PAINT BRUSH STORAGE DEVICE

Abstract

A paint brush storage device includes a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion configured for positioning and restraining a bristle portion of a paint brush within. The bottom portion includes a plurality of perforations for ventilating the paint brush, a pair of oppositely disposed first and second sidewalls, a pair of oppositely disposed first and second end walls, and a back wall. The back wall includes a first pair of projections and a second pair of projections extending from an interior surface of the back wall and configured for positioning the paint brush. The positioning of the paint brush by the first pair of projections and the second pair of projections forms a space between an exposed surface of the bristle portion, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall, to protect and ventilate the bristle portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/556,929, entitled “Paint Brush Protector,” filed Nov. 8, 2011, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a paint brush storage device, and more particularly to a paint brush device for storing paint brushes after use, and having a plurality of internal projections to position the brush inside of the device for protection and ventilation of the bristles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of devices for storing and drying paint brushes have been used in the industry. Most existing paint brush storage devices include some type of a perforated shell or housing enclosure in which the bristle portion and ferrule portion of a wet paint brush may be inserted to dry. The ventilated enclosure protects the wet brush from environmental contaminants such as dirt or dust while it dries. While the shell allows the bristles to air dry, there are usually no provisions in known devices to prevent the bristles from contacting the internal sidewalls of the shell.

Known devices may provide protrusions or restraining bands or clips on the housing that restrict the brush from moving to contact one or both of the planar back walls, but the brush remains free to move laterally or rotate to the side such that the bristles may contact the side or end walls. Another example device includes spikes extending from the back wall of the housing that penetrate the bristles of the stored brush. As the bristles are flexible, the brush again remains free to shift laterally, or rotate to the side. Other known devices include protrusions on the sidewalls, but do not include protrusions to directly restrain the narrow portion of the handle of the brush, so the brush remains free to shift, or rotate to the side such that the bristles may contact the side or end walls. Often the bristles end up pushed together inside the shell, leaving them deformed and pressed together in a shape that may be unsuitable for further usage. Further known storage devices are configured only for protection. These devices conform closely against the outline of the brush to tightly retain it against movement, but do not leave sufficient space between the bristles and the shell to provide quick, efficient drying. There is still a need for a paint brush storage device that both maintains the brush bristles in their proper shape and orientation, and provides ample surrounding air space permitting the bristles to dry quickly.

What is needed is a paint brush storage device having projections spaced in from the sidewalls, projecting from a bottom interior surface of the back wall of the housing, restraining both the wide portion of the brush and the narrow portion at the handle to prevent the bristles from deforming due to irregular positioning of the brush and the housing. A device which secures the paint brush in this way allows the flexible bristles of the brush to maintain its original shape, and provides an air space surrounding the bristles for proper ventilation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment is a paint brush storage device for a paint brush. The paint brush storage device includes a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion includes an interface surface that is detachably secured to a complementary interface surface of the second body portion. At least one of the top portion and the bottom portion includes a plurality of perforations for ventilating the paint brush. The housing is configured for positioning and restraining a bristle portion of a paint brush within the housing. The bottom portion includes a pair of oppositely disposed first and second sidewalls, a pair of oppositely disposed first and second end walls, and a back wall. The second end wall is configured with an aperture to allow a handle portion of the paint brush to extend from the housing. The back wall includes a first pair of projections extending from an interior surface of the back wall and configured for positioning the paint brush. The first pair of projections is arranged substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first and second sidewalls. The positioning of the paint brush by the first pair of projections forms a space between an exposed surface of the bristle portion, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall, to protect and ventilate the bristle portion.

