Painting device storage apparatus

Abstract

A painting device storage apparatus including a storage rack configured to fit within a cavity defined by a receptacle having a bottom and wall structure extending upwardly from the bottom. The storage rack includes a platform with a central post extending upwardly from the platform. The storage rack further includes a series of other posts extending upwardly from the platform. These other posts are each sized to hold a paint roller cover thereon. Each post is arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the central post and from each other. The posts are arranged relative to each other such that paint roller covers carried thereon are arranged non-contacting relation with other paint roller covers on adjacent posts. The storage rack further includes a rigid skirt extending about and depending from a continuous periphery of the platform such that, when the storage rack is in the receptacle, the skirt positively positions the platform in elevated relation from the bottom of the receptacle and maintains the posts in predetermined spaced relation relative to the upstanding wall structure of the receptacle. The posts and rigid skirt of the storage rack promotes nesting and stacking of the storage racks relative to each other during display and sale.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION DISCLOSURE

This invention disclosure generally relates to painting devices, especially paint brushes and paint roller covers, used to paint interiors and exteriors of buildings and, more particularly, to an apparatus for storing such painting devices in a manner enhancing their drying capability while concurrently protecting their operable condition.

BACKGROUND

Professional painters and many others utilize relatively expensive painting tools and/or devices, i.e., painting brushes and painting roller covers or sleeves to accomplish superior painting results. During a painting project, several different tools, including a both a plurality of bristle brushes and paint roller covers may be used. Upon completion of a painting project, such painters thoroughly clean their tools and store them for drying. In some instances, the paint rollers are “spin” dried and then stored in moist condition. Spin drying of such rollers leaves the rollers in a preferred shape for subsequent use.

As will be appreciated, compact storage of such painting tools yields advantageous results. That is, compact storage of such painting tools facilitates their transportation between locations. Moreover, compact storage of such painting tools allows the painter availability to a wide variety of tools for accomplishing the desired aesthetic results.

Compact storage of such painting tools, especially while they are still moist, however, can also present certain challenges. First, if a roller sleeve is not cleaned particularly well, the residue in such roller sleeve can and often does bleed and contaminate other sleeves or rollers which are adjacent thereto during the storage process. Second, if a roller sleeve is laid flat during transport, the nap of the roller sleeve takes on a set or “flat” as the roller sleeve dries. Such a “flat” on the dried roller sleeve presents serious drawbacks when such a roller is again used for painting. Moreover, when a “moist” paint brush is stored, any residue remaining after cleaning will tend to gravitate toward the free end of the brush bristles. Of course, if such brushes are stored long enough, such residue can and frequently does dry on the brush bristles causing severe problems when the dried brush is again used for painting.

Thus, there is a continuing need and desire for a painting device storage apparatus which can accommodate either bristled brushes or paint roller sleeves/covers in a manner reducing, if not eliminating, those problems mentioned above.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, there is provided a painting device storage apparatus including a storage rack configured to fit within a cavity defined by an open top receptacle having a bottom and wall structure extending upwardly from the bottom. The storage rack includes a platform with a hollow and generally centralized thin walled post extending upwardly from the platform. Preferably, the generally centralized post is sized to support a paint roller cover thereon. In one form, the centralized post on the storage rack is provided, toward an upper end thereof, with a handle for facilitating removal of the storage rack from the receptacle. The storage rack further includes a series of other hollow thin walled posts extending upwardly from the platform. These other hollow thin walled posts are each sized to support a paint roller cover thereon. Each of the other hollow posts is arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the central post and from each other. These other posts are arranged relative to each other such that the paint roller covers to be carried thereon are arranged non-contacting relation with other paint roller covers on adjacent posts. The storage rack further including a relatively thin walled but rigid skirt extending about and depending from a periphery of the platform such that, when the storage rack is in the receptacle, the skirt positively positions the platform in elevated relation from the bottom of the receptacle and maintains the posts in predetermined spaced relation from and relative to the upstanding wall structure of the receptacle. The hollow posts and relatively thin walled but rigid skirt of the storage rack promotes nesting and stacking of the storage racks relative to each other during display and sale.

