COVER FOR PAINT ROLLER

Abstract

Disclosed is a cover for storing a roller pad of a paint roller. The cover includes an elongated structure, a plurality of first seal members and a plurality of second seal members. The elongated structure includes a first half portion and a second half portion hingedly connected to the first half portion. The first half portion and the second half portion include a first peripheral edge portion and a second peripheral edge portion, respectively. A closed position and an open position of the elongated structure is configured by abuttingly disposing and spacing apart the first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion, respectively. The elongated structure is configured to receive the roller pad and enclose the roller pad. The plurality of first seal members and the plurality of second seal members are configured to provide fluid tight sealing of the cover.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a paint roller, and, more particularly, to a cover for storing a roller pad of a paint roller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A paint roller is a paint application tool useful for painting, generally flat surfaces such as a wall, a ceiling and the like. The paint roller includes a roller pad and a handle removably coupled to the roller pad. The roller pad is typically dipped in wet paint or sprayed with the wet paint, prior to rolling the roller pad over the flat surfaces for application of the wet paint on the flat surfaces. Painting operations, i.e. application of the wet paint onto flat surfaces, are typically performed by homeowners or professional painters. The painting operation may be paused intermittently on account of reasons such as a lunch break, and may be resumed subsequently.

During such intermittent pauses, the wet paint on the roller pad may dry on account of environmental exposure and may require cleaning of the roller pad prior to resuming of a paint operation. The roller pad may typically be washed to rid the roller pad of dried paint contained therein, prior to resuming the paint operation. Alternatively, for preventing or minimizing drying of the wet paint in the roller pad, the roller pad may be typically be wrapped in a plastic sheet or a plastic bag and sealed thereafter for preventing the environmental exposure of the roller pad. Removing the seal and the plastic sheet or the plastic bag may be cumbersome to a painter. Further, the plastic sheet or the plastic bag are in any case rendered unusable for future projects after they have been used to wrap the roller pad.

Accordingly, based on the foregoing, there exists a need for a preventing environmental exposure of a roller pad of a paint roller for preventing drying of wet paint contained on the roller pad during an intermittent pause in a paint operation. Further, there is a need for precluding washing of a roller pad of a paint roller prior to resuming a paint operation from an intermittent pause. Furthermore, there is a need for precluding cumbersome procedures such as wrapping and sealing of a roller pad in plastic sheets for preventing drying of wet paint contained in the roller pad during an intermittent pause in a paint operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a cover that is configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent environmental exposure of a roller pad of a paint roller for prevent drying of wet paint contained in the roller pad during an intermittent pause in a paint operation.

Another object of the present invention is to preclude frequent washing of a roller pad of a paint roller prior to resuming a paint operation from an intermittent pause.

Yet another object of the present invention is to preclude cumbersome procedures such as wrapping of a roller pad in plastic sheets for preventing drying of wet paint contained in the roller pad during an intermittent pause in a paint operation.

In light of the above objects, a cover for storing a roller pad of a paint roller is disclosed. The cover includes an elongated structure, a plurality of first seal members and a plurality of second seal members. The elongated structure includes a first half portion and a second half portion. The first half portion includes a first peripheral edge portion. The first peripheral edge portion includes at least one indent configured thereon. The second half portion is hingedly connected to the first half portion. The second half portion includes a second peripheral edge portion. The second peripheral edge portion includes at least one indent configured thereon. The first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion are capable of being abuttingly disposed for configuring a closed position of the elongated structure. The first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion abuttingly disposed in the closed position configure a cavity between the first half portion and the second half portion. The first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion are capable of being spaced apart for configuring an open position of the elongated structure.

Each of the at least one indent configured on the first peripheral edge portion is capable of being aligned with the at least one indent on the second peripheral edge portion on abuttingly disposing the first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion for configuring at least one opening. Each of the plurality of first seal members is disposed on one of the first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion. Each of the plurality of second seal members is disposed on one of the at least one indent configured on the first peripheral edge portion and the at least one indent configured on the second peripheral edge portion.

The elongated structure in the open position is configured to receive the roller pad in the cavity. The elongated structure in the closed position is capable of enclosing the roller pad received in the cavity. The plurality of first seal members and the plurality of second seal members are configured to provide fluid tight sealing of the cover.