In another embodiment there is a paint brush storage device for a paint brush. The paint brush storage device includes a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion and a fastener device for detachably securing the top portion to the bottom portion. At least one of the top portion and the bottom portion includes a plurality of perforations for ventilating the paint brush. The housing is configured for positioning and restraining a bristle portion of a paint brush within the housing. The bottom portion includes a pair of oppositely disposed first and second sidewalls, a pair of oppositely disposed first and second end walls, and a back wall. The second end wall is configured with an aperture to allow a handle portion of the paint brush to extend from the housing. The back wall includes at least one restraining bar extending from an interior surface of the back wall and configured for positioning and restraining the paint brush. The at least one restraining bar is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second sidewalls. The positioning of the handle portion through the aperture and positioning the at least one restraining bar against the paint brush prevents lateral movement of the paint brush and forms a space between an exposed surface of the bristle portion, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall, to protect and ventilate the bristle portion.

In another embodiment there is a paint brush storage device for a paint brush. The paint brush storage device includes a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion configured for connection by a hinge and at least one fastener device. The top portion and the bottom portion include a plurality of perforations for ventilating the paint brush. The housing is configured for positioning and restraining a bristle portion of a paint brush within the housing. The bottom portion includes a pair of oppositely disposed first and second sidewalls, a pair of oppositely disposed first and second end walls, and a back wall. The second end wall is configured with an aperture to allow a handle portion of the paint brush to extend from the housing. The back wall includes a first pair of projections and a second pair of projections extending from an interior surface of the back wall and configured for positioning the paint brush. The first pair of projections is arranged substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first and second sidewalls, and the second pair of projections is disposed adjacent to the aperture in the second end wall. The positioning of the paint brush by the first pair of projections and the second pair of projections prevents lateral movement of the paint brush and forms a space between an exposed surface of the bristle portion, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall, to protect and ventilate the bristle portion.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary paint brush storage device shown with the top portion open.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the paint brush storage device of FIG. 1 shown with the top portion closed.

FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the paint brush storage device of FIG. 2 showing the fastener device secured.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the bottom portion of another embodiment of an exemplary paint brush storage device with retaining bar.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a paint brush storage device 10 is shown. The paint brush storage device 10 includes a molded plastic housing 12 configured for positioning and restraining a bristle portion 1 of a paint brush 2 within the housing 12. The housing 12 includes a top portion 14 and bottom portion 16. At least one of the top portion 14 and bottom portion 16 include a plurality of perforations 22 for ventilating the paint brush 2. The bottom portion 16 includes a pair of oppositely disposed first and second sidewalls, 30 and 32, respectively, a pair of oppositely disposed first and second end walls, 34 and 36, respectively, and a back wall 28 defining a generally rectangular hollow receptacle interior of bottom portion 16. The second end wall 36 is configured with an aperture 38 to allow a handle portion 3 of the paint brush 2 to extend through and protrude from the housing 12.

In one embodiment, the back wall 28 includes a first pair of projections 46 and a second pair of projections 48 extending from an interior surface of the back wall 28 and configured for positioning the paint brush 2. The first pair of projections 46 are arranged substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first and second sidewalls 30 and 32. The first and second sidewalls 30 and 32 are arranged substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of housing 12 and the handle portion 3 of paint brush 2 when inserted in housing 12. The first pair of projections 46 are spaced apart from first and second sidewalls 30 and 32 (see FIG. 1) to create a center space within housing 12 in which to receive paint brush 2 between projections 46. The first pair of projections 46 are configured for positioning a ferrule portion 5 of the paint brush 2. The ferrule portion 5 acts to bind and connect the bristles to the handle, and is a generally solid and rectangular portion between the bristle portion 1 and a transition portion 4 of the paint brush 2. Projections 46 and 48 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the back wall 28, and have a height of from about 0.25 inch to about 0.75 inch, from about 0.375 inch to about 0.5 inch, or from about 0.5 inch to about 0.625 inch. The first pair of projections 46 are configured for securing paint brush 2 within housing 12 to prevent lateral movement, so that bristle portion 1 does not contact first and second sidewalls 30 and 32, thereby avoiding deformation of the bristles due to resting against the first and second sidewalls 30 and 32. In one embodiment, the position of the first pair of projections 46 on the back wall relative to the first and second sidewalls 30 and 32 is adjustable to accommodate different widths of paint brushes 2.