Preferably, the platform and depending skirt of the storage rack are integrally formed relative to each other. In one form, the storage rack is fabricated from a thermoplastic material. To promote endwise movement of the paint roller cover thereover and therealong, each post on the storage rack preferably has a generally frusto-conical lengthwise configuration.

In one embodiment, the central post of the storage rack is longer than a paint roller cover to be dried thereon such that the handle, at a distal end of the central post, can be grasped by a user for removing the storage apparatus from the receptacle. Preferably, the storage rack platform is vaulted toward a lower end of each post. In a most preferred embodiment, the storage rack platform is provided with one or more drains.

According to another aspect, there is provided a painting device storage apparatus including a storage rack configured to fit within a cavity defined by an open top receptacle. The receptacle has a bottom and wall structure extending upwardly from the bottom. The storage rack has a platform with a hollow and generally centralized post extending up from the platform and is provided, toward an upper end thereof, with a handle for facilitating removal of the storage rack from the receptacle. The storage rack further includes a series of other hollow posts depending from the platform. These other hollow posts are each sized to receive, accommodate and hold a major lengthwise portion of a painting brush handle such that bristles of the brush extend upwardly from the platform. Each of these other hollow posts are arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the central post and from each other such that the paint brushes supported by the storage rack are arranged in non-contacting relation with other paint brushes supported by adjacent posts. The storage rack further includes a relatively thin walled but rigid skirt extending about and depending from a continuous periphery of the platform a greater distance than the other posts depend from the platform. As such, when the storage rack is in the receptacle, the skirt positively positions the platform in elevated relation from the bottom of the receptacle and maintains the posts in predetermined spaced relation relative to the upstanding wall structure of the receptacle. The hollow posts and relatively thin walled but rigid skirt of the storage rack promotes nesting and stacking of the storage racks relative to each other during storage and sale of the storage rack.

Preferably, the platform and depending skirt of the storage rack are integrally formed relative to each other. In one form, the storage rack is fabricated from a lightweight thermoplastic material. Each post on the storage rack preferably has a generally frusto-conical lengthwise configuration to promote supporting a lengthwise portion of a brush handle therealong. Moreover, each hollow post for holding a brush handle preferably terminates in an open end. The support rack furthermore preferably includes a series of drains.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided a painting device storage apparatus including a storage rack configured to fit within a cavity defined by an open top receptacle. The receptacle has a bottom and wall structure extending upwardly from the bottom. The storage rack has a platform with a hollow and generally centralized post extending upwardly from the platform. A handle is operably associated with an upper end of the central post for facilitating removal of the storage rack from the receptacle. The storage rack further includes a series of other hollow posts extending upwardly from the platform. Each of these other hollow posts are sized to hold a paint roller cover thereon. Moreover, these other hollow posts are arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the central post and from each other. The posts are arranged relative to each other such that the paint roller covers to be carried thereon are arranged in non-contacting relation with other paint roller covers on adjacent posts. The storage rack further includes a series of other hollow projections depending from the platform. Each of these other hollow projections is sized to receive, accommodate and hold a major lengthwise portion of a painting brush such that bristles of the brush extend upwardly from the platform. Each hollow projection is arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the central post and from each other such that the paint brushes supported by the storage rack are arranged in non-contacting relation with other paint brushes supported by other projections. Additionally, the storage rack further includes a relatively thin walled but rigid skirt extending about and depending from a continuous periphery of the platform such that, when the storage rack is in the receptacle, the skirt positively positions the platform in elevated relation from the bottom of the receptacle and maintains the posts and projections in predetermined spaced relation relative to the upstanding wall structure of the receptacle. The hollow posts, the hollow projections and the relatively thin walled but rigid skirt of the storage rack promotes nesting and stacking of the storage racks relative to each other during storage and sale.

In a preferred form, the platform of the storage rack is provided with a series of drains. In one form, the storage rack is fabricated from a light to medium weight thermoplastic material. Preferably, each post and projection on the storage rack has a generally frusto-conical lengthwise configuration.

In one form, the central post is longer than a paint roller cover to be dried thereon such that the handle, at a distal end of the central post, can be grasped by a user for removing the storage apparatus from the receptacle. Preferably, the platform of the storage rack is vaulted toward a lower end of each post.

