Apparatus, system, and method for attaching a paint brush to a paint container

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method for painting using a holder having a first loop portion configured to receive an edge of a paint container, and second loop configured to receive an edge of a paint container, and a clip for releasably receiving a paint applicator such as a paint brush. Each loop portion may be positioned at a different location on the holder, and may have an opening facing in a common or in an opposite direction to the opening of the other loop portion. Additional loop portions may also be provided, at different locations and/or having openings pointing in different directions.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/515,945, which was filed on Oct. 29, 2003, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/549,628, which was filed on Mar. 3, 2004, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to painting, and more particular to an apparatus, system, and method for painting by releasably securing a paint brush to a paint container using a holder. The holder has one or more loops for securing the holding device to a paint container, and also has a clip for securing a paint brush or similar item to the holder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Painting can be a time-consuming process. It is often necessary to interrupt a painting job prior to completion, as where a user is in need of a work break. Even when such interruptions do not occur, there is often a need for a user to set a particular paint applicator aside, as may occur when the user needs to switch to a different applicator. For example, a user may need to switch from a large paint brush useful for painting large wall sections to a small paint brush useful for painting trim pieces. Simply setting a brush into a paint container can permanently deform or otherwise damage the brush bristles. The brush may also fall entirely into the container, getting paint on the brush handle, which can lead to a mess when the user retrieves the brush by its paint-covered handle. Placing the brush aside outside of the paint container can also create an unwanted mess, and may also lead to drying of the paint on the brush bristles. When a brush is thus dried out, it is often ruined.

Accordingly, there has been a need for an improved apparatus, system, and method for painting whereby a user can easily set aside a particular paint applicator without damaging the applicator or creating unnecessary mess. The present invention satisfies one or more of these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention permits a brush or other paint applicator, such as a pad or roll, to be secured to a paint container with the bristles or other painting surface in contact with the paint, or above the paint, or in various positions selected by the user. Using the present invention, the user can take work breaks, switch back and forth between different paint applicators, and otherwise interrupt his use of paint applicators without risking damage to the brush or unnecessary mess.

One embodiment of the invention is a painting kit including a paint applicator, a paint container, and a holder configured to releasably hold a paint applicator and to releasably receive an edge of the paint container. The paint applicator can be a brush, pad, roller, or any other type of paint applicator. The paint container can be a bucket, tray, can, or other type of paint container. The holder can be formed from a variety of materials, such as metal, plastics (such as polypropylene or other polymers), ceramics, and/or various composites. In one embodiment, the holder is injection molded plastic.

An embodiment of the invention is a painter's brush holder configured to hold a paint brush or other paint applicator when the applicator is not in immediate use by a painter. The brush holder can be configured to fit all sizes of brushes, and to easily slip and/or snap onto all sizes of paint containers, including buckets, pails, trays, or paint cans. While in use, the brush holder grips the brush handle, ferrule (metal band), or other portion of the paint brush and can allow the bristles to stand in the paint, keeping the bristles moist and in shape, and also preventing unwanted paint build-up or dripping. The brush holder can also be used to keep the brush bristles above the paint. The brush holder can be used to hold the brush while the painter is otherwise occupied, such as may be the case where the painter is taking a break or using another paint brush or similar applicator. After the painting job is done, the brush holder can be used to store the brush for future use.

The holder can have a first loop, second loop, and even a third loop. Each loop is configured to receive the edge of a paint container. The loops may be positioned at different locations on the holder, and may have openings facing in a common direction or in different directions. The loops may define opening larger than the edge of the paint container, or may be small enough to squeeze the edge of the paint container when the edge is placed within the loop. The loop may include one or more ridges within its opening to provide additional security. The holder can be used to position a paint applicator above the paint surface, in contact with the paint, or even on the outside of the paint container.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1a attached to a paint container according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1a attached to a paint container and holding a paint brush according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1a attached to a paint container according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1a attached to a paint container and holding a paint brush according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the device depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two of the devices of FIG. 6 with paint brushes releasably secured thereon according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two of the devices of FIG. 6 secured to a paint container according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two of the devices of FIG. 6 secured to a paint container and holding paint brushes according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 6 secured to a paint container and holding a paint brush according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 6 secured to a paint container and holding a paint brush according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 15 secured to a paint container and holding a paint brush according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a side view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 17 secured to a paint container and holding a paint brush according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a and 1b depict a paint brush holder 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The paint brush holder 10 comprises a first end 12 having a first loop portion 14 thereon. The paint brush holder 10 also includes a second end 16 having a second loop portion 18 thereon. The paint brush holder 10 further includes a brush clip 20 configured to releasably receive and/or grip a paint brush, thereby releasably securing the paint brush to the paint brush holder 10. In the embodiment depicted, the brush clip 20 is positioned on the first loop portion 14 of the first end 12. The brush clip 20 could also be positioned elsewhere on the paint brush holder 10, depending on the particular application.