The second pair of projections 48 are disposed adjacent to the aperture 38 in the second end wall 36. The second pair of projections 48 are configured for positioning the transition portion 4 of the paint brush 2. The second pair of projections 48 provide a resting surface for the transition portion 4 of paint brush 2, wherein a wide bristle portion 1 and the ferrule portion 5 taper down to the width of the handle portion 3. The second pair of projections 48 are configured for restricting movement of transition portion 4 and handle portion 3 of the paint brush 2 and provide a guide to position handle portion 3 adjacent to aperture 38. Projections 48 are located above aperture 38 on opposite sides thereof, and are preferably inclined towards aperture 38 relative to the center longitudinal axis of the back wall 28. The separation distance of projections 48 should be approximately the width of a conventional paint brush handle. In an alternative embodiment, the first pair of projections 46 and the second pair of projections 48 form a pair of substantially continuous projections on opposite sides of the paint brush 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the positioning of the paint brush 2 provided by the first pair of projections 46 and the second pair of projections 48 forms a space 40 between an exposed surface of the bristle portion 1, the first sidewall 30, and the second sidewall 32. The space 40 prevents substantial contact between the bristle portion 1 of the paint brush 2, the first sidewall 30, and the second sidewall 32. In one embodiment, the space 40 includes a top region 42 created by the space between the first end wall 34 and the tips of the bristle portion 1, and side regions 44 created by the space between the first and the second sidewalls 30, 32, and opposite sides of the bristle portion 1. The first pair of projections 46 and the second pair of projections 48 maintain the position of the bristle portion 1 away from the sidewalls 30 and 32 and adjacent first end wall 34. Preventing substantial contact between the bristle portion 1 and the housing 12 protects and ventilates the bristle portion 1. The space 40 isolates the bristle portion 1 from compression and deformation by the housing 12, and creates an air passage surrounding the bristle portion 1 to promote air drying of the bristles.

The top portion 14 includes a pair of oppositely disposed first and second sidewalls, 50 and 52, respectively, a pair of oppositely disposed first and second end walls, 54 and 56, respectively, and a back wall 18 defining a generally rectangular hollow recessed interior of top portion 14. In an alternate embodiment, top portion 14 may be generally planar. In one embodiment, the heights of the first and second sidewalls 30 and 32 of the bottom portion 16 are greater at the first end wall 34, and the heights decrease along the first and second sidewalls 30 and 32 toward the second end wall 36 (see FIG. 3). This sloped configuration provides additional space for receiving and storing the bristle portion 1 of the paint brush 2. Correspondingly, the heights of the first and second sidewalls 50 and 52 of the top portion 14 are lesser at the first end wall 54, and the heights increase along the first and second sidewalls 50 and 52 toward the second end wall 56 (see FIG. 3). The second end wall 56 is configured with an aperture 58 to allow a handle portion 3 of the paint brush 2 to extend through and protrude from the housing 12.

The top portion 14 and bottom portion 16 are connected by a hinge 20 along at least a portion of one of the first and second sidewalls 30 and 32 and at least a portion of one of the first and second sidewalls 50 and 52 of the housing 12. Referring to FIG. 1, the hinge 20 connects first sidewall 30 of bottom portion 16 to first sidewall 50 of the top portion 14. The hinge 20 may be any suitable hinge such as a living hinge made of thin plastic, or a mechanical hinge, for example. In an alternate embodiment, the hinge 20 may be a plurality of separate hinges. In further embodiment, the hinge 20 may be located on one of the first and second end walls, 34, 36, 54, and 56. The hinge 20 is configured to allow the top portion 14 and bottom portion 16 to be connected along one side while rotating relative to one another. The rotation allows the housing 12 to operate between a closed position as shown in FIG. 2, and an open position as shown in FIG. 1, for insertion and removal of the paint brush 2.

