[jQuery] storing jquery object in array

[jQuery] storing jquery object in array


Please pardon my poor understanding of javascript basics:
I've been using the following method to create an object array of
variables:
    $.searchfunction = {
        searchbox: $('#searchinput'),
        url: 'http://localhost',
        targetdiv: $('#results'),
        specifierobj: {},
        keyboardid: '#keyboard'
    };
I'm having trouble with getting the value of
$.searchfunction.searchbox. I'm calling it in the following manner:
    var curval = $.searchfunction.searchbox.val();
This isn't working--I tested this attempt with val() in Firebug and it
does not work. I've noticed that if I type in $('#searchinput') in
Firebug, the object is different than $.searchfunction.searchbox.
Respectively,
    >>> $.searchfunction.searchbox;
    Object length=0 context=document selector=#searchinput
    >>> $('#searchinput');
    Object 0=input#searchinput length=1 context=document
I know there are jQuery objects and other types of objects, so I am
assuming it is a problem with this but I don't understand why the
variable does not store the #searchinput in the same manner.
Thanks for any help.