Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PAINT CONTAINER
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of containers, and more
particularly to containers
that hold paintable liquids for use in painting, construction, and related
activities.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] Buildings and physical structures such as fences and bridges generally
require painting
when newly constructed, as well as periodic repainting, to maintain a fresh,
clean, and
attractive appearance. Two types of painting instruments are commonly used,
rollers and
brushes. Paint rollers are generally appropriate for painting large open
surface areas such as
walls and doors, while paint brushes are typically used for smaller and finer
areas such as
window frames, trim, fences, baseboards, deck edges, and wall and ceiling
intersections.
[0003] When painting it is necessary to have a container to hold the paint
being applied. In
particular, when using a brush a painter will typically hold the brush with
one hand and the
container with the other hand. In many paint projects the painter will move
about
extensively, including climbing scaffolding and ladders, to brush paint in the
various places
where detail work is required. Painter mobility for extended periods is
particularly the case in
large or professional paint jobs. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a paint
container that is
comfortable to hold, particularly for long periods, and that is not too heavy.
[0004] For each brush application the paint brush is usually first dipped in
the paint so that it
is completely immersed. When removed the brush is usually soaked and dripping
with excess
paint. The painting does not usually proceed with the brush in this condition
since there is a
risk that too much paint will be applied to the surface being painted. Also,
when moving the
brush to the paint surface there is a chance that random drops of excess paint
will drip onto
the floor, making a mess. Accordingly, the brush is usually wiped or dabbed to
reduce the
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excess, and to produce a desired paint profile on the brush that is suitable
for the particular
surface being painted.
[0005] Brush wiping generally involves scraping or moving a broad side of the
brush against
an edge, and is an effective means of removing most of the paint from the
portion of the
brush being wiped. The movement usually begins at or near the top of the
brush, where the
bristles join the brush handle, and proceeds down the bristles towards their
unattached or
free end. The movement is stopped at whatever point it is desired to leave
paint on the
brush. It is desirable if the edge used for wiping is at least as wide as the
brush being wiped,
since that reduces the likelihood that repeated wiping strokes will be needed.
[0006] A typical profile produced by wiping is a line of paint along the
bottom edge or free
end of the brush. Further variations are possible in that the paint may be
left only along a
portion of the bottom edge, or even just a corner, rather than along the whole
edge. The
brush wiping profile is useful for fine work where care must be taken to avoid
getting paint on
a surface adjacent to the surface being painted. This may include, for
example, painting the
part of a window frame adjacent to the glass windowpane.
[0007] Brush dabbing involves laying all or a portion of a broad side of the
soaked brush
against a dabbing surface so that the excess drips off or is removed by
adhesion. The brush
may be "tapped" lightly to accelerate the process. The dabbing movement is
continued until
the desired amount of paint is left on the side of the brush being dabbed. For
efficiency
purposes, to reduce the need for overlapping and extra dabbing strokes, it is
desirable for the
dabbing surface to be at least as wide as the brush being dabbed. The
resulting paint profile
on the brush is a relatively uniform coat having a desired thickness, without
any dripping
excess. Dabbed brushes are well suited for painting broad areas that are not
finely detailed
and that are too narrow to be served by rollers, such as baseboards, for
example.
[0008] The above described container and brush application features are
helpful in improving
painting efficiency. However, many of the devices and containers in current
use or that have
been proposed lack or inadequately address these desired features.
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[0009] For example, the containers in which paint is commonly sold present a
number of
problems. Large paint cans that hold one gallon (about 3.79 litres) are too
large and heavy, at
about 71/2 inches high, 61/2 inches in diameter, and 10-12 lbs. in weight, to
be conveniently
carried for any length of time. Further, the only available surface for wiping
and dabbing is the
narrow and curved rim of the can, which is far from optimal.
[0010] Further problems are also caused by the wire handle that is usually
provided for these
cans. The handle extends in a semicircle over the top of the can, and can
therefore obstruct
the opening and interfere with easy insertion of the paint brush into the can.
To avoid this,
the painter will sometimes shift weight to displace the handle, which can
cause wrist strain.
The painter may put less paint in the can, to reduce the weight and therefore
the wrist strain.
However, this approach forces the painter to reach deeper into the can, which
both slows the
process and often results in paint from the rim getting on the painter's arm.
The wire handle
itself can dig into the painter's hand, which is obviously uncomfortable.
[0011] Some paint containers have become available which replace the wire
handle with an
alternative type of semicircular handle. However, in this design the container
is held from the
bottom, and the painter is required to put down the brush and use both hands
to put down
or pick up the container. This is not only inconvenient, but can result in a
loss of balance when
working on a ladder.
[0012] The smaller size retail paint cans are generally more manageable, being
about 5 inches
in height, 4% inches in diameter, and weighing about 4 lbs. Unlike the larger
cans it is possible
to hold the small cans directly in one hand without a handle. However, the
diameter of the
cans is still large enough to be uncomfortable for many people to hold.
Further, even stronger
or larger people who are initially comfortable may experience some hand strain
after holding
a can of this diameter for extended periods. In addition, the cylindrical
shape of the can
provides a poor gripping surface and is susceptible to slipping, particularly
when wet.
Dropping such a can could not only create a mess but also present a risk of
injury.
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[0013] Another aspect of the small cans is that the open top is only about 334
inches in
diameter. The small cans therefore could not be used with paint brushes that
are four inches
in width, and would be awkward and inconvenient when used with the popular
three inch
brush size. In addition, the only surface available for wiping and dabbing is
the rim, which is
not only narrow like the rim of the large cans, but has an even more
pronounced curvature
due to its smaller diameter.
[00141 As a result of the above problems with retail paint cans, it is common
for painters to
make their own ad hoc paint containers out of everyday items such as, for
example, old
margarine containers or cut-off plastic juice bottles. These containers
however continue to
suffer from many of the same problems such as being uncomfortable to hold,
having
inadequate wiping and dabbing surfaces, and low paint capacity in some cases.
[0015] Some attempts have been made in the past to provide a convenient paint
container.
For example, U.S. Design Pat. No. 401,704 to Clark discloses a paint dispenser
with a brush
wipe and rest, and an indented handle. However, the brush wipe is a bar across
the top
opening, which partly obstructs the opening and compels the painter to take
care not to hit
the bar when inserting the brush. The brush wipe also cannot function as a
dabbing surface.
In addition, the handle appears difficult to grip comfortably because it is
positioned at the
bottom of the container, and because it forces part of the user's thumb to
press against an
unindented portion.
[0016] Another example is Shea, U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,816, which discloses a
painter's aid to
hold paint, a paint brush rest, and a stepped wiping surface. One problem with
Shea is that
the gripping surface is a smooth, relatively large diameter cylinder similar
to the retail paint
cans described above. Therefore, the device will likely be uncomfortable to
hold and prone to
slippage. Another problem is that the brushed wiping surface is substantially
within the body
of the container. Attempts to wipe the brush may therefore result in the brush
picking up
more paint if the bristle tips make contact with the paint. There is also no
dabbing surface
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provided. As shown in FIG. 15, the platform 22 is used as a brush rest.
Dabbing on the
platform 22 would cause it to be covered in paint, which is contrary to its
use as a brush rest.
SUMMARY
[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
apparatus for use
with a paintable liquid and with a connector being configured to connect to a
stationary
object, the apparatus comprising:
a paint container being configured to operatively contain the paintable liquid
once the
paintable liquid is received in the paint container to do just so, the paint
container including:
a wall being configured to surround, at least in part, the paintable liquid
being
received in the paint container, the wall including:
a connector receiver being configured to cooperatively engage with the
connector
once the connector is positioned relative to the connector receiver to do just
so, in such a way
that the connector connects the connector receiver to the stationary object,
and the
paintable liquid remains surrounded by the wall and remains within the
container.
[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a container for
holding paintable liquid, the container comprising:
a body assembly comprising a base and a continuous wall extending up from the
base
to define a top opening having an outer edge and an interior to hold the
paintable liquid;
a gripping portion comprising a recess in the continuous wall and being sized,
shaped,
and positioned to permit a user to grip said gripping portion to hold said
container; and
a wiping edge comprising a portion of the outer edge, the wiping edge being
configured to be straight to facilitate wiping of a paint brush, and having a
thickness greater
than a thickness of the portion of the outer edge that is outside of the
wiping edge.