FIG. 2 depicts the paint brush holder of FIG. 1a positioned on a paint container 22. The first loop portion 14 is configured to receive the edge 24 of the paint container 22 therein, in order to enable the paint brush holder 10 to be hung on the paint container 22. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the configuration of the paint brush holder 10 on the paint container 22 positions the brush clip 20 in a raised position.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, except that a paint brush 24 is releasably secured to the brush clip 20. In accordance with the invention, the paint brush 24 could be positioned so that the paint bristles 26 were in contact with (e.g., in) or out of contact with (e.g., above) any paint in the container 22.

FIG. 4 depicts the paint brush holder of FIG. 1a positioned on a paint container 22 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The second loop portion 18 is configured to receive the edge 24 of the paint container 22 therein, in order to enable the paint brush holder 10 to be hung on the paint container 22. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the configuration of the paint brush holder 10 on the paint container 22 positions the brush clip 20 in a lowered position.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, except that a paint brush 24 is releasably secured to the brush clip 20. In accordance with the invention, the paint brush 24 could be positioned so that the paint bristles 26 were in contact with (e.g., in) or out of contact with (e.g., above) any paint in the container 22.

Although the embodiments described above in FIGS. 2-5 have the brush holder 10 positioned on the paint container 22 so that brush clip 20 and paint brush 24 are located in and/or above the interior of the paint container 22, the device could also be used to hang or otherwise secure the paint brush 24 on the outside of the paint container. For example, the brush holder 10 could be positioned on the paint container 22 with the brush clip 20 on the outside of the paint container 22, so that a paint brush 24 secured to the brush clip 20 would hang or otherwise be secured outside of the paint container.

The device as depicted in FIGS. 1-5 has a resilient brush clip 20. If the paint brush portion (e.g., paint brush handle) is larger than the opening of the brush clip 20, the brush clip 20 will expand to receive the paint brush portion, and will securely grip the paint brush portion until the paint brush 22 is removed from the brush clip 20. The brush clip 20 as depicted can be formed from resilient material, to rapidly or slowly return to its original shape when the paint brush is removed. Depending on the particular application, the brush clip 20 may be configured to immediately return to its original shape after the brush is removed, to slowly return to its original shape when the brush is removed, or to permanently remain in a deformed (or partially deformed) state after the brush is removed. The brush 20 may also be configured to be non-deformable, depending on the particular application and desired paint application tool.

The embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 has large open loop portions 14, 18 that can, depending on the particular application (including the configuration of the particular paint container), hang loosely on the edge of the paint container 22. These permit the paint brush holder 10 to be easily lifted off of the paint container 22. The loop portions could be made tighter so that the edge of the paint container is squeezed within a loop portion.

The device 10 according to FIGS. 1-5 may, depending on the particular application, be formed from any number of materials, or combinations thereof, including, for example, metals, plastics (such as polypropylene or other polymers), ceramics, and/or various composites.

FIGS. 6-8 depict a paint brush holder 30 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The paint brush holder 30 has a first end 32 having a first loop portion 34 for attaching to a paint container, and a second end 36 with a second loop portion 38 for attaching to a paint container. In the embodiment depicted, the first loop portion 34 includes ridges 42 that help to secure the edge of a paint container within the first loop portion 34. One or more of such ridges could be included at the second loop portion 38. The tips 35, 39 of the loop portions are flared slightly away from the body of the paint brush holder 30 to facilitate the introduction of an edge of a paint container into each loop portion.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 through 8, the gaps 33, 37 in the respective loop portions are relatively small, so that a paint container edge forced into the gap will press the loop portion outward, with the result that the paint container edge is squeezed within the gap in the particular loop portion.