According to another aspect there is provided a painting device storage apparatus having a bottom with wall structure extending upwardly from the bottom. The storage apparatus further includes a generally centralized post extending upwardly from the bottom. The generally centralized post is sized to hold a paint roller cover thereon. The storage apparatus further includes a series of other posts extending upwardly from the bottom. The other posts are sized to hold a paint roller cover thereon and with each of the other posts being arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the central post and from each other. The posts are arranged relative to each other such that a paint roller cover carried thereon is arranged in non-contacting relation with a paint roller cover on an adjacent post.

In a preferred form, a threaded juncture is provided between the posts and the platform. In one form, each post has a generally frusto-conical lengthwise configuration to promote endwise movement of a paint roller cover thereover and therealong.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a painting device storage apparatus embodying principals of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of that embodiment of the painting device storage apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a lower portion of a hollow post forming part of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a painting device storage apparatus embodying principals of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of a painting device storage apparatus embodying principals of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing a threaded connection between components of the painting device storage apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing two painting device storage apparatuses embodying principals of the present disclosure in nested and stacked relation relative to each other for storage and sale

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of a painting device storage apparatus embodying principals of this disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in multiple forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described preferred embodiments, with the understanding the present disclosure is to be considered as setting forth exemplifications of the disclosure which are not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated and described.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 a sectional view of a receptacle 10 which is configured to carry a painting device storage apparatus, generally identified by reference numeral 20, embodying principals of this invention disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, receptacle 10 is depicted as a bucket having a bottom 12 and sidewall structure 14 extending upwardly from the bottom 12 to define a cavity 15 having an open-top 16 (FIG. 3).

It will be appreciated, receptacle 10 can have shapes other than a bucket without detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of this invention disclosure. Suffice it to say, having the painting storage apparatus 20 of the present disclosure arranged within the receptacle 10 readily allows and facilitates transportation of a plurality of painting tools in a stored manner between locations. Moreover, it should be appreciated a conventional cover (not shown) can be operably associated with the receptacle 10 to releasably close the open-end 16 thereof. As is conventional, receptacle 10 can further include handle structure (not shown) to facilitate carrying of the receptacle 10 between locations.

In the form shown in FIG. 1, apparatus 20 includes a storage rack 24 which is configured to fit within the cavity 15 defined by the receptacle 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, storage rack 24 includes a generally horizontal platform 26 with a hollow and generally centralized vertical post 30 extending upwardly from the platform 26. In a preferred form, the platform 26 and post 30 are both of relatively thin walled construction and are integrally formed relative to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the generally centralized post 30 is sized to hold a paint roller cover 32 in a generally upright stance. In one form, post 30 has an elongated and generally frusto-conical outer configuration to promote endwise movement of the paint roller cover 32 thereover and therealong. Of course, post 30 can have other outer configurations without detracting or departing from the spirt and scope of this invention disclosure. In a most preferred form, post 30 has an axial length of about 11 inches.

Toward an upper end, post 30 is preferably provided with a handle 36 for facilitating removal of the storage rack 24 from the receptacle 10. Handle 36 can take any of a myriad of forms without detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Moreover, the handle 36 can be either integrally formed with the center post 30 or separately attached toward an upper end thereof. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 2, the handle 36 can be formed as two diametrically opposed relatively small textured detents 37 and 37′ disposed toward the distal end of post 30 for facilitating the grasping thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the storage rack 20 further includes a series of other hollow and relatively thin walled posts 40 extending upwardly from platform 26. In a preferred form, the relatively thin walled platform 26 and the other posts 40 are integrally formed relative to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, each post 40 is sufficiently sized to hold a paint roller cover 32 in an upright stance. In one form, each post 40 has an elongated and generally frusto-conical outer surface configuration to promote endwise movement of the paint roller cover 32 thereover and therealong. Of course, the posts 40 can have other outer configurations without detracting or departing from the spirt and scope of this invention disclosure. Preferably, each thin walled post 40 has a axial length of about 7 inches. Suffice it to say, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the generally centralized post 30 extends upwardly from the platform 26 a greater distance than do the other posts 40.