[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a container
for holding paintable liquid, the container comprising:
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a body assembly comprising a base and a wall extending up from the base to
define a
top opening and an interior to hold the paintable liquid;
a gripping portion comprising at least one recess in the wall and being sized,
shaped,
and positioned to permit a user to grip said gripping portion to hold said
container;
the wall of the body assembly expanding outwards from the base to the top
opening,
to facilitate stacking of another container inside the interior of the
container; and
a stop located in the interior of the container, the stop being sized and
shaped to
maintain a minimum separation distance between the base of a first container
and the base
of a second container stacked inside the interior of the first container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference
to the
following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in
conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paint container;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a see through view of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3A is a top view of the paint container of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3B is a side view of the paint container of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of three paint containers of FIG. 1
arranged in a stack;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the paint container of FIG. 1 showing a
user's hand
gripping the gripping portion and a paint brush inserted in the dipping
section;
[0027] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the paint container of FIG. 1 showing
a paint brush
being wiped on the leading edge of the tongue portion;
[0028] FIG. 6B is a view of the paint brush of FIG. 6A after it has been
wiped;
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[0029] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the paint container of FIG. 1 showing
a paint brush
being dabbed on the tongue portion;
[0030] FIG. 7B is a view of the paint brush of FIG. 7A after it has been
dabbed;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a paint container having a
lip and ribs;
[0032] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the paint container of FIG. 8;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an interior space of a paint container
having a stop;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of three paint containers of FIG. 10
arranged in a stack,
with hidden elements shown in dashed line.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a paint container having an aperture
in the shape of a
circle;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a paint container having an aperture
in the shape of a
square;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a paint container having an aperture
in the shape of a
rectangle with curved ends and a notch;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a paint container having three
apertures;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a paint container having three
apertures at the back
end;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a paint container having nine
apertures;
[0041] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of four paint containers of FIG. 15
hanging from a
common fixed object, with each paint container pointing in a different
direction;
[0042] FIG. 18B is a diagram view of the four directions pointed to by the
four paint
containers of FIG. 19A;
[0043] FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a paint container having a tab
extension with one
aperture;
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[0044] FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a paint container having a tab
extension with three
apertures;
[0045] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the paint container of FIG. 12 hanging
from the rung of
a ladder by an S-hook connected to the aperture;
[0046] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the hanging paint container of FIG.
20, showing a
painter dipping a paint brush into the paint container;
[0047] FIGS. 22A and 226 are perspective views of a painter on a ladder
painting with the
paint container of FIG. 20;
[0048] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the paint container of FIG. 16,
resting on a step of a
step ladder and attached to the step ladder by wire; and
[0049] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a painter painting with the paint
container of FIG. 15,
where the paint container is hanging on a bar by a hook connected to a side
aperture.
[0050] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by
phantom lines,
diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances,
details not
necessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render
other details
difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
[0051] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components
throughout
the several figures of the Drawings. Elements in the several figures are
illustrated for
simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For
example, the
dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative
to other
elements for facilitating understanding of the various presently disclosed
embodiments. In
addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary
in
commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate
a less
obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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[0052] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is
not intended
to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the
described
embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means
"serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as
"exemplary" or
"illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other
implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary
implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use
the
embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure,
which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms
"upper,"
"lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and
derivatives thereof shall
relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. Furthermore, there is no
intention to be
bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical
field,
background, summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be
understood that
the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and
described in the
following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects
and/or
concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be
considered as
limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that
"at least one" is
equivalent to "a".
[0053] The paint container 10 is shown in FIG. 1. For additional clarity, a
"transparent"
version of the drawing of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. It can be seen that paint
container 10
comprises a base 12 and a continuous wall 14 extending up from the base and
forming a top
opening 16. It can be appreciated that this structure defines a container
volume 18 inside
container 10 between base 12, continuous wall 14, and top opening 16. The
container volume
18 may also be called an interior space.
[0054] The paint container 10 further broadly comprises a gripping portion 20,
a dipping
section 22, and a tongue portion 24. For convenient reference, the container
may be
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considered to have a first end or back 26 and a second end or front 28. As
will be described in
greater detail below, gripping portion 20 begins at back 26 and extends into
the container. As
shown in the top view of FIG. 3A, dipping section 22 is a portion of container
volume 18
adjacent to front 28 or tongue portion 24. The tongue portion 24 extends
outwardly and
upwardly from the front or second end 28 of the continuous wall 14, adjacent
to dipping
section 22.
[0055] The paint container 10 is configured to hold a paintable liquid or
paint 30, and to
enable the paint to be dispensed onto a paint brush 32 for application on a
surface by a
painter. As discussed in greater detail below, container 10 also includes
features that enable
the user to hold the container in one hand, and to adjust the amount and
distribution of paint
on the brush.
[0056] In one embodiment continuous wall 14 is perpendicular to the base, and
accordingly
extends up to top opening 16 in a substantially vertical orientation. However,
it is preferred
that continuous wall 14 taper outwardly as the wall extends up from the base.
In this way the
width, length, and cross-sectional dimensions of top opening 16 at the top of
container 10 will
, be larger than the corresponding dimensions of base 12 at the bottom of
container 10. There
may be any degree of outward taper, but adequate results may be achieved with
an outward
taper that is relatively small. For example, an outward taper of 0.103 inches
for a vertical rise
of 1 inch has been found to be adequate.
[0057] Extending continuous wall 14 with an outward taper is preferred because
the outward
taper enhances the ability of container 10 to be stackable. More particularly,
continuous wall
14 and other features such as gripping portion 20 are preferably sized,
shaped, and positioned
to permit at least one of the instances of container 10 to be stacked inside
another of the
instances of container 10.
[0058] The stackable feature is illustrated in FIG. 4, which shows a group of
three instances of
container 10 arranged inside one another in a single stack. It can be
appreciated that the
stack arrangement greatly reduces the total space occupied by the constituent
containers, in
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comparison to the space that the containers would otherwise occupy if they
were separated
and laid out side by side. Stackability of container 10 is accordingly a
desired feature because
it reduces the space required to transport and store multiple containers, and
also reduces the
shelf space needed to display the containers in a retail environment.
[0059] The gripping portion 20 is preferably formed in continuous wall 14, and
is generally
sized, shaped, and positioned to permit a user to grip, handle, or hold
container 10. As will be
discussed in greater detail below, gripping portion 20 comprises several
elements of container
10.
[0060] The preferred embodiment of gripping portion 20 includes a recess 34 in
continuous
wall 14. For additional clarity, FIG. 2 shows dotted lines 36 to indicate the
path that
continuous wall 14 would have taken if not for recess 34. It can be seen that
continuous wall
14 first breaks its path by following a side tapered section 38. In the
embodiment shown
recess 34 joins side tapered section 38 at a termination gripping portion 40,
and then extends
towards the back 26 of the container to gripping back edge 42a.
[0061] In FIG. 2, corresponding gripping back edge 42b on the other side of
the container is
shown, as well as corresponding gripping forward edges 43a and 43b which are
situated at
the bottom of termination gripping portion 40. It is preferred for the
distance between 43a
and 43b to be slightly less than the distance between 42a and 42b. In this way
the gripping
portion converges slightly along its length, which generally provides a more
secure and
comfortable grip.
[0062] It can be appreciated that other embodiments of recess 34 and side
tapered section
38 are possible. For example, the transition between the sections may be more
gradual, so
that termination gripping portion 40 is less distinct and recess 34 and side
tapered section 38
may be less distinguishable as separate elements. However, regardless of the
particular
embodiment, it can be appreciated that recess 34 represents a break or
narrowing in
continuous wall 14 of container 10 so that a smaller and more comfortable
gripping surface is
available to the user. A smaller gripping surface will be more likely to
reduce the chance of the
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user experiencing hand strain when gripping container 10, and will generally
be more
comfortable.
[0063] It is also preferable that recess 34 include termination gripping
portion 40 to provide a
convenient point at which the user's thumb and fingers can receive support and
rest against.
The resting feature is a result of the user's digits naturally pressing or
resting against the
surface of the adjacent instance of side tapered section 38.
[0064] While the embodiment contemplates a gripping portion comprising a
single instance
of recess 34, more than one recess is also possible. An embodiment having two
instances of
recess 34, as shown in the figures, is preferred because a user's hand will
grip the gripping
portion in two places. In particular, where the gripping portion comprises
first and second
instances of recess 34 positioned in continuous wall 14, the first recess will
preferably be
spaced sufficiently apart from the second recess so as to permit the container
10 to be
gripped by the placement of a thumb of the user's hand in the first recess and
at least one
finger of the user's hand in the second recess.
[0065] FIG. 5 shows this embodiment with a user's hand illustrated, the user's
thumb gripping
one instance of recess 34 and the other fingers gripping the other recess. In
a further grip
variation, instead of all four fingers gripping instances of recess 34, upper
or index finger 35
may be raised above recess 34 and pressed against continuous wall 14, in
particular at an
upper portion 15 of continuous wall 14. In that case, the user's bottom three
fingers would
move up recess 34, so that the user's middle finger would be positioned at or
near the top of
recess 34.
