Abstract:
A cosmetic jar and applicator storage device which in a single unit provides a consumer with a cosmetic, and applicator and a mirror therefore. The cosmetic jar comprising, a cylindrical body having a first cosmetic storage section and a second applicator storage section, the first section being structured and arranged to accommodate a cosmetic such as a pressed powder or the like and adapted to receive a screw top cover to seal the contents of the upper section therein. Integral with the first section is a cylindrical chamber recess depending therefrom and having a rectangular opening for slidingly rotatably receiving the second storage section therein. The second storage section being pivotally attached to the first storage section and adapted for storing and retaining an applicator therein.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a cosmetic jar for cosmetic preparations and in particular to a cosmetic jar having a pivotally attached hide away storage device for holding and retaining a cosmetic applicator or the like. 
     In general, a cosmetic jar or compact comprises a receptacle member for holding a given quantity of pressed powders, rouges, eye liners/eyebrow coloring, and the like as well as a cosmetic applicator therein. The cosmetic jar further comprises a cover member having an inner surface against which there may be attached a mirror, the receptacle member and cover member being either rotatably connected to one another by respective mating threads, i.e. in the manner of ajar and lid, or pivotally attached to one another at one cooperating edge thereof, i.e. in the manner of a clam. 
     Additionally, some cosmetic jars or compacts have incorporated a pull out drawer either within the cover or beneath the receptacle member. This drawer is used for holding and retaining the cosmetic applicator, brush or other cosmetic implementation device and in certain instances even a contraceptive device. 
     In the cosmetic compact disclosed in Lombardi, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,319, a cosmetic compact is disclosed comprising an upper section having a cylindrical shell adapted to accommodate a cosmetic and adapted to screwingly receive a lid on the shell to thereby hermetically seal the cosmetic. Integrated with the upper section is a lower section defining a cylindrical chamber having an opening inlet to co-linearly admit a cylindrical pull-out drawer adapted to accommodate a mirror and an applicator for the cosmetic, such as a powder puff. The drawer being coupled to said lower section such that it can be entirely removed and separated from the shell thereby forming two discrete pieces. These two items together with the screw on cover and applicator pad leaves the consumer with four individual pieces to be held in two hands, thereby resulting in awkward and clumsy manipulation of the cosmetic compact by the consumer. 
     In the Yuhara U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,505 there is disclosed a facial compact having a storage space which can carry cosmetic related articles or unrelated articles. Specifically, Yuhara discloses a facial compact including a receptacle member having space for accommodating cosmetic material, a cover member pivotally connected to the receptacle member, a recess formed in the inner surface of the cover member defining a storage space, and a plate member slidably movable at a lower portion of the cover member and adapted to cover the storage space. Once again, like the drawer in the Lombardi reference, the plate is entirely removable from the cover member leaving the consumer with a number of individual pieces to juggle while attempting to apply the cosmetic powder. 
     One of the problems associated with the cosmetic jars and compacts discussed above is the actual number of separate individual pieces the compact becomes upon use by a consumer. During use by the consumer, the more separate individual pieces the compact becomes, the more difficult and awkward the process of applying the cosmetic becomes because the consumer is forced to apply the cosmetic with one hand and with the other hand attempt to balance and carry the several individual remaining pieces. 
     A related consideration is that, in all of the pull-out drawer compacts, the drawer has to be pulled out nearly to the point where the drawer separates from the rest of the compact in order to create a large enough opening to remove the applicator or brush therefrom. As is usually the case, the drawer in fact completely separates from the compact and falls either on to the floor or counter, or worse the drawer, which is covered with residual compact powder or the like, falls on to the consumers clothing thereby dirtying the consumer. Accordingly, ease of manipulation and use of the applicator is important to thereby reduce the possibility of its being inadvertently dropped by the user. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved cosmetic jar and storage device which is simple to use and at the same time convenient to use, i.e. retaining essentially the same, familiar look and feel of a conventional cosmetic jar. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved cosmetic jar and storage device having a decreased tendency for inadvertent soiling of clothing from accidental contact with the applicator or mishandling and dropping of the jar and its contents onto the consumers clothing. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic jar and storage device made up of a relatively few number of parts which are detachable from one another. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic jar and storage device which is easy for the consumer to manipulate and use. 
     Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic jar and storage device which is aesthetically pleasing in appearance to the consumer while still providing all of the essential functions desired by the consumer. 
     The above objects are accomplished, in one embodiment of the invention, by a combined cosmetic jar and applicator storage device comprising, a cylindrical body having a first body cosmetic storage section and a second applicator storage body section, the first body section being structured and arranged to accommodate a cosmetic such as a pressed powder or the like and adapted to theadingly receive a cover to thereby seal the contents of the first body section therein, the first body section further comprising a cylindrical chamber depending therefrom having a rectangular opening for slidingly rotatably receiving the second body section therein. The second body section being pivotally attached to the first body section thereby forming one unitary structure. 