The roller pad enclosed in the cavity between the first half portion and the second half portion of the elongated structure prevents environmental exposure of a roller pad of a paint roller to preclude drying of wet paint contained in or on the roller pad during an intermittent pause in a paint operation. Moreover, the cover precludes frequent washing of the roller pad prior to resuming the paint operation from the intermittent pause. Furthermore, using a cover for storing the roller pad of the paint roller precludes cumbersome procedures such as wrapping and sealing of the roller pad in plastic sheets for preventing drying of wet paint contained in or on the roller pad during the intermittent pause in the paint operation.

This aspect together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a cover for depicting an open position of an elongated structure of the cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 for depicting a closed position of the elongated structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 configured to store a roller pad of a paint roller, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a cover configured to store a roller pad of a paint roller, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular cover as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded view of a cover 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cover 100 includes an elongated structure 102, a plurality of first seal members, such as a first seal member 104a and a first seal member 104b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “plurality of first seal members 104”) and a plurality of second seal members, such as a second seal member 106a and a second seal member 106b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “plurality of second seal members 106”).

The elongated structure 102 includes a first half portion 108 and a second half portion 110. The first half portion 108 has a first peripheral edge portion 112. The first peripheral edge portion 112 includes a proximal longitudinal edge portion 114, a distal longitudinal edge portion 116, a proximal lateral edge portion 118 and a distal lateral edge portion 120. Further, the first peripheral edge portion 112 includes at least one indent such as an indent 122a configured thereon. More specifically, the indent 122a is configured on the proximal lateral edge portion 118 of the first peripheral edge portion 112. The second half portion 110 includes a second peripheral edge portion 124. The second peripheral edge portion 124 includes a proximal longitudinal edge portion 126 and a distal longitudinal edge portion 128, a proximal lateral edge portion 130 and a distal lateral edge portion 132. Further, the second peripheral edge portion 124 includes at least one indent such as an indent 134a configured thereon. More specifically, the indent 134a is configured on the proximal lateral edge portion 130 of the second peripheral edge portion 124.

The first half portion 108 is hingedly connected to the second half portion 110. More specifically, the proximal longitudinal edge portion 114 of the first half portion 108 is hingedly connected to the proximal longitudinal edge portion 126 of the second half portion 110 by means of a hinge mechanism 136. The hinge mechanism 136 is configured to allow rotational movement of the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110 relative to each other. In one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge mechanism 136 may be a living hinge. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the hinge mechanism 136 may be configured using various hinge mechanisms known in the art for allowing the rotational movement between the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110 and as such, is not limited to a particular hinge mechanism.

The first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110 may be rotated with respect to each other using the hinge mechanism 136 such that the first peripheral edge portion 112 of the first half portion 108 and the second peripheral edge portion 124 of the second half portion 110 are spaced apart from each other for configuring an open position of the elongated structure 102. The open position of the elongated structure 102 is depicted in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110 may be rotated with respect to each other using the hinge mechanism 136 such that the first peripheral edge portion 112 of the first half portion 108 and the second peripheral edge portion 124 of the second half portion 110 are abuttingly disposed for configuring a closed position of the elongated structure 102. The closed position of the elongated structure 102 is depicted in FIG. 2. The first peripheral edge portion 112 and the second peripheral edge portion 124 abuttingly disposed in the closed position of the elongated structure 102 configure a cavity between the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110. A roller pad of a paint roller may be received into the cavity in the open position of the elongated structure 102. The elongated structure 102 may then be closed for enclosing the roller pad.

In FIG. 1, each of the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110 of the elongated structure 102 are depicted to be configured in semi-cylindrical shape. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various shapes of the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110 are possible for configuring the cavity for receiving the roller pad, and, as such, the shape of the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110 may not be limited to the semi-cylindrical shape depicted in FIG. 1. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110 may be composed of a plastic material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110 may be composed of various materials such as but not limited to metal alloys, polyethylene and the like. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to a particular material used for composing the second half portion 110 and the first half portion 108.

Each of the plurality of first seal members 104 is disposed on one of the first peripheral edge portion 112 and the second peripheral edge portion 124 of the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110, respectively. More specifically, the first seal member 104a is disposed on the first peripheral edge portion 112 of the first half portion 108 and the first seal member 104b is disposed on the second peripheral edge portion 124 of the second half portion 110. Examples of first seal members of the plurality of first seal members 104 include but are not limited to a rubber strip, a gasket, a flange gasket and the like.

