RETRACTABLE COSMETIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME

Abstract

A retractable cosmetic device includes an outer shell defining a cavity and an inner shell defining a cavity. At least a portion of the inner shell is positioned within the cavity of the outer shell. The inner shell is slidably attached to the outer shell. At least one slider is positioned within and slidable with respect to the inner shell. A tool is fixedly attached to the slider. The tool is movable between an extended position in which at least a portion of the tool extends outwardly from the inner shell and a retracted position in which the tool is positioned within the inner shell.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/622,177, filed Apr. 10, 2012 and titled “Retractable Makeup Brush.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to a retractable device and, more particularly, a cosmetic or other tool that is movable or slidable between a retracted position for storage and an extended position for use.

Cosmetic tools, such as hand-held brushes, as well known. Many conventional cosmetic tools include a cover or lid that must be removed from a body or housing before use to expose a cosmetic product. Such covers may be inadvertently misplaced, or may inadvertently damage the tool when the cover is placed onto the housing to cover the tool for storage. Other conventional cosmetic tools employ magnets to retract the tool when not in use. However, such conventional retractable cosmetic tools can be difficult and/or expensive to produce or manufacture. In addition, it can be difficult to easily and inexpensively produce such conventional retractable cosmetic tools where the tool is of an appreciable size.

It has yet to be discovered how to create a retractable cosmetic tool that is easy and relatively inexpensive to produce. The device of the present application overcomes and/or eliminates at least one of the above or other shortcomings of such conventional products.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a retractable cosmetic device including an outer shell defining a cavity and an inner shell defining a cavity. At least a portion of the inner shell is positioned within the cavity of the outer shell. The inner shell is slidably attached to the outer shell. At least one slider is positioned within and slidable with respect to the inner shell. A tool is fixedly attached to the slider. The tool is movable between an extended position in which at least a portion of the tool extends outwardly from the inner shell and a retracted position in which the tool is positioned within the inner shell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retractable cosmetic device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein a tool of the device is in a retracted configuration;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1, wherein the tool is in an extended configuration;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 5 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 5, wherein certain components are removed for clarity; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “front” and “rear” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a retractable device, generally designated 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 10 is illustrated as a cosmetic brush with bristles or the like (as described in detail below), such as for applying blush or another cosmetic product. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a device or functionality. For example, the device 10 may be any of a variety of articles that would benefit from the compact and retractable features described herein, such as an eating utensil (i.e., a spoon or a fork), a toothbrush, a writing utensil (i.e., a pen or a pencil), a flashlight, a screwdriver or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 5-7 and 9, the device 10 preferably includes an outer shell or housing 20 that defines a cavity 20a (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The outer shell 20 includes an open first or front end 42, an opposing closed second or rear end 44, and a sidewall 46 extending therebetween. As shown in FIG. 6, a longitudinal axis A of the device 10 preferably extends linearly from the front end 42 to the rear end 44 of the outer shell 20. The outer shell 20 preferably has a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape or area, such that the sidewall 46 is formed of four at least generally planar surfaces or faces. However, the outer shell 20 is not limited to the size, shape and/or configuration shown and described herein. For example, the outer shell 20 may have a generally circular or ovular cross-sectional shape or some other cross-sectional shape, such as pentagonal, hexagonal or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, an interior surface of two opposing faces of the sidewall 46 of the outer shell 20 each includes an indentation 68, 70. Each indentation 68, 70 preferably has a generally circular cross-section shape and does not extend completely through the sidewall 46 of the outer shell 20. Each indentation 68, 70 is preferably positioned proximate to the front end 42 of the outer shell 20, such as spaced-apart at least slightly proximally along the longitudinal axis A from the front end 42. However, the indentations 68, 70 are not limited to the size, shape and/or configuration shown and described herein. For example, each indentation 68, 70 may have a generally square cross-sectional shape or may extend completely through the sidewall 46 of the outer shell 20.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7 and 9, the device 10 preferably includes an inner shell or housing 22 that defines a cavity 22a (see FIG. 9). The inner shell 22 includes an open first or front end 48, an opposing open second or rear end 50, and a sidewall 52 extending therebetween. The inner shell 22 preferably has a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape or area (see FIG. 4), such that the sidewall 52 is formed of four at least generally planar surfaces. However, the inner shell 22 is not limited to the size, shape and/or configuration shown and described herein. For example, the inner shell 22 may have a generally circular or ovular cross-sectional shape or some other cross-sectional shape, such as pentagonal, hexagonal or the like. An outer periphery and/or cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the inner shell 22, such as the rear end 50 and the sidewall 52 thereof, is preferably at least slightly smaller than an inner periphery and/or cross-sectional area of the outer shell 22. Both the outer and inner shells 20, 22 are preferably formed of a light-weight, high-strength material, such as a polymeric or metallic material.

