its counterpart PCT Application No. WO 87/03179, illustrate a twist-to-open cosmetic compact featuring separate compartments to hold a cosmetic substance and an applicator brush, respectively. A somewhat similar twist-to-open container is shown in UK Published Application No. GB 2,152,904 A. Multiple compartments are provided, for holding a plurality of cosmetic substances, respectively. An applicator is also contained in the housing, and is rendered acces¬ sible as parts of the housing are turned with respect to one another, to a pre-determined angular position. Still other cosmetic dispensers are the subjects of U. S. Patents Nos. 5,180,084 and 5,348,031. Pat. No. '084 discloses a dispenser including a product reservoir and pump therefor, and an applicator brush, housed in a tubular casing having a hinged closure member. Patent No. '031 illustrates a combined applicator and storage pan for a cosmetic substance. Finally, U. S. Patent No. 5,373,940 discloses a combined lipstick casing and elongate storage canister, for holding coins or other articles. The casing and canister are coaxial with one another, and the latter is shown as being fitted with a continuous thread clo¬ sure cap. Other arrangements of known cosmetic dispensers include: 1) variations on the drawer-type noted above, in which a slidable tray is exposed by sliding it out of a protective outer cover or housing; 2) a "stacked" or "double decker" type cosmetic dispenser having a flip-top closure and multiple tray-like structures that are hinged to one another and to the flip-top closure; and 3) a "treasure chest" type dispenser, which resem¬ bles a miniature chest of drawers, each drawer having a compartment for cosmetic substance and/or an applicator utensil. Still another design involves a plurality of mini¬ ature jars which are "stacked" one upon another, and where the bottom wall of one jar constitutes a continu¬ ous thread lid for a second, and so-forth. Cosmetic pots as currently manufactured generally take the form of simple, double-walled jars having con¬ tinuous thread finishes, and fitted with screw caps. The double wall has an advantage in that the exterior of the pot can be made sufficiently large so as to be readily held and manipulated by the fingers, and at the same time providing a reduced-volume storage chamber for the cosmetic substance, which is usually needed in only minute quantities relative to the volume encom¬ passed by the container's outer wall. The disadvantage is that such a double-wall jar can instead, create an undesirable, false impression to consumers. They often misconstrue the use of a double wall container as a purposeful deception on the part of the manufacturer, or a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the actual amount of product being supplied in the container. While some of the cosmetic dispensers noted above have been commercialized, efforts are continuously under way toward achieving improved economy of manu¬ facture, improved ease of use, and greater consumer appeal. In particular, one of the problems typically encountered is that of easily storing and protecting the cosmetic applicator, and in a manner that renders the applicator readily accessible, but without dis¬ turbing materially, the aesthetics of the overall prod¬ uct. Also, consideration must be given to adequate isolation of the applicator when not in use, to mini¬ mize inadvertent contamination. In particular, special care is required while applying cosmetic material to the face, especially to areas around the eyes, as in the case of eyelid liner and eyebrow liner. The issue of avoiding possible contamination of a product or applicator brush used therewith is an important factor which must be addressed, in the production of any cos¬ metic dispenser. A related consideration is that of avoiding inad¬ vertent spillage of the dispenser contents, which might otherwise lead to soiling of clothing or furniture. Ease of manipulation and use of the applicator is also important, thereby reducing the possibility of its being inadvertently dropped by the consumer. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide an improved cosmetic jar and storage device which is simple in its structure and at the same time convenient to use, retaining essentially the same, familiar look and feel of a conventional cos- metic jar or "pot" of the type currently in widespread use. A related object of the invention is to provide an improved cosmetic jar and storage device as above set forth, which provides improved resistance to inadvertent contamination of the jar contents and applicator there¬ for, and less tendency for inadvertent soiling of cloth¬ ing from accidental contact with the applicator. Still another object of the invention is to pro¬ vide an improved cosmetic jar and storage device as above characterized, which is constituted of relatively few separate components that can be readily molded in simple mold cavities, so as to keep the manufacturing cost as low as possible. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved cosmetic jar and storage device of the kind indicated, which is especially easy for the consumer to manipulate and use, thereby enhancing the marketability of the device. A still further object of the invention is to pro¬ vide an improved cosmetic jar and storage device in accordance with the foregoing, which is aesthetically pleasing in its appearance, again enhancing the overall eye-appeal and marketability of the device. These and other objects are accomplished by a cos¬ metic jar and applicator storage device comprising in combination, a structural body providing a pair of back- to-back shallow recesses, removable cover means carried by the body, enclosing one of the recesses to retain cosmetic substance therein, and a second cover means carried by the body, enclosing the other of the recess- es to retain an applicator therein. The second cover means has an anchorage portion attached to the body, and a closure flap connected to the anchorage portion by a thin, resilient integral hinge. The closure flap has detent means cooperable with detent means carried by the body, for yieldably holding the flap in a closed position wherein it closes the other of the shallow recesses. The arrangement is such that the applicator, when stored, is maintained in a closed compartment which is separate and apart from that of the cosmetic product. The applicator can be readily accessed by the consumer, who merely lifts a closure flap with his fingernail, and folds the flap back an extent, to expose the appli¬ cator. Following use, the applicator can be readily re- inserted and the closure flap returned to its normal, closed position. The jar and applicator storage device features a reduced number of separate components, all of which can be economically molded. Thereafter the parts can be easily assembled, and the jar filled with the intended cosmetic product. Introduction of the applicator uten- sil into its own compartment is similarly readily accomplished. As a consequence, a highly functional and aesthet¬ ically pleasing cosmetic dispenser is realized, with low overall manufacturing cost, and use of minimal quantities of plastic raw material. Other features and advantages will hereinafter appea . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, illustrating several embodiments of the invention: Figure 1 is top plan view of the improved cosmetic jar and applicator storage device of the present inven¬ tion. Fig. 2 is an axial section of the jar and storage device taken on the line 2—2 of Fig. 1, and particular¬ ly illustrating first and second removable cover means for enclosing two recesses respectively, of the device. Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the jar and appli- cator storage device of Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4 is an axial section similar to Fig. 2, show¬ ing the second cover means of the jar and storage device disposed in an intermediate position, between its closed and open positions. Fig. 5 is an axial section like Figs. 2 and 4, except showing the second or lower cover means of the jar and storage device disposed in a fully open posi¬ tion. Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of the jar and appli- cator storage device, with the second cover means there¬ of shown in an open position. Fig. 7 is a top plan view of an applicator brush as employed with the jar and storage device of the pres¬ ent invention. Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the body of the jar and storage device of Figs. 1-6. Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the second or lower cover means of the jar and storage device of Figs. 1-6. Fig. 10 is an axial section of a modified jar and storage device for use with a powder-puff type appli¬ cator, constituting another embodiment of the inven¬ tion. Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the second cover means of the jar and storage device of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is an axial section of a modified jar and storage device, particularly illustrating first and second removable cover means for enclosing two recesses, respectively, of the device, constituting another embod- iment of the invention. Both cover means are disposed in open positions. Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the modified jar and storage device of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the modified jar and storage device of Figs. 12 and 13. Fig. 15 is an axial section like Fig. 2, of a fur¬ ther modified jar and storage device of simplified con¬ struction, comprising essentially two molded pieces, constituting still another embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 16 is an axial section of the jar and storage device of Fig. 15, with both cover means disposed in open positions. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring first to Figs. 1-3, and in accordance with the present invention there is provided a novel and improved cosmetic jar and applicator storage device generally designated by the numeral 10, comprising a structural body 12 of generally cylindrical configura¬ tion, and having a pair of back-to-back shallow recesses 14, 16 which are covered by removable cover means 18, 20 respectively, one recess 14 being adapted to carry a quantity of cosmetic substance and the other recess 16 accommodating an applicator 22, Fig. 7. The upper recess 14 is defined by an annular wall 24 and a transverse bottom wall 26. The lower recess 16 is similarly formed by a second annular wall or depending peripheral skirt 28, the transverse wall 26 being common to both recesses 14 and 16. The lower recess 16, along with its cover means 20, defines an applicator storage compartment. On the body structure 12, surrounding the annular wall 24 is another or outer annular wall 30, spaced from wall 24 so as to form a rim portion 31 of U-shaped cross-section. On the exterior or outer periphery of wall 30 are continuous threads to mate with cooperable continuous threads on the respective cover means 18, which in the present case is a screw cap or closure member. Such a closure member can optionally have a central panel