Abstract: A cover guard for a rim of a paint can, includes a cover for covering a rim of a paint can to prevent entry of paint into the rim, the cover being at least part annular to surround an opening, and having an inverted U-shaped cross-section for receiving the rim therein, a brush wiper plate connected with the cover and extending within the opening, against which a paintbrush can be wiped for removing excess paint from the paintbrush which has been dipped into paint in the paint can, such that any excess paint falls back into the paint can, and a wet paintbrush cup connected to the cover for holding a web paintbrush therein.

Abstract: A combination lid and brush wiping device for use with paint containers having a bi-directional opening. The lid has a brush dipping aperture that allows for a paintbrush to be dipped into the paint container, turned, and upon the act of removing the paint brush from the container, removing the excess paint from the brush. The lid has a second piece that snaps onto the first piece for storage purposes, further creating a semi-permanent multi-functional paint container cover and lid.

Abstract: There is provided a paint distributing plate system for insertion into a paint bucket having an external upper rim. The paint distributing plate system comprises a paint distributing plate with a lower part and an upper part, where the lower part has a width being smaller than the diameter of the largest cross-sectional dimension of the paint bucket, and a pair of adjustable attachment hook arrangements provided on the upper part of the paint distributing plate, one on each side of the paint distributing plate, for securing the paint distributing plate to the upper rim of the paint bucket.

Abstract: A bowl and spatula assembly provides an integrated spatula to scrape a mixture efficiently from a mixing bowl. The assembly includes a bowl having a bottom and a perimeter wall extending upwardly from the bottom. An arcuate spatula has opposite ends pivotally coupled to the bowl. The spatula also has an outer perimeter edge abutting an inner surface of the bowl whereby the spatula is configured for scraping a substance out of the bowl when the spatula is pivoted.

Abstract: A paint sprayer is configured for use with a paint container. The sprayer includes a housing having an air inlet and a nozzle located on the housing. Movable grip members are supported on the housing. The grip members are located in a circular array with an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the paint container. A ring extends circumferentially about the circular array of grip members, and is supported on the housing for rotation relative to the housing. When the ring rotates relative to the housing, it moves the grip members to a condition in which the inner diameter of the circular array is not greater than the outer diameter of the paint container.

Abstract: A paint accessory for use with a paint container has an open end with a cylindrical rim at the open end. A cover piece comprises an annular ring having a downwardly opening channel for receiving the cylindrical rim. A pour spout extends upwardly from the annular ring. A scraper blade extends inwardly from the annular ring opposite the pour spout. A pair of aligned brackets extend inwardly from the annular ring on opposite sides thereof. A grid comprises a frame having opposite sides and a mesh structure therebetween. The frame has slots on the opposite sides for removably receiving the aligned brackets to mount the grid in the container incident to the cover piece being received on the cylindrical rim, in use.

Abstract: A device for use with a paint can or other container, the device being adapted for use as a brush holder and/or a wiper bar for removing excess paint from a brush. In an embodiment the device can selectively press-fit-engage the rim of a selected container and a bar member can extend at least partially across the opening of the selected container.

Abstract: A pouring spout for a paint can has an arcuate base joined to a lip. The base has an arcuate rib with a pocket accommodating a portion of the circular bead of the paint can and an arcuate flange spaced from the rib providing a passage into the pocket. Bosses joined to the flange and rib are compressed against the bead to bias the rib into tight sealing relation with the bead.

Abstract: A heat-sealable, plastic bottle with an internal scraper and an inner seal is described. More particularly, the present application relates to a heat-sealable, plastic bottle having an opening with an internal scraper chord that is less than or equal to the diameter of the circular opening, an inner seal, and a cap.

Abstract: A bracket system and method to retrofit a subsurface water meter enclosure with a mount so as to provide secure positioning means suitable for components related to a water meter such as water-usage monitoring equipment. The system is only removable from the water meter enclosure via disassembling the water meter enclosure.

Abstract: A self-cleaning lid for use with a paint container is disclosed.

Abstract: A paint roller paint saving pan for a tubular roller pad is provided. The paint roller paint saving pan includes a paint can attachment portion configured to removably axially support the paint roller paint saving pan relative to an open end of an open paint can. A roller pad support portion is configured to radially support an end of the roller pad. A paint catching portion is positioned adjacent and vertically below the roller pad support portion and includes a through passage permitting fluid communication into the paint can when the paint can attachment portion is vertically supported on the paint can such that paint scraped from the roller pad supported by the roller pad support portion can return back to the paint can. The paint roller paint saving pan is configured to provide access to the roller pad by a rigid tool to scrape excess paint therefrom.

