U.S. patent number 3,650,589 [Application Number 04/866,471] was granted by the patent office on 1972-03-21 for artist palette and carrying case.
Invention is credited to Harrison K. Linger.
United States Patent |
3,650,589 |
Linger |
March 21, 1972 |
ARTIST PALETTE AND CARRYING CASE
Abstract
There is disclosed a combination artist's palette and carrying
case therefor. The palette includes a generally planar body portion
and a peripheral edge portion with at least one side of the body
portion being adapted to receive materials thereon for use by the
associated artist. A case for the palette is provided, the case
having a bottom wall and a side wall and is dimensioned such that
the palette fits within the peripheral side wall of the case
whereby the case is adapted to receive the palette for use, storage
and transportation. Resilient sealing gasket means movable relative
to the case also is provided. The gasket means is positionable
between the case and the palette and biasing means are provided on
the case to cause the palette to compress the gasket and provide a
substantially airtight chamber between the palette and the case. In
a second embodiment the gasket is rigidly affixed to the edge
portion of the palette. in a third embodiment there is provided a
disposable liner having a configuration complementary to the
configuration of the palette with the peripheral edge of the liner
operating as the gasket means. Also, there is provided an artist's
tool conditioning structure that may be stored within the case and
can be detachably secured to the side of the case for use by the
artist.
Inventors: |
Linger; Harrison K.
(Louisville, KY) |
Family
ID: |
25347685 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/866,471 |
Filed: |
October 15, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/231;
206/1.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B44D
3/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B44D
3/04 (20060101); A47b 027/00 (); A47b 063/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;312/231,214
;206/46,1.7,1.8,1.9 ;220/17 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gilliam; Paul R.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A combination artist's palette and carrying case therefor
comprising a palette including a generally planar body portion and
a peripheral edge portion, said body portion serving to receive an
artist's work materials thereon, a case adapted to receive said
palette for use, storage and transportation, said case including a
bottom wall and a peripheral side wall, said palette and said case
being dimensioned such that such palette fits within the peripheral
side wall of said case, a liner comprising a semirigid paint and
water impervious material and including body and edge portions of a
configuration substantially identical to the configuration of the
respective body and edge portions of said palette whereby said
liner may be removably disposed in nesting relationship with said
palette whereby said liner is supported by said palette so as to
provide a rigid and disposable work surface for the artist, said
peripheral edge portion of said liner being formed of a semirigid
material to provide resilient sealing gasket means integral with
said liner, whereby upon placement of said palette and said liner
in said case with said liner disposed between said palette and said
case, said gasket means and said palette and said case are adapted
to be in continuous juxtaposition with said palette, aid gasket
means and said case cooperating to form a chamber therebetween, and
means carried by said case for biasing said palette into sealing
relationship with said gasket means and thereby rendering said
chamber substantially airtight, whereby upon placement of said
palette in said case the airtight condition achieved thereby is
effective to retard the drying out and deterioration of any
materials remaining on said liner.
2. The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said resilient
sealing gasket means comprises at least one raised continuous ridge
formed in said peripheral edge portion of said liner.
3. The combination set forth in claim 2, wherein said liner is
formed of a plastic material and is between about 0.010 and 0.015
inch thick and said raised ridge is disposed about 0.060 inch above
the peripheral edge of the liner.
4. The combination set forth in claim 1, and further including a
plurality of said liners stacked in nesting relationship.
5. The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said palette
includes an upstanding side wall between said body portion thereof
and said peripheral edge portion thereof, and said liner includes a
complementary upstanding side wall between the body portion thereof
and the peripheral edge portion thereof, and wherein the bottom
wall of said palette is about 0.050 inches thicker than said side
wall thereof and the apex of the interior angle between the palette
side wall and the palette body portion is disposed 0.030 inches
outwardly with respect to the apex of the exterior angle of said
side wall and said body portion.
6. The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said liner is
formed of a high-impact plastic material and is between about 0.010
and 0.015 inch thick.
7. The combination set forth in claim 1, and further including a
cover for said case, said cover having an outwardly extending
peripheral flange complementary to the peripheral edge portion of
said palette and the peripheral edge portion of said liner, whereby
upon placement of said cover over said liner and said palette and
below said biasing means a second substantially airtight chamber is
provided between said cover and said gasket means of said liner and
said palette.
