Coating system and method of use thereof

Abstract

A portable coating system and methods of using the same are described. The system includes a container defined by a front wall, a rear wall, side walls, and a bottom wall. The container has a paint reservoir section and an inclined tray section that allows paint to be discharged to the reservoir section. The system also includes a lid having two portions coupled to each other or to the container by a hinge. The lid is configured to cover the container and may be in a closed configuration or an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the lid forms a hermetic seal with the container for storing paint therein. A wheel is coupled to the bottom wall of the container for carrying. A user moves the system using a coating roller, positioning a roller head and neck in a dedicated groove / recess, and using a roller handle, with the lid in the open configuration or the closed configuration, thereby manipulating the system without lifting the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to coating solutions, and more specifically, to a coating system and a method of using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Paint kits are well known in the art. A paint kit typically includes a paint bucket, painting tools (such as paint brushes and paint rollers of various sizes and shapes), and a paint tray. In use, paint is poured into the tray of a standard paint kit. The sleeve of the brush is dipped into the paint set in the tray. The brush is then rolled over a grid structure set on the tray to distribute the paint evenly and remove excess paint absorbed therein. Once an acceptable even distribution of paint is achieved on the sleeve, the paint brush / roller assembly is ready for use.

[0003] It is known in the art that paint dries when exposed to air for extended periods. Using such paint will result in uneven application to the surface to be painted. To avoid this problem, typically only a limited amount of paint is poured into the tray for use. As the paint in the tray runs out, and when the paint is depleted, the user needs to refill the tray multiple times. This repetitive action of refilling the tray for use leads to inefficiency in completing the painting task.

[0004] Furthermore, the portability of paint trays during painting operations after paint has been poured into them is a well-known problem associated with paint spillage from the tray, brush, or both. Solutions such as lids for sealing the tray containing paint and the paint brush therein are known in the art. However, the action of sealing the tray before moving it and then opening it after repositioning it to a new location is time-consuming.

[0005] In this field, there is a need for a coating system that can address at least some of the aforementioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention has several aspects. In one aspect, a portable coating system is described. The system includes a container having a front wall, a rear wall, at least two opposing side walls, and a bottom wall. The at least two opposing side walls are coupled to the rear wall to form a vertically curved tipping corner of the container to provide a smooth path for discharging coating from the container. The front wall has a notch at its top edge for receiving a neck section of a coating roller. The container also has a coating reservoir section defined by portions of the at least two opposing side walls, the rear wall, and the bottom wall. The container also has a tray section having a surface extending between the at least two opposing side walls and downward from the front wall into the coating reservoir section in an inclined plane. The tray section has a groove extending laterally between the at least two opposing side walls for receiving the roller head of the coating roller. The tray section also has at least one coating channel extending axially from the groove along the surface of the tray into the coating reservoir section. The surface of the tray section has an axial groove along the surface of the tray section. The coating system also includes a lid sized to be removably attached to the container and to cover the container in either a closed or open configuration. When fully covering the container in the closed configuration, the lid forms an airtight seal with the container. The lid has a notch that corresponds in shape, size, and position to a notch at the top edge of the front wall of the container, such that when the lid is attached to the container in the closed configuration, the combination of the notch in the front wall of the container and the notch in the lid forms an orifice, wherein the orifice is sized to fit snugly to the neck section of the coating roller. The coating system also includes a removable wheel attached to the bottom wall and outside the container, wherein the removable wheel is configured to make the container portable.

[0007] In related embodiments, the portable coating system also includes an insert for placement within the container, on top of the tray section, wherein the shape and size of the insert are configured to completely cover the tray section and coating reservoir section of the container, and to allow the lid to maintain an airtight seal of the container when in a closed configuration.

[0008] In another related embodiment, the cover includes a first part and a second part connected to each other by a hinge, and the cover moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration by allowing the first part to pivot relative to the second part along the hinge.

[0009] In another related embodiment, the lid includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being hinged to a section of the container, the second portion being hinged to the at least two opposing sidewalls of the container, and the lid being moved from a closed configuration to an open configuration by allowing the first portion to pivot relative to the second portion along the hinge.

[0010] In another related embodiment, the container also has an additional section below the surface of the tray section, wherein the additional section is configured to store the coating equipment or personal items of the user of the coating system.