[0066] Also as shown in the drawing, it is preferable for the user's palm to
fit snugly against
and have substantial contact with back 26 of container 10. For this reason,
back 26 preferably
has a curved profile, as shown in the figures.
[0067] The gripping portion 20 will preferably also include ridges 44 to
facilitate gripping of
gripping portion 20 by the user. The ridges 44 may be grooves embedded in the
surface of
recess 34, but other forms of ridges, or other grip enhancement features, are
also
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contemplated. For example, pieces of material having grip enhancement
properties may be
glued or otherwise attached to a smooth surface such as recess 34 to provide
similar benefits.
The ridges 44 may also be formed on side tapered section 38, since the user's
digits will
preferably also rest against that surface.
[0068] As seen most clearly in the side view FIG. 3B, recess 34 extends upward
from base 12
to an upper transition level 46. From there a portion of continuous wall 14
designated as
upper tapered section 48 expands upwardly and outwardly until it reaches the
outer part of
container 10. This configuration is preferred because, as shown in FIG. 5,
upper tapered
section 48 provides a comfortable resting or support surface for the user's
digits in an upward
direction similar to the support and rest provided by side tapered section 38
in a forward
direction. This preferred embodiment may alternatively be characterized as
continuous wall
14 having a wall height, with at least one instance of recess 34 extending
upwards from base
12 for a distance less than the wall height. It can be appreciated however
that other
embodiments are also comprehended, such as for example, extending recess 34
all the way
up from base 12 to top opening 16.
[0069] It is to be appreciated that different users will choose to grip
container 10 in different
ways according to personal preference. However, it is believed that
substantially every user
will place their palm, thumb, and fingers against or in contact with back 26
and the two
instances of recess 34. Accordingly, gripping portion 20 may be considered to
include at least
these elements. Further, gripping portion 20 also comprehends side tapered
section 38,
upper tapered section 48, and upper wall portion 15, since as noted some users
will grip or
maintain finger contact with container 10 at these places as well.
[0070] It is also preferred that recess 34 extend up from base 12, regardless
of the eventual
height of recess 34. This is because container 10 will not generally be
stackable if there is any
outward divergence at the bottom of the container. Accordingly, it is less
preferred for there
to be an outward tapered section at the bottom of the container, with recess
34 commencing
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some distance above base 12. Of course, if the stackable feature were not
important in a
particular application then such an embodiment might be more acceptable or
preferred.
[0071] The dipping section 22 is preferably sized, shaped, and positioned to
permit a brush to
be inserted into dipping section 22 through top opening 16, to contact paint
30 contained
inside.
[0072] As noted, dipping section 22 comprises a portion of the interior space
or container
volume 18 of container 10. In particular, dipping section 22 may be viewed as
the portion of
the contained volume that is not bounded by back 26 and the instances of
recess 34. More
particularly, and as shown in the top view of container 10 in FIG. 3A, dipping
section 22
extends between termination gripping portions 40 and the front 28 of the
container.
[0073] The dipping section 22 may be viewed as including side tapered section
38 followed by
a longer section having a uniform width "w" adjacent to the front 28 of the
container. In FIG.
3A, the dipping section is shown having the uniform width "w" between an
intersection point
50, where side tapered section 38 meets continuous wall 14, and the front 28
of the container
10. If desired, dipping section 22 may alternatively be considered as
comprising the uniform
width section only. With reference to FIG. 3A, it is preferable that the
distance from 40 to 50
be relatively short compared to the distance between 50 and 28.
[0074] The function of dipping section 22 is to provide a suitable interior
space for a brush to
be dipped. The embodiment comprehends that a brush may be inserted from
anywhere along
top opening 16 into container volume 18, including that portion bounded by
back 26 and the
instances of recess 34. However, it is expected that users will generally
prefer to dip the brush
in dipping section 22 because it is wider than that back portion, and
accordingly easier to dip
into, and also because it is closer to tongue portion 24.
[0075] It is also appreciated that brushes are available in many sizes, from
tiny artist brushes
to, more commonly, the three and four inch brushes used for painting building
interiors and
the like. To enhance the general flexibility and usefulness of container 10,
and in particular
with respect to use in building and large scale painting applications, it is
comprehended that
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container 10 be preferably configured to accommodate at least three inch
brushes, and
preferably four inch brushes as well. As will be discussed in more detail
below, this entails
making tongue portion 24 have a width of at least three or four inches.
[0076] It is preferred that dipping section 22 have a dipping section width
and the tongue
portion have a tongue portion width, and that the dipping section width be
substantially
equal to the tongue portion width. The "dipping section width" is not meant to
include side
tapered section 38, regardless of whether side tapered section 38 is formally
viewed as part
of the dipping section. In FIG. 3A it can be seen that the dipping section and
the tongue
portion have the same width "w". It is also comprehended that the dipping
section width will
be substantially equal to the tongue portion width if its average width, not
including any side
tapered section 38, is within the range of 85% to 115% of the tongue portion
width.
Therefore, rather than the dipping section have a completely uniform width, it
may be
designed to diverge or converge slightly, as long as the average width, not
including a side
tapered section 38, is within the above specified range. However, it is most
preferred for the
dipping section width to be equal to the tongue portion width, as shown in the
drawings.
[0077] It is preferred for the width of the two sections to be close or
preferably equal
because such a configuration enhances dipping efficiency. Specifically, it
enables a user to dip
the brush into the dipping section, and then move the brush directly onto the
tongue portion
without having to re-orient the brush. This saves time and reduces or
eliminates the need for
the painter's wrist to turn or twist, as would be needed if the brush had to
be re-oriented. It
can be appreciated that painting is a very repetitive task, and that re-
orientation of a brush,
when repeated hundreds if not thousands of times, can lead to muscle strain
and soreness,
and even debilitating injury in some cases. Accordingly, it is preferred that
the dipping section
have the same width, or be within a close range, of the width of the tongue
portion.
[0078] As can be seen in the figures, tongue portion 24 is inclined, and
extends upwardly and
outwardly from continuous wall 14 adjacent to dipping section 22. The tongue
portion is also
preferably sized, shaped, and positioned to permit a brush to be dabbed
thereon to remove
, CA 02820211 2013-07-09
,
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excess paint from the brush, and also to permit the excess paint to drain into
the dipping
section.
[0079] The tongue is inclined so that paint on the tongue's surface will be
able to move by
force of gravity back into the container. This feature of the invention is
desirable because it
helps keep the tongue relatively clean, so that it can be re-used effectively
for dabbing
purposes. The angle at which the tongue extends upwardly can vary as long as
it is sufficient
to permit paint to drain into the dipping section. However, the angle should
also not be too
high because that could make the tongue awkward to work with, particularly for
dabbing
brushes. It has been found that an inclination angle of approximately 45
degrees from the
horizontal allows for both draining of excess paint and good workability, and
accordingly this
angle is preferred.
[0080] It can be seen from the figures that the preferred embodiment of the
tongue portion
is a rectangle. There is a leading edge 52, a bottom edge 54 where tongue
portion 24 joins
continuous wall 14 at front 28, and sides 56. Collectively, leading edge 52
and bottom edge 54
and sides 56 may be said to define a broad planar surface suitable for dabbing
a paint brush.
It can be appreciated that other embodiments are also possible, as long as the
tongue
functions to provide a surface for dabbing and an edge for wiping, and is
inclined to permit
paint to drain into the dipping section.
[0081] The leading edge 52 is preferably sized and shaped to provide at least
one distinct
edge or point suitable for wiping a paint brush. If the brush is positioned so
that the side of
the brush to be wiped is pressed against leading edge 52, and with the brush
handle down
and the bristles pointed up, as the brush is moved in a downward direction
excess paint will
be wiped off and be transferred to the surface of the tongue, from where it
can drain into the
dipping section. The user can increase the amount of paint drained by
increasing pressure on
the brush as it is being wiped. Brush wiping may also be performed along
bottom edge 54,
particularly as the brush is being removed from dipping section 22. However,
in cases where
. CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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container 10 is filled near capacity and the paint level is near that of
bottom edge 54, it may
be more convenient to wipe the opposing side of the brush along leading edge
52.
[0082] As noted, tongue portion 24 is also preferably sized and shaped to have
a broad planar
surface suitable for dabbing. In order to accommodate brushes of three or four
inches in
width, the tongue portion should be suitably wider, preferably about 31/2
inches or 41/2 inches
respectively. The tongue portion should also have a length that is
sufficiently long relative to
the length of the brush being dabbed so that the full length of the brush can
be dabbed
without needing too many dabbing strokes.