Description
This invention relates generally to an artist's palette and
carrying case therefor and is an improvement over the artist's
palette and case disclosed in applicant's prior U. S. Pat. No.
3,352,616, issued Nov. 14, 1967.
It is a primary object of the invention to provide a unique
combination artist's palette, carrying case, cover and artist's
tool conditioning structure that are cooperable in a manner whereby
the case provides storage for all such parts and for all the
artist's tools, and also provides for the convenient and organized
placement of the artist's tools and the palette for ready
accessibility for use by the artist.
Heretofore artists have customarily utilized in their work, paint
cases or boxes provide with a handle in which they may carry from
place to place their palettes, tubes of paint, brushes, and various
other implements peculiar to their profession, such as palette
knives, etc. In classroom situations, and when painting outdoors or
on location, the painter is often faced with an inevitable loss of
materials, since the present palette cases do not provide adequate
means for protecting and preserving the paint or other materials
that have been placed on the palette for use, and which materials
have not been entirely used during the particular work period. This
problem also exists when painting in the artist's home or
studio.
Generally, in these situation, it is necessary to remove the
materials from the surface of the palette before returning the
palette to the box for storage. These partially used paints, which
are normally spread over a large portion of the surface of the
palette, represent a loss to the artist, and, because they are
relatively expensive materials, and difficult to remove when dry,
it is both economical and tim saving to protect them from drying
out or otherwise deteriorating due to exposure.
Accordingly, it is another object of the invention to provide an
improved artist's palette and case therefor in which the palette is
adapted to be carried by the case in a manner that provides a
substantially airtight chamber, whereby the paint remaining on the
surface of the palette need not be removed prior to storing the
palette in the case, and wherein the paint so remaining on the
surface will be effectively prevented from drying out.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
combination reversible palette and palette case that will
effectively provide a hermetic compartment for one surface of the
palette, and wherein the opposite surface of the palette is readily
accessible for use by the artist, thereby doubling the effective
surface area and utility of the palette.
In applicant's prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,352,616 there is disclosed a
combination artist's palette, gasket, case and cover therefor. In
such prior patent the gasket means is rigidly disposed within the
case and is not removable therefrom. This presents one
disadvantageous feature in that it is necessary to invert the
palette to place the paint retaining side in the airtight chamber.
The present invention is an improvement thereover in that the
gasket means is removable from the case and it is possible to
obtain a substantially airtight chamber between the cover and the
palette or between the palette and the case and in certain
instances two chambers may be provided whereby paint on either side
of the palette may be stored in a substantially airtight
chamber.
It is a further object of the invention to provide, in combination
with the palette, cover and case referred to above, unique
resilient sealing gasket means cooperable with the case, palette
and cover in which the gasket means may be disposed between the
cover and the palette or between the palette and the case thereby
to provide substantially airtight chambers so that the artist's
material remaining on the palette is retarded from drying out. This
capability of establishing an airtight compartment within the case
is particularly helpful when the artist is painting on location and
must delay the cleanup of brushes, mixing cups, etc., for extended
periods of time.
It is a further object of the invention to provide, in structure of
the character heretofore described, an improved palette having
resilient sealing gasket means fixedly secured to both sides of the
peripheral edge thereof, whereby two substantially airtight
compartments may be obtained at the same time.
It is a further object of the invention to provide, for use in
combination with the aforementioned palette, case and cover, a
disposable plastic liner which the artist can use in conjunction
with the palette, the liner being formed of a mating configuration
to the palette whereby the palette provides a rigid structure
therebelow and wherein the peripheral edge of the liner serves as a
sealing gasket between the cover and the palette or between the
palette and the case.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide, for use
with the structure heretofore described, a cover that is capable of
being completely removed from the case and thereafter stored in the
case below the palette.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an artist's tool
conditioning structure that includes means for facilitating the
cleaning of the working end of the artist's tool such as the paint
brushes or palette knives, without resorting to messy hand-wiping
of such tools, and wherein such tool conditioning structure may be
stored within the case when not in use and may be detachably
secured to the side of the case for use as a thinning cup
attachment by the artist when the artist is painting.
