Patent Application
20240025205
Painters often apply paint to a surface from a container. For example, a painter may fill a paintbrush by dipping the brush into a paint can, such as a standard gallon can of paint. This allows the painter to move along a surface while carrying the can of paint to provide convenient filling of the paint brush.
Paint cans generally have a wire handle forming a substantially semicircular arc connected to the can of paint at opposite sides on the sidewall. The wire handle is rotatable about the connection points at both ends and therefore can move from an upright position when the wire handle is used to support the weight of the can of paint to a lowered position when the wire handle is not in use. While the wire handle is sufficient to support the weight of the can of paint, the wire handle is not particularly comfortable for the user to hold while painting and filling the pain brush.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes an elongated body to engage with a hand of a user. In addition, the apparatus includes a connection mechanism disposed on a first end of the elongated body. The connection mechanism is to engage a rim of a can. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a base disposed on a second end of the elongated body. The base is to apply a force against a side of the can.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method. The method involves engaging a rim of a can with a connection mechanism disposed on a first end of an elongated body. In addition, the method involves applying a force against a side of the can with a base. The base is disposed at a second end of the elongated body. The connection mechanism and the base secure the elongated body to the can.
Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:
As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “low”, “high”, etc.) may be for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those described or shown.
Painting surfaces with a paint brush is generally carried out by filling the paint brush with paint followed by an application of the paint to a surface. In many cases, the paint brush is filled using paint directly from a paint can, such as a gallon can. Accordingly, the paint can may be carried by a user to facilitate filling of the paint brush as the user moves from one surface or portion of a surface to be painted to another. While the wire handles typically found on paint cans will support the weight of the paint can, the wire handles are not comfortable for extended use to hold the paint can. In addition, while the wire handle is used to hold the paint can, the wire handle interferes with the filling process of the paint brush.
An apparatus is provided to support a can of paint or other liquid to be applied by loading the liquid into a brush for application on a surface. Although the following description provides examples of a painting application, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that other applications are contemplated. In particular, the apparatus may be used for the application of any liquid stored in a can to be applies to a surface with a brush, such as stains, coatings, adhesives, etc. The apparatus provides an ergonomic handle on the side of the paint can to allow a user to support the paint can in a comfortable manner. In addition, since the handle is disposed substantially on the side of the paint can, the handle does not interfere with the filling process of the brush.
Referring to
In the present example, the elongated body 55 is to engage with the hand of a user. The manner by which the hand of the user engages with the elongated body is not particularly limited. For example, the elongated body 55 may be used as a handle which is gripped by the user. In other examples, the elongated body 55 may support or hold the hand of a user against a side of a can.
The material from which the elongated body 55 is constructed is not particularly limited. In the present example, the elongated body 55 is made from a lightweight material, such as a plastic (e.g. acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), fiberglass, or other composite materials having sufficient mechanical strength to store the substance in a durable and rigid manner. By using plastics, the elongated body 55 may be made from various processes such as injection molding techniques or three-dimensional printing. In other examples. The elongated body 55 may also be solid or hollow in other examples to reduce weight provided that it has sufficient mechanical rigidity to support. In other examples, the elongated body 55 may also be made from other materials such as wood or a metal, such as steel, bronze, other alloys.
The dimensions of the elongated body 55 are not particularly limited and may be varied depending on the application and to accommodate different sizes of cans and hands. In the present example, the elongated body 55 is has a substantially rectangular cross section of about 6 mm by 30 mm and is about 150 mm long. In other examples, the elongated body 55 may have different dimensions to accommodate different hand sizes. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the elongated body 55 may have other form factors. For example, the elongated body 55 may have a different cross section, such as a circular cross section or an irregular shape, such as an ergonomic shape.
The connection mechanism 60 is disposed at the top end of the elongated body 55. In the present example, the connection mechanism 60 is to engage the rim of a can to secure the apparatus 50 to the side of the can. The manner by which the connection mechanism 60 engages the rim is not particularly limited. In the present example, the connection mechanism 60 is dimensioned to be secured against the rim via a friction fit. In particular, the connection mechanism 60 may be placed over the rim and then pushed in an outward direction from the center of the can such that the lower portion of the connection mechanism 60 engages the underside of the rim to form a friction fit. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that variations of the connection mechanism 60 are contemplated. For example, the connection mechanism 60 may involve a fastener or additional mechanical features. In another example, the connection mechanism 60 may include a magnetic coupling to the rim.
The material or materials from which the connection mechanism 60 is constructed is not particularly limited. In the present example, the connection mechanism 60 is made from the same material as the elongated body 55. Furthermore, the connection mechanism 60 may be formed as part of the same unitary body as the elongated body 55. In other examples, the connection mechanism 60 may also be made from other materials and subsequently attached at the end of the elongated body 55.
The base 65 is disposed at the bottom end of the elongated body 55. In the present example, the base 65 is used to apply a force to the side of a can. By applying a force to the can, the base 65 in combination with the connection mechanism 60 secures the apparatus 50 to the can such that the apparatus 50 can be used to support the weight of the can. In addition, by applying a force against the can, the base 65 helps to secure the connection mechanism 60 to the rim.
