This disclosure relates to a device for cleaning a paintbrush, and more particularly, to a self-contained device for cleaning a paintbrush.
Not thoroughly cleaning a paintbrush after using it for painting will result in a bad paintbrush which can lead to uneven crisp edges. A bad paintbrush can also result in unwanted visible brush strokes. A typical process of cleaning a paintbrush is:
Several U.S. Patents describe powered or manual tools to clean paintbrushes including U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,925 (Brackett), U.S. Pat. No. 9,821,336 (Kellokoski et al), U.S. Pat. No. 9,595,927 (Dasilra), and U.S. Pat. No. 8,938,843 (Junkins).
A principal objective of the present disclosure is to simplify and enhance the process of cleaning a paintbrush to protect and preserve the paintbrush investment.
Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and process for thoroughly cleaning a paintbrush while minimally getting one's hands wet and protecting one's skin.
Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and process for thoroughly cleaning a paintbrush while saving time and protecting one's skin and surroundings.
In accordance with the objectives of the disclosure, a paintbrush cleaning device is achieved. The paintbrush cleaning device comprises a concave soap tray having a cleaning brush at one end within the soap tray wherein the soap tray is configured to hold a soap for cleaning a paintbrush and wherein the cleaning brush is configured to scrape paint from bristles of the paintbrush.
Also in accordance with the objectives of the disclosure, a paintbrush cleaning device is achieved. The paintbrush cleaning device comprises a concave soap tray having a cleaning brush and a cleaning comb at one end within the soap tray wherein the soap tray is configured to hold a soap for cleaning a paintbrush and wherein the cleaning brush and comb are configured to scrape paint from bristles of the paintbrush.
Also in accordance with the objectives of the disclosure, a method for cleaning a paintbrush is achieved. A paintbrush cleaning device is provided comprising a concave soap tray having a cleaning brush at one end within the soap tray. The paintbrush is rinsed under running water until most paint is removed from the paintbrush. The paintbrush cleaning device is held in one hand and the paintbrush is held in the other hand. The following steps are repeated until the paintbrush is clean: the paintbrush is swirled on the soap and the paintbrush is run through the cleaning brush. Once the paintbrush is clean, it is rinsed and dried.
In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this description, there is shown:
The present disclosure provides a paintbrush cleaning apparatus and method designed to simplify and enhance the process of cleaning a paintbrush to protect and preserve the paintbrush investment, save time, and protect a user's hands. The paintbrush cleaning device of the present disclosure is a self-contained container consisting of conditioning soap with a cleaning brush and, optionally, a cleaning comb on one edge of the container. This device is useful for cleaning a paintbrush used with water-based paints.
After rinsing excess paint from the paintbrush, while the paintbrush is still wet, the user will work the paintbrush into the soap in the soap tray and gently drag the paintbrush through the brush/comb edge for a thorough cleaning. This simple cleaning process protects the paintbrush and a user's hands while saving time. This process allows a user to minimally wet the user's hands while thoroughly cleaning the paintbrush. After the paintbrush is cleaned, the user simply rinses the soap tray and brush and it is ready for the next use.
For example, the soap 14 in the soap container may contain the following ingredients: 12 Propylene Glycol, Water, (Aqua/Eau), Sorbitol, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Myristate, Glycerin, Sodium Laurate, Triethanolamine, Goat Milk, (Caprae Lac/Lait de Chevre), and Titanium Dioxide. The soap may contain any appropriate ingredients so that it is solid at room temperature. Preferably it will include a conditioning agent, such as goat's milk.
In a preferred method of the disclosure, the soap is prepared in a liquid state and poured into the container 12, solidifying after it is put into the container. Since the soap is in a solid state, it can be easily reused. The container 12 is preferably about 1-1.5 inches deep. The inner surface of the container bottom 12 could be flat, or optionally, as shown in
Also shown in
Referring again to
The paintbrush cleaning device of the present disclosure could have different variations. For example, as shown in
The brush and/or comb could be made with hard plastic, wire, or metal. Preferably, the cleaning brush has metal bristles and the cleaning comb has metal tines.
One example alternative is illustrated in
Another example alternative is illustrated in
The paintbrush cleaning device 10 dramatically simplifies the process of cleaning a paintbrush and preserving the paintbrush investment as well as the user's hands.
First, in step 100, rinse your paintbrush in a sink under running water until most of the paint is removed and the water is mostly clear.
In step 102, hold the paintbrush cleaning device 10 in one hand and the paintbrush in the other hand. While the paintbrush is not yet clean (104), repeat the steps of (106) swirling the already wet paintbrush about on the soap 14 within the container 12, then (108) running the paintbrush through the cleaning brush 16 or 18, and optionally the cleaning comb 16 or 20, as needed.
In step 110, rinse and dry the paintbrush. Hands have no need to touch the soap or water. Finally, in step 112, rinse the paintbrush cleaning device 10 after which it is available for reuse.
While the disclosed subject matter has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be, or are, apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, Applicant intends to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter and the appended claims.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
6666925 | Brackett et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
8938843 | Junkins | Jan 2015 | B2 |
9596927 | Dasilva | Mar 2017 | B1 |
9821336 | Kellokoski et al. | Nov 2017 | B2 |
20150296973 | Leiker | Oct 2015 | A1 |
20180368568 | Lee | Dec 2018 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
202006015470 | Feb 2007 | DE |
202007002821 | Jun 2007 | DE |
102016100597 | Jul 2017 | DE |
101084626 | Nov 2011 | KR |
WO-9502976 | Feb 1995 | WO |
Entry |
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“Ryobi Paint Brush Cleaner,” by Dusty Overby, Feb. 11, 2010, pp. 1-5, found: https://www.gearpatrol.com/home/a19373/ryobi-paint-brush-cleaner/. |