     The combination is such that in each instance, the applicator, when stored, is maintained in a closed compartment which is separate and apart from that of the cosmetic compound. The applicator can be readily accessed by the consumer, by a simple procedure involving slidingly rotating the second body section from underneath the first body section of the jar, thereby exposing the applicator stored therein. Following use, the applicator is replaced within the second body section and the second body section rotatably and slidingly returned to its closed position beneath the first body section. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of illustrative example. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the invention, as well as other objects and features thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a top, front and right side perspective view of a cosmetic jar according to the present invention as it appears in a closed storage configuration; 
     FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of a cosmetic jar according to the present invention as it appears in a closed storage configuration; 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the cosmetic jar as it appears in a partially open configuration with a portion shown in phantom lines depicting the pivotal movement of the cosmetic tray; 
     FIG. 4 is a side cross sectional elevation view taken along lines  4 — 4  of FIG. 3 with the cover in a removed configuration in shown in phantom lines; and 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cosmetic jar according to the present invention as it appears in a fully open operative configuration. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the Figures, in which like numbers refer to like parts, 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  having a cylindrical body comprising a first body portion  14  and a second body portion  16 . 
     The first body portion  14  comprises a transverse bottom wall  18  (see FIGS. 4 and 5) having an annular or circular side wall  20  extending upwardly therefrom and spaced a distance from an outer edge  22  thereof, thereby defining a tub  24 . On the exterior or outer periphery of the side wall  20  is a thread  26  adapted to threadingly receive a cover means  28 , i.e. a screw cap or other threaded closure means. The tub  24  is adapted to receive a cosmetic material or substance such as cosmetic powder, talcum powder, creams, or the like therein (not shown). While a screw top closure means is depicted it should be noted that other cover means such as a cover which is pivotally attached at one point along the edge of the first body portion  14  can readily be used, i.e. much like a clam type cover. 
     As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover means  28  comprises an annular rim  30  and a back wall  32  connected to the rim  30 . The rim  30  is adapted to threadingly cooperate with the thread  26  of the side wall  20 . The back wall  32  comprises an annular ridge  34  on its inner surface spaced a distance from the rim  30 . The annular ridge  34  is adapted to hold and retain an elastomeric ring  36 , such as a compressible O-ring, between the rim  30  and the ridge  34 . In use, when the cover means  28  is screwed on to the first body portion  14 , the ring  36  comes to rest against the upper edge of the annular side wall  20 . In this manner, the ring  36  acts to prevent volatile agents included in the cosmetic substance stored in the tub  24  of the first body portion  14  from evaporating when the jar  10  in closed, as seen in FIGS. 1,  2  and  4 . In addition, the ridge  34  is adapted to retain and hold a reflective material  38 , i.e. a mirror, against the back wall  32  of the cover means  28 , thereby providing the consumer with a portable mirror to aid in the application of the cosmetic product stored within the cosmetic jar  10 . 
     Integral with the first body portion  14  is a semi-cylindrical chamber  44 , depending therefrom, having an annular chamber wall  40 A extending downwardly from the outer edge  22  of the bottom wall  18  and terminating in a chamber base wall  42 A. The annular chamber wall  40 A and the chamber base wall  42 A terminate substantially along a diameter of the first and second body portions  14  and  16 , thereby defining along the diameter of the cosmetic jar  10  a rectangular opening  46 . 
     The second body portion  16  further comprises a tray  56  pivotally attached along the diameter of the cosmetic jar  10  at a point substantially near the edge  22 . The tray  56  comprises an annular tray wall  40 B terminating in a tray base  42 B. The tray wall  40 B and tray base  42 B terminate substantially along the diameter of the first and second body portions  14  and  16  respectively. The annular tray wall  40 B has a height substantially equal to the height of the annular chamber wall  40 A. In this manner when the chamber wall  40 A and the chamber base  42 A abut against the tray wall  40 B and the tray base  42 B, the annular side walls  40 A and  40 B and the base walls  42 A and  42 B are flush with one another. 
     Integral with the tray wall  40 B and the tray base  42 B is a platform  48  comprising an annular platform side wall  50  and a platform base wall  52  integrally connected to the lower edge thereof. The outside diameter of the annular platform sidewall  50  is of a slightly smaller diameter than the inside diameter of annular chamber wall  40 B and the height of the platform sidewall  50  is slightly smaller than the height of the rectangular opening  46 . The annular platform side wall  50  and platform base wall  52  are joined to the tray side wall  40 B and the tray base wall  42 B respectively by a shoulder  54 . The shoulder  54  having a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the annular chamber wall  40 A and the annular base wall  42 A. In this manner, the platform  48  is dimensioned such that the platform  48  is slidingly capable of being inserted through the rectangular opening  46  into the semi-cylindrical chamber  44 . 