[0083] It can be seen from the figures that sides 56 of tongue portion 24 are
bounded by
attached vertical portions or edge barriers 58. The edge barriers are useful
in that they
prevent excess paint on the tongue portion, particularly paint that is near
the edge of sides
56, from spilling off the side. In the preferred embodiment shown, edge
barriers 58 comprise
an extension of continuous wall 14. It can be appreciated that other
embodiments of the
edge barriers may also be used, as long as they function to block spilling of
paint off sides 56.
It can also be appreciated that the tongue portion could be made without edge
barriers.
However, this configuration would not be preferred, since it could result in
paint spilling off of
the sides.
[0084] An embodiment of paint container 10 may now be described in greater
detail. As a
starting point, it is worth noting that small size retail paint containers
generally contain about
900 ml of paint, and that this amount of paint weighs approximately in the
range of 4 lbs. The
amount of paint in 900 ml, or more broadly 800-1000 ml, is sufficiently large
for most
applications so that the container should last for a reasonable amount of time
before
replenishment is required. The 4 lb. weight will be familiar to most people
since it is the
common retail size. It can be appreciated that people who find 4 lbs. too
heavy can simply
avoid filling the container to capacity, and instead use as much paint as they
can comfortably
hold. Similarly, it can be appreciated that container 10 can be made in other
embodiments
' CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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that are scaled up or down in size, to hold more or less paint and be
accordingly heavier or
lighter, as desired.
[0085] It is also preferable for the paint container to be flexible enough to
accommodate a
wide variety of paint jobs, and accordingly to accommodate paint brushes
having widths of at
least 3 inches, and preferably 4 inches. It has been found that designing the
container to have
a tongue portion width of 4.5 inches is adequate to service a 4 inch paint
brush. It can be
appreciated again that the embodiment can be designed with larger or smaller
tongue
portions, as appropriate for individual situations.
[0086] It has been found that a paint container having the following
additional dimensions
provides adequate results. The container of the preferred embodiment has a
height, from
base 12 to top opening 16, of about 6.5 inches, and a thickness "t" of
continuous wall 14 of
about 1.65 mm.
[0087] With reference to FIG. 3A, at the base or bottom of the container the
length "x" from
back 26 to termination gripping portion 40 is 2 inches, and the length "m"
from back 26 to
front 28 is about 3.43 inches. At the top of the container, the length from
back 26 to front 28
is about 4.03 inches.
[0088] At front 28 of the container, the width at the base or bottom is 3.93
inches, the width
at the top of continuous wall 14 where it meets tongue bottom edge 54 is about
4.375 inches,
and the width at tongue leading edge 52 is 4.6 inches. It can be appreciated
therefore that in
the preferred embodiment there is an outward taper of about 0.67 inches from
base 12 to
the top of the container, which represents an outward increment of about 0.103
inches for
every 1 inch in vertical height.
[0089] The length of the tongue portion from bottom edge 54 to leading edge 52
is 1.25
inches, and the tongue is inclined upwards at 45 degrees from the horizontal.
This results in a
total length along the top of the container from back 26 to tongue leading
edge 52 of about
5.05 inches.
= CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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[0090] The width of the gripping portion along the back 26, between 42a to
42b, is about 2.76
inches. This narrows down by about 1/8 of an inch to the far end, between 43a
and 43b, to
approximately 2.65 inches.
[0091] An aspect of the preferred embodiment is that since the area bounded by
the
instances of recess 34 of gripping portion 20 is narrower than the dipping
section, the center
of gravity ("CoG") of container 10 will frequently be located in the dipping
section. This may
cause a rotational torque about the gripping portion which will have the
effect of tilting
container 10 forward. As will be discussed below, this forward tilt can be
beneficial to the user
of paint container 10. However, the forward tilt should not be too large or it
could be
uncomfortable to the user.
[0092] FIG. 3A shows a center line 60 (shown as dotted) drawn through the
center of
container 10. The user's hands will grip the container at about termination
gripping portion
40. This is represented as a dotted line 62, with a center point 64. The CoG
is shown in the
dipping section, at a distance "d" from center point 64. In the circumstances
shown, a
rotational torque or moment will be produced about the gripping portion equal
to the weight
of the container and its contents multiplied by the distance "d". The effect
of the torque will
be to tilt the container forward, in the sense that tongue portion 24 will be
urged downward,
and base 12 at back 26 will be urged upward. This torque factor is represented
by curved
arrow 66 in FIG. 5.
[0093] It has been found that in general, designing container 10 so that the
length "x" of the
gripping portion is preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 45%, and
most preferably
at least 50% of the length "m" of base 12 will provide a reasonably low torque
value that will
be comfortable to most users. It can be appreciated that if the container is
made larger, for
example, to hold more paint, the torque will increase because the weight of a
full container
through the CoG will increase. This would suggest extending the length of the
gripping portion
towards or past 50% would be desirable. Conversely, for a smaller container a
shorter grip
portion may be adequate.
= CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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[0094] More broadly, where the container has a center of gravity positioned
between the
instances of recess 34 of gripping portion 20 and the tongue portion, so that
a torque is
created about the gripping portion when the container is held by a user at the
gripping
portion, the container is preferably sized and shaped to limit the torque to
no more than one
foot-pound, more preferably 0.8 foot-pounds, and most preferably 0.6 foot-
pounds, when the
container is full of paintable liquid.
[0095] It can now also be appreciated that if the recessed grip portion is
made narrower or
wider it will change the distribution of volume of the container, which will
have an effect on
the resulting torque. In particular, if the recessed grip portion between 42a
and 42h, and
between 43a and 43b, is made narrower, the CoG will move farther away, towards
front 28,
which will increase "d". On the other hand, the overall capacity of the
container may decline
because the volume of the gripping portion is smaller, so that the weight at
the CoG may be
somewhat less. Therefore, the distribution of volume within the container is
optimized to a
predetermined agreeable level of torque, which may in turn help to determine
the
appropriate width of the recessed gripping portion.
[0096] Similarly, if the container is scaled larger the weight at the CoG will
increase, which will
increase the torque. It may then be preferable to reduce the length of the
dipping section
while increasing the height of the container, so that the torque will remain
within the
preferred range and not be too high so as to be uncomfortable to a user. It is
preferable for
the container 10 to remain within the preferred torque range regardless of the
size or volume
capacity of the particular embodiment of the container.
[0097] The paint container 10 is preferably made from plastic due to that
material's light
weight and strength, low cost, compatibility with paintable liquids, and ease
of
manufacturing. In particular, "co-polymer polypropylene" plastic has been
found to provide
adequate results, as it is relatively strong, durable, and low cost. This
embodiment of
container 10 can be made using standard plastic manufacturing techniques such
as injection
moulding. It can be appreciated that other materials, such as stainless steel,
aluminium and
CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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other metals, may also be used if they have some or all of the functional
benefits of plastic. In
some cases a higher cost material might be preferred if it offers certain
benefits, such as being
more durable or easier to clean than plastic, for example.
[0098] As discussed above, tongue portion 24 includes leading edge 52 for
brush wiping, and
a broad planar surface for brush dabbing. It is to be appreciated that these
functions are best
or optimally provided to a user of container 10 when leading edge 52 forms a
straight, clean
line or edge throughout it's length "w", and similarly, when the broad planar
surface of
tongue portion 24 maintains a flat and uniform profile throughout its area.
Several factors
however may cause some distortion or interruption to the ideal contour of
these elements.
[0099] The plastic injection moulding process that is commonly used to produce
container 10
involves liquefying a plastic raw material and forcing it into a mould cavity
at high
temperature and pressure. Upon cooling and hardening, the resulting plastic
object, container
10, is ejected from the mould. In modern high speed machines this process may
be repeated
several times a minute. As a by-product or artifact of this process, it
sometimes develops that
long, thin edges in the plastic object being produced, such as tongue leading
edge 52 of
container 10, emerge from the mould with a noticeable and undesirable curve,
bend, or
"crown".
[00100]
Another factor that may lead to deformation of tongue portion 24 relates to
the general manner in which painting and construction tools are handled and
stored in the
course of daily trade. Whether deliberately or carelessly, container 10 is
subject to being
thrown or knocked about, and/or packed or stored underneath much heavier
objects. For
example, at the end of the day or upon completion of a paint job, container 10
may be
thrown into a garage, shed, or back of a truck, where it may be squeezed or
crushed under
the weight of much heavier equipment such as ladders, workbenches, mechanical
tools, and
the like. Further, container 10 may be left bearing this weight for extended
periods of time,
possibly even for as long as months or years in some cases. In this way,
leading edge 52 and
CA 02820211 2013-07-09
- 22 -
the broad surface area of tongue portion 24 may become bent, chipped, or
broken, so that
the utility of container 10 is compromised.
