This invention relates to a cigarette container designed for holding cigarettes on end tables or other supporting surfaces, the container being of an ornamental character, and having means for completely enclosing the cigarettes, to prevent the cigarettes from drying out due to exposure.
Another important object of the invention is to provide a cigarette container in the form of a miniature statue with a vertically movable section which when lowered will expose the cigarettes so that they may be readily removed therefrom.
With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claim, it being understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.
Referring to the drawing:
Figure 1 is an elevational view, of a cigarette container constructed in accordance with the invention.
Figure 2 is an elevational view, a portion of the container having been lowered to permit of access to the cigarettes contained therein.
Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view through the container.
Referring to the drawings in detail, the reference character 5 indicates the pedestal or base of the container and the reference character 6 designates the body portion of the container which is formed to simulate the figure of a person.
The reference character 7 indicates the upper potion of the clothing, while the reference character 8 indicates the lower portion or dress of the clothing.
It will of course, be understood that the figure may be constructed of any suitable rigid material, preferably plastic, and the dress or clothing, will be also constructed of rigid material, to provide a compartment for the cigarettes held with the container.
In the construction of the device, the disc 9 is provided, the disc being secured to the legs of the body of the device, at a point below the knees. Secured to this disc 9 which forms the bottom of the container, is an upstanding annular flange 10, which provides a housing for the lower end of the coiled spring 11, which is of the expansible type, one end of the spring 11 being extended through an opening in the disc 9.
The lower section 8 of the dress provides a cover or housing, and is circular in formation, simulating a woman's dress, the dress 8 being connected to a band 12, adjacent to the upper edge of the band 12, adjacent to the upper edge of the band 12 the lower end of the band 12 normally resting on the disc 9.
Disposed directly above the flange 10 is a spring to the diameter of the annular flange 10, the ring being formed with an inwardly and downwardly extended flange 14 which is spaced from one portion of the supporting ring, providing a groove for the upper end of the coiled spring 11. The spring supporting ring 13 is held n position by means of the arms 15 that are secured to the band 12 and have their inner ends secured to the spring supporting ring 13, thereby securing the ring 13 in position on the band 12.
The disc 9 provides the base or support for the cigarettes held within the container, the cigarettes being indicted by the reference character A.
The construction of the dress is such that when the coiled spring 11 expands, the band 12 together with the lower portion 8 or the dress will be moved upwardly into contact with the upper portion 7 of the clothing of dress, enclosing the cigarettes, concealing them.
When it is desired to remove a cigarette from the container, the lower portion 8 of the dress section is forced downwardly against the action of the spring 11, exposing the cigarettes, as shown by Figure 2 of the drawing. The cigarettes may now be removed as desired, and when the lower section of the dress 8 is released the spring will return the lower dress section 8 to its uppermost position, closing the container.
Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:
In a cigarette container, a body including an upper flared portion constructed of substantially rigid material, a disc secured to the body in vertical spaced relation with the upper flared portion providing the bottom of the container, an annular flange rising from said disc providing a central circular spring chamber, a movable member including a vertical band of a diameter equal to the diameter of the disc, a circular member secured to the outer surface of the band, proving the wall of the container, a ring disposed above the annular flange, arms connecting the ring to the band to move therewith, and an expansible spring resting within the spring chamber, the upper end of the spring being secured to the ring, said spring normally urging the band and movable circular member into engagement with the upper flared portion enclosing the cigarettes held in the container.
David H. Bell