CONVERTIBLE IMPLEMENT

Abstract

The present invention provides a implement, having an operable head connected to a handle. The first implement is removably connected to a second implement also having an operable head connected to a handle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/789,863 filed on Apr. 25, 2007 titled “CONVERTIBLE IMPLEMENT,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hand-held implement and, more particularly, to a modular hand-held implement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hand-held implements are used for numerous applications. For example, paintbrushes are utilized in the application of coating compositions, such as paint or varnish. Paintbrushes generally include a handle with an end upon which a plurality of bristles are attached. The manufacture of paintbrushes typically includes securing a ferrule to the handle for providing an open end to accept the bristles. The bristles are fitted into the open end of the ferrule and secured in place by an adhesive.

It is common practice to utilize multiple brushes of varying widths to accommodate different painting surfaces, such as walls, trellises, furniture, and sashes. This practice necessitates the purchase and transport of numerous paintbrushes by the painter, resulting in undesirable expense and inconvenience, as when the paintwork is performed on a ladder or in a remote location. Attempts have been made to provide modular paintbrushes capable of performing different types of paintwork; however, such attempts have suffered from several deficiencies. Typically, such modular paintbrushes require the attachment and/or detachment of bristle heads with a screw or more complicated device. Further, many of these paintbrushes require the painter to remove the handle and insert it into another position or bristle head before using it.

Accordingly, such paintbrushes require several additional parts and tools that make assembly and use difficult, and often result in streaky or otherwise poor application of coatings. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a modular paintbrush capable of easy assembly without additional tools. It is also desirable to provide a modular paintbrush capable of separating into at least two functional paintbrushes, without requiring the attachment or repositioning of the handle. It is also desirable to provide a modular paintbrush that is capable of applying coatings without streaks.

Additional information will be set forth in the description that follows, which will be obvious in part from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A modular paintbrush for coating a surface is provided having a first paintbrush with a first bristle head secured to a first handle. The first paintbrush is removably secured to a second paintbrush having a second bristle head secured to a second handle.

Also contemplated is a modular paintbrush for coating a surface having a first paintbrush with a first bristle head secured to a first handle. The first paintbrush is removably secured to a second paintbrush having a second bristle head removably secured to a second handle.

Also contemplated is a modular hand-held implement having a first implement with a first implement head secured to a first handle. The first implement is removably secured to a second implement having a second implement head secured to a second handle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the paintbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates the modular paintbrush of FIG. 1A in the separated configuration.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a frontal view of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a frontal view of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a side view of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a frontal view of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side view of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of another embodiment of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B is a frontal view of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a side view of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 illustrates bristle heads capable of being used with the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a series of heads capable of being used with the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a scraper capable of being used with the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a modular pet hairbrush in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a modular screwdriver in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a modular hand-held garden rake in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a modular implement in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates implement heads capable of being used in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present invention is described with reference to the embodiments described herein, it should be clear that the present invention should not be limited to such embodiments. Therefore, the description of the embodiments herein is illustrative of the present invention and should not limit the scope of the invention as claimed.

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying figures. Embodiments of a convertible implement 10 are shown in FIGS. 1 through 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the convertible implement 10 generally has a first implement 10a removably connected to a second implement 10b. Each implement 10a,b has a handle 12a,b with a proximal end 13a,b and a distal end 14a,b. The distal end 14a,b is engaged with an operable head 16a,b. As shown in FIG. 1, the implements 10a,b are removably connected to form a convertible implement 10 with a handle 12 having a proximal end 13 and a distal end 14, and an operable head 16.

As used herein, removably connectible may be defined as removable and separable, but not reconnectable. In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment . . . In other embodiments, removably connectible may also be defined as removable and separable, and reconnectable. Illustrative, non-limiting examples are described in more detail below.

In one illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, the convertible implement 10 may be a paintbrush. The convertible paintbrush 10 generally has a first paintbrush 10a removably connected to a second paintbrush 10b.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, each paintbrush 10a,b has a handle 12a,b with a proximal end 13a,b and a distal end 14a,b. The distal end 14a,b is engaged with a bristle head 16a,b and, in some embodiments, a ferrule 18a,b. As shown in FIG. 1A, the paintbrushes 10a,b are removably connected to form a modular paintbrush 10 with a handle 12 having a proximal end 13 and a distal end 14, a bristle head 16, and a ferrule 18.