[0011] In another related embodiment, the tray section of the container has a perforated sloping section.

[0012] In yet another related embodiment, the container further includes an additional section below the surface of the tray section, the additional section being configured to serve as a second paint storage container.

[0013] In yet another related implementation, the bottom wall of the additional section slopes downward from the front wall of the container.

[0014] In yet another related implementation, the bottom wall is removable, which allows easy access to an additional section of the container beneath the tray section within the container.

[0015] In another related embodiment of the portable coating system, the bottom wall includes at least one opening blocked by a stopper, wherein the at least one opening is used to discharge coating from the coating reservoir when the stopper is removed, wherein the container is maintained substantially in an upright orientation.

[0016] In another related embodiment of the portable coating system, an airtight seal is achieved when the coating roller head is placed inside the container, the neck section of the coating roller is placed in the hole such that the handle section of the coating roller extends outward from the container, and the cover is placed in a closed configuration.

[0017] In another embodiment of the portable coating system, an airtight seal is achieved when the cap is placed in the closed configuration, and the orifice is sealed by an orifice plug. In this case, an airtight seal can be established without the use of a paint roller. This allows for short-term and / or long-term storage of the paint and eliminates the need for cleanup during a project. It also allows for the use of more than one paint during a painting operation, including different colors or textures for the same or different rooms. When the paint is stored in a sealed environment, problems such as paint aging, loss of viscosity and stiffening, and fading are eliminated because the paint is no longer exposed to the natural environment. Storage can be short-term during a single project, where the user can, for example, set aside or switch to a different pigment. Storage can also be long-term, where the user can store the paint in the system for several days during the same job or between different jobs.

[0018] In another embodiment of the portable coating system, the axial grooves on the surface of the tray section are configured with a diamond pattern to allow the coating to be evenly distributed on the roller head when rolling on the diamond pattern, and to improve the discharge of excess coating from the roller head to the coating reservoir.

[0019] In another embodiment of the portable coating system, when the lid is in a closed configuration, the airtight seal between the container and the lid is achieved by a sealing mechanism having a connection to the lid, the container, or both.

[0020] In another embodiment of the portable coating system, the groove is configured to tightly receive the roller head of the coating roller, wherein when the roller head is received in the groove, pressure is applied to the roller head by the curvature of the groove, thereby applying a flushing effect to remove residual coating from the roller head.

[0021] In another related embodiment, when the roller head is placed in the groove, the roller head is removably fixed to the groove.

[0022] In another related embodiment of the portable coating system, the lid has at least one of the following: one or more compartments on the upper surface of the lid when attached to a container for holding one or more of a cup, a user’s personal items, and coating equipment (such as a paint brush); and one or more compartments on the inner surface of the lid when attached to a container for storing and holding a paint applicator.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of using the portable coating system described above. The method includes the steps of: pouring coating into a storage section of a container; attaching a lid to the container to cover the coating; configuring a first portion of the lid to be movable relative to a second portion of the lid between an open configuration and a closed configuration, such that: when the first portion of the lid is in the closed configuration, an airtight seal is created between the lid and the container containing the coating; and when the first portion of the lid is in the open configuration, the coating in the container is accessible to a user of the coating system. The method further includes placing a roller head section of a coating roller on a tray section of the container and configuring the lid in the closed configuration, wherein a neck section of the coating roller is tightly fitted into an opening formed by a notch in the front wall of the container and a notch in the lid, wherein the neck section is attached to a handle section of the coating roller, and a portion of the neck section and the entire handle section extend to the outside of the airtightly sealed container. The method further includes the step of using the handle of the coating roller to manipulate the coating system while moving the coating system from one position to another during use without lifting the container and without causing any spillage of coating.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a method of using the portable coating system as described above is provided, the method comprising the steps of: pouring coating into a storage section of a container; attaching a lid to the container to cover the coating; configuring a first portion of the lid to be movable relative to a second portion of the lid between an open configuration and a closed configuration, such that: when the first portion of the lid is in the closed configuration, an airtight seal is created between the lid and the container in which the coating is stored; and when the first portion of the lid is in the open configuration, the coating in the container is accessible to a user of the coating system. The method further comprises the steps of: placing a roller head section of a coating roller on a tray section of the container in a recess, and configuring the lid in the open configuration, wherein the roller head of the coating roller is tightly fitted into the recess, and wherein a neck section of the coating roller is tightly fitted into a notch in the lid, and further wherein the neck section is attached to a handle section of the coating roller, and a portion of the neck section and the entire handle section extend to the outside of the container. The method further comprises the steps of: using the handle of the coating roller to manipulate the container while moving the coating system from one position to another during use without lifting the container and without causing any spillage of coating.