Abstract: An adapter apparatus to be installed on a pail to allow debris to be swept into the pail when the pail is resting on its side on a surface to be swept. A mounting section is included which is configured to be positioned over at least part of a lip of the pail and secured in place on the pail. A debris collector guide is attached to the mounting section, with the debris collector guide including a pair of sidewalls and a bottom section disposed intermediate the side walls, with the sidewalls and bottom section forming a debris collection region which permits debris to be swept into the debris section and into a pail on which the adapter apparatus is installed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices facilitating the addition of items into containers. In particular, the present invention relates to devices configured to assist in supplying food items into mixing containers.

Abstract: An inventive pouring spout that is selectively attachable to a container and fitted to the opening of the container with which it is used. In a preferred embodiment, the pouring spout is fitted to the dimensions of a one-quart container and includes a wall, a sealing member, a mouth and a handle. The handle is connected to the wall with a hinge that enables the handle to pivot away from the container to allow the sealing member to be appropriately positioned while the container rests flat on a surface. After the sealing member is in place, the handle is then pivoted back in position to securely hold the container. The handle includes a plurality of upwardly extending projections adapted to securely engage the bottom rim of the container. Furthermore, thermoplastic material is applied at the handle area forming a handle cover that is comfortable and easy to grip.

Abstract: A joint compound container including a body having a generally trough shape formed from two opposing planar side walls separated from one another by a planar floor, and opposing end walls. The container also includes a reinforcing band attached to the body and configured for reinforcing each of the side walls and the end walls where the reinforcing band is displaced from an upper edge of the body only by a distance sufficient to define a scraping edge extending upwardly beyond an upper edge of the reinforcing band and where the scraping edge is formed by the upper edge of the body and supported by the band.

Abstract: A joint compound container has two opposing end walls, and a body having a generally trough shape formed from two planar side walls separated from one another by a planar floor. The body is affixed to the end walls. Each of the side walls shares a respective common radiused edge with the floor of the container.

Abstract: A detachable and changeable message banding on nursery containers, comprising a container assembly having a first sidewall that extends from a base and terminates as a lip. A band assembly has a second sidewall extending between a first top edge and a first bottom edge. The band assembly further comprises an intermediate lip inwardly extending a predetermined distance from the second sidewall. The band assembly is secured onto the container assembly. A rim assembly has a second top edge and a second bottom edge. The second bottom edge defines a top channel lip. The rim assembly mounts upon the band assembly to frame changeable messaging thereon. A removable sidewall assembly has a third sidewall extending between a third top edge and a third bottom edge. The removable sidewall assembly mounts onto the container assembly. It also comprises a base assembly.

Abstract: Protective covers for cans of paint or wood stain having a circular cap with an inner and an outer lip, wherein the inner and outer lips are downwardly disposed to cooperatively and frictionally engage a lid rim of a paint or wood stain can, and a circular flange extending upwardly from the circular cap and extending circumferentially around the lid rim of the can, wherein the circular flange curves inwardly toward the center of the can to define an opening through which the contents of the can may be accessed, and wherein a portion of the outer edge of the flange extends a shorter distance upward from the cap than the rest of the flange to provide a recessed edge against which excess liquid may be scraped from a paint brush and drain back into the can.

Abstract: A joint compound container including a body having a generally trough shape formed from two opposing planar side walls separated from one another by a planar floor, and opposing end walls. The container also includes a reinforcing band attached to the body and configured for reinforcing each of the side walls and the end walls where the reinforcing band is displaced from an upper edge of the body only by a distance sufficient to define a scraping edge extending upwardly beyond an upper edge of the reinforcing band and where the scraping edge is formed by the upper edge of the body and supported by the band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices facilitating the addition of items into containers. In particular, the present invention relates to devices configured to assist in supplying food items into mixing containers.

Abstract: A paint container, comprising a body (10) with a polygonal cross section, presenting upper edge portions (13) and a lid (20) having lateral edge portions (21) which are removably seated and tightly retained in a seat (15) defined along the upper edge portions (13) of the body (10). The lid (20) presents a lower face (20a) incorporating a downwardly projecting support means (22) which is engaged with an adjacent upper edge portion (13) of the body (10) after the opening of the lid (20), in order to maintain the latter with its adjacent lateral edge portion (21) externally seated against the lateral wall (11) of the body (10) and in an inclined position with its lower face (20a) forming a paint drip tray, said support means (22) defining a deflecting chute (25) for directing, to the interior of the body (10), the paint that is gravitationally dripping down the internal face (20a) of the lid (20).