A brush clip 40 is secured to the paint brush holder 30. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-8, the brush clip 40 is positioned on the first loop portion 34. Depending on the particular application, however, the brush clip 40 could be positioned elsewhere on the paint brush holder 30. In the embodiment shown, the ends 41 of the brush clip 40 are flared out to facilitate introduction of a paint brush into the brush clip 40.

Note that the size and dimensions of a paint brush holder according to the invention can vary widely, depending on the particular application, including factors such as the size of the paint container and the size of the paint applicators involved. For example, a paint brush holder configured to hold a paint roller may have a relatively small clip for securely holding a small brush handle, or for holding the wire-like portion that connects the roller handle to the roller portion of some paint rollers. The paint brush holder might alternatively have a much larger clip intended to secure the thicker handle portion of a large paint brush or a paint roller handle to the paint brush holder. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, paint brush holder 30 has an overall length of 5.5 inches, the first and second loop portions 34, 38 each have a length of 1.258 inches, the gaps 33, 37 have widths 33a, 37a of 0.064 inches, and the brush clip 40 has a length 40a of about 0.5 inches.

FIG. 8 depicts the end 32 of the brush holder 30, along with the brush clip 40. The brush clip 40 has an opening 43 configured to receive a brush handle. The opening 43 has an entrance width 43a, and an internal width 43b. The widths 43a and 43b can vary according to the particular embodiment, taking into account factors such as the size of the brush handle. For example, in one embodiment width 43a could be 0.355 inches, with width 43b being 0.625 inches.

FIG. 9 shows two brush holders 30a, 30b with paint brushes 44a, 44b secured thereto. Depending on the configuration of the particular brush clip 40 and the size and configuration of the paint brush 44, the paint brush will be rigidly held by the brush clip or will be loosely held so as to hang from the brush clip.

FIG. 10 depicts two brush holders 30a, 30b secured to a paint container 46. The first brush holder 30a is positioned on the paint container 46 with its brush clip 40a in a raised position, while the second brush holder 30b is positioned on the paint container 46 with its brush clip 40b in a lowered position.

FIG. 11 depicts two brush holders 30a, 30b secured to a paint container 46. The first brush holder 30a is positioned on the paint container 46 with its brush clip 40a in a raised position, and with a paint brush 44a in the brush clip 40a. The second brush holder 30b is positioned on the paint container 46 with its brush clip 40b in a lowered position, and with a paint brush 44a in the brush clip 40a.

Almost any portion of the paint brush 44 could be held by the clip, depending on the particular application, including the particular brush and brush holder. FIGS. 12 and 13 depict two approaches to securing a paint brush 44 to the paint brush holder 30 and paint container 46. In FIG. 12, the handle 48 of the paint brush 44 is positioned within the brush clip 40. In FIG. 13, the central body 50 of the paint brush 44 is secured within the brush clip 40.

FIGS. 12 and 13 both depict the paint brush 44 positioned with its bristles 52 in contact with the paint 54, which can prevent the brush 44 from drying out during periods of non-use by the painter. The paint brush holder 30 could also be used to hold the paint brush 44 with the brush bristles 52 above (i.e., out of contact with) the paint 54, thus allowing excess paint to drain from the brush into the paint container 46. Moreover, the paint brush holder 30 could be positioned on the paint container 46 with the brush clip 40 on the outside of the paint container 46, so that a paint brush 44 in the brush clip 40 would be held outside of the paint container 46 in order to dry, such as may be desirable prior to disposing of the brush.

The embodiments of FIGS. 8-13 have tight loop portions 34, 38 that may be formed from resilient material so that the loop portions 34, 38 can grip the edge of the paint container 46, thereby preventing the paint brush holder 30 from being accidentally knocked off of the edge of the paint container 46. The resilient material of the loop portions 34, 38 also permits the brush holder 30 to be removed from the paint container 46.

As depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, more than one paint brush holder 30 could be used in a single paint container. For example, one brush holder could be used to hold a large brush or paint roller for painting large areas, while another brush holder could be used to hold a smaller brush intended for painting detailed areas. Moreover, the paint brush holder of the invention could be used to hold many sizes of paint brushes and other paint applicators, including rollers and pads.