[0025] In a recoating embodiment, the method further includes: placing an insert inside the container, on top of the container's tray section and reservoir section, wherein the shape and size of the insert are set to completely cover the container's tray section and paint reservoir section; and maintaining an airtight seal of the container when the lid is configured in a closed configuration.

[0026] Other aspects and embodiments of the invention will be apparent as will be shown in the detailed description of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a coating system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 1A It shows Figure 1 Another perspective view of the coating system.

[0030] Figure 2 Shown in exploded view Figure 1 The coating system, in which the container is shown as separate from the lid.

[0031] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A top view of the container.

[0032] Figure 4 A top view of the container of a coating system according to different implementation schemes is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A sectional view of the container along line 5'-5'.

[0034] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the lid, with the lid in an open configuration.

[0035] Figure 7 The assembly according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the lining inside the container.

[0036] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Side view of the lining.

[0037] Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 A bottom view of the lining.

[0038] Figure 10 It shows Figure 7 Top view of the lining.

[0039] Figure 11 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the coating system, in which the cover is shown in a closed configuration.

[0040] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 The coating system has a lid in an open configuration, with the head of the coating roller resting in a groove in the tray, and the roller handle extending through a notch in the side wall of the container to the outside of the container.

[0041] Figure 12B It shows Figure 11 The coating system and coating roller, the head of which rests in a groove in a tray while the tray is in a closed configuration, and wherein the handle of the roller is shown extending to the outside of the coating container, which is hermetically sealed by a cap and the neck of the roller.

[0042] Figure 13 It shows Figure 1 A coating system in which the cover is in an open configuration, and the head of the coating roller rests in a groove in the tray, and the handle of the coating roller extends away from the tray toward the cover, and a section of the handle of the coating roller rests on a recess on the side of the cover.

[0043] Figure 14 It shows Figure 12B A top view of the implementation plan.

[0044] Figure 15 It shows Figure 14A sectional view along the line 15'-15'.

[0045] Figure 15A It shows a configuration based on another configuration. Figure 14 A sectional view along line 15'-15', where the roller head rests on the surface of the pallet rather than in a groove in the pallet.

[0046] Figure 16 A perspective view of a coating system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to those skilled in the art. However, well-known elements may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure. The following description of examples of the technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the system to the precise form of any example embodiment. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The same reference numerals are used to refer to the same specific parts or elements in the various drawings.

[0048] Figures 1 to 15 Various components of a coating system according to multiple embodiments of the present invention are shown. Figure 1 A perspective view of a coating system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The coating system 1 is shown as including a container 2. The container 2 shown in this embodiment has a rectangular cross-section. It should be understood that in other embodiments (not shown), the container 2 may have other cross-sectional shapes known in the art, suitable for the structure and function described below. The container 2 is shown as having curved corners 3. The coating system 1 also includes a lid 4, which is designed to have an open configuration or a closed configuration. The lid 4 is configured to cover the open end of the container 2, and the lid 4 is removably coupled to the container 2 such that when the lid 4 is fitted to the top edge of the open end of the container 2 and when the lid 4 is in the closed configuration, a seal is formed along the edges of the lid 4 and the container 2.

[0049] exist Figure 1 In the middle, cover 4 is shown as having an open configuration. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the coating system is shown, with the lid 4 shown in a closed configuration. When the lid 4 is attached to the container 2 in the closed configuration, the entire open end of the container 2 is covered and airtightly sealed by the lid 4. In this embodiment, the seal is established by providing a layer (not shown) on the lip of the lid 4, the container 2, or both, such that this layer is slightly pressed when the lid 4 is attached to the open end of the container 2. This layer may be made of rubber, silicone, plastic, or any other material known in the art for sealing airtight containers.