Still another object of this invention is to provide, in a case of
the character described, means whereby the paint tubes are
positionable on the case in such a manner that during the painting
process they are readily available and convenient for use by the
artist in dispensing pigment upon the palette.
Further features of the invention pertain to the particular
arrangement of the elements of the case and palette and the
artist's tool conditioning structure, whereby the above outlined
and additional operating advantages thereof are attained.
The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be
understood with reference to the following specification taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the combination case, cover and palette
with portions of the cover and palette being cut away in order to
illustrate the structure of the case therebelow and wherein the
artist's tool conditioning structure is shown in the mounted
condition on one side of the case;
FIG. 2 is an end view, with parts broken away, taken in the
direction of the arrows along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1, illustrating
one arrangement of the cover, gasket, palette and case;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 1,
illustrating two arrangements of the cover and palette relative to
the case;
FIG. 4 is an end view of the cover, case and palette arrangement of
FIG. 1, with part of the case broken away for better illustration
of the brush receiving structure;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cover, gasket,
palette and carrying case and illustrates the manner in which
various associated artists tools and equipment and the tool
conditioning structure may be stored within the carrying case;
FIG. 5A is a sectional view of the gasket shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of palette forming
part of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pad of disposable paper sheets
adapted for use with the palette illustrated in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wood panel insert that may be
used in association with the palette illustrated in FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a second embodiment
of palette and gasket means forming part of the present
invention;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged end view of the case of FIG. 1, illustrating
in greater detail the biasing means carried by the case for holding
the palette and cover in position thereon, the biasing means being
shown in the open position;
FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of the biasing means taken
along the line 11--11 of FIG. 10, the biasing means being shown in
the closed position;
FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of a third type of palette on which
is mounted a disposable liner of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a sectional elevational view of the cover;
FIG. 14A and 14B are partial elevational views of the disposable
liner;
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the case and illustrates partial
views of the palette of FIG. 12 mounted in two positions
therein;
FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing a
plurality of the disposable liners stored between the palette and
case;
FIG. 17 is a partial view illustrating a plurality of the
disposable liners in stacked relationship;
FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16, showing a disposable liner
between the palette and the cover;
FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18, showing the palette and liner
in an inverted position with the biasing means in position;
FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIGS. 16, 18 and 19, showing the cover
in a storage position within the case with the palette and liner
exposed for use by the artist and wherein the biasing means is in
position to assist in retention of the liner on the palette.
FIG. 21 is a plan view of the artist's tool conditioning structure
forming part of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the artist's tool conditioning
structure taken in the direction of the arrows along the line
22--22 in FIG. 21;
FIGS. 23A and 23B are sectional views taken in the direction of the
arrows along the line 23--23 and illustrate the tool conditioning
structure in two operable positions thereof;
FIG. 24 is a side view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 21 and
shows an associated brush disposed therein;
FIG. 25 is an end view of the artist's tool conditioning structure
illustrated in FIG. 21 when mounted on the associated case; and
FIG. 26 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 22, further
illustrating operation of the tool conditioning structure when used
to clean the bristles of an associated paint brush.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, wherein a first embodiment of
the invention is illustrated in greater detail, there is seen an
improved combination artist's palette designated generally as 30, a
carrying case 40, a cover for the case designated generally as 60
and a gasket 70 adapted to be disposed in various positions
relative to the case, the cover and the palette.
The embodiment of the palette 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 comprises
a generally dish-shaped member having a generally rectangular main
body portion 31, an upstanding side section or wall 32 and an
outwardly extending peripheral edge portion or flange 33 disposed
parallel to the main body portion 31.
The dish-shaped configuration of the palette allows the body
portion 31 thereof to be used on either side thereof and with all
type of art mediums, such as oil paints, acrylic polymers,
transparent water colors and other similar materials. These
mediums, as distinguished by their liquid or flow consistency are
best suited for use on a particular side of the palette 30. Thus,
for example, the paste or non-running art mediums, such as oil
paints and the acrylics, are more easily worked by the artist
during painting and may easily be removed from the palette when the
palette is arranged with the main body portion 31 in an elevated
condition as illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 5, while the
wet or runny art mediums, such as water colors and color inks, are
more easily worked and contained when the palette is disposed to
provide the dish-shaped arrangement shown in FIG. 6.