The manner by which the base 65 applies the force against the can is not particularly limited. For example, the elongated body 55, the connection mechanism 60, and the base 65 may be formed as a unitary body such that once the connection mechanism 60 engages the rim, the dimensions of the unitary body are such that the base 65 is urged against the side of the can. In such an example, the elongated body 55 may be made of a resiliently flexible material, such as a plastic, that can be deformed when engaged to the can. The deformation may the apply pressure at both the connection mechanism 60 and the base 65 due to the resilient nature of the material. In other examples, biasing elements, such as springs, may be installed to apply a force against the can to secure the apparatus 50 to the can.
It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50 provides a convenient handle that is ergonomic and comfortable for a user. The apparatus 50 allows the user to hold a can of paint while painting to allow the user to continually fill a brush as he moves from one portion of a surface to another. The apparatus 50 also does not block or interfere with the opening of the can to allow for easy access of the brush while the can is being held.
In use, the apparatus 50 may be engaged to a can via the connection mechanism 60 at the rim of the can. By inserting the rim edge into the connection mechanism 60, the base 65 may be pressed against the side of the can to apply a force to secure the elongated body 55 to the can. Once the apparatus 50 is secured, a user can lift the can using the elongated body 55. After the can has been depleted, the apparatus 50 may then be removed and used on another can. The manner by which the apparatus 50 is removed is not limited. In the present example, the apparatus may be removed by disengaging the connection mechanism from the rim. In particular, a force may be applied at the top of the apparatus 50 to urge the connection mechanism 60 toward to the center of the can.
Referring to
In the present example, the elongated body 55a includes a grip 75a to facilitate engagement with a hand of the user. The grip 75a is not particularly limited and may include any feature disposed on the elongated body 55a to improve the comfort and capability of the hand of a user to hold the elongated body 55a. In the present example, the grip 75a may include contours to receive the fingers of a hand as it grips the elongated body 55a. In other examples, the grip 75a may also include a coating, such as rubber, silicone or foam, that increases the coefficient of friction between a hand and the elongated body 55a to reduce slippage.
The connection mechanism 60a include a lip 70a. In the present example, the lip 70a is to mate with a trough located on the underside of the rim of a can. The manner by which the lip 70a mates with the trough is not limited and may involve manually guiding the lip 70a into the trough. For example, as the connection mechanism 60a engages the rim, an upward force may be applied to the connection mechanism 60a from under the rim. The lip 70a may be dimensioned to be substantially similar in width as the trough under the rim such that it forms a tight fit when engaged. The fit provides a secure anchor for the connection mechanism 60a. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the lip 70a may also be curved to match the curvature of the rim of the can. By matching the curvature, the lip 70a may be dimensioned to fit more tightly into the trough to provide a more secure fit.
The textured area 80a disposed proximate to the top of the elongated body 55a or on top of the connection mechanism 60a is to provide additional traction. In some examples, the user may rest a thumb on top of the elongated member during use and the textured area 80a may provide additional grip when trying to manipulate the can. In addition, the textured area 80a may be used during the installation or removal process of the apparatus 50a onto the can.
Referring to
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In the present example, the brush attachment 85b is to hold a paint brush 200 when not in use. The manner by which the brush attachment 85b holds the paint brush 200 is not particularly limited. In the present example, the brush attachment 85b may be a magnet disposed on a forward face of the connection mechanism 60b. Since most paint brushes include a metallic band 210 that is often ferromagnetic material, the brush attachment 85b may magnetically couple to the metallic band 210.
Accordingly, a user of the paint brush 200 may quickly attach and detach the paint brush 200 during use. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that while the apparatus is in use and attached to a can, the brush attachment 85b will hold the paint brush 200 above the can such that any excess paint or other liquid that may drip from the brush will drip into the can.
Referring to
The brush attachment 90c is to hold a paint brush 200 when not in use. The manner by which the brush attachment 90c holds the paint brush 200 is not particularly limited. In the present example, the brush attachment 90c may be a magnet disposed on a top surface of the apparatus 50c. Since most paint brushes include a metallic band 210 that is often ferromagnetic material, the brush attachment 90c may magnetically couple to the metallic band 210 to hold the paint brush 200 in a substantially horizontal position. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the position of the paint brush 200 would allow the paint brush 200 to drip into the can if the paint brush 200 is wet. Furthermore, but securing the paint brush 200 above the can, the paint brush 200 is not submerged in the paint if the can was full or substantially full.
Referring to
In the present example, the apparatus 50d includes multiple brush attachments 85d and 90d such that a paint brush may be attached to the apparatus 50 in either position.
Referring to
In the present example, the brush attachment 85e is to hold a paint brush 200 when not in use. The manner by which the brush attachment 85e holds the paint brush 200 involves a fastener. In the present example, the fastener includes a fastening part 86e disposed on the connection mechanism 60e. The fastening part 86e is to couple with a complimentary fastening part 87e disposed on the paint brush 200. The fastening mechanism is not particularly limited. For example, the fastening mechanism may include complimentary hook and loop fasteners. In other examples, the fastening mechanism may include clips and other types of mechanical features to hold the paint brush 200 to the apparatus 50e while also providing the ability to quickly attach and detach the paint brush 200.
Various advantages will now become apparent to a person of skill in the art. In particular, the apparatus 50 or any of the variations described above may be used by a painter when carrying out brushwork so that the painter can easily carry the can of paint to load the brush during the painting process. The apparatus 50 is designed to be comfortable for the painter holding the can of paint which not obstructing the space above the opening of the can such that the painter can load a brush easily.
It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