[0050] refer to Figure 2The image shows a container 2 having a paint tray 5 located within it. In this embodiment, the paint tray 5 is shown as integral with the container 2. In other embodiments (not shown), the paint tray 5 is removable from the container 2. The paint tray 5 is configured with a sloping surface extending from approximately the top edge of the container 2 to a point near the center of the container 2 at its base. This... Figure 5 The tray 5 is best represented in the image. It also has a groove 6 along its width, configured to receive the roller head of the paint roller when resting on the tray in use. Figure 12B , Figure 13 and Figure 15 An example of this situation is shown in the diagram. In some implementations, such as Figure 15 The groove 6 is constructed to be deep enough to receive the roller head 7 and allow the cover 4 to be attached to the top of the container 2 to form an airtight seal, such as Figure 12B and Figure 15 As shown. In another embodiment, such as Figure 15A In one implementation, the roller head 7 can rest on the tray 5 instead of in the groove 6. This is done to allow an airtight seal to be established between the container 2 and the lid 4, with the roller head inside, when the size of the roller head does not allow it to be fitted into the groove 6 while still allowing the lid 4 to be in a closed configuration.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the paint tray 5 has channels 8 along its length on each of its inclined edges. The channels 8 are configured to allow paint to be discharged from the roller head 7 to the base of the container 2 when the wet roller head 7 rests on the groove 6. In some embodiments, the paint tray 5 may have more than two channels (not shown) along its inclined length. In other embodiments (not shown), the paint tray 5 may have only one channel along its inclined length. The width of the channels 8 may vary in different embodiments. Some factors that may cause such variation are the overall size of the container 2 and tray 5, and the size of the roller head, which will determine the amount of paint to be discharged from the roller head through the channels 8. As a non-limiting example, the width of the channels 8 may range from 18 mm to 25 mm.

[0052] In some embodiments, the groove 6 is configured to tightly receive the roller head 7, such that when the roller head 7 is received in the groove 6, pressure is applied to the roller head 7 by the curvature of the groove 6, thereby applying a flushing effect to the roller head 7 to expel paint from the roller head. This tight fit also allows the groove 6 to securely receive the roller head 7, such that when the roller head 7 is pressed into the groove 6, some pressure is required to separate the roller head 7 from the groove 6. In other embodiments, the groove 6 may be configured to simply receive the roller head 7, and additional mechanisms may be used to secure the roller head 7 to the tray 5 when it is placed on the groove 6. Various mechanisms known in the art can be used for this purpose. As a non-limiting example, the roller head 7 may have a convex portion on any of its edges (not shown), which is received and held by a corresponding concave cavity (not shown) on the tray 5. Another non-limiting example could be a mechanical belt (not shown) that can be applied to the roller head 7 when the roller head 7 rests on the groove 6, wherein the belt is securely engaged with a portion of the pallet 5 or the sidewall of the container 2 to securely hold the roller head 7 in place.

[0053] Return to reference Figure 2 and Figure 12 In the container 2, the edge of the open end of the container 2 adjacent to the top of the tray 5 is shown as a neck portion 10 with a notch 9 to receive the handle 11 of the paint roller 12. A corresponding notch 13 is also found on the edge of the cover 4, which matches the notch 9 of the container 2 in size, width, and position. When the cover 4 is attached to the open end of the container 2, the notches 9 and 13 form an opening 14 sufficient to receive the neck 10 of the roller 12. This is in Figure 11 and Figure 12 The best illustration is shown below. When the roller head 7 rests on the groove 6 and the neck 10 is received into the orifice 14 formed by the notches 9 and 13, the orifice 14 is configured to be completely blocked by the neck 10 to maintain an airtight seal between the cap 4 and the container 2. In some embodiments, the seal is established by constricting the notches 9 and 13 with a thin layer (not shown). This thin layer may be formed of rubber, silicone, plastic, or any other material known in the art for sealing airtight containers. It should be understood that other means known in the art can be used to establish the same effect.

[0054] When roller 12 is removed from tray 5, an airtight seal between cap 4 and container 2 is maintained by placing a stopper (not shown) into orifice 14. This stopper can be made of any material known in the art for this purpose. As a non-limiting example, such material can be plastic, silicone, rubber, and certain metals, suitable for establishing an airtight containment when used to plug orifice 14. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, orifice 14 can be sealed with a simple bottle stopper. In other embodiments, orifice 14 can be sealed by other mechanisms, such as caps or covers, which can be threaded into the orifice liner or attached to the outer surface of orifice 14.

