U.S. patent application number 11/021826 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for magnetic paint brush holder.
Invention is credited to Radovan, Tomislav.
Application Number | 20050156085 11/021826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34752428 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050156085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Radovan, Tomislav |
July 21, 2005 |
Magnetic paint brush holder
Abstract
A paint brush holder including a strap having a first end, a
second end, and a medial portion, and at least one permanent magnet
disposed at one of the first or second ends. The magnet or magnets
may be encased in an expansion integral with the strap or simply
affixed to one or both of the ends of the strap. The strap may be
entirely flexible or partly flexible, but includes either a fold or
arcuate portion that may be draped over the upper rim of a paint
container such that the magnet or magnets are disposed at a
selected height above the surface of a volume of paint within the
container.
Inventors: |
Radovan, Tomislav; (Fort
Lauderdale, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHNSON & STAINBROOK, LLP
3558 ROUND BARN BLVD., SUITE 203
SANTA ROSA
CA
95403
US
|
Family ID: |
34752428 |
Appl. No.: |
11/021826 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60532383 |
Dec 26, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/110 ;
248/206.5; 248/213.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B44D 3/123 20130101;
A46B 2200/202 20130101; A46B 17/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/110 ;
248/206.5; 248/213.2 |
International
Class: |
A46B 017/02 |
Claims
What is claimed as invention is:
1. A paint brush holder, comprising: a strap having a first end, a
second end, and a medial portion; at least one permanent magnet
disposed at one of said first or second ends.
2. The paint brush holder of claim 1, wherein said apparatus
includes a first permanent magnet disposed at said first end, and a
second permanent magnet disposed at said second end.
3. The paint brush holder of claim 2, wherein each of said first
and second permanent magnets is encased in an expansion integral
with said medial portion.
4. The paint brush holder of claim 1, wherein said medial portion
is fabricated from flexible material.
5. The paint brush holder of claim 1, wherein said medial portion
is tapered relative to said first and second ends.
6. The paint brush holder of claim 1, wherein each of said at least
one permanent magnet is encased by an expansion integral with said
medial portion.
7. The paint brush holder of claim 1, wherein said medial portion
is generally rigid and includes an arcuate middle for placement
over the upper rim of a paint container.
8. A paint brush holder adapted for detachable installment on and
over the upper rim of a paint container, said apparatus comprising:
rim capturing and magnet height adjustment means having first and
second ends, said rim capturing and magnet height adjustment means
adapted for placement over the upper rim of a paint container such
that one of said first and second ends is disposed at a selected
height above the surface of a volume of paint in the paint
container; and at least one permanent magnet disposed at one of
said first or second ends of said rim capturing and magnet height
adjustment means, said permanent magnet adapted to hold a paint
brush by the metallic ferrule of the brush.
9. The paint brush holder of claim 8, wherein said apparatus
includes a first permanent magnet disposed at said first end of
said rim capturing and magnet height adjustment means, and a second
permanent magnet disposed at said second end of said rim capturing
and magnet height adjustment means.
10. The paint brush holder of claim 9, wherein said rim capturing
and magnet height adjustment means is a flexible strap disposed
between said first and second permanent magnets.
11. The paint brush holder of claim 8, wherein said apparatus
includes only one permanent magnet.
12. The paint brush holder of claim 11, wherein said rim capturing
and magnet height adjustment means comprises a first arm to which
said permanent magnet is attached, a second arm, and an arcuate rim
capturing portion interposed between said first and second
arms.
13. The paint brush holder of claim 12, wherein said second arm is
shorter than said first arm.
14. The paint brush holder of claim 12, wherein said first and
second arms are resilient such that when said first and second arms
are spread apart for placement of the brush holder over the upper
rim of a paint container, said first and second arms are urged back
toward one another to engage and press against the interior and
exterior sides of the paint container.