The top portion 14 and the bottom portion 16 are connected by at least one fastener device 25 arranged on one of the first and second sidewalls 30, 32, 50, and 52 of the housing 12. In one embodiment the fastener device 25 includes a latch member 24 disposed on the bottom portion 16, and configured to interlock with a fastener member 26 disposed on the top portion 14. In one embodiment, there may be one or more fastener devices 25 located on the opposite sidewalls to the hinge 20. The fastener device 25 connects second sidewall 32 of bottom portion 16 to second sidewall 52 of the top portion 14. The latch member 24 interlocks with the fastener member 26 to maintain housing 12 in a closed position (see FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the latch member 24 is a tab protrusion that mates with a recess within the fastener member 26, where the fastener member 26 is rotatable at its connection to the housing 12 to interlock with the tab by friction fit. The fastener device 25 may be any suitable fastener that detachably secures the top portion 14 to the bottom portion to close the housing. Fastening device 25 may be a bolt, screw, moveable latch, or Velcro®, for example. In an alternate embodiment, the housing does not include a hinge 20, and instead includes fastener devices 25 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 12 for securing top portion 14 to bottom portion 16.

The perforations 22 may be included in the back wall 18 of top portion 14, as well as on back wall 28 of the bottom portion 16, to allow air ventilation for drying the bristle portion 1 of paint brush 2. Additionally, or alternatively, any portion of the housing 12 may include perforations 22. Perforations 22 may be various shaped openings, e.g., pinholes, slots, louvered, etc., which air can pass through into housing 12. In one embodiment, the perforations 22 are arranged to be evenly dispersed adjacent to the bristle portion 1 of the paint brush 2. In a further embodiment, at least a portion of the perforations 22 are configured to communicate air flow to the space 40 adjacent the bristle portion 1 of the paint brush 2.

When the paint brush 2 is inserted into paint brush storage device 10, the bristle portion 1 lies within the housing 12, against the back wall 28. The bristle portion 1 and the ferrule portion 5 are positioned between the first pair of projections 46, and the transition portion 4 is positioned between the second pair of projections 48. Top portion 14 is then rotated about hinge 20 and latched to enclose the bristle portion 1 of the paint brush 2 within housing 12. Paint brush 2 should be substantially cleaned to remove most or all of the wet paint from bristle portion 1. Liquid paint solvents, e.g., mineral spirits or water, that are left entrained in the bristles of bristle portion 1 will evaporate while the paint brush 2 is stored until the next usage. Bristle portion 1 will be restrained from any contact with sidewalls 30, 32 and first end wall 34 while in storage, preventing deformation of bristles in bristle portion 1.

Referring next to FIG. 4, in an alternate embodiment, the housing 12 includes at least one restraining bar 60 extending from an interior surface of the back wall 28 and configured for positioning and restraining the paint brush 2. The at least one restraining bar 60 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second sidewalls 30 and 32. In one embodiment, the housing 12 includes oppositely disposed restraining bars 60 extending from an interior surface of the back wall 18 of the top portion 14 and from an interior surface of the back wall 28 of the bottom portion 16, and configured for positioning and restraining the paint brush 2. The restraining bars 60 are configured for positioning and restraining the ferrule portion 5 of the paint brush 2 to prevent lateral movement of the paint brush 2. The positioning of the handle portion 3 through the aperture 38 and positioning the at least one restraining bar 60 against the paint brush, restrains the paint brush 2 and forms a space 40 between an exposed surface of the bristle portion 1, the first sidewall 30, and the second sidewall 32. The space 40 prevents substantial contact between the bristle portion 1 of the paint brush 2, the first sidewall 30, and the second sidewall 32, to protect and ventilate the bristle portion 1. The at least one restraining bar 60 may be made of plastic, and/or may include elastomeric material, such as rubber.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A paint brush storage device for a paint brush comprising:

a housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, a fastener device for detachably securing the top portion to the bottom portion; at least one of the top portion and the bottom portion including a plurality of perforations for ventilating the paint brush, the housing configured for positioning and restraining a bristle portion of the paint brush within the housing; the bottom portion including a pair of oppositely disposed first and second sidewalls, a pair of oppositely disposed first and second end walls, and a back wall, and the second end wall configured with an aperture to allow a handle portion of the paint brush to extend from the housing; and the back wall including a first pair of projections extending from an interior surface of the back wall and configured for positioning the paint brush, the first pair of projections arranged substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first and second sidewalls;