Abstract: A unitary, removable, transportation ring for maintaining the closure of a covered container, such as a cylindrical paint can, snaps into place and securely maintains a lid on the container even in an environment of high pressure within the container. The ring is responsively operable in the presence of elevated and extreme pressures within the container to improve the engagement of the ring with the container, and to improve the engagement of the lid with the container, each in order to maintain the cover tightly sealed over the top opening of the container. An annular flange depends from the inner radial margin of the body of the ring and abuts the lid or cover of the container to maintain the engagement of the lid with the container.

Abstract: An all plastic paint container comprising the combination of a cylindrical pail, a separate snap-on pouring spout ring and a separate snap on lid having a tear band which must be removed before manual access to the edge of the lid for removal purposes can be realized. The mechanical attachments between the pouring ring and the pail and between the lid and the pouring ring are achieved by inverted U-shaped channels and under cuts which provide the snap on mechanical associations.

Abstract: A wax applicator stick scraper according to the invention can be fitted onto the top edge of a disposable wax can received in a wax heater and can have a quarter-moon shape with a free edge with rectilinear segments of different lengths and different angles between them to accommodate different widths and shapes of the applicator stick.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a container for sealing an interface between two or more of the structural members includes a container body and a pouring spout. The pouring spout includes a ridge for securing the spout to the container body and a retention ridge that is positioned near the rim of the container body, once assembled. An angled retention surface on the spout is used to properly position a seal between the pouring spout and the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible container having a container base and four collapsible walls. The catch mechanism for the lockable lateral walls in their upright assembled condition is a resilient pivotable lock member contained within a recess of the lateral wall having a projecting tongue latching member that cooperates with opposing ramps of a locating lug located on the adjacent wall member to lock the adjacent walls to each other.

Abstract: Paint roller grid includes a pair of hooks each including a rearwardly extending upper portion and a downwardly extending inturned lip having a forwardly facing inwardly angled surface for engaging an outer cylindrical surface of a container below the container rim when the hooks are hooked over the container rim and the grid is inserted into the top opening of the container. The hooks may be spaced from a bottom edge of the grid a distance slightly greater than the height of the container, whereby when the grid is inserted into the container opening and the hooks are hooked over the container rim, the bottom edge of the grid will engage the inside bottom surface of the container. A pair of feet may extend rearwardly from the grid for engagement with the inner cylindrical surface of the container to prevent the grid from moving within the container during rolling of a roller cover on the grid wiping surface.

Abstract: A device and method for preparing a vase or other container to receive a floral arrangement. The device includes a grid cover that is placed around the open end of a vase or similar container. The grid cover has a flat top surface and a peripheral wall that extends downwardly from the edge of the top surface. The grid cover is made of elastomeric material and is initially smaller than the open top of the vase. The grid cover is stretched over the open top of the vase, wherein the peripheral wall of the grid cover passes over the edge of the vase's open top and retains the stretched grid cover element in place. A plurality of openings are distributed throughout the top surface of the grid cover. As the grid cover is stretched over the top of a vase, the openings become positioned across the open top of the vase.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a squeegee and brush holder in combination with a bucket for holding a liquid consisting of a first portion having a plurality of suction cups for adhering to the inside of the bucket and an outer portion having three openings, the outer portion extending outwardly from the bucket for holding the brushes and squeegees in an upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing excess paint from paint brush bristles and for draining this excess paint back into the paint can. The no-drip clip apparatus comprises a circular members for securely clipping embodiments to a paint can rim, and a contiguous straight flusher member that is suspended across the paint can's mouth. A painter uses a suitable no-drip clip apparatus for reducing dripping of excess paint from the paint brush bristles onto the paint brush handle, the paint can rim, and, ultimately, onto nearby surfaces and objects during painting operations.

Abstract: A versatile biological specimen collection apparatus is disclosed. Beneficially, the apparatus includes a receptacle for catching a biological specimen, and a support bracket for the receptacle, and the support bracket is adapted to be supported by a support structure such as a toilet bowl.

Abstract: A paint brush holder for suspending a paint brush in a conventional paint can having a grooved, cover-sealing rim. The holder comprises a body portion and a pair of brush-supporting arms integrally connected to the body portion. The arms have opposed surfaces for receiving a paint brush handle therebetween, the opposed surfaces defining an opening having a mouth, a base narrower than the mouth, and sides that converge from the mouth to the base. A cooperating pair of extensions project downward from the body portion for attachment to the paint can rim.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for viscous dressing products that includes a jar and a closure or lid. The lid may be hingedly attached to the container so as to remain attached to the jar after opening. The container provides protection for the viscous dressing product during packaging, shipping, handling, retail display and consumer use, and also makes the viscous dressing readily accessible to the consumer. The container preferably includes a shelf or wiper on the closure to permit the consumer to swipe a serving utensil on the shelf to remove excess viscous dressing product from the utensil. The jar is preferably provided with improved handling characteristics as compared with prior art jars of circular cross section. In the preferred embodiments, the shape of the jar as viewed in plan is generally oval.