As noted heretofore, one of the primary objects of the invention is
to extend the useable time and workable time of the various art
mediums used by the artist by retarding the normal drying out
process of the mediums when not in use. Some of these art mediums,
such as the oil and acrylic paints, can neither be restored to use
nor easily removed after they have dried out. Thus, in classroom
situations or when painting outdoors or on location, the laying out
of the palette and the colors and the after painting cleanup is a
time consuming and wasteful process in that those materials placed
on the palette may not thereafter successfully be restored.
To provide a hermetic or substantially airtight chamber in which
the palette side or sides having the paint or other materials
thereof may be stored while the reverse side thereof is available
for use by the artist, or, alternately, where it is desired to
store the palette with paint materials on both sides thereof, there
has been developed the case 40, cover 60 and gasket 70 for use
therewith.
With reference still to FIGS. 1 through 6, the case 40 includes a
generally rectangular bottom wall 41 and an upstanding peripheral
side wall 42; the upper portion of the side wall 42 being formed to
provide a ledge 43 disposed parallel to the bottom wall 41 and
extending outwardly therefrom. An open compartment 44 is formed
between the bottom wall 41 and the ledge 43. The side wall 42
terminates as an upstanding continuous lip 45 surrounding the ledge
43.
The palette 30 and side wall of the case 40 are dimensioned such
that the palette 30 may be disposed within the case with the
peripheral edge portion 33 of the palette 30 disposed in continuous
juxtaposition with the ledge 43.
In the preferred embodiment of the case 40 as illustrated in the
drawings, one section of the ledge 43 is extended laterally as
indicated at 46. The laterally extending section 46 is provided
with a plurality of apertures 47 of different sizes therethrough.
Some of the apertures are intended to accommodate the bottom end of
a standard tube of paint such as 51 while other of the apertures 47
are adapted to receive the handle-end of a paint brush 49 when the
artist is painting. Preferably, the apertures 47 along the sides of
the case, as illustrated in FIG. 1, are provided for paint brushes,
with the larger of such openings being disposed away from the
palette area whereby the shorter brushes which have handles of a
thinner diameter are disposed toward the front. Each of the
apertures 47 is provided with a vertically extending wall 48 which
is smaller in cross section at the bottom thereof than at the top
thereof. This allows the entire case 40 to be picked up and moved
to another location without the paint tubes or brushes dropping
through the apertures 47.
A pair of longitudinally extending dividing walls 50 is disposed
within the case 40 and serve to divide the compartment 44 into a
plurality of chambers designed to hold different tools. Thus as
illustrated in FIG. 5 one chamber A receives the brushes for
storage, the middle chamber B receives the paint tubes, while the
third chamber C is adapted to receive the artist's tool
conditioning structure 100 to be described more fully hereinafter.
There also is room in the chamber C for the storage of mixing cups
or the like.
To facilitate removal of the palette from within the case, a finger
notch 54 is provided in one part of the lip 45 of the side wall 43,
the finger notch 54 extending from the top end of the lip down to
the ledge 43.
A handle 52 for carrying the case 40 also is provided, the handle
being secured by a bracket 53 to the lip 45 via a plurality of
rivets (not shown) Rather than securing the handle by the bracket
53, the handle may be integrally molded with the case 40.
Disposed above the palette 30 in FIG. 5 is a generally rectangular
semirigid plastic frame 70 that serves as a resilient sealing
gasket in the manner shortly to be described. The gasket 70 has a
raised continuous bead 71 on one side thereof disposed
approximately midway between the edges thereof.
A cover 60 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the cover being
cooperable with the gasket 70. The cover 60 includes a generally
rectangular body portion 61, a continuous side wall 62 and an
outwardly extending peripheral flange 63. The peripheral flange 63
is complementary to the gasket 70, to the edge portion 33 of the
palette 30, and to the ledge 43 of the case 40, whereby these parts
may be placed in continuous juxtaposition with each other and will
fit within the confines of the lip 5 of the case.