15. A method of holding a paint brush within the interior of a
paint container having a volume of paint, the paint container
having interior and exterior sides and an upper rim, said method
comprising the steps of: (a) providing a paint brush holder adapted
for detachable installment on and over the upper rim of a paint
container, the paint brush holder including a strap portion with
first and second ends and at least one magnet disposed at one of
the ends of the strap, the strap portion adapted for draping over
the upper rim of the paint container such that one of the ends is
disposed at a selected height above a volume of paint in the paint
container, and the magnet being adapted for holding the paint brush
by any sufficiently metallic element; (b) placing the strap portion
of the paint brush holder on and over the upper rim paint of the
paint container; (c) adjusting the strap portion so that the
permanent magnet is at a height above the surface of the volume of
paint such that when the brush is held by the permanent magnet,
only a portion of the bristles of the brush are wetted by the
paint; (d) placing a magnetic element of the paint brush, such as
the metallic ferrule, proximate the permanent magnet such that the
brush is captured and retained at the desired height above the
surface of the volume of paint.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing
date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/532,383,
filed Dec. 26, 2003 (Dec. 26, 2003).
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present invention relates generally to accessories for
painting, and more particularly to a magnetic paint brush
holder.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
[0005] Painting is a time-consuming and almost universally messy
task. It is also one that involves work on ladders or other
elevated surfaces, and it is most commonly done while standing.
Accordingly, while paint is generally sold in one gallon buckets in
most retail stores, and in five gallon buckets when sold wholesale
or to professional painters, when hand painting on the job,
painters rarely hold paint containers having a capacity of more
than a few quarts. And when painting in confined spaces, such as
corners, ceiling/wall junctions, or close to trim ("cutting in" as
it is known in the trade), painters frequently employ a tapered and
angled trim brush suited for immersion in small containers, rather
than large buckets. It can be readily appreciated that a small
paint container is easy to manipulate, does not fatigue the painter
too quickly, and reduces the risk in handling a heavy load of paint
when atop a ladder or scaffolding.
[0006] Painting takes time, and even the discrete elements of a
painting task are rarely competed without interruption: painters
take breaks or attend to other work matters, and these
interruptions do not necessarily coincide with the moment a paint
holder becomes empty. Thus, there is always the question of what to
do with the paint in the container and the paint remaining in the
bristles of the brush; that is, what is the best way to briefly
store a paint laden brush? The less experienced painter often makes
the mistake of placing the brush atop the rim of the paint
container, perhaps after unloading the bristles as much as
possible. Not only does this result in paint drips on the outside
of the container, the floor, and any other surface the painter is
careless enough to place the brush over, but because the brush is
left in the open air, it tends to dry out and become unworkable
without a thorough cleaning. When taking a break from painting,
experienced painters, including professionals, generally ensure
that a small volume of paint remains in the bottom of the paint
container, and they then leave the tips of the brush bristles
immersed in the paint during the respite. The bristles therefore do
not dry out and the brush stays workable. However, this is an
imperfect solution, as it necessitates adjusting the volume of
paint to ensure neither too much paint is loaded in the bristles,
nor too little paint such that the bristles dry out. Additionally,
the handle of the brush may be leaned against the interior side of
the paint container, possibly causing a small amount of paint to
get on the handle, and later on the painter's hand.