[0055] Figure 12 The diagram shows a roller 12 positioned in one configuration when placed on an inclined tray 5. The inclined plane of the tray 5 allows paint to be discharged through the channel 8 due to gravity. The inclined plane of the tray 5, together with the orifice 14 formed by notches 9 and 13, allows the handle 11 of the paint roller 12 to extend away from the paint system in the inclined plane. This allows the user to hold the handle 11 with their hand while in a standing position.

[0056] Container 2 in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 11 to 14 The container 2 is shown with wheels 15 attached to its bottom side. The wheels 15 shown are 360-degree approach wheels. However, it should be understood that other types of wheels, casters, and sliders known in the art for moving furniture and fixtures can be used. The wheels 15 are removably attached to the container 2 to allow for easy cleaning and replacement. In some embodiments, the wheels 15 are permanently attached to the base of the container 2.

[0057] When the lid 4 is attached to the container 2 in a closed configuration and the paint roller 12 is positioned such that the neck 10 seals the orifice 14 and the handle 11 extends to the outside of the paint system 1, the combination of the inclined surface of the tray 5, the orifice 14, and the wheels 15 allows the user to manipulate the paint system 1. Specifically, the user can grasp the handle 11 and drag or push the paint system 1 to the desired position while keeping the paint in the container 2 fresh, without needing to move any part of the paint system to reposition it. This feature allows the user to efficiently paint different parts of a location, such as different rooms in a house. Furthermore, the use of the paint system 1 also allows for cost savings due to the airtight seal provided between the lid 4 and the container 2, as the paint and roller do not need to be changed frequently.

[0058] In some embodiments, the handle 11 of the paint roller 12 can also be used to operate the paint system 1 when the cap 4 is in the open configuration or when the cap 4 is not attached to the container 2. In such embodiments, the roller head 7 positioned on the groove 6, the neck 10 of the roller 12 fitted into the recess 9 of the container 2, and the wheel 15 attached to the base of the container 2 provide a sufficiently stable structure for the user to operate the container 2 using the handle 11 of the roller 12. This use allows for faster operation during the coating process.

[0059] In some embodiments, container 2 has handles 21 that allow a user to move the entire system, for example, by moving the coating system 1 from one floor to another via a staircase. It should be understood that any type and configuration of handle known in the art can be used. Figure 1 and Figure 1AA non-limiting example of a handle 21 formed as an opening in two opposing short edges of a container 2 is shown. Figure 16 Another non-limiting example of handle 221 is shown, which protrudes from the front and rear of the system and allows a user to grip the edges of the handle when handling the paint system 200. It should be understood that other embodiments may have handles of different numbers, shapes, and positions, in which a user can use such handles to handle the paint system without causing the paint contained therein to spill.

[0060] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the diagram, tray 5 shows a grooved surface with a diamond pattern. The layered design of the diamond pattern allows for uniform distribution of paint on the roller head 7, and the grooves extending through the diamond pattern allow for more efficient and improved dispensing. In different embodiments of the invention, the size and number of rows of the diamond pattern can vary. Furthermore, it should be understood that other patterns known in the art can be used. Figure 4 Another embodiment of the coating system 300 is shown, which represents a non-limiting exemplary different pattern for the grooved surface of the tray 305.

[0061] The lid 4 is described as having both an open and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the lid 4 creates an airtight seal with the container 2. In the open configuration, the lid 4 is partially connected to the container 2. This is in Figure 1 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown in the figures. In all the figures, the lid 4 consists of two sections connected to each other or to the container 2 by hinges. In some embodiments, the open configuration is established by pivoting the first section 4a of the lid 4 across the hinge (not shown) to move away from the corresponding edge of the open end of the container 2. In some embodiments, the movable section of the lid (i.e., 4a) is connected to the side of the container 2 by hinge 22, thereby allowing the lid section 4a to pivot relative to another section of the lid (i.e., 4), which is connected to the container 2. When in the open configuration, the first section 4a moves away from the edge of the open container 2 on which the notch 9 is located. When the lid 4 is in the open configuration, sections 4a and 4 do not share the same plane. Thus, the open configuration allows the roller head 7 and roller 12 to be removed from the coating system 1 for user use. Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the first section 4a, the width is the same as that of the container 2. Therefore, when in the open configuration, only a portion of the long side edge of the cap 4 is connected to the lip of the open end of the container 2. This design and configuration provides sufficient robustness and stability to the coating system 1 when held and cleaned.