[00101] These risks to the structural integrity of tongue portion 24 may be
addressed
by providing additional reinforcement and support to container 10. According
to some
embodiments of the invention, and as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, container 10 may
be
constructed with a lip 70 and one or more ribs 72. As indicated, three ribs 72
may be used
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[00102] The lip and ribs reinforce and buttress tongue portion 24 and
leading edge 52,
so that these latter two elements have increased mechanical strength. More
particularly, it
has been found that lip 70 substantially reduces or eliminates the risk of
crowning of leading
edge 52 that may occur during production of container 10 by plastic injection
moulding.
Further, the combination of lip 70 and ribs 72 act to strengthen tongue
portion 24 so that it is
less likely to be chipped, bent, deformed, or warped when subject to rough
handling or
pressure from a heavy load.
[00103] Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, lip 70 adds a measurable degree of
thickness and
solidity to tongue leading edge 52. More particularly, lip 70 comprises an
upper surface 74
that extends leading edge 52 in the horizontal plane, and a vertical surface
76 that extends
leading edge 52 in the vertical plane. According to some embodiments of the
invention, lip 70
may have an upper surface thickness "h" of about 2.6 mm, and a vertical
surface thickness "v"
of about 3 mm. These dimensions have been found to be adequate in
substantially reducing
or eliminating the risk of crowning of leading edge 52 by the injection
moulding production
process. More broadly, upper surface thickness "h" may be in the range of 2.2
to 3.0 mm, and
the vertical surface thickness "v" may be in the range of 2.6 to 3.4 mm.
[00104] As noted above, the thickness of continuous wall 14 of container
10, shown as
"t" in FIG. 8, is 1.65 mm in some embodiments. In order to provide additional
reinforcement
and rigidity to tongue portion 24, it is preferable that upper surface
thickness "h" and vertical
surface thickness "v" each be somewhat thicker than wall thickness "t", or at
least no less
CA 02820211 2013-07-09
- 23 -
than the same as wall thickness "t". As noted, at 2.6 mm and 3 mm
respectively, surface
thicknesses "h" and "v" are both larger than wall thickness "t" in the
embodiment described
above. Both dimensions "h" and "v" may be made larger if greater protection is
desired,
and/or if a version of container 10 is made that is substantially larger than
the preferred
embodiment.
[00105] According to an option, container 10 may be viewed as having an
outer edge
that is defined by top opening 16 and that extends around the upper periphery
of the
container, to include back end 26, front end 28, and the sides of the
container. The thickness
of the outer edge is "t" at back end 26 and sides of the container, and is "h"
at front end 28,
corresponding to tongue leading edge 52. The portion of the outer edge having
thickness "h"
may be called a wiping edge. The thickness or width of "h" is greater than the
thickness or
width of "t".
[00106] Ribs 72 are shown in perspective view in FIGS. 8 and 9. As
indicated, each
instance of rib 72 is in the form of a four-sided plane, with three of the
sides attaching to
three surfaces of container 10, specifically a bottom surface 78 of lip 70, an
outside surface of
tongue portion 24, and the top of continuous wall 14 on the front side 28 of
the container. It
is to be appreciated that since each instance of rib 72 is anchored to a
surface on either side
of tongue portion 24, ribs 72 provide effective support and reinforcement for
tongue portion
24.
[00107] The three ribs 72 are spaced approximately equidistant from one
another and
from edge barriers 58 of container 10. According to an option, this distance
is about 1.12
inches (28.5 mm). Further, as shown in FIG. 9 by distance "p", in an
embodiment each
instance of rib 72 has a vertical projection on container 10 of about 1.3
inches (28.2 mm).
[00108] The thickness of each rib 72 is preferably about 1 ¨ 1.5 mm. More
particularly,
in injection moulding plastic technology it is often preferable for elements
to taper along their
length. As a result, according to some embodiments ribs 72 may be about 1.44
mm thick at
their base, or where they attach to continuous wall 14, and taper to a
thickness of about 1.41
. CA 02820211 2013-07-09
- 24 -
mm where they attach to bottom surface 78 of lip 70. Unlike lip 70, it is
preferable that ribs
72 be thinner than thickness "t" of continuous wall 14, as ribs that are
thicker than "t" may
lead to a downward sag of tongue portion 24.
[00109] It is to be appreciated that lip 70 and ribs 72 do not
interfere with the brush
dabbing and wiping utility of tongue portion 24. Neither element covers any
part of the inner,
broad surface area of tongue portion 24 that is used for dabbing. With respect
to brush
wiping, the brush may be wiped against the inner or outer edge of lip 70 by
adjusting the
brush handle orientation upwards or downwards, respectively. Wiping may also
be performed
across upper lip surface 74, which while thicker than either edge, is still
very narrow relative
to the side of a brush and accordingly still provides an effective edge for
wiping.
[00110] As discussed above, container 10 is configured to be
stackable. However, when
items such as container 10 are stacked, there is a risk that one or more of
them may become
stuck or otherwise difficult to dislodge from the stack. This is undesirable
in a retail
environment, since it could lead to frustrated customers and lost sales.
[00111] This problem may occur due to the presence of excess
friction between
adjacent containers, particularly if a container has been jammed into the
stack with a greater
force than necessary. Such action may be inadvertent, and might occur, for
example, by a
production worker hurriedly packing boxes for shipping, or by a retail clerk
seeking to fit more
items into a single stack to maximize shelf space.
[00112] Another factor that may cause adjacent stacked containers to
stick relates to
the design of container 10. As described above, gripping portion 20 is
effectively formed from
a "hollowed-out space" defined by recess 34, side tapered section 38, and
upper tapered
section 48 on opposing sides of the container. Also as noted, upper wall
portion 15 is a part of
continuous wall 14 that is between the top of upper tapered section 48 and top
opening 16.
In the figures upper wall portion 15 is shown as a dashed arrow to represent
its fixed or
specific height at its highest point, which is about 1.3 inches in the
preferred embodiment. As
a result of this configuration, and as shown in FIG. 4, when adjacent
instances of container 10
' CA 02820211 2013-07-09
,
- 25 -
are placed on top of one another in a stack, the top of upper wall portion 15
of the lower
container may overlap with the bottom of upper wall portion 15 of the adjacent
upper
container. In such a case the hollowed-out space in the upper container may
become
enclosed on all sides and form a type of vacuum effect that acts to resist
separation of the
two adjacent containers. It is also to be appreciated that any such vacuum
effect resistance
would be generally cumulative or additional to any separation resistance that
may already be
present due to excess friction between the containers.
[00113] According to some embodiments of the invention, and as
shown in FIG. 10, the
problem of stuck or difficult to remove containers in a stack may be
substantially reduced or
eliminated by including a stop 80 positioned in container 10. The stop 80 may
also be called a
block or a spacer. Stop 80 in a lower container prevents or blocks another,
upper container
inserted into container volume 18 from descending any further than a minimum
separation
distance or height "s" above base 12 of the lower container. As will be
explained in greater
detail below, according to some embodiments "s" may be 1.5 inches (38.1 mm).
[00114] Stop 80 may be conveniently implemented, according to
some embodiments,
by positioning a rigid element in container volume 18 so that its upper
surface is at a distance
"s" above base 12. As shown in FIG. 10, stop 80 may be a rectangular tab or
panel that is
attached to the juncture of base 12 and continuous wall 14, at the back 26 of
container 10.
For a height "s" of 1.5 inches, stop 80 extends outward from continuous wall
14 by about 5
mm. This length has been found to be adequate since stop 80 only needs to
catch an edge of
base 12 to effectively block further penetration of the upper container. The
thickness of stop
80 at its base, where it attaches to base 12, may be about 1.4 mm, with a
taper to about 0.8
mm at the top, or distance "s" above base 12. Stop 80 may be made longer
and/or wider if a
more robust element is desired.
[00115] Stop 80 may be attached to continuous wall 14 at any
point but is preferably
attached to back 26, since placement at front 28 would put it in dipping
section 22 where it
could interfere with a brush being dipped by a user. More than one instance of
stop 80 may
= CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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be used in container 10, but it has been found that a single instance of stop
80 may be
adequate.
[00116] It is to be appreciated that since stop 80 physically limits
the distance that an
upper container can penetrate into a lower container, the stacked containers
cannot be
forced, pushed, or jammed together any closer than the minimum separation
distance "s",
regardless of whether the person doing the pushing is acting deliberately or
inadvertently.
[00117] Further, it may be noted that when the containers are
positioned at the
minimum separation distance "s", there will be maximum contact between
adjacent sections
or portions of continuous wall 14 and a corresponding maximum amount of
stickiness due to
friction. Accordingly, when designing stop 80, the distance "s" may be
selected to be large
enough so that the expected maximum amount of frictional contact at that
separation
distance is generally acceptable, i.e. one that allows the adjacent containers
to be separated
relatively easily and without too much difficulty.