To secure the various parts in position in and on the case, a
plurality of biasing means in the form of spring clamps 80 is
provided, the details of which are best illustrated in FIGS. 10 and
11. Each spring clamp 80 includes a U-shaped cam and hinge member
81 (FIG. 11) the bight portion 82 of which overlies the top edge of
the lip 45. The hinge and cam member 81 includes a hinge leg 83
that extends toward the ledge 43 and passes through a slot 55
formed in the ledge 43 adjacent to the lip 45. The lower end of the
leg 83 has a generally rectangular slot 84 therein which cooperates
with a compression clip 85 by receiving the curved hinge portion 86
thereof through the slot 84.
The compression clip 85 includes an outwardly curved and bent over
portion 87 which terminates as a U-shaped flange 88, the return leg
of which is designated as 89. The distance between the bight
portion 82 and the bent over portion 87 is less than the distance
between the return leg 89 and the bent over portion 87 when the
compression clip is in a relaxed or open condition. Thus, when the
clip 85 is rotated to the closed or biasing position thereof
illustrated in FIG. 11, the leg 89 will at all times engage the
bight portion 82 of the hinge and cam member 81. As a result, when
the compression clip 85 is rotated to the closed position the bight
82 acts as a cam on leg 89 and forces same upwardly to prevent the
clip from rotating outwardly. At the same time, due to the
relationship of the parts, a downward compressive force will always
be exerted on whatever member is disposed between the ledge 43 and
the leg 89.
The configuration of the compression clip 85 and the manner in
which it is mounted relative to the ledge 43 permits a number of
different mounting arrangements of the palette 30, gasket 70 and
cover 60 relative to the case and in each instance the clip 80
insures that the parts are held securely in place. Moreover, the
downward force exerted by the return leg 89 on the flange 63 or
edge portion 33 over the gasket 70 causes compression of the gasket
70 so as to provide an airtight seal between the case and the
member or members disposed above it.
With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, it will be appreciated that a
number of different storage and use arrangements of the case,
palette, gasket and cover are possible. Thus, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
palette 30 is shown with the body portion 31 in the elevated
position and the peripheral edge portion 33 thereof in direct and
continuous contact with the ledge 43 of the case. This position
allows the artist to use the palette in the elevated condition
whereby the body portion 31 is readily accessible for use with the
pastelike materials such as the oils and acrylics.
If the artist desires to temporarily discontinue painting for lunch
or other recess, or to transport the case to another location, the
gasket 70 may be placed over the peripheral edge portion 33 of the
palette and thereafter the cover 60 placed in position as shown.
When this step has been completed the compression clip 85 is
rotated from the open position illustrated in FIG. 10 to the closed
position illustrated in FIG. 11. The compressive force of the four
clips 85 on the peripheral flange 63 of the cover causes the flange
to firmly abut and compress the resilient sealing gasket 70,
thereby providing a seal between the flange 63 and the outer edge
portion 33 of the palette 30 whereby a substantially airtight
compartment is provided between the cover and the palette.
As a second arrangement, the left hand side of FIG. 3 shows the
palette 30 in the dished position while the right hand portion of
FIG. 3 illustrates the cover 60 in a storage position within the
case while the palette is disposed over the cover and within the
lip 45.
It will also be understood that the gasket 70 may be disposed
directly on the ledge 43 with the palette placed thereover whereby
a substantially airtight compartment is formed between the palette
30 and the cover 40. This latter arrangement would be desirable
where the artist is switching from one material to another such as
may be the case when going between classrooms wherein it is desired
to save the first material and prevent from drying out.
In FIG. 7 there is illustrated a pad 34 of disposable vellum paper
sheets, the pad 34 having a double adhesive tape on the bottom
thereof. It will be observed from FIGS. 6 and 7 that the pad 34 is
adapted to be disposed on the body portion 31 of the palette 30 and
within the side wall 32 thereof with the side wall 32 preventing
lateral movement of the pad 34 relative to the palette 30. In this
case, the artist may merely lay out his paint or other materials
directly on the paper pad and to avoid a messy cleanup process
merely tear off the single sheet of paper and dispose of same. In
FIG. 8, in lieu of the paper pad illustrated in FIG. 7 there is
illustrated a wood board 35 which also is positionable on the body
portion 31 within the side wall 32 of the palette 30.