of transparent or semi-transparent mate- rial as shown in Fig. 2, which enables the cosmetic product in the upper recess 14 to be viewed from above the jar, with the cover means 18 closed. Further, by the invention and as shown in Figs. 2 and 9 the second or lower cover means 20 for the lower recess 16 includes an anchorage or retainer portion comprising a bottom wall 32, and an upstanding, open- top enclosure comprising a straight wall portion 34, and a cylindrical wall segment 36, spaced from the straight portion 34. There is provided on the body 12 at its under side, a downwardly facing open socket formed in part by a depending wall portion or segment 38, Figs. 2 and 8, integral with the transverse wall 26, and in part by a portion of the annular wall 28, such that the anchorage portion of the cover means can be telescopically fitted into the socket of the body, with a press-fit, as shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5. Option- ally, suitable adhesive can be applied to the telescop¬ ing portions, following the telescopic fit, so as to insure adequate retention of the parts. As particularly shown in Fig. 9, the second cover means 20 is of generally circular configuration or out¬ line. Further, in accordance with the invention the sec¬ ond cover means 20 comprises a thin, polyolefin resil¬ ient, integral or living hinge 40 and a flap 42 that is movable with respect to the anchorage portion 32, 34 and 36, and which can be manually swung downwardly from the closed position shown in Fig. 2, past an inter¬ mediate position shown in Fig. 4, toward a fully open position as in Fig. 5. The hinge 40 lies along a chord of the generally circular second cover means 20, shown in Fig. 9, and the flap 42 is provided with a detent means comprising an upstanding arcuate or crescent- shaped skirt 44 having an external detent bead 46, Figs. 4 and 5, which is receivable in a corresponding internal groove 48 on the annular wall 28 of the body 12 when the flap 42 is in the closed position. The arrangement is such that the flap 42 is normally retained in this position during storage and shipping of the cosmetic jar and applicator. Further by the invention, there is provided on the inner surface of the flap 42, a support for the appli¬ cator or brush 22, shown particularly in Fig. 7, the said support comprising a plurality of resilient retain¬ er lugs or tabs 50, Figs. 6 and 9, which are arranged to frictionally grip the handle portion 52 of the appli¬ cator or brush 22. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of four such lugs 50 is utilized. Preferably there is also provided a relief 54 on the outer surface of the annular wall 28, forming a clearance space for the user to insert a fingernail against the underside of the flap 42, to facilitate opening the applicator compartment. In addition, the edge of the flap 42 at the location of the relief 54 is preferably bevelled, constituting a finger tab 56, Figs. 4-6, and as shown the tab can be arcuate in order to facilitate opening. With such an arrangement, access to the upper recess 14 is readily accomplished by merely unscrewing the closure cap 18, to expose the cosmetic material. Before or after this is done, the flap 42 covering the lower recess 16 is opened and the applicator 22 pried from the lugs 50. Following use, the applicator 22 is replaced and the flap 42 closed. The disclosed structure has the distinct advantage of presenting a substantially disk-like, flat package which is both aesthetically pleasing and functional in operation. The retention of the applicator is such that it is firmly gripped, and not subject to looseness or rattling in its compartment. The jar and storage device is especially easy to manipulate, thereby lessening the tendency for spillage of the cosmetic contents, or inad¬ vertent dropping of the applicator. As an alternative to the brush-style applicator 22 which is shown in Fig. 7, a flock-type or sponge appli¬ cator can be utilized, with virtually no modification of the mounting arrangement therefor. Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 10 and 11, wherein like components have been des¬ ignated by reference numerals corresponding to those of the first embodiment, and with the addition of the suf- fix "a". The cosmetic jar and applicator storage device 10a shown in Fig. 10 is intended to be used with a powder- puff type applicator; the body 12 of the jar 10a is similar to that of Figs. 1-5, in most respects, except that the depending wall designated 38 in Fig. 2, has been modified to provide an interrupted wall 60, such wall providing a nest area to accommodate the powder puff, shown in dotted outline in Fig. 10, and designat¬ ed 62. The jar of Fig. 10 has a pair of back-to-back shallow recesses 14, 16a which are covered by removable cover means 18, 20a respectively. The upper recess is defined by the annular wall 24 and transverse bottom wall 26. The lower recess is similarly formed but by a second annular wall or depending peripheral skirt 28a. By the present invention the cover means 20a for the lower recess 16a comprises an anchorage portion including a flat wall 32a, an upstanding interrupted wall 64, Fig. 11, and a semi-circular wall 66, to form a structure which is telescopically fitted into the wall structure comprising the skirt 28a and interrupted wall 60 of the body; the cover means further comprises a modified closure flap 42a connected to the anchorage portion by a thin, polyolefin resilient integral hinge 40a. Cooperable detent structures comprising a bead on an upstanding skirt 44a of the flap 42a, and an