[0007] Several devices have been proposed as solutions to the
foregoing problems. Exemplary devices disclosed and taught in
United States patents include:
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,704, to Kerr, which shows a paint brush
holding device that is inserted into the cap locking groove on a
paint can and which supports a paint brush over the open mouth of
such paint can. The accessory includes a base which is easily
snapped into and out of engagement with the paint can top locking
groove and a top shelf which extends out over the open mouth of the
paint can when the base is engaged with the locking groove. A
magnet is located on the top shelf and magnetically attracts the
metal ring on the brush handle so as to position the bristles over
the open mouth when the brush metal ring is magnetically mounted to
the top shelf by the magnet. The top shelf is either parallel to
the plane of the container open mouth, or it is slightly tilted
towards the open mouth so that gravity assists the paint in
dripping off of the bristles and into the container. The accessory
is also curved on a curvature which matches the curvature of the
cylindrical paint container. The device does not facilitate
placement of the bristle tips in a container having a low volume of
paint. In fact, it does not facilitate placement of the bristles in
paint at all.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,388 to Matkovic, teaches a hook secured
to the handle of a paint brush proximate the body portion of the
brush and immediately above the metal ferrule. The hook can be
positioned to straddle the upper rim of a paint can, thereby
enabling the brush to be disposed vertically within the open space
of the container. The device does not provide for adjustment of the
extent to which the brush is immersed in paint; it is directed only
to means to prevent dripping outside the can.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,046, to Puntillo, discloses a paint
brush holder with a base having a lip complementary to the chime of
a paint can. The holder includes a cradle having a flat edge at its
juncture at the base and standing off at an acute angle with
respect to the base, a magnetic brush holder on the upper extremity
of the cradle which support a paint brush by the metal band on the
body of the brush. The holder is disposed above the can when used
and angles the bristle tips downwardly to direct drips into the
can. The holder does not provide means to immerse the bristle tips
in a volume of paint contained within the paint can.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3,729,158, to Nagy, teaches a paint brush
holder which elevates and holders a paint brush over an open paint
can. Like Puntillo, it does not permit immersion of the brush
within the paint contained in the can. The brush holder is retained
on the rim of a paint can by an L-shaped clamp.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,536,285, Vaughn, teaches a paint brush
holder having a clamp which fits over the rim of a paint container
and includes a magnet to retain a paint brush against the magnet
when the brush is not in use. The apparatus is made of
substantially rigid material and includes a single permanent
magnet.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. Des. 358,691, shows a paint brush holder
having a clamp as in Vaughn, wherein the retention means is not a
permanent magnet, but a clip.
[0014] The foregoing patents reflect the current state of the art
of which the present inventor is aware. Reference to, and
discussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging
Applicant's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information
that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present
invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the
above-indicated patents disclose, teach, suggest, show, or
otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in
combination, the invention described and claimed herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention is a paint brush holder for holding a
paint brush within the interior of a paint container and above the
surface of a volume of liquid paint in the paint container. By
employing the inventive apparatus, the user can temporarily store a
paint brush in the paint container by wetting only the tips of the
bristles. The paint brush holder of the present invention includes
a strap of flexible material with at least one magnet disposed at
one of the ends of the strap. Preferably two magnets are employed,
one each disposed at an end of the strap. However, in an
alternative embodiment, a single magnet can be used, and the strap
can be fashioned from generally rigid material to include an
arcuate portion and two arms to grasp the upper rim and sides of a
paint container in the manner of a clip. When the paint brush
holder of the present invention is installed on a paint container,
a paint brush can be captured and retained by one of the magnets at
the metallic ferrule of the brush.
[0016] The novel features characteristic of the invention, as to
organization and method of operation, together with further objects
and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following
description considered in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are
illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood,
however, that the drawings are for illustration and description
only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the
invention. The various features of novelty that characterize the
invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming part of this disclosure. The invention does not
reside in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the
particular combination of all of its structures for the functions
specified.
[0017] There has thus been broadly outlined the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that
the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the invention that
will be described hereinafter and which will form additional
subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure
is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of
other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several
purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that
the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0018] Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of this application, which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
[0019] Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in
the following description for convenience in reference only, and
will not be limiting. For example, words such as "upward,"
"downward," "left," and "right" would refer to directions in the
drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated.