In the preferred embodiment of palette, case, cover and gasket
illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the case is preferably molded as a
one-piece member from a plastic material such as A.B.S. The palette
may be of a melamine-type molded plastic or may be comprised of a
porcelain finish over drawn steel. If desired, a melamine laminate
to provide a wood-type surface appearance may be molded to the
elevated side of the body portion. The cover similarly may be
formed of a molded plastic A.B.S. or a melamine-type plastic. The
gasket 70 may be formed of a semirigid plastic such as
polypropelene. The gasket is preferably about 0.035 inch thick at
the center, with an arched under surface about 0.030 inch high and
tapering to the outer edges. The bead 71 is 0.050 inch wide and
0.030 inch above the body of the gasket.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be observed that in order
to allow the palette to be inverted and stored within the case in
either position, and also to allow the cover to be inverted and
stored within the case, the included or internal angle between the
side wall 32 of the palette and the body portion 31 thereof is
greater than the included or internal angle between the side wall
62 and body portion 61 of the cover, which angle in turn is greater
than the included or internal angle between the side wall 42 and
the bottom wall 41 of the case 40. For example, the included angle
for the palette may be approximately 125.degree., the included
angle for the cover approximately 120.degree. and the included
angle for the case being 115.degree..
Finally, in the embodiment illustrated, it will be observed that
although the body portions of the palette and cover are generally
rectangular, the sides thereof are slightly curved. This will
prevent the palette from sliding toward the tube area 46 of the
ledge 43 when the palette is in an elevated position.
A second embodiment of palette and gasket arrangement is
illustrated in FIG. 9. In this embodiment the palette 130 includes
a body portion 131, side wall 132 and peripheral edge portion 133.
Here, however, instead of the gasket being provided as a separate
semirigid frame 70, a gasket 135 is provided in the form of a vinyl
material that is adhesively secured to the peripheral edge portion
133 of the palette. In this case, the vinyl gasket includes leg
portions 136 and 137 which cover both sides of the edge portion
133. Each leg 136 and 137 has a plurality of raised ridges 138
thereon comparable to the bead 71, but slightly narrower on the
order of 0.030 inch. With this embodiment, it is possible to obtain
two substantially airtight compartments when the cover 60 is placed
over the palette 30 and the biasing means 80 are operated to the
closed positions thereof. This particular embodiment is best
employed when the palette is comprised of a drawn steel member
having a porcelain finish thereover, but also may be employed with
the melamine type molded plastic palette as well.
Referring now to FIGS. 12 through 20, a third embodiment of palette
and gasket arrangement is illustrated. In this embodiment the cover
60 and the case 40 are identical to those previously described, but
a slightly different palette structure 230 is employed. A
disposable liner 90 (FIGS. 14A, 14B) comprising a body portion 91,
upstanding side wall 92 and a peripheral edge portion 93
complementary to the respective parts of the palette 230 is
provided.
The edge portion 93 of the liner includes a pair of continuous
hollow ridges 94 formed therein, the ridges 94 operating as the
gasket means 70 in the embodiment heretofore described. The liner
90 preferably is formed of a high impact plastic such as
polystyrene and is between 0.010 and 0.015 inch thick; preferably
0.010 for flexibility and ease of stacking. Each ridge is about
0.13 inch wide at the top and about 0.050 inch high.
To accommodate the liner in a nesting relationship the modified
palette 230 is provided, the modification taking place in the side
wall 232. In the palette 30 the body portion 31 and the side wall
32 and outer edge portion 33 were all of the same thickness;
however, in order to allow the liner 90 to fit in good nesting
relationship with palette 230 on both sides thereof or in the
elevated or dished positions, the side wall 232 of the palette 230
is approximately 0.050 inch thinner than the body portion 231. This
allows the apex of the exterior angle between the side wall 232 and
the body portion 231 to be disposed 0.030 inch inwardly with
respect to the apex of the interior angle, whereby the liner 90
fits in good nesting relationship on either side of the palette 230
as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19.