[00118] Stop 80 is also configured to substantially remove the risk
of separation
resistance due to trapped air in the hollowed-out space of gripping portion
20. This may be
accomplished by sizing the separation distance "s" to be at least slightly
larger than the
distance represented by upper wall portion 15. When configured in this way,
adjacent stacked
containers will be separated by a distance greater than upper wall portion 15,
the instances of
upper wall portion 15 of the two containers will not overlap, and there will
always be an
opening permitting air to enter the hollowed-out space of the instance of the
upper
container. Accordingly, air will not be trapped between the stacked
containers, and that
source of separation resistance is eliminated.
[00119] Figure 11 illustrates this aspect of the invention by
showing a stack of three
instances of container 10, with hidden elements represented by dashed lines.
It may be seen
that base 12 of the middle container rests on stop 80 of the bottom container,
and base 12 of
the top container rests on stop 80 of the middle container. Since the height
of each stop 80 is
separation distance "s", or 1.5 inches, which is greater than upper wall
portion distance 15 of
' CA 02820211 2013-07-09
-27-
1.3 inches, the instances of upper wall portion 15 of the top and middle
containers are each
above top opening 16 of their corresponding lower containers. As shown, there
is an opening
into the hollowed-out spaces of the top and middle containers, just below the
instances of
upper wall portion 15, so air cannot be trapped and form a vacuum effect in
these containers.
[00120] Yet another consideration in the design of stackable
instances of container 10
is to ensure that ribs 72 of the upper container do not contact or interfere
with any part of
the lower container. This may be achieved by selecting separation distance "s"
to be at least
slightly larger than vertical projection distance "p". In the preferred
embodiment "s" is 1.5
inches, which is larger than "p" of 1.3 inches. As a result, as shown in FIG.
11, ribs 72 of the
upper container (shown by dashed lines) do not contact the middle container.
[00121] Having a stop 80 to prevent adjacent containers in a stack
from sticking is
particularly useful for containers having a ratio of height to top opening
length or width that
is greater than one, because in such configurations the adjacent containers
have a relatively
large amount of frictional contact. As noted, the preferred embodiment of
container 10 has a
height of 6.5 inches, a length at top opening 16 of 5.05 inches, and width "w"
of 4.6 inches.
Accordingly, for container 10 the ratio of height to top opening length is
6.5/5.05 = 1.29, and
height to top opening width is 6.5/4.6 = 1.41, both of which are greater than
one.
[00122] It is to be appreciated that injection moulding production
technology may be
employed to enhance a variety of aspects of container 10. For example, the
mould may be
adapted to provide a course texture on all or part of gripping portion 20. A
course texture is
beneficial because it enables a user to maintain a more secure grip on
container 10,
particularly when the user's hand or the container is wet. Preferably the
course texture would
be applied to all parts of the hollowed-out space, i.e. the instances of
recess 34, side tapered
section 38, and upper tapered section 48.
[00123] Another enhancement is to adapt the mould to round off any
sharp edges,
both on the outside of the container and in container volume 18 (interior
space). This has the
. CA 02820211 2013-07-09
- 28 -
benefit of making the surfaces of container volume 18 easier to clean, and
also provides a
generally more attractive look and feel to container 10.
[00124] According to an option, the container 10 is for use with
paintable liquid 30, a
fixed or stationary object 82, and a connector 86. The container 10 includes
(and is not limited
to): a wall 14 and a connector receiver 84. The wall 14 may be called or may
be a continuous
wall. The wall 14 is configured to surround the paintable liquid. The
connector receiver 84 is
provided by (such as, is defined by) the wall 14. The connector receiver 84 is
configured to
receive the connector 86 once the connector 86 is positioned to do just so.
The connector 86
is configured to connect the connector receiver 84 to the fixed object 82.
Once the connector
86 connects the connector receiver 84 to the fixed object 82, the paintable
liquid 30 remains
surrounded by the wall 14 and remains within the container 10.
[00125] More particularly, while gripping portion 20 enables a user
to conveniently
hold container 10 in one hand, in many painting situations it is desirable or
convenient to
suspend or hang container 10 from a fixed or stationary object 82 (such as a
surface). For this
purpose, according to some embodiments of the invention and as discussed
above, container
may be configured to include the connector receiver 84. The availability of
connector
receiver 84 enables a user to take a separate instance of connector 86, and
connect or attach
one end of connector 86 to connector receiver 84 of container 10, and
similarly attach an
opposing end to fixed object 82 (fixed surface).
[00126] Some examples of fixed object 82 (such as, a fixed surface)
that may be used by
painters include a side-rail or rung of a ladder, a pipe, beam, fence, hook,
ring, ledge, or edge
of a counter or table. Connector 86 may be any type of tool, accessory, or
implement
commonly used by painters and tradespeople, including for example such items
as an S-hook,
pot hook, flexible wire such as electrical or tie wire, and even a bendable
wire coat hanger.
When flexible wire is used as connector 86, a sufficient length of wire will
typically be passed
or threaded through connector receiver 84 so that the passed wire may be bent
back and
wrapped or tied to itself, or to fixed object 82 (fixed surface), to form a
secure connection.
= CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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[00127] Connector receiver 84 is preferably in the form of an
aperture or hole
positioned within or defined by continuous wall 14. As shown in the figures,
connector
receiver 84 includes an aperture defined by continuous wall 14, and the
apertures may be
configured in a variety of shapes, forms, and/or sizes (as may be required or
desired). For
example, FIG. 12 shows connector receiver 84m (embodied as the aperture) as a
hole in the
shape of a circle, FIG. 13 shows connector receiver 84m (embodied as the
aperture) shaped as
a square rotated 45 degrees from the horizontal, and in Fig. 14 connector
receiver 84m
(embodied as the aperture) is shaped as a rectangle with rounded sides and an
upward
pointing notch in the middle of the top side. It is to be appreciated that
many other shapes
and forms of connector receiver 84 are possible, as long as connector receiver
84 is sized and
shaped to interface (receive or slidably receive) connector 86. For the
circular shaped
aperture, it has been found that a diameter in the range of about 14/64 to
18/64 of an inch,
for example, one-quarter (1/4) inch (about 6.35 mm), is adequate to receive
most commonly
used hooks as well as wire. For other aperture shapes, having an internal
opening in this
dimension range is adequate.
[00128] Preferably, and as shown in the figures, connector receiver
84 (aperture) is
shaped so that the uppermost point of the aperture is either rounded or a
vertex, i.e the
intersection of two sides. In this way, the contact surface of connector 86
will naturally settle
into the uppermost point where it will be relatively fixed in place and
resistant to sliding from
side to side inside connector receiver 84 (aperture).
[00129] According to an option, connector receiver 84 may be
positioned at or near the
top of continuous wall 14, substantially adjacent to top opening 16. In this
way connector
receiver 84 (aperture) is safely above tongue bottom edge 54, which as
discussed below is the
highest level to which paint will likely be filled in container 10. Further,
when connected at
this high position the downward tilt or angle which container 10 would assume
when freely
suspended would be relatively low. This is advantageous because the maximum
amount of
= CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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paint that can be held in container 10 without paint spilling out is reduced
as the tilt angle
increases.
[00130] However, it is also to be appreciated that connector
receiver 84 (aperture)
should not be positioned too high, as there should be sufficient distance "k"
between the
uppermost point of connector receiver 84 (aperture) and the top or upper edge
of continuous
wall 14 so that the structural integrity of continuous wall 14 immediately
above and in the
vicinity of connector receiver 84 (aperture) is not compromised. If distance
"k" is too small
there is a risk of a break in continuous wall 14, particularly when container
10 is substantially
full of paint and accordingly relatively heavy in weight. Distance "k" may be
reduced to some
extent as the strength of the material from which container 10 is made
increases. It has been
found that for the plastic materials commonly used, a minimum distance "k" of
about 4mm is
adequate, with 4.5 mm providing an extra margin of safety.
[00131] According to an option, at least one connector receiver 84m
(aperture) is
positioned at the middle of back end 26 of container 10. This is the position
of the single
instance of connector receiver 84m shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. When
connector 86 is
attached to (slidably received by) connector receiver 84m in this position,
container 10 may
be suspended in a manner that is balanced and symmetric about center line 60
(shown in FIG.
3A), which minimizes the risk of spilling paint and is generally more
comfortable for the user.
[00132] As indicated in the figures, according to some embodiments
of the invention
container 10 may include additional instances of connector receiver 84
(aperture). Figure 15
shows additional instances of side aperture 84p and side aperture 84q located
in opposing
sides of container 10, and FIG. 16 shows an instance of a pair of outer
apertures 84r. Each pair
of outer apertures 84r flank a central aperture, such as aperture 84m as shown
in FIG. 16,
such that one outer aperture 84r is on one side of the central aperture and
the other outer
aperture 84r is on the other side of the central aperture. According to an
option, the
distances from each outer aperture 84r to the central aperture are the same.
Figure 17 shows
an embodiment of container 10 containing three apertures at each of back end
26 and both
CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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sides of the container, for a total of nine apertures. More particularly, in
FIG. 17 there are
three central apertures 84m, 84p, and 84q, each of which has an accompanying
outer
aperture 84r pair.
[00133] The embodiments of FIG. 15 and 17, with instances of connector
receiver 84
(aperture) positioned or located on opposing sides of container 10, provides
improved
flexibility in orienting the suspended container 10. More particularly, it is
to be appreciated
that when suspending container 10 from connector receiver 84m postioned in the
middle of
back end 26, tongue portion 24 may be oriented to face in either of two
opposing (180
degrees apart) directions f1 and f2, depending on the orientation of connector
86 (hook) on
fixed object 82, as shown in FIG. 18A. Further, through attachment to
instances of side
aperture 84p and side aperture 84q, tongue portion 24 may be oriented in
either of two
opposing (180 degrees apart) directions f3 and f4, that are each orthogonal to
the line set by
directions f1 and f2. A graphic representation of the four directions f1, f2,
f3, and f4, and their
relationship to one another is shown in FIG. 188. Accordingly, according to
some
embodiments, container 10 may be suspended and selectively oriented to face in
any of four
mutually orthogonal positions.
[00134] The embodiments of FIG. 16 and 17, with additional instances of
outer
aperture pair 84r positioned on either side of central apertures 84m, 84p, and
84q, provide
flexibility when using connector 86, including a wire connector. More
particularly, connector
86 (wire connector) may be laced or threaded through the pair outer apertures
84r rather
than through the central apertures 84m, 84p, and 84q. It is to be appreciated
that attachment
through two points of contact rather than one will generally provide greater
stability and
strength to the connection with fixed object 82. Further, in this arrangement
connector 86
(wire connector) is horizontally oriented, which will generally allow for more
convenient
attachment to a vertically oriented instance of fixed object 82 (fixed
surface). Where fixed
object 82 (fixed surface) is horizontally oriented, it may be more convenient
to attach
connector 86 (wire connector) through the central apertures 84m, 84p, and 84q.
Some
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examples of the situations or applications in which the additional apertures
of FIGS. 15, 16,
and 17 are useful are discussed further below.
[00135] According to an option and as shown in FIGS. 19A and 198,
container 10 may
be configured to include an extension tab 87. The extension tab 87 is a
portion of continuous
wall 14 that extends beyond top opening 16. According to an option, extension
tab 87 may
define an outer peripheral edge of instances of connector receiver 84, such as
aperture 84m
(FIG. 19A), or aperture 84m and outer aperture pair 84r (FIG. 198).
Accordingly, extension tab
87 may be sized and shaped to accommodate the number, size, and shape of
connector
receivers desired. Extension tab 87 may be positioned at back end 26 and/or at
either or both
sides of container 10. According to an option, extension tab 87 extends in a
generally vertical
direction from continuous wall 14, such as coplanar with continuous wall 14 as
shown in the
figures. According to an option, extension tab 87 may be configured to bend
away from the
vertical, either in a backward direction (away from front end 28) or in a
forward direction
(towards front end 28).
[00136] The operation and/or use of container 10 can now be
described. The user will
begin by selecting a paintable liquid appropriate for the project. While
painting a building
using latex or oil based paint is most common, other paintable liquids such as
varnish or stain,
such as might be used with furniture or wooden fences, may also be used with
the
embodiments.
[00137] The user will pour a designated amount of paint into the
paint container. The
user can choose to pour to the maximum capacity of the container, or a lesser
amount if less
is needed or if the weight of a full container is too high. Full capacity
preferably means up to a
level slightly below tongue bottom edge 54, for example about 1/4 inch or %
inch, and not to
the very top of the container 10. This level is preferred because paint higher
than bottom
edge 54 will overlap the tongue portion and interfere with the use of the
tongue for dabbing.
Further, paint at the bottom edge 54 will overlap the tongue portion when the
container is
tilted forward. Also, it is preferable for there to be an unfilled but walled
space above the
. CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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maximum paint level so that there will always be some protection against paint
spilling out of
the container inadvertently as the user moves about. Such a space is available
due to
continuous wall 14 extending as high as leading edge 52.
[00138] When the container is filled with the desired amount of
paint, the user can pick
it up in one hand, as shown in FIG. 5, and should find that it can be held
comfortably. This is
because the weight should not be excessively heavy, the gripping portion is
formed in a
hollowed out space that more closely fits the user's hand and does not require
the user's
hand to stretch excessively, and further because ridges and possibly a course
texture in the
gripping portion provides additional grip security. As well, any forward
torque should not be
excessive, being preferably no more than 1 foot-pound and more preferably less
than that. As
a result, the user should be able to comfortably move about the paint site for
extended
periods while holding the paint container 10 in one hand. This may also result
in the user
experiencing a reduced or substantially eliminated level of strain in the hand
or arm holding
the paint container, in comparison with the strain that might be experienced
from holding a
large or small paint can or a container of the prior art.
[00139] When the user begins painting, the first step will be to dip
the brush in the
paint container. This procedure may be efficiently and easily done due to the
design of
container 10. The paint container has an unobstructed top, unlike some of the
prior art, so
the user does not have to slow down to check for an obstruction with each dip
of the brush.
The container is sized to have a reasonable capacity, so that an adequate
amount of painting
can be done with the container at full or even partial capacity. There may be
a slight forward
tilt due to the torque operating on the gripping portion. This may be
beneficial in that it is
easier to insert a brush into an opening that is tilted forward rather than
one that is rigidly
vertical. In addition, the tilted position may make the contents of the
container easier to view
by the user. The dipping is also rendered more efficient by the fact that the
brush does not
have to be re-oriented when it is removed from the container.
CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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[00140] After the brush is dipped, excess paint may be removed and a
preferred paint
profile achieved by wiping or dabbing the paint brush. As shown in FIG. 6A,
the brush bristles
may be wiped or scraped against leading edge 52 of the tongue. The excess
paint goes onto
the tongue and is free to drain into dipping section 22. A sample profile of a
wiped brush is
shown in FIG. 6B, which shows a brush with a thin line of paint 30 along the
bottom edge of
the bristles.
[00141] If the user needs to dab the brush, the side of the brush may be
dabbed
against the dabbing surface of the tongue portion 24, as shown in FIG. 7A. It
can also be
appreciated that the dabbing motion can begin in the same motion by which the
dipped
brush is removed from the dipping section. For example, the brush can be
dragged past the
tongue as it is being removed so that all of the side of the brush will be
dabbed. A sample
profile of a dabbed brush is shown in FIG. 7B, which shows paint 30 on almost
the full height
of the bristles. The thickness of the paint will be determined by the user
according to the
degree of dabbing applied.
[00142] It can be appreciated that through a combination of wiping and
dabbing of the
paint brush, an experienced painter can optimize the use of paint, save time
in brush
preparation, and more effectively paint the surfaces requiring application by
brush.
[00143] Examples of operation of container 10 when connected to a fixed
object 82
(such as a surface, etc.) through the instances of the connector receiver 84
positioned in
continuous wall 14 of container 10 are shown in FIGS. 20-24.
[00144] Figure 20 shows container 10 suspended by connector 86 in the form
of an S-
hook to fixed object 82 in the form of a rung or step of ladder 88. The ladder
88 may be called
an extension ladder. It is to be appreciated that connector receiver 84
(aperture) is sized and
shaped so that the end of connector 86 (specifically, of the S-hook connector)
may be easily
slipped in and out of connector receiver 84 (aperture). The "U" shape of the
end of connector
86 (S-hook connector) provides a secure connection with connector receiver 84
(aperture),
and ensures that container 10 cannot inadvertently slip out of its attachment
to connector 86
. CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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(hook). Figure 21 provides a view of container 10 of FIG. 20 in use, showing a
painter's hand
dipping paint brush 32 into container 10.
[00145] Figures 22A and 22B provide a broader view of a user or
painter 90 using
container 10 suspended from ladder 88. As shown in FIG. 22A, when dipping and
wiping the
paint brush, painter 90 may use his free (left) hand to hold container 10 so
that there is less
movement or wobbling by the container. While doing this, painter 90 may
optionally lean his
or her shoulder or forearm against ladder 88 for improved stability. Then, as
shown in FIG.
22B, painter 90 may let go of container 10 and use his free hand to hold onto
ladder 88 while
applying the paint. From this example it is to be appreciated that container
10 provides an
important safety benefit in that painter 90 is able to hold ladder 88 while
painting, rather
than having to hold the paint container, so that the risk of losing his
balance and falling off
ladder 88 is greatly reduced.