The handles 12a,b may be made from any material such as wood, plastic, metal, composites, rubber, and the like, and coatings may also be applied. In addition, the handle 12 and handles 12a,b may be shaped to provide an ergonomic handgrip. As shown in FIG. 1, the handles 12a,b may have substantially symmetrical widths. It is to be understood, however, that the handles 12a,b may have asymmetrical widths. In addition, the handles 12a,b may be modified to facilitate separation, such as expanding the width, providing tabs or grips, and the like. It is also understood that the handle 12 and handles 12a,b may have hang holes 103/103a,b.

The bristle heads 16a,b may have bristles 17 comprised of any natural or synthetic material such as hog-bristles, horsehair, squirrel hair, ox hair, badger hair, camel hair, sable, dog hair, nylon, polyester, synthetic hog-bristle, and mixtures thereof. It is also understood that the bristle heads 16a,b may have any thickness and shape such as chiseled, square, angled, thin, flat, wall, and oval heads and, alternatively, may be foam rather than bristles 17. Ferrules 18a,b may also be utilized to align the bristles 17 and assist in securing the bristle heads 16a,b and handle 12a,b together. The ferrules 18a,b may be made from any material such as plastic, leather, stainless steel, copper, brass, nickel-plated steel, tin, rust-resistant materials, and the like.

In an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2A-C, the paintbrushes 10a,b are removably connected with a magnet 30. As shown in FIG. 2B, the handles 12a,b each may have a substantially coplanar inner wall 31a,b. The magnet 30 may be secured to the inner wall 31a, and a second magnet or ferromagnetic material 32 (hereinafter referred to as “magnet 32”) may be secured to the inner wall 31b, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the magnet 30 and/or magnet 32 may be permanent magnets.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the magnets 30, 32 may be in the form of a strip that extends substantially the entire length of the inner walls 31a,b. In addition, the inner walls 31a,b may be recessed within the handles 12a,b, thereby allowing the magnets 30, 32 to be embedded within handles 12a,b, respectively. In another embodiment (not shown), the magnets 30, 32 may extend substantially the entire length of the inner walls 31a,b, as well as the ferrules 18a,b.

However, the magnets 30, 32 should not be deemed as limited to any specific shape or position, as one or more magnets can be positioned at any point in, on, or around the handles 12a,b and/or the ferrules 18a,b. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the use of various configurations and positions for the magnets 30, 32. The magnets 30, 32 must only be positioned so that the permanent magnetic field exerted by the magnets 30, 32 is sufficiently strong to removably connected the brush portions 10a,b so as to provide streak-free painting when the paintbrushes 10a,b are combined. It is also understood that the magnets 30, 32 may be moldingly secured to or moldingly embedded in the handles 12a,b and/or the ferrules 18a,b or may be secured with an adhesive, screw, or the like.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 3A, one or more gripper members 40 may be provided to removably connect the paintbrushes 10a,b. The gripper member 40 may be secured to handle 12a and extend substantially perpendicularly outward from the inner wall 31a. The gripper member 40 may have any shape such as ribbed, barbed, or riveted protrusions capable of removably engaging a receiver 45 defined by a cavity in handle 12b. The gripper member 40 may be any material, such as wood, metal, plastic, or composites, that allows the gripper member 40 to be inserted and removed from the receiver 45 without damage to or distortion of its retaining shape. It is also to be understood that one or more gripper members 40 and receivers 45 may be provided in any combination along the handles 12a,b and/or the ferrules 18a,b. The gripper members 40 may be secured to the paintbrushes 10a,b in a variety of ways, such as screwing, molding, gluing, and the like. In some embodiments, the magnets 30, 32 may be used in combination with the gripper member 40 and the receiver 45.

However, the paintbrushes 10a,b should not be deemed as limited to any specific configuration in order to removably connect the paintbrushes 10a,b to form the modular paintbrush 10. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the use of various configurations to removably connect the paintbrushes 10a,b. Illustrative, non-limiting examples may include Velcro, snap fasteners such as snap buttons, dovetail connections, tongue and groove connections, mortise and tenon connections, and/or a deformable collar or sleeve that may slide over the handles 12a,b.

