Container and Lid Assembly

Abstract

An assembly for facilitating the use of paint applicator accessories in connection with a plastic container is provided. The assembly includes a nozzle device housed within a container lid and having a suction line, which extends into the paint container. The assembly also includes one or more vent holes. The assembly can be used to supply paint to a paint applicator device by attaching an intake conduit of the paint applicator to the nozzle device. As paint is siphoned out of the container by the applicator devices the vent holes allow air to flow into the container to replace the volume of withdrawn paint.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11 / 095,253 filed Mar. 31, 2005, which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 557,860 filed Mar. 31, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 603,226 filed on Aug. 20, 2004. The disclosures of application Ser. No. 11 / 095,253 and both Provisional Applications 60 / 557,860 and 60,603,226 are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, this application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 126,481 filed Apr. 18, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 284,476 filed Apr. 18, 2001 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 292,364 filed on May 21, 2001, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This application relates generally to paint containers and accessories for use therewith, and more specifically to a lid assembly for a paint container which accommodates paint container accessories which remo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The plastic container and lid assembly provides easy, tool-free opening and closing, reduces damage from drops, prevents rust, and facilitates clean and efficient paint application with applicator devices by allowing direct suction of paint, improving handling and storage.

Problems solved by technology

First, removal of the lid requires a prying tool and can be difficult.

Replacement of the lid may also be difficult because a hammer or mallet is often required to completely reseat opposed mating grooves on the lid and container and to effectively seal the container.

This practice may be hazardous if one loses their balance, and messy when paint remains in the container grooves as a result of the pouring process.

Over time, due to the moisture inherent within the paint, metal pails and lids have a tendency to rust or corrode.

If rust pieces fall into the paint, they often render the paint useless.

Metal paint cans are also susceptible to impact damage when they are dropped, or impacted from the side.

Once the can is deformed, seating and reseating the lid clan be difficult and it is difficult and often impossible to return the can to a desired shape.

Pouring paint from metal paint cans is yet another difficult task due to the can's configuration.

Flowing paint is difficult to guide because no spout formation exists upon the can.

The result is a messy container, which is difficult to open upon next use.

Manufacture of paint cans has also been difficult.

The formation and attachment of metal wire bail handles is a difficult task to perform.

However, pouring paint from conventional containers for use in these types of applicators can be messy.

However, in other cases, a larger supply of paint is needed for powered sprayers or rollers.

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