Similarly, words such as "inward" and "outward" would refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the
singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise
noted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The invention will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the inventive paint
brush holder installed on a conventional paint can and holding a
paint brush;
[0022] FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the inventive
apparatus of FIG. 1A installed on a paint can, but without a paint
brush attached;
[0023] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a first preferred
embodiment of the inventive paint brush holder;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second preferred
embodiment of the inventive paint brush holder;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation showing
the first preferred embodiment installed on a paint can and holding
a paint brush;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation showing
the second preferred embodiment installed on a paint can and
holding a paint brush;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation showing
an alternative clip style of the second preferred embodiment and
alternative means of employing the apparatus for holding a paint
brush;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation showing
how the first preferred embodiment of the inventive apparatus may
be adjusted to control the depth in a paint can at which a paint
brush is held and suspended above the paint volume.
DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS, FIGS. 1-7
[0029] 100 inventive apparatus generally
[0030] 110 strap
[0031] 120 first end (of strap)
[0032] 130 second end (of strap)
[0033] 140 first permanent magnet
[0034] 150 second permanent magnet
[0035] 160 medial portion of strap
[0036] 170 foldable middle of medial portion of strap
[0037] 200 paint container
[0038] 210 upper rim (of the paint container)
[0039] 220 interior side of the paint container
[0040] 230 exterior side of the paint container
[0041] 240 paint brush
[0042] 250 ferrule
[0043] 260 brush bristles
[0044] 270 paint
[0045] 300 second preferred embodiment of the inventive
apparatus
[0046] 310 first arm
[0047] 320 second arm
[0048] 330 arcuate middle portion
[0049] 340 permanent magnet
[0050] 350 end of second arm
[0051] 360 short first arm
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is
illustrated therein a new and improved paint brush holder for
capturing and holding a paint brush within the interior of a paint
can, above the liquid paint in the paint can, in order to keep the
brush bristles wet while simultaneously preventing excessive paint
build up in the bristles. The inventive apparatus is generally
denominated 100 in the various views, and among the various views
like reference numerals refer to like components.
[0053] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the generally intended use of a
preferred embodiment of the brush holder. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the
first two preferred embodiments.
[0054] In a first preferred embodiment, FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and
4, the paint brush holder comprises a strap of flexible material
110, preferably molded plastic, having a first end 120 and a second
end 130, and at the respective ends are affixed or encased first
and second permanent magnets, 140 and 150, respectively. The strap
may have a tapered medial or waist portion 160, though a tapered
configuration is not essential to the basic function of the device.
In the first preferred embodiment, it is preferable, however, that
it be generally flexible along the length of the medial portion,
and at least about a foldable middle 170 of the medial portion.
When fabricated of either flexible or generally rigid material, the
medial portion need have only a foldable middle 170 so that the
ends of the strap can be approximated at the magnets. However, if
the entire medial portion is flexible, the user has greater control
over the installation of the apparatus on a paint container and
therefore of the height at which a brush is held within the paint
container.
[0055] Preferably the magnets are encased in a housing, wherein the
encasement constitutes an integral expansion of the strap material
at the ends of, and extending, the medial portion. Moreover, the
encasement can take any of a number of suitable shapes, though a
simple square block or thin cylindrical shape may be preferable for
simplicity in manufacture. However, it will be appreciated that
encasement of the magnets is not essential to the function of the
inventive apparatus, and retention of the magnets may be
accomplished in a number of well known ways.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4, and 7, when installed over the
side of a paint container 200, the waist portion strap straddles
the upper rim 210 of the container and the two ends of the strap
fall along the interior and exterior sides 220, 230, to effectively
embrace the container. After such an installation, a paint brush
240 can be captured and retained by the interior magnet 150 at its
metallic ferrule 250. In this manner, the brush bristles 260 can be
suspended above the liquid paint at an adjustable height so that
only the tips of the bristles are wetted. This can be accomplished
by means of adjusting the position of the metallic ferrule 250, and
also by positioning the magnets at differential heights along the
interior and exterior sides of the can. Additionally, the depth at
which the strap itself is installed within the paint container may
be selectively adjusted so that both magnets are closer or further
from the upper rim. In this manner the bristles 260 can be immersed
an optimal depth within the paint 270 so that only the tips are
wetted, thereby keeping the brush fresh for continued use and
preventing the paint from drying in the bristles. This reduces
clean up time, provides a simple and convenient solution to
maintaining the proper working condition of the brush and paint
during breaks, and maintains and lengthens brush life.