Returning to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the series of relatively thin walled posts 40 are arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the generally centralized post 30 and from each other. For reasons discussed below, posts 40 are spaced a predetermined radial distance from the outermost and continuous radial edge 25 of the platform 26. Suffice it to say, the posts 30 and 40 are arranged relative to each other such that a paint roller cover 32 carried on any particular post 30, 40 will be arranged in non-contacting relation with a paint roller cover 32 on any adjacent post 30, 40 whereby promoting evaporation of moisture from the paint rollers while concurrently inhibiting contamination between the roller sleeves/covers 32.

As shown in FIG. 3, storage rack 24 furthermore includes a relatively thin walled but rigid skirt 50 continuously extending about and depending from the continuous or radial periphery 25 of the platform 26. Preferably, the skirt or depending wall structure 50 is integrally formed with the platform 26. As shown in FIG. 3, and when apparatus 20 is arranged within receptacle 10, the skirt 50 serves to positively position the platform 26 in elevated relation from the bottom 12 of the receptacle 10. Moreover, the depending skirt or thin wall structure 50 on the storage rack 24 abuts against the sidewall structure 14 of the receptacle 10 thereby maintaining the posts 40 on the storage rack 24 in predetermined spaced relation from the sidewall structure 14 of receptacle 10 whereby inhibiting the nap of the roller sleeves/covers 32 from becoming flattened against the sidewall structure 14 of receptacle 10.

Turning to FIG. 4, platform 26 preferably has a vaulted formation 56 toward a lower end of each post 30/40. As such, moisture gravitationally separated from a paint roller cover/sleeve 32 situated about any post 30/40 is directed away from the cover/sleeve 32.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage rack 24 furthermore preferably includes one or more drains 60. Just in case an excessive amount of moisture should be retained by any roller placed into operable association with the storage rack, the drains 60 permit moisture from such excessively moisture laden paint roller sleeve/cover 32 on any of the posts 30/40 to be directed from an upper surface 27 of the platform 26 toward the bottom 12 of the receptacle 10.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an alternative form for the painting device storage apparatus. This alternative form of painting device is designed to hold and support brushes in a receptacle such that the bristles on such brushes are extend upwardly toward an open end of the receptacle. In FIGS. 4 and 5, this alternative form of painting device storage apparatus is generally designated by reference numeral 120. The elements of this painting device storage apparatus that are functionally analogous to those components discussed above regarding painting device storage apparatus 20 are designated by reference numerals identical to those listed above with the exception this embodiment uses reference numerals in the 100 series.

As shown, storage apparatus 120 includes a storage rack 124 configured to fit within the cavity 15 defined by the receptacle 10. As shown in FIG. 6, storage rack 124 includes a generally horizontal and relatively thin walled platform 126 with a hollow and generally centralized and relatively thin walled vertical post 130 extending upwardly from the platform 126. In a preferred form, platform 126 and post 130 are integrally formed relative to each other.

Toward an upper end, and as shown in FIG. 5, post 130 is preferably provided with a handle 136 for facilitating removal of the storage rack 124 from the receptacle 10. The handle 136 for rack 124 can take any of a myriad of forms without detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Handle 136 can be either integrally formed with the center post 130 or separately attached toward an upper end thereof. Alternatively, handle 136 can be formed as two diametrically opposed relatively small textured inserts (similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2) disposed toward the distal end of post 130 for facilitating the grasping thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the storage rack 124 further includes a series of other hollow and relatively thin walled posts 140 which depend from platform 126. In a preferred form, the platform 126 and the posts 140 are integrally formed relative to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, each post 140 is sufficiently sized to endwise receive, accommodate and hold a handle of a bristled brush 132 whereby maintaining such brush in an upright stance with the bristles extending upwardly and away from the platform 126. In one form, each post 140 has an elongated and generally frusto-conical inner surface configuration between opposed ends thereof to promote holding of the brush handle therewithin. Of course, the posts 140 can have other inner surface configurations, i.e., elliptical, square, and etc. without seriously detracting or departing from the spirt and scope of this invention disclosure. Notably, the lowermost end of each post 140 is preferably open so as to allow a distal end of the brush handle to extend from the lowermost end of the post 140 if such brush handle is of sufficient length.