FIG. 14 depicts a paint brush holder 60 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The paint brush holder 60 has a first end portion 62 and a second end portion 64. The first end portion 62 has a first loop portion 66 for attaching to a paint container. The first loop portion has an opening 68 that faces toward the second end portion 64 of the holder 60. Depending on the particular application, however, the first loop portion 66 could be configured with the opening 68 facing in the opposite direction, i.e., away from the second end portion 64, as depicted in FIG. 15. In such an embodiment, the first end portion 62 may extend past the end of the first loop portion 66. This additional length of the first end portion 62 helps to stabilize the paint brush holder 60 when the first loop portion 66 is secured to a paint container.

The paint brush holder 60 depicted in FIG. 14 also has a second loop portion 70 positioned at or near the second end portion 64 for attaching the holder 60 to a paint container. The opening 72 of the second loop portion 70 faces in the direction away from the first end portion 62. The tips 74, 76 of the loop portions are flared slightly away from the body of the paint brush holder 60 to facilitate the introduction of an edge of a paint container into each loop portion. One or both of the loop portions 66, 70 may include ridges (not shown), such as the ridges 42 in FIGS. 6-7, that help to secure the edge of a paint container within the particular loop portion.

The holder 60 has a first side 78 and a second side 80. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, both the first loop portion 66 and the second loop portion 70 are positioned on the first side 78. Depending on the particular application, however, the loop portions could be positioned with one or both of the loop portions on either side 78, 80. The loop portions 66, 70 could also be positioned at various positions along the length of the brush holder 60.

A brush clip 82 is secured to the paint brush holder 60. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, the brush clip 82 is positioned on the first loop portion 66. Depending on the particular application, however, the brush clip 82 could be positioned elsewhere on the paint brush holder 60. As was depicted in FIG. 6, the ends of the brush clip 82 may be flared out to facilitate introduction of a paint brush into the brush clip 82.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, the second end portion 64 extends past the end of the second loop portion 70. This additional length of the second end portion 64 helps to stabilize the paint brush holder 60 when the second loop portion 70 is secured to a paint container such as the paint roller tray 84 depicted in FIG. 16. The extent of the additional length depends on the particular holder and the desired application. As an example, in an embodiment where the length of the holder (without the additional length) is on the order of 5.5 inches, the additional length may be on the order of 1 inch.

With holder 60 secured via the second loop portion 70 to the paint roller tray 84 as depicted in FIG. 16, the brush clip 82 is positioned in a raised position above the edge of the paint roller tray 84. A paint brush 86 attached to the brush clip 82 is positioned with its bristles 88 inside the paint roller tray 84. In accordance with the invention, the paint brush 86 can be positioned so that the paint bristles 88 are in contact with (e.g., in) or out of contact with (e.g., above) any paint in the paint roller tray 84. In the embodiment depicted, the holder 60 is secured at the deep end 90 of the paint roller tray 84. The holder 60 can be positioned elsewhere on the tray 84, however, depending on the particular application. The holder 60 may also be positioned in various manners to the tray 84, including the manner shown for the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 depicts a holder 60 similar to that depicted in FIGS. 14 and 16, but with an additional loop portion 92 at the second end portion 64 of the holder 60. The additional loop portion 92 has an opening 94 directed toward the first end portion 62 of the holder 60. The additional loop portion 92 is configured to permit the holder 60 to be secured to a paint container with the paint brush clip 82 positioned below the rim of the paint container, similar to the manner depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 for the holder 30b.

In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the first loop portion 66 has an opening 68 that faces toward the second end portion 64 of the holder 60. Depending on the particular application, however, the first loop portion 66 could be configured with the opening 68 facing in the opposite direction, i.e., away from the second end portion 64, as was depicted in FIG. 15. One or more of the loop portions 66, 70, 92 may include ridges (not shown), such as the ridges 42 in FIGS. 6-7, that help to secure the edge of a paint container within the particular loop portion.