The disposable liners 90 provide a very utilitarian structure
together with the case, palette and cover heretofore described. The
liners provide a convenient and relatively inexpensive work surface
which the artist may discard rather than clean the palette. A
plurality of the liners 90 may be provided in a stacked
relationship as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 7 and stored between
the palette 230 and the case 40.
The ridges 94 of the liner 90 serve as a gasket to provide a seal
between the liners and the case or the liners and the cover,
depending on the position of the respective parts. Thus, in FIG. 18
the palette 230 is disposed with the body portion 231 in the dished
position, the liner 90 therein and the cover 60 on top of the
liner. In this arrangement the ridges 94 are disposed between the
peripheral edge portion 233 of the palette 230 and the flange 63 of
the cover 60 thereby providing an airtight chamber therebetween. If
desired liners 90 may be disposed both above and below the palette
230 whereby the sealing ridges 94 of each operate to provide two
airtight chambers.
A preferred arrangement for the liner 90, disposed below the
palette 230, is to have the dished side of the liner 90 oriented
away from the dished side of the palette 230, similar to the manner
in which the extra liners 90 are illustrated in FIG. 16. So
positioned, neither the liner above or below the palette need be
inverted or exposed to the equipment within the compartments of the
case 60. In this arrangement, three substantially airtight chambers
are established.
In FIG. 19 the palette 230 is disposed in an elevated position with
the liner 90 thereover and the biasing means 80 or compression clip
85 in the closed position thereof.
In FIG. 20 the cover 60 shown in the storage position thereof while
the body portion 231 of the palette 230 is in the elevated
position. Also in FIG. 20 the biasing means 80 are in the closed
position and engage the ridges 94 of the liner 90. In this case the
biasing means 80 cooperate with the ridges 94 to insure that the
liner 90 does not have relative to the underlying palette 230.
As previously noted, one of the stated objects of the invention is
to provide the unique artist's tool conditioning structure 100
which is cooperable with the case 40 and which also may be used
independently thereof. The tool conditioning structure 100 is best
illustrated in FIGS. 21 through 26 wherein it is seen to comprise
the generally rectangular open receptacle including a bottom wall
101, side walls 102 and 103, a front end wall 104 and a rear end
wall 105. A dividing wall 106 is disposed in the receptacle 100 and
extends between the side walls 102 and 103 thereof; thereby
dividing the receptacle into two open compartments. In the
preferred embodiment illustrated the dividing wall 106 is disposed
toward the front wall 104.
The dividing wall 106 has a vertically extending slot 107 formed
therein. The slot 107 operates to receive the working end of an
associated artist's tool such as the bristle end of a paint brush
or the flat of a palette knife. The sides of the slot 107 are
beveled as at 108 to provide knife-like edges in the slot; the top
edge of the dividing wall 106 also is beveled as at 109. The sharp
edges so formed aid in cleaning the associated tools.
The receptacle 100 preferably is made of plastic or other semirigid
material so that the walls and bottom thereof are slightly flexible
when pressure is applied thereto. In using the tool conditioning
structure, it will be understood that inward pressure on the side
walls 102 and 103 at the junctures thereof with the dividing wall
106 causes constriction of the slot 107 with a resultant
application of compressive force on the end of the associated tool
disposed in the slot. When the working end of the tool is moved
longitudinally through the constricted slot 107 the beveled
knife-like edges 108 thereof operate to scrape off and squeeze out
waste or excess materials on the working end of the tool. This
allows the artist to strip and scrape excess paint from a brush
without hand-wiping the brush.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the slot 107 extends the
full height of the dividing wall 106. This makes it easier to apply
pressure along the full length of the slot as the bottom wall 101
then acts as a hinge. To facilitate application of pressure on the
side walls 102 and 103, a pair of oppositely disposed finger tabs
110 are integrally formed with the side walls 102 and 103 at the
areas adjacent to the junctures of the dividing wall 106 with the
side walls 102 and 103.