wherein the positioning of the paint brush by the first pair of projections and the second pair of projections forms a space between an exposed surface of the bristle portion, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall to protect and ventilate the bristle portion.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second pair of projections extending from an interior surface of the back wall and configured for positioning the paint brush, the second pair of projections disposed adjacent to the aperture in the second end wall, and wherein the positioning of the paint brush by the second pair of projections forms a space between an exposed surface of the bristle portion, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall to protect and ventilate the bristle portion.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are connected by a hinge along at least a portion of one of the first and second sidewalls of the housing.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are connected by at least one fastener device arranged on one of the first and second sidewalls of the housing.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the fastener device includes a latch member disposed on the bottom portion configured to interlock with a fastener member disposed on the top portion.

6. The device of claim 1, further wherein a back wall of the top portion including a plurality of perforations for ventilating the paint brush.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the first pair of projections and the second pair of projections form a pair of substantially continuous projections on opposite sides of the paint brush.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first pair of projections are configured for positioning the ferrule portion of the paint brush.

9. The device of claim 2, wherein the second pair of projections are configured for positioning the transition portion of the paint brush.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first pair of projections are configured for preventing lateral movement of the paint brush inside the housing.

11. The device of claim 2, wherein the second pair of projections are configured for restricting lateral movement of the paint brush inside the housing.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of perforations are configured to communicate air flow to the space formed between the bristle portion of the paint brush and the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising oppositely disposed restraining bars extending from an interior surface of a back wall of the top portion and from an interior surface of the back wall of the bottom portion, and configured for positioning and restraining the paint brush.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the restraining bars are arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second sidewalls of the bottom portion.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the restraining bars are configured for positioning and restraining the ferrule portion of the paint brush.

16. A paint brush storage device for a paint brush comprising:

a housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, a fastener device for detachably securing the top portion to the bottom portion; at least one of the top portion and the bottom portion including a plurality of perforations for ventilating the paint brush, the housing configured for positioning and restraining a bristle portion of a paint brush within the housing; the bottom portion including a pair of oppositely disposed first and second sidewalls, a pair of oppositely disposed first and second end walls, and a back wall, and the second end wall configured with an aperture to allow a handle portion of the paint brush to extend from the housing; and the back wall including at least one restraining bar extending from an interior surface of the back wall and configured for positioning and restraining the paint brush, the at least one restraining bar arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second sidewalls;

wherein the positioning of the handle portion through the aperture and positioning the at least one restraining bar adjacent the paint brush prevents lateral movement of the paint brush and forms a space between an exposed surface of the bristle portion, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall, to protect and ventilate the bristle portion.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one restraining bar includes elastomeric material.

18. The device of claim 16, further comprising at least one additional restraining bar oppositely disposed on a back wall of the top portion of the housing.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one restraining bar is configured for positioning and restraining the ferrule portion of the paint brush.

20. A paint brush storage device for a paint brush comprising:

a housing including a top portion and a bottom portion configured for connection by a hinge and at least one fastener device, the top portion and the bottom portion including a plurality of perforations for ventilating the paint brush, the housing configured for positioning and restraining a bristle portion of a paint brush within the housing; the bottom portion including a pair of oppositely disposed first and second sidewalls, a pair of oppositely disposed first and second end walls, and a back wall, and the second end wall configured with an aperture to allow a handle portion of the paint brush to extend from the housing; and the back wall including a first pair of projections and a second pair of projections extending from an interior surface of the back wall and configured for positioning the paint brush, the first pair of projections arranged substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first and second sidewalls, and the second pair of projections disposed adjacent to the aperture in the second end wall;

wherein the positioning of the paint brush by the first pair of projections and the second pair of projections prevents lateral movement of the paint brush and forms a space between an exposed surface of the bristle portion, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall, to protect and ventilate the bristle portion.