At least a portion of the inner shell 22 is positioned within the cavity 20a of the outer shell 20. More particularly, at least the rear end 50 and a portion of the sidewall 52 of the inner shell 22 are preferably positioned within the cavity 20a of the outer shell 20. It is preferred that the inner shell 22 is movably or slidably attached to the outer shell 20 along the longitudinal axis A. Therefore, it is preferred that the inner shell 22 has generally, if not exactly, the same cross-sectional shape as the outer shell 20. More particularly, the inner shell 22 is preferably manually or selectively slidable along the longitudinal axis A by a user between a first or extended position (see FIGS. 5-7) and a second or retracted position (see FIGS. 1-3).

Referring to FIGS. 1-7 and 9, the inner shell 22 preferably includes an enlarged portion or head 58 proximate the front end 48 thereof. As shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 9, the head 58 preferably has an outer periphery that extends radially outwardly beyond the rear end 50 and the sidewall 52 when the inner shell 22 is in both the extended and retracted positions. More specifically, in the retracted position (FIGS. 1-3), at least a portion of the inner shell 22, such as the entire head 58, extends outwardly beyond the front end 42 of the outer shell 20 along the longitudinal axis. However, in the retracted position, as least a distal surface of the head 58 may engage or contact a portion of the front end 42 of the outer shell 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, at least a portion of an interior surface of the head 58 includes an arcuate or concave portion 60.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 9, the inner shell 22 preferably includes at least one and more preferably two spaced-apart or opposing slots 54, 56 in the sidewall 52 thereof. More particularly, one face or side of the sidewall 52 of the inner shell 22 includes a first slot 54 extending completely therethrough, and an opposing face or side of the sidewall 52 of the inner shell 22 includes a second slot 56 (see FIG. 3) extending completely therethrough. Each slot 56 preferably extends at least generally, if not exactly, parallel to the longitudinal axis A and has a length (measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A) that is greater than a width (measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A). The slots 54, 56 preferably have at least a generally, if not exactly, identical size, shape and/or configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6-9, the device 10 preferably includes at least one and preferably two or more sliders 32, 34 within the cavity 22a of the inner shell 22. In one preferred embodiment, a first slider 32 and a second slider 34 are fixedly attached to form a single slider assembly within the inner shell 22 that is slidable with respect to the inner shell 22. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the sliders 32, 34 may include a projection 32a, 34a that is received within a corresponding groove 32b, 34b of the other slider 32, 34. Alternatively, the slider may be a single, unitary component defining a passageway therein.

It is preferred that the slider(s) 32, 34 is/are movably or slidable with respect to the inner shell 22 and, therefore, the outer shell 20, along the longitudinal axis A. Therefore, it is preferred that an outer periphery of the slider(s) 32, 34 is/are at least slightly smaller than an inner periphery of the inner shell 22. More particularly, the sliders 32, 34 are preferably simultaneously slidable along the longitudinal axis A by a user between a first or extended position (see FIGS. 6 and 7) and a second or retracted position (see FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to the inner shell 22. In the extended position, the sliders 32, 34 are preferably positioned proximate the front end 48 of the inner shell 22 and preferably beyond the front end 42 of the outer shell 20 along the longitudinal axis A. In the retracted position, the sliders 32, 34 are preferably positioned proximate the rear end 50 of the inner shell 22 and the rear end 44 of the outer shell 20.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5-9, the device 10 includes a tool 36 preferably fixedly attached to either or both sliders 32, 34. More particularly, the device 10 may include a connector 62 (see FIG. 9) that attaches the tool 36 to the slider(s) 32, 34. The connector 62 has a first or front end or portion 62a that engages and/or surrounds at least a proximal end of the tool 36. An opposing second or rear end or portion 62b of the connector 62 may engage and/or surround either or both of the sliders 32, 34.

The tool 36 is movable or slidable with respect to the outer and inner shells 20, 22 along the longitudinal axis A between a first or extended position (see FIGS. 5-8) and a second or retracted position (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In the extended position, at least a portion of the tool 36, such as a front or distal end thereof, extends outwardly from the inner shell 22 beyond the front end 48 thereof. In the retracted position, the tool 36 is positioned entirely within the cavity 22a of the inner shell 22 and at least partially within the cavity 20a of the outer shell 20. More particularly, when the tool 36 is in the retracted position (FIGS. 2 and 3), at least a portion of the tool 36, such as the front or distal end thereof, extends at least slightly outwardly beyond the front end 42 of the outer shell 20 along the longitudinal axis A but remains within the inner shell 22.

In one preferred embodiment, the tool 36 is a cosmetic brush having a plurality of bristles 36a (see FIGS. 2 and 7). The bristles 36a of the brush 36, particularly at their distal ends, are preferably radially expandable (see FIGS. 5-9) when the brush 36 is in the extended position and are radially compressible, particularly at their distal ends, (see FIGS. 2 and 3) when the brush 36 is in the retracted position. Moving the brush 36 from the extended position to the retracted position does not damage the bristles 36a of the brush 36 because at least the distal ends of the bristles 36a readily and easily radially compress against an interior portion or surface of the inner shell 22 during such movement. The bristles 36a may extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A when the brush 36 is in the retracted position, and at least the distal ends of the bristles 36a may extend at a slight angle, such as approximately thirty degrees, when the brush 36 is in the extended position. Alternatively, the bristles 36a may extend generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A when the brush 36 is in the retracted and extended positions, such as if the brush 36 is a mascara brush.

The tool 36 is not limited to being a cosmetic brush or even a brush with the size, shape and/or configuration shown and described herein. For example, the tool 36 may be any of a variety of utensils or applicators in which it would be desirable to conceal during storage, such as a shaving or trimming razor, a pair of tweezers or scissors, a nail clipper or filer, a cotton swab, lip gloss or moisturizer and the like. In addition, the tool 36 may be in any form that would benefit from the retractable and compact nature of the device 10 described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6-9, the device 10 includes at least one and preferably two or more straps 28, 30 positioned within the cavity 22a of the inner shell 22. The strap(s) 28, 30 is/are designed to facilitate movement of the slider(s) 32, 34 and the tool 36 within the inner shell 22 when the inner shell 22 is moved or slid with respect to the outer shell 20 by a user. To facilitate such movement, each strap 28, 30 preferably engages one or both of the sliders 32, 34, which are preferably fixedly attached to the tool 36. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 9, each strap 28, 30 includes a first opening 28a, 30a, respectively, that preferably engages and or surrounds the projection 32a, 34a of one of the sliders 32, 34. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, it is preferred that the straps 28, 30 extend through and/or are positioned or sandwiched between the two sliders 32, 34. Thus, each slider 32, 34 is preferably generally fixedly attached to a portion of one of the straps 28, 30.

Each strap 28, 30 is preferably rotatable with respect to the inner shell 22. It is preferred that each strap 28, 30 rotates in a different rotational direction when the inner shell 22 is being moved with respect to the outer shell 20, and/or when the tool 36 is being moved with respect to the inner shell 22. More particularly, from the perspective shown in FIG. 7, the first strap 28 is rotated in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) when the tool 36 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. The first strap 28 is rotated in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) when the tool 36 is moved from the retracted position (see FIG. 3) to the extended position (see FIG. 7). Conversely, from the perspective shown in FIG. 7, the second strap 30 is rotated in the second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) when the tool 36 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. The second strap 30 is rotated in the first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) when the tool 36 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

Each strap 28, 30 is preferably at least a generally flexible band. Each strap 28, 30 preferably has a greater length (as measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A) than width (as measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A). The straps 28, 30 may be formed of a polyester material or Polytetrafluoroethylene or TEFLON, for example. Each strap 28, 30 preferably forms a generally closed loop inside the inner shell 22. Each strap 28, 30 may have a generally ovular shape (see FIG. 9) when the tool 36 is in the extended position, and may have a generally eccentric or convoluted shape when the tool is in the retracted position (see FIG. 3). The flexibility of each strap 28, 30 allows the straps 28, 30 to conform to the shape of other components of the device 10 when the device is “closed,” without sacrificing the functionality of the straps 28, 30 as described herein. However, the straps 28, 30 are not limited to size, shape and/or configuration shown and described herein. Two straps 28, 30 have been found to be beneficial for moving, extending or retracting relatively large tools 36. However, for more compact devices 10 and/or smaller tools 36, only a single strap may be necessary. In such embodiments, the single strap may be a monofilament line, a braided wire or other such material, which reduces the spaced occupied by the strap.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6-9, the device 10 includes at least one and preferably two or more guides 24, 26. In an embodiment that employs two guides 24, 26, the guides 24, 26 preferably have a generally identical size, shape and/or configuration. Each guide 24, 26 is preferably fixedly mounted to the inner shell 22 within the cavity 22a thereof. As shown in FIG. 9, an inner surface of one or more of the sidewalls 52 of the inner shell 22 includes a groove 22b that receives at least a portion of one of the guides 24, 26 therein. Engagement of the grooves(s) 22b and at least a portion of each guide 24, 26 fixedly mounts the guides 24, 26 within the inner shell 22. It is preferred that each strap 28, 30 moves or rotates around at least a portion of one of the guides 24, 26 when the tool 36 is slid between the extended and retracted positions. More particularly, each strap 28, 30 preferably moves through an opening or space defined between the guides 24, 26 when the tool 36 is slid between the extended and retracted positions.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4 and 6-9, the device 10 includes at least one and preferably two or more covers 38, 40. Each cover 38, 40 is preferably formed of a flexible and/or resilient material. At least a portion of each cover 38, 40, such as a rear or proximal end thereof, is fixedly attached to a portion of one of the straps 28, 30, such that movement or rotation of the straps 28, 30 moves the covers 38, 40 with respect to the inner shell 22. The covers 38, 40 preferably combine to enclose the tool 36 within the cavity 22a of the inner shell 22 when the tool 36 is slid to the retracted position (see FIG. 3). When the tool 36 and the inner shell 22 are in the extended position, each cover 38, 40 preferably extends in a single plane (see FIG. 8). However, when the tool 36 and the inner shell 22 are in the retracted position, each cover 38, 40 is preferably at least partially curved or arcuate. More specifically, as the tool 36 and the inner shell 22 move from the extended position to the retracted position, at least a distal portion of each cover 38, 40 preferably contacts the arcuate interior 60 of the head 58 of the inner shell 22. As a result, the arcuate interior 60 guides or forces at least a portion of each cover 38, 40 to curve radially inwardly to eventually close the open front end 48 of the inner shell 22 to generally enclose the tool 36 within the cavity 22a of the inner shell 22. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 3, at least a portion of the interior of the head 58 includes an arcuate track 60a that guides the covers 38, 40.

As shown in FIG. 9, each cover 38, 40 preferably includes an opening 38a, 40a, respectively, and each strap 28, 30 includes a second opening 28b, 30b, respectively, spaced-apart from the first opening 28a, 28b. At least a portion of a first connecting pin 64 extends through the opening 38a of the first cover 38 and through the second opening 28b of the first strap 28. Similarly, at least a portion of a second connecting pin 66 extends through the opening 40a of the second cover 40 and through the second opening 30b of the second strap 30.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, a radially outwardly extending portion of each pin 64, 66 preferably extends through at least a portion of one of the slots 54, 56, respectively, of the inner shell 22. In addition, a radially outwardly portion of each pin 64, 66 extends at least partially into the corresponding indentations 68, 70 of the outer shell 20. As a result of the pins 64, 66 being fixedly attached to a portion of the outer shell 20, the pins 64, 66 transfer the relative motion of the outer shell 20 with respect to the inner shell 22 to the straps 28, 30, which in turn effectuates movement of the tool 36 and the covers 38, 40, as described in detail above. The above-described combination of components allows the tool 36 to be relatively large and the device 10 to be retractable and relatively compact in a “closed” configuration.

