DRIPLESS CONTAINER

Abstract

A container trapezoidal in shape for carrying liquids and loose materials. The body of container having an open top with opposite front and back side walls, opposite right and left side walls slanting inwards to a closed bottom. Three adjoining side walls having a flange at top rim angling down inside container forming an overhang. The edge of the flange is used to wipe excess liquid off of applicator. This excess paint drips into the container. The container includes a convenient pouring spout and supportive handle.

Description

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to containers used to transport a fluid for application to an object. More specifically to a paint bucket. When used for a period of time, excess paint accumulates on the rim of paint bucket from the continued wiping of an applicator. This paint then drips from the outer edge and runs down the exterior of the bucket. Also it can drip on the surface where then container is sitting, or drips while the bucket is being carried.

Most buckets have rounded edges. Wiping a flat side brush on a round edge leaves the brush with an uneven load of paint.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,629 Lucey discloses a container having an external gutter located below a primary wiping surface or edge. Drips from the wiping surface accumulate in the gutter and drain back into the container through drain holes at the bottom of the gutter. It has been noted that the drain holes in repeated use need to be cleaned periodically to avoid clogging. U.S. Pat. No. 7,428,977 Fera discloses a round container with a wiping lip spaced in board of rim and a support bracket is provided for suspending the lip in its in board position. Being a round container, this does not serve as well for the wiping of a loaded flat sided brush on its rim or edge. Both referred to patents do not have a pouring spout.

SUMMARY

Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide an improved dripless container.

Another object of this invention is to provide a container with a handle.

It is another object of this invention is to provide a container with a spout.

Another object of this invention is to provide a container in different sizes.

It is another object of this invention is to provide a container with improved shape for use with flat sided brush.

Another object of this invention is an improved container to result in a cleaner work area.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative of such invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the container of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of thereof;

FIG. 3 is a front cross sectional view of container;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a larger container of FIG. 1 with metal handle;

FIG. 5 is a top view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front cross sectional view of FIG. 4

Drawings - Reference Numerals
20 dripless container 23 spout
25 handle             27 flange
29 rim                31 leading edge
32 top                33 front wall
34 bottom             35 back wall
37 left wall          39 right wall
41 metal handle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The dripless container 20 of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 comprises a molded container 20, trapezoidal in shape with an open top 32, closed bottom 34, defining a cavity for carrying liquids and loose material.

The distinctive features of this container 20 in FIG. 1 are its convenient pouring spout 23, its flange 27 that overhangs at the top rim 29 and handle 25.

The container 20 has opposite side front wall 33 and back wall 35, opposite side right wall 39 and left wall 37 slanting inwards to bottom 34.

FIG. 1 shows a contoured fitting handle 25 located on outside of back wall 35. The handle 25 provides a convenient and stable way to hold the container 20. The user can place his palm against the back side wall 35 by sliding his hand under handle 20 and letting container 20 rest on top of hand, allowing holding of container 20 for an extended period of time. The container 20 in FIG. 3 has a flange 27 overhanging at rim 29 of container 20 on left wall 37, opposite right wall 39 and back wall 35. The flange 27 is angled downwards to allow liquids to drip into container 20. FIG. 2 illustrates the leading edge 31 of the flange 27. When the applicator is dipped into the container 20 to load with liquid, it is then wiped against leading edge 31 to remove excess liquid. The excess liquid drips into the container 20 and leaves applicator with an even load of paint.

FIGS. 4,5,6 are perspective views of embodiments of a larger container 20 with spout 23, flange 27 and a metal handle 41 to carry larger quantities of liquid or loose materials.

CONCLUSION

The present invention is a plastic molded container providing an overhanging ledge that allows a brush to be wiped away from the rim. The flange is sloped at an angle allowing liquids that get on edge to drain back into container. The flange having a straight edge allows a flat sided brush when loaded with liquid to be wiped leaving brush with an even load of liquids. The container having a spout to easily empty liquids or loose material and a handle to hold container.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be constructed as limiting the scope of embodiment but merely providing illustration of some of embodiments. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit and scope of the applicants general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A container comprising; a container having opposite side front and back walls, said container having opposite side left and right sidewalls with open top and closed bottom defining a cavity for liquids or loose materials.

2. The container of claim 1 further comprising; a flange overhanging at top rim of left wall, opposite right wall and back wall angling downwards to allow liquids to drip into container; andsaid flange providing a straight edge for wiping excess liquid off of an applicator.

3. The container of claim 1 further comprising; a spout formed at the upper edge of the front wall; anda handle to carry said container.