Abstract: A paint strainer dimensioned to fit in a vertical position in a paint bucket, in a vertical plane passing through the center of the paint bucket, dividing the paint bucket into a receiving side and a strained paint side. The paint strainer has a strainer frame around the perimeter of the paint strainer which defines the bottom sides and top of the paint strainer, and has a paint screen which is secured and sealed to the strainer frame. A pair of bucket top brackets, one affixed to the top of each side of the strainer frame, secures the paint strainer to the paint bucket.

Abstract: A beverage serving apparatus for easily and sanitarily providing accompaniments to a beverage in a container is described. The beverage serving apparatus having: (i) a handling portion designed to avoid contact with the beverage; (ii) a container attachment portion for coupling the apparatus to the rim of the container; (iii) a first accompaniment attachment portion shaped to receive a first accompaniment; and (iv) a second accompaniment attachment portion shaped to receive a second accompaniment. Both the first accompaniment attachment portion and the second accompaniment attachment portion can comprise various designs including an elongated slot, a circular slot, a pressure clip, a pointed end, etc. In addition, the container attachment portion of the described beverage serving apparatus can comprise a flexible slot, a pressure clip, or various other designs.

Abstract: Provided is a pouring attachment for a paint container. The container has a peripheral side wall extending upwardly to an upper peripheral annular rim which defines a container opening. The attachment comprises an annular attachment body having an inner surface and an outer surface and a bottom edge portion sealingly engageable with the annular rim. The attachment body is funnel shaped, extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom portion to an upper edge of the body. Releasable clip members pivotally secured to the inner surface of the attachment body can be used to releasably lock the bottom portion of the attachment body to the rim in a sealing manner, thereby allowing the liquid to be poured out via said attachment. The clip members secure the attachment to the rim with sufficient strength so as to prevent inadvertent/accidental detachment of the attachment.

Abstract: A can for paint white base, having a tubular body (10) with the upper edge affixing an annular upper wall portion (11), with the peripheral edge of its discharge opening (12) defining a seat onto which a removable lid (20) is seated, one of the parts defined by the upper wall portion (11) and the removable lid (20) being provided with an inspection opening (22) with a cross section substantially smaller than that of said discharge opening (12) and with its peripheral edge defining a seat for receiving and axially retaining a respective auxiliary lid (30), which is removable and constructed in a transparent material.

Abstract: A can apron comprising an indented groove cover including an outer flange and a inner flange connected by a lateral surface, the indented groove cover constructed of flexible material providing for the snap-on fitting of the can apron, a magnet, a magnet cover piece, and means for attaching the magnet cover piece to the indented groove cover.

Abstract: A paint brush wiper and holder for a paint can which is removably mountable thereon whether the can is open or closed. The brush wiper and holder includes a short, cylindrical sidewall for partially capping the paint can and a lip which extends inwardly and generally perpendicularly to the sidewall. A promontory-like protrusion on the lip extends inwardly from the remainder of the lip and slopes downwardly therefrom, so that paint collected on the protrusion can drain into an open paint can. The leading edge of the promontory-like protrusion is both sharpened and generally convex in shape, so that it can serve as an efficient brush wipe. As the bristles of a brush are pressed against this leading edge, they spread open, fan-like, releasing excess paint. Affixed to the lip near the mid-section of the promontory-like protrusion and projecting generally upwardly of the sidewall is a pair of bowed plastic arms which exhibit leaf spring action or similar releasable fasteners.

Abstract: A spill protection device for containers of liquids includes a main body member (a) and a covering wall (1) having an opening (2). Extending downwardly from the covering wall (1) is a housing (3) which engages the rim (21) of the application container (b). The main body (a) includes a spillway (7) and a removal grip (12). When the protection device is applied, its housing (3) protects the rim (21) which is covered by the covering wall (1). The possible accidental spills or drips occur on the main body (a) of the protection device, without affecting the rims (21) of the container (b) which are protected within the housing (3) and by the covering wall (1).