[00146] Figure 23 shows container 10 resting on a step 92 of a step
ladder 94 and
attached to fixed object 82 in the form of a side-rail of the step ladder.
Attaching the
container in this way is beneficial in that it prevents the container from
falling to the floor and
spilling paint in the event that the container or step ladder is inadvertently
knocked or struck
by the painter or anybody else in the area. Accordingly, it is to be
appreciated that the
attachability function provided by connector receiver 84 provides certain
advantages even
when it is not used to suspend container 10 in the air.
[00147] Container 10 in this example includes outer aperture pair
84r, located at back
end 26 on either side of central, back aperture 84m, as shown in FIGS. 16 and
17. As
indicated, connector 86 is a flexible wire which is passed or threaded through
both instances
of outer aperture pair 84r, rather than through central aperture 84m. As noted
above, having
two connecting points generally provides a more firm and stable connection to
the side-rail
instance of fixed object 82 than might otherwise occur if only the single
instance of aperture
84m was used. In addition, it can be seen that side-rail instance (example) of
fixed object 82 is
generally vertically oriented. It is to be appreciated that through use of
outer aperture pair
= CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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84r, the connector 86 (wire connector) is horizontally oriented, which enables
an easier and
more natural connection to the vertically oriented step ladder side-rail.
[00148] Figure 24 shows painter 90 using container 10 that is
suspended from fixed
object 82 in the form of a bar or pipe by connector 86 (the S-hook connector).
As indicated,
container 10 includes side aperture 84p and side aperture 84q, as shown in
FIGS. 15 and 17.
The connector 86 (S-hook connector) is connected through side aperture 84p, so
that tongue
portion 24 is facing to the right. The side aperture 84p and side aperture 84q
are examples of
connector receiver 84. In this example painter 90 is right handed and painting
an area in front
or to his right. However, the only convenient available instance of fixed
object 82 includes a
bar, which happens to be on the painter's left side. If container 10 were
connected through
aperture 84m, which is located at back end 26, tongue portion 24 would face
directly away or
perpendicular to fixed object 82 (bar). In that case, painter 90 might have to
turn around
substantially and/or take a step every time he needs to dip and wipe paint
brush 32. In
addition to being awkward and requiring more physical effort, such activity
would also be
time consuming, and thereby increase the total time to complete the paint job.
[00149] By taking advantage of side aperture 84p, container 10 can
not only be
suspended, but also be oriented to the right, which is more convenient for
painter 90. As
shown, with tongue portion 24 facing right, painter 90 can reach across his
body with paint
brush 32 to easily dip and wipe the brush without having to turn around to any
substantial
degree. If desired, painter 90 may hold container 10 with his left hand to
reduce wobbling.
Then, as shown by the dashed outline of the painters arm and brush 32',
painter 90 can just
draw his arm back across his body to paint the required surface in front
and/or to his right. It
is to be appreciated that if the situation shown in FIG. 24 were reversed, so
that painter 90
was left handed, painting an area in front and/or to his left, and where the
only convenient
instance of fixed object 82 was to his right, then container 10 could be
suspended by passing
connector 86 through the opposing instance of side aperture 84q, so that
tongue portion 24
would face left.
CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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[00150] Accordingly, as discussed above, it is to be appreciated that
through
incorporation of multiple instances of connector receiver 84 (aperture), and
in particular
apertures positioned or located at back end 26 and in opposing sides,
container 10 may be
selectively hung or suspended in four mutually perpendicular orientations.
This provides
painter 90 with options for placement of container 10, so that there is a
greater likelihood
that a position that is convenient for the particular painting situation may
be found by the
painter 90. In this way, container 10 may facilitate faster painting,
facilitate improved painting
efficiencies, and impose less physical strain and stress on the painter 90.
[00151] Further, it is to be appreciated that by incorporating gripping
portion 20 that is
recessed into continuous wall 14, container 10 can include instances of
connector receiver 84
that are part of continuous wall 14, particularly at back end 26. Conventional
containers
typically have or provide a handle that extends out of a back portion of the
conventional
container. Hanging a conventional container from such a handle, or from an
aperture in the
handle, may generally not be practical because the lever point would be away
from the
container body, causing the conventional container to tilt downward at an
unacceptably large
angle. A large downward tilt is undesirable because it increases the risk of
paint spillage.
[00152] In sharp contrast, with no external handle in the way, container
10 may include
connector receiver 84 (aperture) provided by continuous wall 14 (such as, an
aperture defined
by continuous wall 14) at back end 26. Container 10 may be suspended from
connector
receiver 84 (aperture) with reduced downward tilt since the point of
suspension may be
positioned on the continuous wall 14 of container 10 itself.
[00153] Further, when hanging container 10 from a side aperture such as
side aperture
84p and side aperture 84q (examples of connector receiver 84) as shown in FIG.
24, container
may provide improved balance because there is no distortion caused by weight
from an
external handle. In addition, when container 10 includes outer aperture pair
84r in a side of
the container, as shown for example in FIG. 17, painter 90 may selectively use
any one of the
CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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three apertures available for attachment to connector 86 (hook). In this way,
a further
improvement in balance may be achieved.
[00154] When the user has completed the paint brushing job, the paint
container may
be washed and re-used at a later time. Alternatively, since it is preferably
made of plastic, it
may be discarded and recycled. Due to the expected low cost of the container,
it should be
relatively convenient to purchase additional containers for other paint jobs
or for use with
different colours of paint.
[00155] Additional Description
[00156] In accordance with an option, container 10 is adapted such that
the connector
receiver 84 is configured to slidably receive the connector 86. For example,
connector 86 in
the form of an S-hook or flexible wire will slide inside connector receiver 84
(aperture).
[00157] In accordance with an option, container 10 is adapted such that
the connector
receiver 84 has side walls configured to face the connector 86 once the
connector 86 is
received by the connector receiver 84.
[00158] In accordance with an option, container 10 is adapted such that
the connector
receiver 84 has side walls configured to conform to the outer shape of the
connector 86. For
example, where connector receiver 84 in the form of a circular aperture has
circular side
walls, which conforms to the circular cross section of connector 86 (S-hook,
and other hooks
with circular cross sections).
[00159] In accordance with an option, container 10 is adapted such that
the connector
receiver is configured to bear or transfer weight of the container to the
connector.
[00160] In accordance with an option, instances of rib 72 are attached to
an outer
surface of the inclined tongue portion and to surfaces on either side of the
inclined tongue
portion.
. CA 02820211 2013-07-09
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[00161] In accordance with an option, the gripping portion 20 is
formed in a hollowed-
out section of the wall 14, and the minimum separation distance is at least
slightly larger than
a length of a portion of the wall between a top opening and the hollowed-out
section.
[00162] In accordance with an option, the base 12 has a length and
the gripping portion
20 extends at least 40% of the length.
[00163] In accordance with an option, the gripping portion 20
comprises a recess in
wall 14.
[00164] In accordance with an option, the gripping portion 20
comprises a first recess
and a second recess in wall 14, and the first recess is spaced sufficiently
apart from the second
recess so as to permit container 10 to be gripped by placement of a thumb of a
hand of a user
in the first recess and at least one finger of the hand in the second recess.
[00165] In accordance with an option, wall 14 has a wall height, and
the recess extends
upwards from base 12 of container 10 for a distance less than the wall height.
[00166] In accordance with an option, gripping portion 20 includes
ridges 44 to
facilitate gripping of gripping portion 20 by a user.
[00167] In accordance with an option, the dipping section 22 has a
dipping section
width and the inclined tongue portion 24 has a tongue portion width, and the
dipping section
width is substantially equal to the tongue portion width.
[00168] In accordance with an option, container 10 has a center of
gravity positioned
between the gripping portion 20 and the inclined tongue portion 24, wherein a
torque is
created about the gripping portion 20 when the container is held by a user at
the gripping
portion 20, the container being sized and shaped to limit the torque to no
more than one
foot-pound when the container is full of the paintable liquid 30.
[00169] In accordance with an option, the container includes ribs 72
in contact with the
wiping edge and tongue portion 24, to provide structural reinforcement and
strength to the
wiping edge and the tongue portion 24.
CA 02820211 2013-07-09
- 40 -
[001701
It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may
be connected with each other as may be required to perform desired functions
and tasks that
are within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations
and
permutations without having to describe each and every one of them in explicit
terms. There
is no particular assembly or components that are superior to any of the
equivalents available
to the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject
matter that is
superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed
that all the
crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this
document. It is
understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope
provided by the
independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present
invention is not
limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-
limiting
embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description
provided outside
of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as
prosecuted, and/or as
granted. It is understood, for the purposes of this document, that the phrase
"includes" is
equivalent to the word "comprising." It is noted that the foregoing has
outlined the non-
limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-
limiting
embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are
merely
illustrative as examples.