In addition, one or more alignment guides 50 may be provided on the paintbrushes 10a,b. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1B, the guide 50 may be a substantially cylindrical projection extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the inner wall 31b that is capable of engaging a receiver 55. The receiver 55 may be defined by a recess or cavity in the second handle portion 12b, having substantially the same shape as the guide 50 for alignment of the guide 50 therein. The guide 50 facilitates proper alignment of the paintbrushes 10a,b when combining to form the modular paintbrush 10 and prevents dislodgement and/or rotation of the paintbrushes 10a,b during use.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 2A, the guide 50 may be a substantially rectangular projection extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the inner wall 31a to engage a receiver 55 in handle 12b. In yet another embodiment as shown in FIG. 3A, the guide 50 and the receiver 55 may have a tongue and groove configuration. The guide (tongue) 50 may be an elongated, substantially rectangular projection extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the inner wall 31b that is capable of engaging a receiver (groove) 55 in the inner wall 31a. It is to be understood, however, that the guide 50 and the receiver 55 should not be deemed as limited to any specific shape, quantity, or position on the paintbrushes 10a,b. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the use of various shapes, quantities, and positions for the guide 50 and the receiver 55. In addition, it is to be understood that any guide 50 and receiver 55 may be used in any combination with any configuration for removably securing the handles 12a,b.

In yet another embodiment, the modular paintbrush 10 may also be capable of removably securing bristle heads 16a,b to the handles 12a,b. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the bristle heads 16a,b may be secured to a base 60a,b having a substantially rectangular shape. Ferrules 18a,b may be provided to facilitate securing the bristle heads 16a,b to the bases 60a,b and to maintain alignment of the bristles 17.

In one embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 4A and 5, the bases 60a,b may be removably connected to the distal ends 14a,b with a sliding dovetail configuration. The distal ends 14a,b may be provided with a substantially coplanar surface 62a,b that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handles 12a,b. An elongated substantially trapezoidal projection (tail) 65a,b extends substantially perpendicularly outward from the surface 62a,b. Grooves 70a,b are provided in the bases 60a,b that are defined by a cavity in the bases 60a,b and that are capable of slidingly engaging the tail 65a,b to removably connect the base 60a,b to the distal ends 14a,b. A raised perimeter 75a,b with an open end may be provided to assist in removably securing the bristle segments 16a,b.

It is to be understood that either or both bristle portions 16a,b may removably connected and that, in some embodiments, the base may be provided with the tail 65a,b and the distal ends 14a,b with the groove 70. In other embodiments (not shown), the bristle heads 16a,b may be removably connected and/or aligned as described above for removably securing the handles 12a,b. However, the modular paintbrush 10 should not be deemed as limited to any specific configuration for removably securing the bristle heads 16a,b to the handles 12a,b. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the use of various configurations to removably connect the bristle heads 16a,b to the handles 12a,b.

FIG. 6 provides illustrative examples of the bristle heads 16a,b and other implements that may be removably connected to the handles 12a,b, such as a horse hair set 80, a synthetic set 85, a disposable set 90, a foam set 95, and a scraper set 100. It is to be understood that the modular paintbrush 10 may have a bristle head 16 of any size and may be separated into paintbrushes 10a,b with bristle heads 16a,b of any width. Standard bristle head widths generally include 1″, 1½″, 2″, 2½″, 3″, 3½″, 4″, and 6″ widths. Generally, bristle head widths from 1″-2″ are used for small trim purposes; widths from 2″-3″ are used for cupboards, doors, and fences; and widths greater than 3″ are used for larger surfaces.

Accordingly, the paintbrushes 10a,b may have bristle heads 16a,b of any width, standard or nonstandard. In one illustrative embodiment, the bristle head 16 may have a 3½″ width. Accordingly, paintbrush 10a may be a 1½″ bristle head 16a and paintbrush 10b may have a 2″ bristle head 16b. In another illustrative embodiment, the bristle head 16 may have a width of 4″ and the paintbrushes 10a,b may be comprised of two 2″ bristle heads 16a,b or a 2½″ bristle head 16a and a 1½″ bristle head 16b. Accordingly, it is to be understood that a painter may combine bristle heads 16a,b to form a bristle head 16 of any desired width. In some embodiments, a painter may configure the modular paintbrush 10 with bristle heads 16a,b that are capable of applying both oil and latex paints.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, a scraper 105 or other tool may be connected to the proximal end 13 of the modular paintbrush 10. Although it is shown connected to the modular paintbrush 10, it is to be understood that the handles 12a,b may each be configured to attach tools, such as a scraper 105. The scraper 105 may be connected with attachment bands 110, magnets, screws, clips, and the like.