[0062] exist Figure 16In another embodiment shown, system 200 is presented, wherein the width of segment 204a may be narrower than the width of container 202. In such an embodiment, cap 204 may be integrally attached to all edges of the open end of container 202 except for one edge, from which first segment 4a may extend to form an open configuration. In such an embodiment, roller may still rest on groove 206 and discharge paint through channel 208.

[0063] exist Figure 13 Another use of the notch 13 on section 4a of the cover 4 is shown, whereby the notch is used to receive the handle 11 of the paint roller 12 during operation, for example, when the user wishes to take a quick break. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the cover 4 is shown optionally having a compartment on the inner side of section 4a for storing and holding different paint applicators. Various mechanisms known in the art can be used to hold paint applicators. For example, such mechanisms may include magnets, clips, Velcro straps, etc. The figures also show that the upper side of the cover 4 may optionally be configured to have, for example, a cup holder or compartment for holding painting equipment.

[0064] When the first segment 4a is in the closed position, this position can be maintained by various mechanisms known in the art for securing the first segment 4a to the corresponding edge of the open end of the container 2. As a non-limiting example, such a mechanism may include a hook (in...) Figure 16 (As shown in Figure 217). As a non-limiting example, other mechanisms known in the art (such as magnets) can be used to establish the same purpose.

[0065] Coating system 1 may also include Figure 2 and Figures 7 to 10 The liner 16 is shown. The liner 16 corresponds in shape and size to the inner surface of the container 2, such that the liner 16 fits perfectly into the inside of the container 2 and covers the tray 5 and the exposed portion 18 of the container 2. Therefore, the liner 16 includes a channel 8a, a recess 6a, an inclined tray surface 5a, and an exposed base section 18a. In cases where multiple colors are required for painting operations, the liner 16 allows the container to remain clean. In such cases, each liner 16 can be matched with its own cap 4 to maintain an airtight seal when not in use, thereby preserving the freshness of the paint and preventing the paint and paint roller head 7 from drying. The dimensions of the liner 16 are set such that when fitted onto the inside of the container 2, the cap 4 maintains an airtight seal when engaged with the container 2. In some embodiments, the leading edge of the liner 16 is positioned directly below the notch 9 so as not to obstruct the paint roller handle at the neck 10 of the roller 12 when the system is in the closed position, thus maintaining an airtight seal between the cap 4 and the container 2. In other embodiments (not shown), the front edge of the liner 16 may be configured to have a corresponding notch in shape and size that corresponds to the notch 9 of the container 2.

[0066] The size of section 18 of container 2 can be set to accommodate various volumes of paint. For example, section 18 can hold one gallon of paint. Ideally, the paint level in section 18 is expected to be lower than that in groove 6 to allow the roller head 7 to discharge paint when placed on groove 6. Figure 5 As shown, section 18 serves as a reservoir for paint. In this embodiment, the section of container 2 below tray 5 (marked diagonally and labeled 19) is separated from the other side of container 2 by tray 5. In such an embodiment, section 19 can be used to store paint canisters or any other items that can be mounted there, such as the user's personal items or painting equipment, such as brushes, rollers, applicators, etc. Alternatively, only a portion of section 19 (labeled section 20) may be formed as a recess for the user to store items (such as personal items and paintbrushes, etc.) during use of the paint system 1.

[0067] exist Figure 5 In this embodiment, the surface of tray 5 is solid and non-perforated, allowing section 19 to be separated from the top side of tray 5. In some embodiments, tray 5 may be perforated. For example, the diamond pattern on tray 5 may be hollow. This allows paint on the surface of tray 5 to drain into section 19. In such embodiments, section 19 can be used as an additional paint reservoir and storage container. In such embodiments, container 2 may be configured to hold a larger volume of paint. It is still preferred that any volume of paint is stored in section 19 below recess 6 to allow discharge from roller head 7. Furthermore, to allow roller head 7 access to the paint in section 19, the bottom surface of container 2 defining the base of section 19 is preferably inclined to allow paint in section 19 to move through the perforated tray 5 to section 18. In some embodiments, a mechanical mechanism may be used to push the paint reservoir from section 19 to section 18 via tray 5. In this embodiment, the base of container 2 may be removable to allow easy cleaning of section 19.

