RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

61/983,009 filed April 23, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to a storage container having an integrated goose neck mirror, such as for storage of makeup and associated tools. The storage container is transportable and can be used in either a sitting or standing position.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional makeup storage containers are typically not designed to be used in both a sitting and standing position. If such containers have integrated mirrors, they tend to be fixed and usable in only one position. In addition, most makeup storage containers are difficult to clean and are too small to store larger makeup products and associated tools.

[0004] As such, there is a need for makeup storage containers that can accommodate a large variety of products and tools, are easy to clean, and can be used in both a sitting and standing position by the user. SUMMARY

[0005] The invention is directed to a makeup storage container having housing, having a top surface with a rim, a plurality of drawers received in the housing, and a gooseneck mirror coupled to the housing for use by a user in either a sitting or standing position.

[0006] The invention further provides a makeup storage container having a housing, having a top surface with a rim, the rim having at least one cutout portion, a plurality of drawers received in the housing, each of the drawers having a front surface, a plurality of knohs coupled to the front surface of each of the plurality of drawers, and a gooseneck mirror coupled to the top surface of the housing for use by a user in either a sitting or standing position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a storage container having an integrated goose neck mirror according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a front perspective vie of the storage container illustrated in FIG. 1 , with the integrated goose neck mirror in a downward position;

[0009[ FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the storage container illustrated in FIG . 1 , not showing the integrated goose neck mirror according;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the storage container illustrated in FIG. 1 having its drawers opened, not showing the integrated goose neck mirror; and

[001 1 ] FIG. 5 is a top view of the attachment of the goose neck mirror to the storage container, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention provides a makeup storage container 100 having an integrated goose neck mirror 102. FIG. 1 illustrates the goose neck mirror 102 in an upright vertical position labeled "A" with respect to the storage container 100. This positioning is most useful if the user is standing while using the mirror 102. FIG. 2 illustrates the goose neck mirror 102 in a downward position labeled "B" relative to the top surface 106 of the housing 104. This positioning allows the user to continue to use the mirror 102 even while he/she is sitting.

[0013] The storage container 100 is formed of a housing 104 generally having a square box shape, although the container 100 may also have a rectangular shape with a longer length or height. In one embodiment, the housing 104 has a top surface 106, bottom surface 108. two side surfaces 1 10 and 1 12, and a front face 1 14 (see FIG. 4). The housing 104 may be formed of any sturdy material, such as medium-density fibcrboard (MDF) or plywood, and then covered in a material that is able to be easily cleaned. In one embodiment, the material that covers the housing 104 is a laminate material. In another embodiment, the housing 104 may be formed of an opaque material so as to keep the contents stored within the container 100 private.

[0014] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the top surface 106 of the housing 104 may be recessed, such that a rim 1 16 is formed around its perimeter. This rim 1 16 allows the user to place personal care products, makeup, or tools on the top surface 106 of the storage container 100 for easy access without the risk that they will fall off. As depicted in FIG. 3. the rim 1 16 preferably includes at least one cutout portion, 1 18 that acts as a handle to allow the user to pick up the storage container 100. In a preferred embodiment, the rim 1 16 includes at least two cutout portions 1 1 8 on opposing sides of the rim 1 16 such that the container 100 may be easily carried by the user. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), at least one of the side surfaces 1 10, 1 12 may include at least one handle 120 for transport of the storage container 100.

[0015] The front face 1 14 of the housing 104 is generally formed by a plurality of drawers 122. While the illustrated containers include four drawers 122, any number of drawers 122 may be included for a particular application. The drawers 122 may be received in the housing 104 on guides, rails, or tracks (not shown) that allow the drawers 122 to easily align within the housing 104 and to be held in place when in a closed position. In one embodiment, the guides, rails or tracks include locking mechanisms that keep the drawers 122 in a closed position when the container 100 is being transported. Each of the drawers 122 includes at least one handles, knobs, or pulls 124 coupled to its front surface that allows a user to easily open and close the drawers 122. In a preferred embodiment, each of the drawers 122 has two handles or pulls 124 adjacent each side surface 1 1 0 and 1 12 of the housing 104. In yet another embodiment, each of the drawers 122 may include a cutout (not shown) that allows the user to pull the drawer 1 22 open without the need for a knob or handle 124. In a preferred embodiment, each of the drawers 122 has straps that allow the user to pull open the drawers 122 (not shown). Each of the drawers 120 may be labeled with words, symbols, numbers, or other indicia 126 on its front surface to allow the user to organize his/her personal care products for easy access. While the drawers 122 may be constructed to any size according to the particular application, the drawers 122 are sufficiently deep and tall so as to allow for the storage of larger or bulky makeup and tools.

[0016] The goose neck mirror 102 may have any construction known in the art for use in personal care applications. The mirror 102 may be formed of chrome, nickel, steel, or any other durable, lightweight and inexpensive metal. The mirror 102 may have a round shape, as illustrated in the Figures, or it may have any other shape known in the art, including square, oval. rectangular, etc. While the length of the goose neck 128 is not particularly limited, it should be sufficiently long so that the user can utilize the mirror 102 while standing or while sitting. In one embodiment, the goose neck 128 has a length of eight (8) inches or greater. In one embodiment, the goose neck mirror 102 has two opposing mirrored surfaces 130, at least one of which is magnified to assist the user in application of makeup or for other uses that require magnification. Optical magnification levels of at least l Ox may be provided with the goose neck mirror 102. Additionally, lighting features, such as LED backlighting (not shown), may also be provided with the goose neck mirror 102.

[0017] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the integrated goose neck mirror 102 is preferably coupled to the top surface 106 of the housing. In one embodiment, the integrated goose neck mirror 102 is coupled to the top surface 106 of the housing 104 at one of its four corners 106a-d. Placement of the goose neck mirror 102 in one of the corners 106a-d allows for a larger range of motion of the mirror 102 by the user. In another embodiment (not shown), the goose neck mirror 102 may be coupled to one of the side surfaces 1 10 or 1 12. The goose neck mirror 102 may be attached to the housing 104 using screws, bolts, or any other fixed attachment device. The goose neck mirror 102 should be sufficiently attached to the housing 104 such that it will not inadvertently become detached or move when the mirror 102 is adjusted by the user. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the goose neck 128 may extend through a hole in the top surface 106 of the housing 104 and attach on the inside of the housing 104 via a screw thread attachment 1 32.

[0018] While the present invention has been described above, it should be clear that many changes and modifications may be made to the process and product without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.