Abstract: A plastic container and lid assembly for storing liquid coating materials including a container and a lid. The container has a body with a bottom wall, at least four sidewalls and a neck. The neck defines a wide mouth opening and including threads for receiving mating threads on the lid. The lid also has a plurality of lugs, preferably two lugs, extending radially from the lid and terminating at or before the lugs extend beyond the container sidewalls when the lid is in sealed engagement with the container. The body also has an integral handle for lifting the container and the container neck supports a bail-type handle also for lifting said container. The integral handle and bail-type handles do not extend beyond the container sidewall. The container and lid assembly having an effective packing footprint and an effective packing volume which substantially conforms to the effective packing footprint and the effective packing volume of a conventional metal paint can.

Abstract: A beverage serving apparatus for easily and sanitarily providing accompaniments to a beverage in a container is described. The beverage serving apparatus comprises: (i) a handling portion designed to avoid contact with the beverage; (ii) a container attachment portion for coupling the apparatus to the rim of the container; (iii) a first accompaniment attachment portion shaped to receive a first accompaniment; and (iv) a second accompaniment attachment portion shaped to receive a second accompaniment. Both the first accompaniment attachment portion and the second accompaniment attachment portion can comprise various designs including an elongated slot, a circular slot, a pressure clip, a pointed end, etc. In addition, the container attachment portion of the described beverage serving apparatus can comprise a flexible slot, a pressure clip, or various other designs.

Abstract: The lid holding apparatus is a device that holds a lid at a tilt on a pot to prevent the contents of the pot from boiling over.

Abstract: “Dripless Paint Can” construction has perforated drip holes in the inner trough of the paint can ring. The ring is the section of the can that accepts the lid. When in place the lid seals the can. The holes in the inner trough allow the excess paint on the brush to drain down the inside of the can. Likewise the flood of paint when paint is poured from the can flows back into the perforated ring and back into the can. When the lid is back on the can it seals the inner trough and returns the can to its original integrity. Hence the dripless paint call.

Abstract: A stackable tray assembly for paint rollers includes a tray formed with an inclined roller surface and a paint reservoir, the paint reservoir being partially bordered by a rear wall located opposite the inclined roller surface. The tray is preferably configured so as to allow nested stacking with a plurality of other similar trays. The assembly also includes a splash guard element configured for snap-on engagement with part of the tray so as to provide a splash guard overhanging part of the reservoir along substantially the entire length of the rear wall.

Abstract: A paint can rim seal and groove protector that is simple and inexpensive in its manufacture and construction and easily allows the pouring of paint or other liquid from a can. A seal for a can rim includes a deformable rim seal having a width defined by an interior diameter smaller than the can rim and an exterior diameter larger than the can rim. A pressure sensitive releasable adhesive coating is provided on one surface of the deformable rim seal. In operation, the rim seal is aligned with the can rim with the adhesive coated side down. The rim seal is then removably placed on the rim. Interior and exterior edges of the rim seal are manually bent down to adhesively seal against the interior and exterior sidewalls of the can.

Abstract: A brush scraper comprising a circular cap having an inner and an outer lip, said inner and outer lips being downwardly disposed to cooperatively and frictionally engage a lid rim of a paint can and an arcuate flange which is substantially upwardly perpendicular to said circular cap and a scraper element comprising a pair of flanges extending substantially horizontally and integral with said arcuate flange and a single flange extending substantially horizontally from said pair of flanges, said scraper element extending between and being supported by said arcuate flange and a pourer which is integral with said arcuate flange, said pourer positioned on said circular cap substantially distal from said scraper element.

Abstract: A paint cup and brush holder configured in an uprightly disposed conical shape having a compartment for containing paint and an adjacent compartment for holding a brush. A doctor exists between the two compartments and at a level lower than the upper edge of the entire container for wiping the excess paint from the brush. There is a handle on the container and also a pour spout. The entire container is arranged in the conical shape so that it can be stacked in a plurality of containers.

Abstract: A combination paint brush holder and paint pourer unit for paint cans. It has a horizontally oriented annular neck portion designed to removably snap fit into the top end opening of a paint can. Connected to the top edge of the annular neck portion is a horizontally oriented upper wall portion having a pouring spout formed at its front end. It's left and right sides each have a vertical recess in their outer surface for capturing a wire bail handle of a paint can when it raised to a vertical position. A paint brush wiper portion is connected to the top edge of the annular neck portion adjacent the rear end of the upper wall portion. An auxiliary handle is detachably secured to the metal wire bail handle of a paint can. The auxiliary handle has a strip of hook or loop fastening material secured to its front or rear surface that matably receives a strip of hook or loop material that would be attached to the handle of a paint brush.