As shown in FIG. 5, the posts 140 are arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the generally centralized post 130 and from each other. Notably, the posts 140 are also spaced a predetermined radial distance from an outermost and continuous radial edge 125 of the platform 126. Suffice it to say, the posts 140 are preferably arranged relative to each other such that a bristled paint brush 132 supported by any particular post 140 will be arranged in non-contacting relation with a bristled paint brush 132 supported by an adjacent post 140 whereby promoting evaporation of moisture from the paint brushes while concurrently inhibiting contamination between the brushes 132.

As shown in FIG. 6, storage rack 124 furthermore includes a relatively thin walled but rigid skirt 150 extending about and depending from the continuous periphery of platform 126. Preferably, the skirt or depending wall structure 150 is integrally formed with the platform 126. In the illustrated embodiment, skirt or wall structure 150 depends from the platform 126 a greater distance than do the posts or projections 140. As shown, and when apparatus 120 is arranged within receptacle 10, skirt 150 serves to positively position the platform 126 in elevated relation from the bottom 12 of the receptacle 10. Moreover, the continuous edge 125 of the depending skirt or wall structure 150 abuts against the sidewall structure 14 of the receptacle 10 thereby maintaining the posts 140 on the storage rack 124 in predetermined radially spaced relation relative to the sidewall structure 14 of receptacle 10 whereby inhibiting the bristles on the brush 132 from impinging against the sidewall structure 14 of receptacle 10.

In a preferred form, the storage rack 124 furthermore preferably includes one or more drains 160. Just in case any of the bristled brushes arranged in operable combination with the rack 124 retain an inordinate amount of moisture in the bristles, the drains 160 permit moisture from such excessively moisture laden brush 132 to be directed from an upper surface 127 of the platform 126 toward the bottom 12 of the receptacle 10.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate another alternative form for the painting device storage apparatus. This alternative form of painting device storage apparatus is designed to hold and support both paint brushes and paint rollers in a receptacle. With the device shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the paint brushes are stored such that the bristles on such brushes extend upwardly toward an open end of the receptacle. In FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, this alternative form of painting device storage apparatus is generally designated by reference numeral 220. The elements of this painting device storage apparatus that are functionally analogous to those components discussed above regarding painting device storage apparatus 20 are designated by reference numerals identical to those listed above with the exception this embodiment uses reference numerals in the 200 series.

Apparatus 220 includes a storage rack 224 which is configured to fit within the cavity 15 defined by the receptacle 10. As shown in FIG. 7, storage rack 224 includes a generally horizontal and thin walled platform 226 with a hollow and generally centralized relatively thin walled vertical post 230 extending upwardly from platform 226. In a preferred form, the relatively thin walled platform 226 and post 230 are integrally formed relative to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the generally centralized post 230 is sufficiently sized to hold a paint roller cover 32 in a generally upright stance. In one form, post 230 has an elongated and generally frusto-conical outer configuration. Of course, post 230 can have other outer configurations without detracting or departing from the spirt and scope of this invention disclosure.

Toward an upper end, post 230 is preferably provided with a handle 236 for facilitating removal of the storage rack 224 from the receptacle 10. The handle 236 can take any of a myriad of forms without detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The handle 236 can be either integrally formed with the center post 230 or separately attached toward an upper end thereof. Alternatively, the handle 236 can be formed as two diametrically opposed relatively small textured inserts (similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2) disposed toward the distal end of post 230 for facilitating the grasping thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the storage rack 220 further includes a series of other hollow and relatively thin walled posts 240 extending upwardly from platform 226. In a preferred form, the platform 226 and other relatively thin walled posts 240 are integrally formed relative to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, each post 240 is sufficiently sized to hold a paint roller cover 32 in an upright stance for drying. In one form, each post 240 has an elongated and generally frusto-conical outer surface configuration to promote endwise movement of the paint roller cover 32 thereover and therealong. Of course, posts 240 can have other outer configurations without detracting or departing from the spirt and scope of this invention disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment, the generally centralized post 230 extends upwardly from the platform 226 a greater distance than do the other posts 240.