Turning to the modular paintbrush 10, an example of how to use the modular paintbrush 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 is set forth below. As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the modular paintbrush 10 is provided with magnets 30, 32 and is capable of being used to apply a coating composition to a surface without streaking When application of a coating composition to, for example, a narrower surface is desired, paintbrushes 10a,b may be quickly detached by simply applying a force greater than the force exerted by the magnetic field of the magnets 30, 32. Accordingly, either or both paintbrushes 10a,b can be used to coat a surface without the need for additional tooling or reconfiguration.

When application of a coating composition to a larger surface is desired, the paintbrushes 10a,b may be combined to form the modular paintbrush 10. This is achieved by simply placing magnets 30, 32 in close proximity to allow the magnetic field to removably connect the paintbrushes 10a,b. Proper alignment may be facilitated by an alignment guide 50, which engages the receiving member 55. In addition, the guide 50 also provides additional stability during use. Accordingly, the paintbrushes 10a,b are properly aligned to allow coating of a surface with the modular paintbrush 10 without streaking and without rotation or disengagement of the paintbrushes 10a,b. In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2B-C, the modular paintbrush 10 may have the appearance and feel of a conventional paintbrush when the paintbrushes 10a,b are combined.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 3A-C, the modular paintbrush 10, when provided with a gripper member 40, is capable of being used to apply a coating composition to a surface without streaking The paintbrushes 10a,b may be quickly detached by simply applying a force greater than the force exerted by the gripper member 40 on the receiver 45.

To continue coating a larger surface, the paintbrushes 10a,b may be combined to form the relatively larger modular paintbrush 10. This is achieved by simply inserting the gripper member 40 into the receiver 45 to removably connect the paintbrushes 10a,b. The proper alignment is facilitated by the alignment guide 50, which engages the receiving member 55. However, where gripper members 40 are provided, the gripper members 40 can also serve to properly align the paintbrushes 10a,b.

The modular paintbrush 10 may also provide for the use of different bristle heads 16a,b. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5, the paintbrushes 10a,b are removably connected using a magnet 30, 32. As is best shown in FIGS. 4A and 5, the bristle heads may be removably connected when the paintbrushes 10a,b are separated, by slidingly engaging the tail 65a,b with the groove 70a,b. It is to be understood that the groove 70a,b may be tapered such that the groove 70a,b becomes narrower as the end wall 75a,b is reached. Accordingly, the sliding dovetail configuration allows for quick and easy changing of the brush heads without tools. Additionally, the tapered groove 70a,b removably connects the body 60a,b and the bristle heads 16a,b in position to allow the paintbrushes 10a,b to be used together as the modular paintbrush 10 or separately.

When application of a coating composition with a different bristle head 16a,b is desired, the base 60 may be quickly detached (when paintbrushes 10a,b are detached) by simply applying a force greater than the force exerted by the tail 65a,b and the groove 70a,b toward the opening in the raised perimeter 75a,b. Accordingly, another base 60a,b with a different bristle head 16a,b may be removably connected as described above.

Accordingly, the modular paintbrush 10 allows for easy attachment and detachment of the paintbrushes 10a,b to allow a painter to paint a variety of surfaces while only carrying one brush. In addition, the modular paintbrush 10 allows for such modifications without requiring additional tools or repositioning of the handle 12 or handles 12a,b. Further, the modular paintbrush 10 is capable of painting surfaces without streaking.