To further facilitate cleaning of the brush or other tool, the
bottom wall 101 of the receptacle is provided with a plurality of
upstanding ridges 111 which are disposed parallel to and between
the dividing wall 106 and the end wall 105. By running the bristle
end of the brush across the ridges 111, the ridges 111 operate to
spread apart the bristles and loosen and expose the pigment within
the bristles, thereby further facilitating cleaning of the brush.
This is particularly useful in removing paint near the ferrule of
the brush.
Finally, the rear wall 105 of the receptacle 100 is provided with a
plurality of serrations 112 which are adapted to receive the handle
end of the paint brush or other tool while the working end thereof
is disposed within the receptacle as illustrated in FIG. 24.
Because the serrations 112 are V-shaped they accommodate handles of
various diameters. The serrations prevent the handle end of the
brush or other tool from rolling and sliding off of the receptacle
100 when the receptacle 100 is used to retain the brushes in a
moist condition with a thinner carried therewithin.
The tool conditioning structure or receptacle 100 is particularly
adapted for use with the case 40 heretofore described. In this
connection the wall 103 of the receptacle 100 is provided with a
pair of mounting clips 113 which include a U-shaped portion 114
adapted to overlie the upstanding lip 45 of the associated case 40.
When it is desired to use the receptacle 100 for paint thinning, it
is clipped to the lip 45 of the case 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 1,
2 and 25. It will be appreciated that the open extent of the
U-shaped portion 114 is somewhat less than the thickness of the lip
45 whereby the receptacle 100 is firmly mounted on the case but is
easily detachable therefrom. Also, when the receptacle 100 is
clipped to the lip 45, the flanges 63 and/or 33 also cooperate to
secure the clips 113 to the ledge 43 in a very positive manner.
When not in use, the receptacle is stored in one of the
compartments of the case 40 as illustrated in FIG. 5; the height of
the receptacle 100 being less than the distance between the bottom
wall 41 and the ledge 43 of the case.
The tool conditioning attachment 100 is thus very versatile and
aids the artist in a number of ways. The receptacle may be used for
soaking brushes by depositing a thinning agent therewithin. It is
particularly adapted for removing excess paint from the bristle end
of the brush via the application of pressure to the side walls
resulting in constriction of the slot 107. This permits ready
cleaning of the brushes without messy hand-wiping. In addition, and
for thorough brush cleaning, the receptacle's relatively small size
permits the artist to take the entire receptacle and remove to a
source of running water and there run the bristle end of the
brushes across the ridges 111. The dividing wall 106 also functions
to prevent excessive intermixing of the excess pigment removed from
the brush with any thinner that may be disposed in the receptacle.
Finally, the sharp forward edges provided on the sides of the slot
107 and on the top of the dividing wall assure maximum removal of
the paint from the bristles.
It will be apparent from the foregoing that there has been provided
an improved combination artist's palette and case therefor. The
case constructed in accordance with the disclosure provides the
artist with a highly utilitarian device in which the brushes, paint
tubes, mixing cups and other tools conveniently may be stored, and
in use may be disposed in positions in which they are readily
available and accessible in a convenient and organized manner.
Because the palette is mounted within the case the palette is
disposed above the surface on which the case may rest whereby the
palette also is readily accessible to the artist.
The removable gasket provided in the various embodiments adds great
flexibility to the number of arrangements for providing airtight
chambers to prevent the drying out of paint or other materials on
the palette. The cover and palette can be clamped into position so
that paint can be stored on the palette for an extended period of
time without inverting the palette. Further, the disposable liners
cooperate with the palette to provide a convenient work surface and
also function as the gasket member. The cover is designed to be
completely removable from the case but can be stored under the
palette and out of the way but is yet easily available. When the
cover is over the palette any paint thereon is protected and it is
not exposed for inadvertent soiling of clothing and the like. The
ability to place the cover both over and under the palette is
further enhanced by the fact that such placement can be
accomplished without having to move the paint tubes, brushes or
thinning and mixing cups that may be mounted on the case. Finally,
the tool conditioning structure provides a unique tool for the
artist which enables the artist to clean various implements without
touching the working ends thereof and soiling clothing or
hands.
While there has been described what is presently thought to be the
preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that
various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to
cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within
the true spirit and scope of the invention.
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