As shown in FIG. 7, the posts 240 are arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the generally centralized post 230 and from each other. Notably, the posts 240 are also spaced a predetermined radial distance from the outermost and continuous radial edge 225 of the platform 226. Suffice it to say, the posts 230 and 240 are arranged relative to each other such that a paint roller cover 32 carried on any particular post 230, 240 will be arranged in non-contacting relation with paint roller covers 32 on any adjacent post 230, 240 whereby promoting evaporation of moisture from the paint roller while concurrently inhibiting contamination between the roller sleeves/covers 32.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the storage rack 224 further includes a series of other hollow and relatively thin walled projections 240′ which depend from platform 226. In a preferred form, the platform 226 and the projections 240′ are integrally formed relative to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, each projection 240′ is sufficiently sized to endwise receive, accommodate and hold a handle of a bristled brush 232 whereby maintaining such brush in an upright stance for drying with the bristles extending upwardly and away from the platform 226. In one form, each projection 240′ has an elongated and generally frusto-conical inner surface configuration between opposed ends thereof to promote holding of the brush handle therewithin. Of course, the projections 240′ can have other inner surface configurations, i.e., elliptical, square, and etc. without seriously detracting or departing from the spirt and scope of this invention disclosure. Notably, the lowermost end of each hollow projection 240′ is preferably open so as to allow a distal end of the brush handle to extend from the lowermost end of the projection 240′ if such brush handle is of sufficient length.

As shown in FIG. 7, the series of projections 240′ are arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the generally centralized post 230 and from each other. Notably, the projections 240′ are spaced a predetermined distance from the outermost radial edge 225 of the platform 226. Suffice it to say, the projections 240′ are preferably arranged relative to each other such that the bristled paint brush 232 supported by any particular projection 240′ will be arranged in non-contacting relation with a bristled paint brush 232 or paint sleeve 32 supported by an adjacent projection 240′ or post 240, respectively, whereby promoting evaporation of moisture from the paint brush while concurrently inhibiting contamination between the brushes 232 and sleeves/covers 32.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, storage rack 224 furthermore includes a relatively thin walled but rigid skirt 250 extending about and depending from the continuous periphery of the platform 226. Preferably, the skirt or depending wall structure 250 is integrally formed with the platform 226. In the illustrated embodiment, skirt or wall structure 250 depends from the platform 226 a greater distance than do the projections 240′. As shown, and when apparatus 220 is arranged within receptacle 10, skirt 250 serves to positively position the platform 226 in elevated relation from the bottom 12 of the receptacle 10. Moreover, the depending skirt or wall structure 250 on the storage rack 224 abuts against the sidewall structure 14 of the receptacle 10 thereby maintaining the posts 240 and projections 240′ on the storage rack 224 in predetermined radially spaced relation from the sidewall structure 14 of receptacle 10 whereby inhibiting the roller covers 32 and bristles on the brushes 232 from impinging against the receptacle 10.

In a preferred form, the storage rack 224 furthermore preferably includes one or more drains 260. Like the drains mentioned above, the drains 260 permit moisture from an excessively moisture laden painting device arranged in operable combination with the rack 224 to be directed from an upper surface 227 of the platform 226 toward the bottom 12 of the receptacle 10.

An alternative structure for any of those storage racks mentioned above is set forth by way of example in FIG. 10. In this alternative structure and as shown in FIG. 10, a threaded juncture 270 is provided between any one or more of the relatively thin walled posts/projections and the relatively thin walled platform of the storage rack. As such, and is so desired, the posts/projections and platform forming the storage rack can be separately formed relative to each other and subsequently assembled with relative ease as required.

Preferably, the thin walled storage rack for the painting device storage apparatus is formed from a lightweight to medium weight plastic or other suitable thermoplastic material which would lend itself to conventional molding techniques. As will be appreciated, such thermoplastic materials would furthermore lend themselves to maintaining the manufacturing cost of the painting device storage low and cost effective. Of course, other non-corrosive materials, i.e., aluminum, stainless steel, and etc. could be used to form the painting device storage apparatus without detracting or departing from the true spirt and scope of this disclosure.

Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 11, the painting device storage apparatus can be readily designed such that, when stored for sale and inventory, the storage racks are permitted to nest and be stacked one upon the other whereby minimizing inventory space and maximizing shelf space. In this regard, the preferable frusto-concical and relatively thin walled construction of the posts and projections on the storage rack lend themselves to stacking and nesting of the storage racks relative to each other.

