Multifunction pouring spout with handle

Abstract

An inventive pouring spout that is selectively attachable to a container and fitted to the opening of the container with which it is used. In a preferred embodiment, the pouring spout is fitted to the dimensions of a one-quart container and includes a wall, a sealing member, a mouth and a handle, the mouth and handle extending from the wall. The handle includes a plurality of upwardly extending projections adapted to securely engage the bottom rim of the container. Furthermore, thermoplastic material is applied at the handle area forming a handle cover that is comfortable and easy to grip. Thermoplastic material is also preferably utilized in the construction of the sealing member for forming a seal between the spout and opening of the container.

Description

RELATED INVENTION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 10 / 830,275, filed on Apr. 22, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a multifunction cover for containers, such as paint cans. More specifically, this invention involves a detachable pouring spout having a removable lid which prevents the dripping and splashing of paint along the side and around the opening of a paint can. Furthermore, this invention involves, as another embodiment, a detachable pouring spout with handle which allows a user to easily hold on to a can of paint. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] For both the professional and casual painter, typical paint cans feature a multitude of drawbacks. Most notably, the construction of a typical one-gallon size paint can makes it virtually impossible to pour paint out of the can into a paint tray or other container without paint trickling down the sides of the can after ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a detachable pouring spout for a paint can, which includes a removable lid, that prevents the entry of paint into the sealing groove at the opening of the can and prevents the dripping of paint along the exterior surface of the paint can.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a detachable pouring spout for a paint can, which includes a removable lid, that enables the removal of excess paint from a paint brush directly into the paint can without utilizing the interior rim of the can.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a means for storing a wet paint brush above a paint can that allows paint to be reintroduced to the interior of the paint can and prevents the paint from contacting the sealing groove of a paint can or its exterior surface.

Problems solved by technology

Most notably, the construction of a typical one-gallon size paint can makes it virtually impossible to pour paint out of the can into a paint tray or other container without paint trickling down the sides of the can after the paint is poured.

Excess paint dripping down the exterior of the can may cause undesirable paint smears on walls, floors, furniture and other items when the dripping paint accidentally comes in contact with one or more of these surfaces or objects.

Further, the problem of paint running down the side of the can is aggravated when a user rests a wet paintbrush horizontally across the top of the paint can, as many painters typically do overnight or during a break.

Paint from a wet paintbrush drips down the side of the can, causing similar problems noted above.

Further, there are a number of other common occurrences that often irritate painters and present additional difficulties.

The paint in this sealing groove poses the following problems: first, if the metal paint can lid is placed onto the can top and into the groove before the paint in it dries, the paint acts as an adhesive, sealing the lid to the can and making it more difficult to remove later on.

In addition, when the cover is subsequently re-installed, paint in the sealing groove spatters as the lid is tapped down, causing paint to be dispersed randomly on the painter or on a surface.

Similarly, these problems are also encountered when dipping a paintbrush in a paint can and then wiping the brush against the inner rim of the can to remove excess paint from the brush.

Although painters are aware of this problem, they choose to wipe the brush against the inner rim since the alternative (i.e., spreading the excess paint over a given area) may ruin the job at hand, thereby entirely undermining their efforts.

Moreover, although it is good practice to replace the paint lid on the can overnight or during a lunch break to keep the paint fresh, many fail to do so and introduce paint to the side of the can lid and in its sealing groove.

Another problem is that it is physically demanding to hold a paint can filled with paint by the wire handle that is provided on standard one-gallon paint cans due to the weight of the paint can when filled with paint.

Moreover, since the handle is positioned directly above the opening of the suspended paint can when holding the can by the handle, it interferes with the dipping of the paint brush into the can thereby forcing a user to locate and orient the brush so that it does not come into contact with the paint can handle.

Furthermore, in the context of smaller, one-quart paint containers where a handle is typically not provided therewith, it is particularly strenuous to continuously hold the can in a hand by outer side of the can without enduring muscle cramps and fatigue.

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