internal groove similar to groove 48 of Figs. 4 and 5 are provid¬ ed, for holding the flap 42a in a normally closed posi¬ tion. There is provided, on the inner surface of both the anchorage portion and flap 42a, an interrupted cyl- inder comprising an upstanding semi-circular flange, constituted of oppositely-disposed, curved wall seg¬ ments 72 and 74, which have adjacent ends spaced from one another as shown, at the location of the hinge 40a. The arrangement is such that the operation of the hinge 40a is not affected by the upstanding interrupted semi¬ circular flange. The upstanding flange thus provides a flat compartment to accommodate the puff-type appli¬ cator 62, which can be either a sponge, or a velour- type puff, depending on the type of cosmetic product with which the jar is used. Access to the puff applicator 62 is gained by opening the flap 42a with one's fingernail, as in the previous embodiment. The puff applicator 62 is removed with the fingers, and following use, is re-inserted in the lower compartment or recess 16a, for storage. The advantages noted above in connection with the first embodiment are retained, namely ease of use, min¬ imal possibility of contamination, and the provision of an aesthetically pleasing external appearance, which enhances the overall attractiveness of the product. Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 12-14, where like components have been designated by reference numerals co responding to those of the first embodiment, with the addition of the suffix "b" . The modified cosmetic jar and applicator storage device is generally designated by the numeral 10b, comprising a body 12b and having back-to-back shallow recesses 14b, 16b which are adapted to be covered by removable cover means 18b, 20b respectively. As in the previous embodiment, the recess 14b is adapted to carry a quan¬ tity of cosmetic substance and the other recess 16b accommodates the applicator 22, Fig. 7. The applicator has been omitted from Fig. 12, for clarity. The upper recess 14b is defined by an annular wall 24b and a trans- verse bottom wall 26b. The lower recess 16b is similarly formed by a second annular wall or depending peripheral skirt 28b, the transverse wall 26b being common to both recesses 14b and 16b. The lower recess 16b, along with its cover means 20b, defines the applicator storage compartment. On the body structure 12b, surrounding the annular wall 24b is another or outer annular wall 30b, spaced from wall 24b so as to form a rim portion of U-shaped cross-section. In accordance with the invention, the cover means 18b is connected with the body by a snap-action hinge, comprising a centrally disposed pivot member 80, and two tension members, designated 82 and 84. In such an arrangement, the need for screw threads is eliminated, and the cover means thus can be manually swung between its open, product-accessing position shown in Figs. 12 and 13, and a closed, sealing position corresponding to that of the cover means 18 of Fig. 2. The advantage of utilizing a snap action hinge is that the upper recess 14b and cover means 18b of Fig. 12 can be conveniently molded as a single piece, with a transparent lens 86 fitted into the molded piece, fol¬ lowing curing. The lens 86 enables the contents of the upper recess 14b to be readily viewed from outside the jar and storage device, as in the first embodiment. Manufacture and assembly of the device are thus kept simple, and cost effective. Further, in Figs. 12-14, the second or lower cover means 20b for the lower recess 16b includes an anchorage or retainer portion comprising a bottom wall 32b, and an upstanding, open-top enclosure comprising a straight wall portion 34b, and a cylindrical wall segment 36b, spaced from the straight portion 34b. There is provided on the body 12b at its under side, a downwardly facing open socket formed in part by a depending wall portion or segment 38b, Fig. 12, integral with the transverse wall 26b, and in part by a portion of the annular wall 28b, such that the anchorage portion of the lower cover means 20b can be telescopically fitted into the socket of the body 12b, with a press-fit, as shown. Optional- ly, suitable adhesive can be applied to the telescoping portions, following the telescopic fit, so as to insure adequate retention of the parts. Further, in accordance with the invention the sec¬ ond cover means 20b comprises a thin, polyolefin resil- ient, integral or living hinge 40b and a flap 42b that is movable with respect to the anchorage portion 32b, 34b and 36b, and which can be manually swung downwardly from the closed position corresponding to that of Fig. 2 of the first embodiment, past an intermediate posi¬ tion and toward a fully open position as in Fig. 5. The hinge 40b lies along a chord of the generally circular second cover means 20b, and the flap 42b is provided with a detent means comprising an upstanding arcuate or crescent-shaped skirt 44b. The arrangement is such that the flap 42b is normally retained in this position during storage and shipping of the cosmetic jar and applicator. As in the previous embodiments, there is provided on the inner surface of the flap 42b, a support for the applicator or brush 22 that is shown particularly in Fig. 7, the said support comprising a plurality of resilient retainer lugs or tabs 50b, which are arranged to frictionally grip the handle portion 52 of the appli¬ cator or brush 22. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of four such lugs 50b is utilized. Further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a finger-receivable notch or recess 88, which facilitates opening of the lower cover means 20b. Viewed from the bottom of the jar and storage device, the notch 88 has a generally crescent-shaped mouth, and a pocket portion having a wall which, when the lower cover means is closed, projects into the lower recess 16b. As shown, the depth of the notch 88 is greater than 50% of the depth of the recess 16b, as can be seen in Fig. 12, and the width of the notch is just under 1/2 of the diameter of the body 12b. It has been found that the notch great¬ ly facilitates opening of the lower cover means 20b; thus, there is eliminated reliance on the use of one's nail to lift the cover means, as in the previous embodi¬ ments. Still another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 15 and 16. In the modification shown in these figures, the transparent lens 86 of Figs. 12-14 has been eliminated. Instead, a solid transverse wall 90 is provided, integral with the remainder of the upper cover means 18c. This has the distinct advantage that the cosmetic jar and storage device can be even more economically fabricated, as a molded part constituted of essentially two pieces, as shown in Figs. 15 and 16. A two-piece, two-recess construction is thus realized, with cover means for both of the recesses, at a greatly reduced overall manufacturing cost. The jar 10c comprises a body 12c; the recesses are designated 14c and 16c, respectively; the cover means are designated 18c, 20c, respectively. In other respects, the construction of Figs. 15 and 16 is similar to that of Figs. 12-14. Depending on the particular application of the cosmetic jar and storage device desired, either the version having the transparent lens 86 or that omitting the lens can be utilized, the latter in the case where the cosmetic substance occupying the upper recess 14b or 14c is not particularly colorful or eye-catching. From the above it can be seen that we have provid¬ ed novel and improved cosmetic jar and applicator stor¬ age devices which feature both economy and improved function. The individual components can be readily molded and assembled, so as to keep the overall fabrication expense as low as possible. The jar is characterized by a flat, disk-like external appearance, which is in keep¬ ing with the general configuration of known cosmetic dispensers, aside from the unusual, eye-catching appear¬ ance of the jar when it is opened for use. The devices are thus seen to represent a distinct advance and improvement in the field of cosmetic dis¬ pensers. Variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each and every one of the appended claims defines an aspect of the invention which is separate and dis¬ tinct from all others, and accordingly it is intended that each claim be treated in this manner when examined in the light of the prior art devices in any determina¬ tion of novelty or validity.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A cosmetic jar and applicator storage device comprising, in combination: a structural body providing a pair of back- to-back shallow recesses, removable cover means carried by said body, enclosing one of said recesses to retain cosmetic sub¬ stance therein, and a second cover means carried by said body, enclosing the other of said recesses to retain an applicator therein, said second cover means having an anchorage portion attached to said body and having a closure flap connected to said anchorage portion by a thin, resilient integral hinge, said closure flap having detent means cooper¬ able with detent means carried by said body, for yield¬ ably holding the flap in a closed position wherein it closes the other of said shallow recesses. 2. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accordance with claim 1, wherein: the second cover means is press-fitted into the said body. 3. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said detent means carried by the body is physically an integral part of the body. 4. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accordance with claim 1, and further including a cosmetic appli¬ cator disposed in the said other recess. 5. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accordance with claim 1, wherein: a) the said body has an upstanding annular rim portion of substantially U-shaped cross section. 6. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accordance with claim 5, wherein: the said rim portion of the body has an outer periphery that is provided with means cooperable with the said removable cover means to secure the latter removably to the body. 7. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accordance with claim 6, wherein: the outer periphery of the body rim portion and the removable cover means are provided with contin- uous threads constituting the securement of the remov¬ able cover means. 8. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accordance with claim 2, wherein: the press fit of the body and the second cover means comprises telescopic portions of the latter and the body. 9. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accordance with claim 8, wherein: the said telescopic portions comprise an open socket at the under side of the body, and an upstanding open-top enclosure on the second cover means, fitting into the said open socket. 10. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accordance with claim 1, and further including means disposed on the upper side of the second cover means, frictionally holding the said applicator. 11. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 10, wherein: the applicator comprises a brush or foam tip having a handle portion, said friction holding means comprising a pair of upstanding tabs engaged with the handle portion of the brush. 12. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord- ance with claim 1, wherein: said detent means of the closure flap comprises an upstanding crescent-shaped portion of the second cover means, said body having a depending peripheral skirt forming the bottom shallow recess thereof, said skirt being cooperable with the crescent- shaped portion of the second cover means to effect the retention of the latter in its closed position. 13. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 3, wherein: the second cover means has on its periphery a finger tab at the location of the detent means of the body, to facilitate separation of the second cover means from the body. 14. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 1, wherein: the second cover means is of circular config- uration, said resilient hinge being elongate and extending along a chord of the said circular configura¬ tion. 15. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 10, wherein: the holding means for the applicator compris¬ es an upstanding arcuate flange carried by the second cover means and adapted to hold a powder puff. 16. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 15, wherein: said flange traverses the resilient hinge and has interruptions, two of said interruptions of the flange being disposed at the resilient hinge to eliminate any restraint on the action of the hinge. 17. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 9, wherein: the socket of the body and the enclosure of the second cover means are circular segments. 18. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 17, wherein: the socket of the body and the enclosure of the second cover means have interfitted straight wall portions, said resilient hinge extending along the said straight wall portions. 19. A combined cosmetic jar and applicator storage device comprising, in combination: a structural body providing a pair of back- to-back shallow recesses for holding cosmetic mate- rials, removable cover means carried by said body, enclosing one of said recesses to retain cosmetic material therein, and a second cover means carried by and cooper- able with said body, enclosing the other of said recesses to retain a cosmetic applicator therein, said second cover means and body having tel¬ escoping portions by which said second cover means is continuously attached to and held by said body, said second cover means including a closure portion defining a support by which said cosmetic applicator can be carried in the other of said recesses and removed therefrom, at least a portion of said second cover means being movable with respect to said body and cooperable therewith to either reveal or else conceal the said support defined by the closure portion. 20. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 1, wherein: said removable cover means comprises a disk¬ like cover member, and means providing a snap-action hinge connect¬ ing said cover member and body, said snap-action hinge effecting a toggle force on the cover member so as to bias the member toward either an open position removed from the said one recess, or a closed position overly¬ ing said one recess. 21. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord- ance with claim 1, wherein: said closure flap contains a finger-receiv¬ able notch providing an exteriorly-accessible recess, to facilitate grasping the closure flap by insertion of one's finger therein. 22. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 21, wherein: said notch has a generally crescent-shaped, open mouth. 23. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 21, wherein: said notch has a depth which is greater than one-half the depth of the said other recess of the body. 24. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 1, wherein: said structural body on the one hand and the first-mentioned cover means on the other hand are con¬ stituted as a single integrally molded piece. 25. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord¬ ance with claim 24, wherein: said second cover means is molded as a single integral piece, comprising said anchorage portion and closure flap. 26. A cosmetic jar and storage device in accord- ance with claim 1, wherein: said structural body on the one hand and part of said first-mentioned cover means on the other hand, are constituted as a single integrally molded piece having a hinge, said cover means having a recess, and further including as a second molded piece, a trans¬ parent or semi-transparent lens fitted into the recess of the first-mentioned cover means. 27. A cosmetic jar and applicator storage device comprising, in combination: a structural body providing a pair of back- to-back shallow recesses, cover means carried by said body, adapted to enclose one of said recesses to retain cosmetic sub- stance therein, and a second cover means carried by said body, enclosing the other of said recesses to retain an applicator therein, said second cover means having an anchorage portion attached to said body and having a closure flap connected to said anchorage portion by a thin, resilient hinge, said closure flap having means for yield- ably holding the flap in a closed position wherein it closes the other of said shallow recesses.

Inventors: CHANG CHARLES, SHEFFLER ROBERT J, CHANG, CHARLES, SHEFFLER, ROBERT, J.
Applicants: CHANG CHARLES, SHEFFLER ROBERT J, CHANG, CHARLES, SHEFFLER, ROBERT, J.
Application year: 1996
Main classification: A45D33
IPC codes: A45D33