In another embodiment, illustrated by way of example in FIG. 12, a painting device storage apparatus 320 is formed as an integral part of a relatively thin walled bucket or receptacle 310 having relatively thin walled sidewall structure 314 extending upwardly from a relatively thin walled platform 326 defining a bottom of the bucket or receptacle 310. A suitable handle (not shown is provided to allow carrying of the apparatus between locations.

In the embodiment shown by way of example in FIG. 13, apparatus 320 is provided with a hollow and generally centralized and relatively thin walled vertical post 330 extending upwardly from the platform 326. Preferably, the platform 326 and post 330 are integrally formed relative to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, post 330 is sized to hold and support a paint roller cover in a generally upright stance. In one form, post 330 has an elongated and generally frusto-conical outer configuration to promote endwise movement of a paint roller cover thereover and therealong. Of course, post 330 can have other outer configurations without detracting or departing from the spirt and scope of this invention disclosure.

As shown, apparatus 330 further includes a series of other hollow and relatively thin walled posts 40 extending upwardly from platform 326. In a preferred form, the relatively thin walled platform 326 and the other posts 340 are integrally formed relative to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, each post 340 is sufficiently sized to hold and store a paint roller cover in an upright stance. In one form, each post 340 has an elongated and generally frusto-conical outer surface configuration to promote endwise movement of a paint roller cover thereover and therealong. Of course, the posts 340 can have other outer configurations without detracting or departing from the spirt and scope of this invention disclosure.

Returning to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the series of relatively thin walled posts 340 are arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from the generally centralized post 330 and from each other. Notably, posts 340 are spaced a predetermined distance from the sidewall structure 314 of bucket 310. The radial spacing between the posts 340 and the side wall structure is such that the nap of any paint roller or sleeve arranged about a post 340 will remain in radially spaced and non-contacting relation from the side wall structure 314 whereby preserving the preferred condition of the nap on such rollers. Moreover, the posts 330 and 340 are arranged relative to each other such that a paint roller cover carried on any particular post 330, 340 will be arranged in non-contacting relation with a paint roller cover on any adjacent post 330, 340 whereby promoting evaporation of moisture from the paint rollers while concurrently inhibiting contamination between the roller sleeves/covers.

As shown in FIG. 12, the storage rack 324 of apparatus 320 furthermore preferably includes one or more drains 360. Just in case an excessive amount of moisture should be retained by any roller placed into operable association with the storage rack, the drains 360 permit moisture from such excessively moisture laden paint roller sleeve/cover on any of the posts 330/340 to be directed from an upper surface 327 of the platform 326.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be made and effected without departing or detracting from the true spirit and novel concept of this invention disclosure. Moreover, it will be appreciated, the present disclosure is intended to set forth exemplifications which are not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A painting device storage apparatus, comprising:

a storage rack configured to fit within a cavity defined by a receptacle, said receptacle having a bottom and wall structure extending upwardly from said bottom, with said storage rack having platform with a hollow and generally centralized post extending upwardly from said platform, with said generally centralized post being sized to hold a paint roller cover thereon, with said storage rack further including a series of other hollow posts extending upwardly from said platform, with said other hollow posts each being sized to hold a paint roller cover thereon and with each of said other hollow posts being arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from said central post and from each other, with said generally centralized post extending upwardly from said platform a further distance than said series of other posts extend upwardly from said base, and with said posts being arranged relative to each other such that the paint roller cover to be carried thereon are arranged non-contacting relation with other paint roller covers on adjacent posts, and with said storage rack further including a relatively thin but rigid skirt extending about and depending from a continuous periphery of said platform such that, when said storage rack is in said receptacle, said skirt positively positions said platform in elevated relation from the bottom of said receptacle and maintains said posts in predetermined spaced relation relative to the upstanding wall structure of said receptacle; and

wherein the hollow posts and relatively thin but rigid skirt of said storage rack promotes nesting and stacking of the storage racks relative to each other.

2. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the platform and depending skirt of said storage rack are integrally formed relative to each other.

3. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a threaded juncture is provided between said posts and said platform.

4. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said posts has a generally frusto-conical lengthwise configuration to promote endwise movement of the paint roller cover thereover and therealong.

5. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said central post is longer than a paint roller cover to be dried thereon such that a handle at a distal end of said central post can be grasped by a user for removing the storage apparatus from said receptacle.

6. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the platform of said storage rack is vaulted toward a lower end of each post.

7. A painting device storage apparatus, comprising:

a storage rack configured to fit within a cavity defined by an open top receptacle, said receptacle having a bottom and wall structure extending upwardly from said bottom, with said storage rack having platform with a hollow and generally centralized post extending upwardly from said platform, and with said storage rack further including a series of other hollow posts depending from said platform, with said other hollow posts each being sized to receive, accommodate and hold a major lengthwise portion of a painting brush such that bristles of said brush extend upwardly from said platform, and with each of said other hollow posts being arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from said central post and from each other such that the paint brushes supported by said storage rack are arranged non-contacting relation with other paint brushes supported by adjacent posts and with said storage rack further including a relatively thin walled but rigid skirt extending about and depending from a continuous periphery of said platform a greater distance than said other posts depend from said platform such that, when said storage rack is in said receptacle, the skirt positively positions said platform in elevated relation from the bottom of said receptacle and maintains said posts in predetermined spaced relation relative to the upstanding wall structure of said receptacle; and

wherein the hollow posts and relatively thin but rigid skirt of said storage rack promotes nesting and stacking of the storage racks relative to each other.

8. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the platform and depending skirt of said storage rack are integrally formed relative to each other.

9. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a threaded juncture is provided between said posts and said platform.

10. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of said posts has a generally frusto-conical lengthwise configuration to promote supporting a lengthwise portion of a brush handle therealong.

11. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of said hollow posts terminates in an open end.

12. A painting device storage apparatus, comprising:

a storage rack configured to fit within a cavity defined by an open top receptacle, said receptacle having a bottom and wall structure extending upwardly from said bottom, with said storage rack having platform with a hollow and generally centralized post extending upwardly from said platform, a handle for facilitating removal of said storage rack from said receptacle, and with said storage rack further including a series of other hollow posts extending upwardly from said platform, with said other hollow posts each being sized to hold a paint roller cover thereon, and with each of said other hollow posts being arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from said central post and from each other, and with said posts being arranged relative to each other such that the paint roller covers to be carried thereon are arranged non-contacting relation with other paint roller covers on adjacent posts, and with said storage rack further including a series of other hollow projections depending from said platform, with said other hollow projections each being sufficiently sized to receive, accommodate and hold a major lengthwise portion of a painting brush such that bristles of said brush extend upwardly from said platform, with each of said other hollow projections being arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from said central post and from each other such that the paint brushes supported by said storage rack are arranged non-contacting relation with other paint brushes supported by other projections, and wherein said storage rack further includes relatively thin walled but rigid skirt extending about and depending from a continuous periphery of said platform such that, when said storage rack is in said receptacle, the skirt positively positions said platform in elevated relation from the bottom of said receptacle and maintains said posts and projections in predetermined spaced relation relative to the upstanding wall structure of said receptacle; and

wherein the hollow posts, the hollow projections and the relatively thin but rigid skirt of said storage rack promotes nesting and stacking of the storage racks relative to each other.

13. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the platform of said storage rack is provided with a drain.

14. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said storage rack is fabricated from a light to medium weight thermoplastic material.

15. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of said posts and projections has a generally frusto-conical lengthwise configuration.

16. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said central post is longer than a paint roller cover to be dried thereon such that the handle at a distal end of said central post can be grasped by a user for removing the storage apparatus from said receptacle.

17. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the platform of said storage rack is vaulted toward a lower end of each post.

18. A painting device storage apparatus having a bottom with wall structure extending upwardly from said bottom, said storage apparatus further including a generally centralized post extending upwardly from said bottom, with said generally centralized post being sized to hold a paint roller cover thereon, with said storage apparatus further including a series of other posts extending upwardly from said bottom, with said other posts being sized to hold a paint roller cover thereon and with each of said other posts being arranged in predetermined radially spaced relation from said central post and from each other, and with said posts being arranged relative to each other such that a paint roller cover to be carried thereon is arranged non-contacting relation with a paint roller cover on an adjacent post.

19. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a threaded juncture is provided between said posts and said platform.

20. The painting device storage apparatus according to claim 18, wherein each post has a generally frusto-conical lengthwise configuration to promote endwise movement of the paint roller cover thereover and therealong.