The lack of dependence upon additional tools is especially useful in instances when paintwork is performed while the painter is on a ladder or scaffolding. In some embodiments, the magnets 30, 32 may be strong enough to removably connect the paintbrushes 10a,b to a metal surface while not in use. In addition, the magnets 30, 32 may provide therapeutic pain-easing and healing effects to the operator. The repetitive motions used to manipulate hand-held implements, such as paintbrushes, can adversely affect muscle tissue in the hand and arm. Magnetic therapy is believed to promote healing, reduce pain, and provide a natural, drug-free method of pain management. Accordingly, magnetic flux therapy may reduce the effects of the repetitive motions transmitted through the handle of a hand-held device and to the user of the device. Therefore, the magnets 30, 32 may be configured in or on the handles 12a,b to optimize flux therapy to the user. In some embodiments, magnets 30, 32 may be arranged on the handles 12a,b to directly contact an operator's hand.

It is also understood that the handle 12 and handles 12a,b as described herein may be used with other hand-held implements. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a modular pet hairbrush 120 having a plurality of bristles 122 may be provided that is removably connected to the handles 12a,b. Similar to the modular paintbrush 10 described above, a modular hairbrush 120 would be capable of separating into two separate hairbrushes 120a,b for use on different animals or on different parts of an animal that might require a smaller hairbrush. In another embodiment, a modular flat-bladed screwdriver 130 may be provided that is capable of separating into two smaller screwdrivers 130a,b that could be used on smaller screws. In yet another embodiment, a modular hand-held garden rake 140 may be provided that is capable of separating into smaller rakes 140a,b. Such a modular garden rake 140 would allow a gardener, when confronted with a tight area such as a flowerbed or flowerpot, to continue gardening without having to retrieve or carry another rake.

It is also understood that, as described above with respect to the bristle heads 16a,b, the handles 12a,b may also be configured to attach a variety of implement heads 150a,b as desired, so that only one universal handle 12 would have to be purchased. As shown in FIGS. 11-12, the same handles 12a,b may be used with a modular paintbrush 10, pet hairbrush 120, screwdriver 130, and a garden rake 140, among other hand-held implements. However, the implement heads 150 should not be deemed as limited to any specific implement. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the use of various implements for use with handle 12.

The invention has been described above and, obviously, modifications and alternations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of this specification. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.

Claims

1. A convertible implement comprising:

a first handle having a first connecting element;

a first head connected to said first handle, said first head having an operable portion;

a second handle having a second connecting element, said second connecting element configured to engage said first connecting element;

a second head connected to said second handle, said second head having an operable portion;

wherein said second handle is removably connected to said first handle by way of said first and second connection members to align said operable portion of said first head with said operable portion of said second head.

2. The convertible implement of claim 1 wherein said first connecting element is a magnet.

3. The convertible implement of claim 2 wherein said second connecting element is capable of magnetic connection with said magnet.

4. The convertible implement of claim 3 wherein said first connection member extends longitudinally along said first handle and said second connection member extends longitudinally along said second handle.

5. The convertible implement of claim 3 wherein said second connection member includes a plurality of metallic members positioned along the length of said second handle.

6. The convertible implement of claim 1 wherein said first head is removably connected to said first handle.

7. The convertible implement of claim 6 wherein said second head is removably connected to said second handle.

8. The convertible implement of claim 1 wherein said first operable portion comprises paintbrush bristles.

9. The convertible implement of claim 8 wherein said second operable portion comprises paintbrush bristles.

10. A convertible implement comprising:

a first handle having a first operable head connected thereto, said first operable head comprising one of a bristle head, a scraper, a hairbrush, a screwdriver or a rake;

a first connection member connected to said first handle;

a second handle having a second operable head connected thereto, said second operable head corresponding to the first operable head;

a second connection member connected to said second handle; and

wherein said second handle is removably connected to said first handle.

11. The convertible implement of claim 10 further comprising a guide member extending outward from said first handle.

12. The convertible implement of claim 11 further comprising a receiving portion in said second handle.

13. The convertible implement of claim 12 wherein said guide member is a rivet.

14. The convertible implement of claim 12 wherein said guide member is a screw.

15. The convertible implement of claim 14 wherein said receiving portion is defined by a threaded cavity in said second handle.

16. The convertible implement of claim 10 wherein said first operable head is removably connected to said first handle.

17. The convertible implement of claim 16 wherein said removable connection comprises an elongated substantially trapezoidal member extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the distal end of said first handle, and a first body interconnected between said first handle and said first operable head, said first body having a groove capable of slidingly engaging said trapezoidal member.