[0057] FIGS. 3 and 5 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of
the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 300
comprises a first arm 310 and a second arm 320 joined at a
substantially rigid arcuate middle portion 330 which spaces the
arms sufficiently to allow placement over the side of a bucket, but
closely enough to snugly clip over the bucket. The first and second
arms may be of equal or nearly equal length as measured from the
middle portion. The arms and middle portion are preferably molded
of plastic material having sufficient resilience to allow gentle
spreading of the arms to accommodate a paint can rim and side
between them, though the deformation is temporary and the arms are
urged toward one another so as to engage and press against the
interior and exterior sides 220, 230 of the bucket 200, thereby
effectively grasping the bucket. In essence, the arms comprise a
rim- and container-engaging clip that secures the brush holder to a
paint container and therefore does not depend on any permanent
magnets to hold the apparatus in place.
[0058] In the second preferred embodiment, a permanent magnet 340
is disposed proximate the end 350 of the second arm so that a paint
brush 240 can be firmly retained at its metallic ferrule or band
250. In the second preferred embodiment, the device employs a
single magnet, but its size remains quite small and therefore may
be manufactured for very little cost and is easily transported or
simply placed in a pocket after use.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that an
alternative clip design of the second preferred embodiment having a
short first arm 360, shorter, that is, than the second arm, would
allow for a functional installation on a paint can in which.
[0060] From the foregoing description, it Will be appreciated that
the inventive apparatus, distilled to its essence, includes a strap
having a first end, a second end, and a medial portion, and at
least one permanent magnet disposed at one of the first or second
ends. The magnet or magnets may be encased in an expansion integral
with the strap or simply affixed to one or both of the ends of the
strap. The strap may be entirely flexible or partly flexible, but
most importantly includes a fold or arcuate portion that may be
draped over the upper rim of a paint container. When two magnets
are included, it is preferable that the entire strap portion be
flexible, as this provides the greatest flexibility in adjusting
the height of the magnets above the surface of the paint volume in
the paint container.
[0061] It will be further appreciated that the apparatus provides a
novel method of holding a paint brush within the interior of a
paint container having a volume of paint, the paint container
having interior and exterior sides and an upper rim. The inventive
method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a paint brush holder
adapted for detachable installment on and over the upper rim of a
paint container, the paint brush holder including a strap portion
with first and second ends and at least one magnet disposed at one
of the ends of the strap, the strap portion adapted for draping
over the upper rim of the paint container such that one of the ends
is disposed at a selected height above a volume of paint in the
paint container, and the magnet being adapted for holding the paint
brush by any sufficiently metallic element; (b) placing the strap
portion of the paint brush holder on and over the upper rim paint
of the paint container; (c) adjusting the strap portion so that the
permanent magnet is at a height above the surface of the volume of
paint such that when the brush is held by the permanent magnet,
only a portion of the bristles of the brush are wetted by the
paint; and (d) placing a magnetic element of the paint brush, such
as the metallic ferrule, proximate the permanent magnet such that
the brush is captured and retained at the desired height above the
surface of the volume of paint.
[0062] The present inventive apparatus and method distinguishes
over the prior art and includes several advantages. Most notably
the present invention is quite compact. It can be folded and easily
carried in a painter's pocket, it can be looped around the handle
of a paint brush, or it can be secured on any suitably sized
handle, bar, grip, belt loop, or the like. For a painter so
inclined, it could double as a money clip or a paper holder.
[0063] The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary
skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best
mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the
inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete
disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction,
dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described.
Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and
equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may
be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative
materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes,
forms, functions, operational features or the like.
[0064] Therefore, the above description and illustrations should
not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *