U.S. patent application number 11/717942 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for paint brush with collection reservoir.
Invention is credited to Mark Steiner.
Application Number | 20080222824 11/717942 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39761179 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080222824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steiner; Mark |
September 18, 2008 |
Paint brush with collection reservoir
Abstract
A paint brush handle assembly with a collection reservoir or
drip cup formed as part of the handle contour with a plurality of
brush bristles fixed within the handle. The collection reservoir
located at the base of the brush bristles captures and collects the
dripping paint, or other finishing liquids, and prevents the
liquids from dripping onto the handle. The walls of the collection
reservoir extend outward from the handle and surround the base of
the brush bristles on all sides. The sides of the reservoir are
rigid and formed as one part with the handle.
Inventors: |
Steiner; Mark; (Greenwich,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark P. Stone
4th Floor, 25 Third Street
Stamford
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
39761179 |
Appl. No.: |
11/717942 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/143.1 ;
15/159.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 11/00 20130101;
A46B 2200/202 20130101; A46B 15/0002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/143.1 ;
15/159.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 5/00 20060101
A46B005/00 |
Claims
1. A paint brush handle comprising a forwardly extending elliptical
head and a rearwardly extending shank, said head being wider than
said shank in cross section, said head merging with said shank
along an arcuate transition zone, said head defining at least one
indentation therein for receiving at least one finger of a user
when said handle is grasped by the hand of a user, the forward end
of said head defining a first recessed portion for receiving a
brush therein.
2. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
handle is formed from two symmetrical half sections, and means for
removably joining said two symmetrical half sections into an
assembled configuration.
3. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
forward end of said head defines a second recessed portion, said
second recessed portion providing a peripheral reservoir
surrounding said brush when said handle is in said assembled
configuration and said brush is received in said first recessed
portion of said head.
4. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said
peripheral reservoir is bounded by an outer sidewall extending from
the forward end of said head when said handle is in said assembled
configuration.
5. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 4, wherein said outer
sidewall is integrally formed with said head.
6. A paint brush handle comprising a forward head and a rear shank,
said handle formed from two symmetrical half sections, and means
for removably joining together said two symmetrical half sections
into an assembled configuration; said head defining a first
recessed portion at the forward end thereof when said handle is in
said assembled configuration, said first recessed portion adapted
to removably receive a brush therein; said head defining a second
recessed portion of the forward end thereof, said second recessed
portion defining a peripheral reservoir around said first recessed
portion when said handle is in said assembled configuration.
7. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first
recessed portion in said head is defined by an inner sidewall when
said handle is in said assembled configuration.
8. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 7, wherein said
second recessed portion in said head is defined between said inner
sidewall and an outer sidewall extending from the forward end of
said head when said handle is in said assembled configuration.
9. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 8, wherein said inner
and said outer sidewalls are integrally formed with said head.
10. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 6, wherein said
forward end of said head is elliptical in shape when said handle is
in said assembled configuration, said head merging with said shank
along an arcuate transition zone.
11. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 10, wherein said
head is wider than said shank in cross section when said handle is
in said assembled configuration.
12. The paint brush handle as claimed in claim 11, wherein said
head defines at least one indentation therein for receiving at
least one finger of a user when said handle is in said assembled
configuration and is grasped in the hand of said user.
13. A paint brush adapted to be removably received within a paint
brush handle, said paint brush defining a base, said base including
means for retaining bristles therein, said base defining a recessed
portion surrounding said means for retaining said bristles, said
recessed portion defining a peripheral reservoir around said
bristles for receiving paint dripping from said bristles.
14. The brush as claimed in claim 13, wherein said reservoir is
generally elliptical in configuration.
15. The brush as claimed in claim 13, wherein said means for
retaining said bristles in said base comprises a first sidewall
surrounding said bristles.
16. The brush as claimed in claim 15, further including a second
sidewall extending around said first sidewall, said reservoir being
defined between said first and said second sidewalls.
17. The brush as claimed in claim 16, wherein said first sidewall
is integrally formed with said base.
18. The brush as claimed in claim 17, wherein said second sidewall
is integrally formed with said base.
19. The brush as claimed in claim 18, wherein said first sidewall
is formed from an opened cup configuration defined in said
base.
20. The brush as claimed in claim 19, wherein said second sidewall
is formed from an opened cup configuration defined in said base.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to handles; specifically ergonomically
improved paint brush handles utilizing the same.
[0002] Paint brushes are commonly manufactured with long straight
handles made from wood or molded plastic with a metal sheath
assembly containing the brush bristles fastened to the wide end of
the handle. Tile majority of common paint brush handles do not
address the ergonomic needs of the user, most importantly the need
to reduce pressure points and hand fatigue during prolonged
use.
[0003] The paintbrush is manipulated by the user in several hand
positions. The most common hand position is when the user places
his or her fingers over the metal sheath at the base of the exposed
bristles wrapping their thumb around the opposite side of the brush
handle and resting it against the opposite side of tile sheath.
When gripping the handle in this manner, the straight elongated
handle creates a pressure point in the crotch of the hand between
the thumb and forefinger. Pressure is increased at the base of the
forefinger knuckle and at the crotch of tie hand during the
painting procedure. This pressure from the straight handle shape
can result in fatigue and soreness of local hand ligaments and
muscles. Furthermore if the straight handled brush is narrow with a
small circumference, the pressure point in the crotch of the hand
at the base of the first knuckle is accentuated during the painting
procedure. The hand fatigue caused by the pressure point and
prolonged use of the brush inhibits fine motor control of the hand
and therefore controlled manipulation or the brush. What is needed
is a handle that rests over the forefinger knuckle rather thank the
underside of the forefinger knuckle to help reduce stress to the
muscle at the crotch of the hand.
[0004] The flat side surfaces of a common paint brush handle can
also cause strain to various hand muscles and ligaments. The
natural position of a common hand in a relaxed state creates an arc
across the finger tips; more specifically each finger tip is on a
different plane. When the finger tips rest on a flat surface and
the fingers are forced to work on a flat plane, this finger
position can cause undue strain on muscles and ligaments during the
painting procedure. What is needed is a rounded surface that
provides a natural resting place for the finger tips when the hand
is in a grip position.
[0005] Another important element to reducing hand fatigue is to
give the user the option to change hand positions during prolonged
use. Limiting the user to one hand position through the design of a
set of complex surfaces on the handle will cause strain to the same
hand muscles and ligaments during prolonged use. The user should
have the option to utilize various hand positions while painting so
they can grip the handle in different positions to relieve tired
muscles and ligaments.
[0006] A number of brush handles have attempted to solve the
problem of hand fatigue. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,15 issued
to Herron discloses a brush handle with a series of fitted control
surfaces for the fingers that allow the user to grip the brush
handle in a precise manner. However the overall form of the handle
of this claim does not make it easy to comfortably hold the brush
handle in multiple hand positions which is an important factor in
reducing hand fatigue as mentioned above.
[0007] Another handle design, U.S. Pat. No. D0167775 illustrates a
curved handle design to facilitate grip options during the painting
procedure. The handle contours appear clumsy with hard edges and
flat sides that can cause muscle strain as mentioned above.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,213 claims an ergonomic handle for
painting with an offset handle that provides relief in the crotch
of the hand between the thumb and forefinger. Although this offset
feature may provide some relief at the point of contact with the
hand, the small circumference of the handle can-create pressure
points that can exacerbate muscle and ligament fatigue during the
painting procedure. What is needed is a brush handle that is wider
around the forefinger knuckle and the crotch of the hand in order
to spread out the forces acting on the hand during the painting
procedure.
[0009] Another problem with conventional paint brushes is the
dripping of paint from the bristles onto the handle. Conventional
paint brushes have a wooden or plastic molded handle with brush
bristles-fastened to the wider end of the handle. The outer
bristles and handle are on the same relevant plane.
[0010] With conventional paint brushes, as described above, paint
or other finishing liquids will drip down the handle when using the
brush in an inverted position. Prolonged use of the brush results
in the excessive collection of liquids at the base of the bristles
and ultimately on the handle of the brush thereby soiling the
user's hands and fingers.
[0011] Prior attempts to overcome this problem have included a
paint brush handle with drip cup or receptacle as claimed in U.S.
Pat. No. 2,892,205 issued to Wagner. Among the claims is one
requiring the user to physically turn the flexible sidewalls of
tile drip cup inside out thereby exposing the collected liquid to
the user's hands and fingers. This solution defeats the purpose of
protecting the user's hands and fingers from the paint and other
liquids.
[0012] Another attempt to overcome this problem is outlined in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,145,151 issued to Herron. The abstract includes a
protective mechanism to prevent paint from dripping onto the brush
handle. The drip lip claimed in Herron & Cox appears to be
small in scale and, with the use of interchangeable brush heads,
difficult to clean.
[0013] Other prior attempts to overcome this problem have included
a drip guard fastened to a separate-paint brush handle such as that
claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,006. This attachment is a flat loop
of elastic material that turns upward to form a trough to collect
excess paint when the brush is inverted. This part is separate from
the paint brush handle and is not an integral part of the
handle.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 2,733,471 discloses a band of rubber or other
elastic material mounted around the stock of a paint brush handle.
The band is not an integral part of the handle.
[0015] Other attempts have included the application of a secondary
assembly containing an absorbent material that is attached to
existing paint brush handles. This absorbent material is removed
from the brush handle and thereby exposes the user's hands and
fingers to the paint or finishing liquid.
[0016] What is needed however is a fixed collection reservoir
integrated within the handle at the base of the bristles that will
capture the dripping liquids when the brush assembly is inverted
upright and allow the liquids to exit the reservoir when the brush
assembly is positioned downward. This reservoir is not a separate
piece but is an integral part of the injection molded plastic
handle.
[0017] The brush bristles or foam pads used to spread the wet paint
are commonly fastened to the handle via glue and metal assembly
that is riveted to the handle. This method of application does not
allow the user the option of replacing just the brush assembly or
removing the brush assembly for more thorough cleaning.
[0018] It is therefore desirable to provide an ergonomically
designed handle, specifically for paint brushes, to reduce the
pressure points and hand fatigue associated with the use of common
paint brush handles, reduce the dripping of paint onto the handle
and provide the option to remove and replace the brush bristles
from the handle. It is also desirable to provide a brush handle
that can be grasped comfortably by the user in multiple ways for
fine detail work as well as general purpose painting. The use of
multiple hand positions can help reduce hand fatigue during the
painting procedure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the paint brush handle and
integrated reservoir with brush bristle assembly attached to the
handle in accordance with the embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the handle and
integrated reservoir with brush bristle assembly in accordance with
an alternative embodiment of the invention where the bristle
assembly is captured within a two-part handle.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a section view of the handle and integrated
reservoir with brush bristle assembly in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the paint brush handle and
integrated reservoir with brush bristle assembly removed in
accordance with the embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the paint brush handle with
hook curved section of the handle positioned in the crotch of the
hand between the thumb and forefinger in accordance with the
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the paint brush handle with
the fingers of a hand in a natural state, gripping the brush as a
user would in a common painting procedure in accordance with the
embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a brush head adapted to be
removably received on the brush handle of the improved paint brush
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a paint brush handle that will reduce hand fatigue and
pressure points by use of an ergonomically designed handle as well
as helps minimize the dripping of paint onto the handle. It is an
object of the invention to provide a rubber surface on the handle
for a more comfortable and secure grip.
[0027] It is an object of the invention to provide appropriate
ergonomic contours that allow the user to grip the brush in
multiple hand positions in order to help reduce hand fatigue during
normal use.
[0028] It is an object of the invention to provide a rounded
contour to the upper end of the handle that allows the user to grip
the brush handle comfortably with their fingers in a natural grip
position.
[0029] It is an object of the invention to provide soft ergonomic
contours on relevant surfaces of the handle to minimize pressure
points during normal use, specifically in the area of the handle
that is in contact with the forefinger knuckle and the crotch of
the hand between the thumb and forefinger.
[0030] It is an object of the invention to provide a handle that
can be used comfortably by the user in either hand.
[0031] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved
design that will minimize paint from dripping onto the handle
during normal use.
[0032] It is an object of the invention to provide removal of the
bristles for thorough cleaning.
[0033] In accordance with the present invention, an improved handle
is provided specifically a paint brush handle that helps reduce
fatigue and minimizes the dripping of paint onto the handle.
[0034] In the embodiment of the invention, an elliptical contour
around the base of the bristles provide for a contour to help solve
the ergonomic requirements of the brush handle. The finger tips of
a relaxed hand rest comfortably on the elliptical surface at the
base of the brush bristles. Undo stress on muscles and ligaments is
reduced when the hand is gripping the handle in a relaxed state.
The elliptical surface at the base of the brush bristles is a
rubberized surface to provide the user with a softer, more
comfortable and secure grip during use.
[0035] In the embodiment of the invention, the curved shaped handle
rests within the crotch of the hand between the thumb and
forefinger and reduces direct pressure to the muscle at the crotch
of the hand. The elliptical form is longitudinally parallel to the
brush plane. The elliptical form is wider at the brush end of the
handle and becomes smaller as it tapers toward the middle of the
handle. The radius of the elliptical form fits naturally with the
hand and softens pressure points during the painting procedure.
[0036] In the embodiment of the invention the hook curve of the
handle rests in the crotch of the hand between the thumb and
forefinger when gripping the handle during a common painting
procedure. When held in this way, the hook curve of the handle
wraps around the thumb knuckle and over the side surface of the
forefinger knuckle parallel to the inner surface of the forefinger.
By resting the handle over the forefinger knuckle, rather than the
underside of the forefinger knuckle, helps reduce stress to the
muscle at the crotch of the hand between the thumb and
forefinger.
[0037] In the embodiment of the invention, a handle with a fixed
integrated collection reservoir located below the base of the brush
bristles captures and collects the dripping paint, or other
finishing liquids, and prevents the liquids from dripping onto the
handle. The walls of the reservoir extend upward parallel with the
outside contour of the handle and surround the base of the brush
bristles on all sides. The sides of the reservoir are rigid and
formed as one part with the handle. The primary objective of the
collection reservoir is to capture the dripping paint or other
liquids, such as wood sealing stains and the like, and prevent the
liquids from dripping down the brush handle onto the user's fingers
and hands.
[0038] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the brush
bristles are manufactured as a separate assembly and listened to
the handle and reservoir with screw attachments, glue, snap fit or
friction fit. This allows for more thorough cleaning of the brush
head and replacement of brush head as needed.
[0039] The above embodiments and other objects of the present
invention will become more readily understood from review and
consideration of the following detailed descriptions together with
the accompanying drawings.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0040] The following detailed description should be read with
reference to the drawings, in which like drawings are numbered
identically. The drawings depict the selected embodiment and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It will be
understood that embodiments shown in the drawings and described
below are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to
limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handle 100 having an
integrated reservoir 110 and a brush bristle assembly 200 fastened
to the handle in accordance with the embodiment of the
invention.
[0042] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the handle having
an integrated reservoir with brush bristle assembly in accordance
with an alternative embodiment of the invention. In the alternative
embodiment shown, the handle 100 with integrated reservoir 110 may
be formed of injection molded plastic and is a two-part design with
a right half 130 and left half 140. The bristle assembly 200 is
captured between the right 130 and left 140 halves of the handle
assembly 100 and is centered within the open reservoir formed by
the joining of the two halves of the handle.
[0043] The brush bristle assembly 200 consists of a separate cup
210 where the collection of brush bristles 220 are glued within the
cup 210 and the cup 210 is captured between the right half 130 and
left half 140 of the handle assembly. The cup 210 of the brush
bristle assembly can be formed of injection molded plastic and can
have a flange 211 or relevant detail that prevents the bristle
assembly 200 from rotating or being easily removed from the
assembled handle 100.
[0044] The right 130 and left 140 halves of the handle can be
screwed 150 together to capture the brush bristle assembly and form
an open reservoir 110 around the base of the brush bristle
assembly. This reservoir will capture and collect liquids when the
brush is inverted during overhead use. As the paint or liquids
saturate the bristles with prolonged periods of use, gravity will
pull the liquids to the reservoir and prevent the paint or liquids
from dripping down the outside surfaces of the handle assembly.
Consequently when the brush is rotated downward, where the brush
bristles are placed within the paint can, the collected paint or
liquids will drain from the reservoir. FIG. 1 shows the fully
assembled brush in the embodiment of the invention.
[0045] Additionally, by virtue of this construction, the right 130
and left 140 halves of the handle can be separated to replace the
brush bristle assembly 200 and the inside of the integrated
reservoir 110 can be cleaned of the collected liquids.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a section view of the handle with integrated
reservoir and brush bristle assembly in accordance with the
embodiment of tile invention. The sidewalls 111 of the reservoir
110 start below the base of the brush bristles and extend upward on
all sides to form a drip cup or reservoir to collect the paint or
other liquids. The sidewalls 111 are fixed and are formed as one
with the handle. The purpose of the reservoir 110 detail becomes
evident when using the paint brush overhead.
[0047] During such use, when the brush bristles 200 become
saturated, gravity will pull the paint or liquid drippings into the
collection reservoir. The collection reservoir 110 prevents the
liquid from dripping down the outside of the handle.
[0048] The cup 210 of the brush bristle assembly 200 has a flange
211 formed at it's base that is captured within a corresponding
detail within the right 130 and left halves of the handle assembly.
This snap fit flange 211 provides rigidity of the brush assembly
200 and prevents the brush assembly from rotating relative to the
handle. Additionally the flange prevents the brush assembly from
disengaging with the handle during normal use of the paint brush.
FIG. 3 depicts tile selected embodiment and is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention. It will be understood that
embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely
for illustrative purposes, and arc not intended to limit the scope
of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled halves of the
handle 100 having an integrated reservoir 110 with the brush
bristle assembly removed from the handle in accordance with the
embodiment of the invention. The integrated reservoir helps reduce
paint from dripping onto the handle during normal painting. The
side walls of the reservoir are rigid and formed as part of the
handle.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the handle highlighting the
hook curve of the handle in accordance with the embodiment of the
invention. When held in the most common hand position when
painting, the hook curve of the handle 101 wraps around the knuckle
of the thumb 310 and to the side of the forefinger knuckle 320
resting within the muscle 330 at the crotch of the hand. The handle
does not rest under the forefinger knuckle 320 and therefore helps
reduce stress to the muscle 330 at the crotch of the hand between
the thumb and forefinger.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handle, from the brush
end, highlighting the fingers of the user hand gripping the handle
during a common painting procedure.
[0052] The fingers, when gripping an object, form an arc across the
finger tips. The elliptical form of the paint brush with reservoir
handle 100 provides a radius surface 160 to accommodate the natural
arc formed by the finger tips when gripping an object.
[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates a brush head, adapted to be removably
mountable to a brush handle of the type previously discussed
herein. The brush head illustrated by FIG. 7 is generally
designated by reference numeral 200, and includes outwardly
extending bristles 202 and an opened cup 204 for retaining the
bristles therein. The outer opened annular cup 206 is generally
concentric with the opened cup 204, and defines an annular channel
or reservoir 208 therebetween. The opened cup 204 is defined by a
first inner forwardly extending sidewall, the opened cup 206 is
defined by a second forwardly extending sidewall, and the inner and
outer sidewalls 204 and 206, respectively, are preferably
integrally joined together to form the base of the brush head. The
annular reservoir or channel 208 is defined between the inner and
outer sidewalls. Mounting means 210 extends from the bottom of the
brush head 200 for removably mounting the brush head to a handle.
Preferably, the mounting means is integrally formed with the brush
head.
[0054] In the embodiments of the invention illustrated by FIGS.
1-6, the reservoir for receiving material dripping from the brush
head is defined in the handle. In the embodiment of the invention
illustrated by FIG. 7, the reservoir for receiving material
dripping from the bristles 202 is defined in the head itself.
* * * * *