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.

We claim: 
     
         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.