     The second body portion  16  is pivotally attached to the first body portion  14  by a pivot pin  58  passing through the chamber base wall  42 A of the first body portion  14  and the annular platform side wall  50  of the second body portion  16  into the bottom wall  18 . The pin being located at a tangential edge of the diameter dividing line between the annular chamber wall and the annular tray wall  40 A and  40 B respectively and the chamber base wall and the tray base walls  42 A and  42 B respectively. 
     The tray  56  further comprises a plurality of evenly spaced ventilation holes  60  formed in the supporting base member  52  for aiding in the drying of a cosmetic applicator A placed thereon for storage in the tray  56 . A plurality of ribs  62  extending from the shoulder  54  are integrally formed on the top surface of the second base wall  42 B. The ribs  62  have a height substantially equal to the height of the shoulder  54  in order to be flush with the top surface of the supporting base member  52  of the tray  56 . In this manner, an applicator A placed within the tray  56  for storage will remain generally supported from underneath throughout the tray  56 . 
     In this manner, the compact jar  10  has two modes of use, a closed storage mode and an open application mode. In the closed storage mode the second body portion  16  is rotated about pivot pin  58  such that the annular side wall  50  and supporting base wall  52  of tray  56  are slidingly rotated to be inserted through the rectangular opening  46  into the circular chamber  44 . The second body portion  16  is rotated until the shoulder  54  contacts and abuts the terminal edges of the of the first annular side wall  40 A and the first base wall  42 A and the platform  48  rests within the semi-cylindrical chamber  44 . In the closed storage mode, the overall shape of the lower storage section  16  corresponds to the cylindrical body of the cosmetic jar  10 . 
     In the open application mode, the second body portion  6  is slidingly rotated about pivot pin  58  such that platform  48  is drawn entirely out from the semi-cylindrical chamber  44  thereby completely exposing the tray  56 . The pivot pin  58  ensures that the second body portion  16  remains attached to the first body portion  14  at all times while simultaneously permitting exposure of the entirety of the tray  56  and its contents. In this manner, the consumer can hold the cosmetic jar  10  while having the storage space of the tray  56  completely exposed and accessible without fear that the second body portion  16  will separate from the first body portion  14  thus spilling its contents onto their clothing. 
     Moreover, the second body portion  16  is rotatable to a position wherein the first body portion  14  covers no portion of the tray  56  other than the a common coupling point where the two are pivotally connected to one another. In this manner, the applicator A stored within the tray  56  of the second body portion  16  can be readily removed therefrom without having to twist or bend the applicator and without the fear that the second body portion  16  is only tenuously connected to the first body portion  14  and subject to detachment or separation at any moment. 
     In operation, the cosmetic jar  10  is retained in the closed storage mode when not in use. In this mode the cosmetic jar  10  can be stored in the consumers purse, handbag, pocket or on a shelf. When the consumer desires to apply the contents of the cosmetic jar  10 , they simply hold the jar  10  in one hand while simultaneously slidably rotating the second body portion  16  co-planarly with respect to the first body portion  14 , thereby exposing the tray  56  and the applicator A stored therein. The consumer is now free to remove the applicator A from the tray  56  and since the tray  56  is fully supported by pivot pin  58 , the consumer is free to forget about the possibility of the second body portion  16  separating from the first body portion  14  while applying the cosmetic. When the consumer is through applying the cosmetic, the consumer returns the applicator A to the tray  56  and slidably rotates the platform  48  back into the circular chamber  44  thereby returning the second body portion  16  to its storage mode beneath the first body portion  14 . 
     The bottom surface of the tray base wall  42 B is further provided with a finger recess  64  for aiding the consumer in slidably rotating the second body portion  16  from beneath the first body portion  14 . Closing means are provided for maintaining the second body portion  16  in the closed storage position when not in use by the consumer thereby preventing the contents of the tray  56  from becoming lost or misplaced. The closing means comprise a first tooth  68  formed on the inner surface of the annular chamber wall  40 A, opposite the location of the pivot pin  58 , extending radially inward and a second tooth  70  formed on the outer surface of annular side wall  50 , spaced a distance from the shoulder  54 , opposite the location of the pivot pin  58 , extending radially outward therefrom. In use, the teeth  68  and  70  snappingly engage one another when the second body portion  16  is slidingly rotated into the closed storage mode. 
     Although certain preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it should be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.