Similarly, each of the plurality of second seal members 106 is disposed on one of the at least one indent of the first peripheral edge portion 112, such as the indent 122a, and the at least one indent of the second peripheral edge portion 124, such as the indent 134a. More specifically, the second seal member 106a is disposed on the indent 122a and the second seal member 106b is disposed on the indent 134a. Examples of the second seal members of the plurality of second seal members 106 may include but are not limited to a rubber strip, a gasket, a flange gasket, a u-ring and the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of first seal members 104 and the plurality of second seal members 106 may be composed of rubber material.

The plurality of first seal members 104 and the plurality of second seal members 106 are configured to provide fluid tight sealing of the cover 100 when the elongated structure 102 is in the closed position. The closed position of the elongated structure 102 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.

Now referring to FIG. 2, the closed position of the elongated structure 102 of the cover 100 configured by abuttingly disposing the first peripheral edge portion 112 and the second peripheral edge portion 124 is illustrated. More specifically, the proximal longitudinal edge portion 114, the distal longitudinal edge portion 116, the proximal lateral edge portion 118 and the distal lateral edge portion 120 (shown in FIG. 1) of the first peripheral edge portion 112 are abuttingly disposed with the proximal longitudinal edge portion 126, the distal longitudinal edge portion 128, the proximal lateral edge portion 130 and the distal lateral edge portion 132 of the second peripheral edge portion 124, respectively for configuring the closed position of the elongated structure 102. It will be evident to the those skilled in the art that the first seal member 104a disposed on the first peripheral edge portion 112 and the first seal member 104b disposed on the second peripheral edge portion 124 provide the fluid tight sealing of the elongated structure 102 when the first peripheral edge portion 112 and the second peripheral edge portion 124 are abuttingly disposed.

Further, as explained in conjunction with FIG. 1, the first peripheral edge portion 112 and the second peripheral portion 124 abuttingly disposed in the closed position configure a cavity (not shown) between the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110. The at least one indent on the first peripheral edge portion 112 and the at least one indent on the second peripheral edge portion 124 may be aligned to configure at least one opening on abuttingly coupling the first peripheral edge portion 112 and the second peripheral edge portion 124. In FIG. 2, the indent 122a configured on the first peripheral edge portion 112 is aligned with the indent 134a on the second peripheral edge portion 124 on abuttingly disposing the first peripheral edge portion 112 and the second peripheral edge portion 124 for configuring an opening 138.

Further, as explained in conjunction with FIG. 1, a roller pad of a paint roller may be received into the cavity in the open position of the elongated structure 102. The elongated structure 102 may then be closed for enclosing the roller pad. The roller pad may be configured with a handle which may protrude out of the opening 138 upon enclosing the roller pad in the cavity between the first half portion 108 and the second half portion 110 in the closed position of the elongated structure 102. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the opening 138 may be suitably dimensioned for accommodating the handle configured with the roller pad. Further, the indent 122a and the indent 134a are depicted to configure a circular shaped opening, i.e. the opening 138, on alignment subsequent to abuttingly disposing the first peripheral edge portion 112 and the second peripheral edge portion 124. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the opening 138 may be configured to define various shapes for accommodating the handle of the roller pad. A roller pad for storing in the cover 100, i.e. in the cavity of the elongated structure 102 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 3.

Now referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the cover 100 configured to store a roller pad 202 of a paint roller 200 is disclosed. More specifically, the roller pad 202 may be received in the elongated structure 102 in the open position of the elongated structure 102 (as explained in conjunction with FIG. 1). The elongated structure 102 in the closed position (described in accordance with FIG. 2) is configured to enclose the roller pad 202 of the paint roller 200 received in the cavity. The plurality of first seal members 104 is configured to form fluid tight sealing around the roller pad 202 when the elongated structure 102 is in the closed position. The opening 138 (described in accordance with FIG. 2) is configured to accommodate a handle 204 of the paint roller 200. The plurality of second seal members 106, such as the seal member 106a and the seal member 106b, is configured to form fluid tight sealing around a part of the handle 204 of the paint roller 200 when the elongated structure 102 is in the closed position. Another exemplary roller pad for storing in the cover 100 is depicted in FIG. 4.

Now referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the cover 100 configured to store a roller pad 302 of a paint roller 300 is illustrated, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment the cover 100 further includes an indent 122b and an indent 134b. More specifically, the indent 122b may be configured on the distal lateral edge portion 120 of the first peripheral edge portion 112 (described in accordance with FIG. 1) and the indent 134b may be configured on the distal lateral edge portion 132 of the second peripheral edge portion 124 (described in accordance with FIG. 1). A pair of indents, such as the indent 122a and the indent 122b configured on the first peripheral edge portion 112 align with a pair of indents, such as the indent 134a and the indent 134b configured on the second peripheral edge portion 124 to form a pair of openings, such as the opening 138 (described in accordance with FIG. 2), to accommodate a handle 304 extending from both sides of the roller pad 302 of the paint roller 300. Further, the plurality of second seal members 106, such as a second seal member 106c, may also be disposed on the indent 122b and the indent 134b in a same way as the plurality of second seal members 106 is disposed on the indent 122a and the indent 134a. The plurality of second seal members 106 is configured to form fluid tight sealing around a part of the handle 304 when the elongated structure 102 is in the closed position. Further, the elongated structure 102 in the closed position is configured to enclose the roller pad 302 therein. The plurality of first seal members 104 (described in accordance with FIG. 1) is configured to form fluid tight sealing around the roller pad 302 when the elongated structure 102 is in the closed position.

The cover 100 of the present invention may be available in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of roller pads of paint rollers. In one embodiment of the present invention, for storing a paint roller of eighteen inches long, the cover 100, in the closed position thereof, may have a length of about eighteen and half inches and a diameter of about three and half inches. In another embodiment of the present invention, for storing a paint roller of nine inches long, the cover 100 may have a length of about nine and half inches and a diameter of about three and half inches. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, for storing a paint roller of seven inches long, the cover 100 may have a length of about seven inches and a diameter of about one and half inches. The cover 100 may include a latch mechanism for securing the cover 100 in the closed position.

Various embodiments of the present invention offer following advantages. The cover, as described herein, is capable of preventing environmental exposure of a roller pad of a paint roller for precluding drying of wet paint contained in or on the roller pad during an intermittent pause in a paint operation. Further, the cover precludes frequent washing of a roller pad of a paint roller prior to resuming a paint operation from an intermittent pause. Still further, the cover is configured to increase the life of a roller pad of a paint roller. Furthermore, the cover is simple in construction and easy to use. Moreover, the cover of the present invention is washable.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cover for storing a roller pad of a paint roller, the cover comprising:

an elongated structure, the elongated structure comprising, a first half portion, the first half portion comprising a first peripheral edge portion portion, the first peripheral edge portion comprising at least one indent configured thereon, and a second half portion hingedly connected to the first half portion, the second half portion comprising a second peripheral edge portion, the second peripheral edge portion comprising at least one indent configured thereon, wherein the first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion are capable of being abuttingly disposed for configuring a closed position of the elongated structure, and, wherein the first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion are capable of being spaced apart for configuring an open position of the elongated structure, and, wherein the first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion abuttingly disposed in the closed position configure a cavity between the first half portion and the second half portion, and, wherein each of the at least one indent configured on the first peripheral edge portion is capable of being aligned with the at least one indent on the second peripheral edge portion on abuttingly disposing the first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion for configuring at least one opening;

a plurality of first seal members, wherein each of the plurality of first seal members is disposed on one of the first peripheral edge portion and the second peripheral edge portion; and

a plurality of second seal members, wherein each of the plurality of second seal members is disposed on one of the at least one indent configured on the first peripheral edge portion and the at least one indent configured on the second peripheral edge portion,

wherein the elongated structure in the open position is configured to receive the roller pad in the cavity, and,

wherein the elongated structure in the closed position is capable of enclosing the roller pad received in the cavity.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first seal members and the plurality of second seal members are composed of a rubber material.

3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the first half portion and the second half portion are composed of a plastic material.

4. The cover of claim 1, wherein each of the first half portion and the second half portion of the elongated structure are configured to be semi-cylindrical in shape.

5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening is configured to accommodate a handle of the roller pad.