In operation, to “open” the device 10 or move the tool 36 from the retracted position to the expanded position, the user preferably moves the inner shell 22 outwardly or distally with respect to the outer shell 20 along the longitudinal axis A. One way to accomplish such movement is to hold the outer shell 20 generally stationary and to grasp and move the head 58 of the inner shell 22 distally along the longitudinal axis A. During such movement, at least a portion of each pin 64, 66 remains at least generally fixed in the respective indentation 68, 70 of the outer shell 20. Meanwhile, inner shell 22 can move with respect to the pins 64, 66 and the outer shell 20 as a result of the slots 54, 56 of the inner shell 22 moving over or with respect to the pins 64, 66, respectively. The above movement of the inner shell 22 causes the straps 28, 30 to rotate, as described in detail above. Rotation of the straps 28, 30 causes the covers 38, 40 to open and simultaneously moves or forces the sliders 32, 34 and the tool 36 distally along the longitudinal axis A until the tool 36 extends outwardly beyond the head 58 and the sliders 32, 34 are positioned proximate to or within the front end 48 of the inner shell 22. Once the device 10 is in the “open” configuration, the user or beautician can grasp the device 10 by the outer shell 20 and/or the inner shell 22, which function(s) as a handle to control or manipulate the tool 36. A friction force generated by and/or on the straps 28, 30 may be sufficient to maintain the device 10 in the “open” configuration unless and until the user desires to place the device 10 in the “closed” configuration. Additionally or alternatively, a detent mechanism (not shown) may be formed on or more of the outer shell 20, the inner shell 22, the straps 28, 30, the sliders 32, 34 and the guides 24, 26 to at least help maintain the device 10 in the “open” and/or “closed” configuration.

To “close” the device 10 to retract the tool 36 for storage or transportation purposes, the user preferably moves the inner shell 22 inwardly or proximally with respect to the outer shell 20 along the longitudinal axis A. During such movement, at least a portion of each pin 64, 66 remains at least generally fixed in the respective indentation 68, 70 of the outer shell 20. Meanwhile, the slots 54, 56 of the inner shell 22 move over or with respect to the pins 64, 66, respectively. The above movement of the inner shell 22 causes the straps 28, 30 to rotate in the reverse direction from when the device is being “opened.” Such rotation of the straps 28, 30 moves or forces the sliders 32, 34 and the tool 36 proximally along the longitudinal axis A until the tool 36 is positioned proximate to or within the front end 48 of the inner shell 22 and proximate to and at least partially within the front end 42 of the outer shell 20, as also causes the covers 38, 40 to move back to the “closed” position.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, the straps 28, 30 and/or other components of the device 10 could be replaced by another type of movement mechanism, such as a rack-and-pinion design or another gear mechanism. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A retractable cosmetic device comprising:

an outer shell defining a cavity;

an inner shell defining a cavity, at least a portion of the inner shell being positioned within the cavity of the outer shell, the inner shell being slidably attached to the outer shell;

at least one slider positioned within and slidable with respect to the inner shell; and

a tool fixedly attached to the slider,

wherein the tool is movable between an extended position in which at least a portion of the tool extends outwardly from the inner shell and a retracted position in which the tool is positioned within the inner shell.

2. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a strap positioned within the inner shell, the strap being attached to the slider and rotatable with respect to the inner shell to facilitate movement of the tool.

3. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 2, wherein the strap is rotated in a first rotational direction to move the tool from the extended position to the retracted position, and wherein the strap is rotated in a second rotational direction to move the tool from the retracted position to the extended position.

4. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 2, further comprising:

a guide mounted within the inner shell, the strap moving around at least a portion of the guide when the tool is moved between the extended and retracted positions.

5. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 2, further comprising:

a flexible cover attached to a portion of the strap, the flexible cover at least partially surrounding at least a portion of the tool when the tool is in the retracted position.

6. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 5, wherein the inner shell includes a slot extending through a sidewall thereof, the slot extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device.

7. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 6, further comprising:

a connector attaching the flexible cover to the strap, at least a portion of the connector extending outwardly beyond the flexible cover and into a least a portion of the slot of the inner shell.

8. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 1, wherein in the retracted position at least a portion of the inner shell extends outwardly beyond the outer shell.

9. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 1, further comprising:

two straps positioned within the inner shell, each strap being rotatable with respect to the inner shell, at least a portion of each strap extending through and being attached to the slider to facilitate movement of the tool.

10. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 9, wherein one of the two straps rotates in a first rotational direction when the tool is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, and the other of the two straps rotates in a second rotational direction when the tool is moved from the extended position to the retracted position.

11. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 9, further comprising:

two flexible covers, each flexible cover being attached to a portion of one of the straps, the flexible covers combing to enclose the tool within the inner shell when the tool is moved to the retracted position.

12. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 9, further comprising:

two guides mounted within the inner shell, each strap moving around at least a portion of one of the guides when the tool is moved between the extended and retracted positions.

13. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 1, wherein the inner shell has a generally open first end and an opposing generally open second end.

14. The retractable cosmetic device according to claim 1, wherein the tool is selected from the group consisting of a brush, a razor, tweezers, a nail clipper, a nail filer, a cotton swab, lip gloss and lip moisturizer.