FIG. 18 depicts the holder 60 from FIG. 17 secured to a paint roller tray 84 via the second loop portion 70, with the brush clip 82 positioned in a raised position above the edge of the paint roller tray 84. A paint brush 86 attached to the brush clip 82 is positioned with its bristles 88 inside the paint roller tray 84. In accordance with the invention, the paint brush 86 can be positioned so that the paint bristles 88 are in contact with (e.g., in) or out of contact with (e.g., above) any paint in the paint roller tray 84. In the embodiment depicted, the holder 60 is secured at the deep end 90 of the paint roller tray 84. The holder 60 can be positioned elsewhere on the tray 84, however, depending on the particular application. The holder 60 may also be positioned in various manners to the tray 84, including the manners shown for the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 10-13.

Various types and sizes of paint containers could be used in accordance with the invention, including paint cans, buckets, and trays. The paint container could be formed from various materials, including metal, various plastics, and other materials. Additionally, the holder can be made from various materials and with varying dimensions. The loop portions could be positioned on either side of the holder and at various positions along the length of the holder, and could have openings that face toward the first end or second end of the holder, depending upon the desired application.

While the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that various changes and additional variations may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention or the inventive concept thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding a paint applicator to a paint container, comprising:

a generally elongated body;

a first loop portion positioned at a first position along the generally elongated body and configured to receive the edge of a paint container;

a second loop portion positioned at a second position along the generally elongated body and configured to receive the edge of a paint container, the second position longitudinally spaced along the generally elongated body from the first position; and

a clip configured to releasably hold a paint applicator.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the generally elongated body comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first loop portion is adjacent the first end.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, where the second loop portion is adjacent the second end.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first loop portion has an opening facing in a first direction, and the second loop portion has an opening facing in the first direction.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first loop portion has an opening facing in a first direction, and the second loop portion has an opening facing in a second direction.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the generally elongated body has a first side and a second side, and wherein the first loop portion is attached to the first side and the second loop portion is attached to the second side.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a third loop portion positioned along the generally elongated body and configured to receive the edge of a paint container.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first loop portion has an opening facing in a first direction, the second loop portion has an opening facing in the first direction, and the third loop portion has an opening facing in a second direction.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the generally elongated body has a first side and a second side, and wherein the first loop portion is attached to the first side, the second loop portion is attached to the first side, and the third loop portion is attached to the second side.

10. An apparatus for holding a paint applicator, the apparatus comprising:

a first loop portion having an opening facing in a first direction and configured to receive the edge of a paint container;

a second loop portion having an opening facing in a second direction and configured to receive the edge of a paint container; and

a clip configured to releasably hold a paint applicator.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus has a first side and a second side, and the first loop portion is positioned on the first side of the apparatus, and the second loop portion is positioned on the second side of the apparatus.

12. A method for securing a paint applicator to a paint container, the method comprising:

providing a paint container having paint therein defining a paint surface;

providing a paint applicator;

providing a holder, the holder comprising a clip configured to releasably hold the paint applicator, the holder further comprising a first loop portion configured to receive an edge of the paint container and positioned at a first location on the holder, and a second loop portion configured to receive an edge of the paint container and positioned at a second location on the holder;

inserting an edge of the paint container into the first loop portion; and

inserting a portion of the paint applicator into the clip.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first loop portion has an opening facing away from the clip, and inserting the edge of the paint container into the first loop portion further comprises positioning the clip above the edge of the paint container.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first loop portion has an opening facing away from the clip, and inserting the edge of the paint container into the first loop portion further comprises positioning the clip below the edge of the paint container.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein inserting a portion of the paint applicator into the clip occurs after inserting the edge of the paint container into the first loop portion, and wherein inserting a portion of the paint applicator into the clip comprises positioning the paint applicator entirely above the paint surface.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein inserting a portion of the paint applicator into the clip comprises positioning at least part of the paint applicator in contact with the paint in the paint container.

17. A kit for painting, the kit comprising:

a paint container;

a paint applicator;

a holder for releasably securing the paint applicator to the paint container, the holder comprising a clip configured to releasably hold the paint applicator, the holder further comprising a first loop portion configured to receive an edge of the paint container and positioned at a first location on the holder, and a second loop portion configured to receive an edge of the paint container and positioned at a second location on the holder.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the first loop portion has an opening facing in a first direction, and the second loop portion has an opening facing in a second direction, and the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

19. The kit of claim 17, wherein the paint container is a tray.

20. The kit of claim 17, wherein the paint applicator is a paint brush.