[0068] exist Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 11 to 13In the diagram, container 2 is shown with a curved corner 3. This feature facilitates the discharge of paint from container 2 during the cleaning process. The curved edge provides a smooth path for paint to be discharged from container 2 and into the original paint container, if desired or otherwise. The illustrated embodiment has a tapered, easy-pour corner to allow for greater precision when recycling paint into the original paint container. In other embodiments (not shown), instead of flipping container 2 to discharge and remove paint from section 18, paint discharge from container 2 can be achieved in other ways. For example, in some embodiments, an opening may be added at the base (bottom) or side of container 2 to allow any paint to be discharged from the paint reservoir in section 18 without flipping container 2. Such an opening may be located at various portions of the base or side of container 2. In some embodiments, if discharge is required when engaging a hermetically sealed container, more than one opening is present to allow pressure release within the container. Such an opening can be plugged with a discharge plug, which may be made of rubber, plastic, silicone, or any other material used to maintain a seal for storing liquids. In such an implementation, when the paint is discharged from container 2 in an upright or inclined position, the base of container 2 may be conical, such that the discharge opening is the lowest point of the base of container 2, and the rest of the base surface area gradually tapers towards the discharge opening. These features allow the paint to be discharged from container 2 under the influence of gravity when the discharge plug is removed.

[0069] Various embodiments of the coating system have been described in this disclosure. It should be understood that the containers, caps, and inserts forming the coating system can be made of any material known in the art for manufacturing such components for their intended use.

[0070] According to one method of use, during operation, the user pours paint of the desired color into section 18 of container 2. The cap 4 is then attached to container 2 and maintained in a closed configuration to preserve the freshness of the paint in the container. When roller 12 is not present, orifice 14 is also sealed with a flange. If roller 12 is present, a flange is not required because when roller 12 is used with the system, the neck 10 of roller 12 will be sufficient to seal orifice 14, as... Figure 12BAs shown. When the user intends to use the paint, the seal of orifice 14 is removed, and section 4a is moved to the open configuration. The user then dips the roller head into the paint in section 18 and rolls the roller head on the surface of tray 5 to achieve the desired uniform distribution of paint on roller head 7. When the paint roller 12 is used for coating, section 4a can be moved to the closed configuration to maintain the airtight seal of container 2. When the user wishes to replenish paint on roller head 7, section 4a is then moved back to the open configuration, and then back to the closed configuration. The user will repeat these steps throughout the coating operation. When the user wishes to reposition the paint system 1, roller head 7 is placed on and secured to groove 6, section 4a is moved to the closed configuration, and the user then uses handle 11 of roller 12 to manipulate the paint system 1 to the desired position without having to lift any part of the system. When in place in an airtight seal, roller head 7 discharges paint through channel 8 into the paint reservoir in section 18.

[0071] According to another method of use, in operation, the user sets up the coating system and loads it with coating material similar to the method described above. When the user intends to use the coating, the seal of orifice 14 is removed, and section 4a is moved to the open configuration. The user then dips the roller head into the coating material in section 18 and rolls the roller head on the surface of tray 5 to achieve the desired uniform distribution of coating material on roller head 7. In this method of use, section 4a of cover 4 remains open while the user is using the roller for coating. This allows the user easy access to the coating reservoir in section 18 and tray 5 without any delay that might be experienced when the user needs to move section 4a between the closed and open configurations each time the user needs to replenish the coating material on the roller during use. In this method, the coating material remains fresh even when section 4a of cover 4a is open during operation. This is because the coating material maintains its freshness when exposed to the natural environment, as its surface is frequently disturbed. During operation, although section 4a is open, the use of the coating rollers and the replenishment of paint on the roller head 7 are fast enough to keep the paint in section 18 fresh. Furthermore, since the user can manipulate the entire coating system 1 by placing the rollers on the grooves 6 of the tray 5 while section 4a is open, the user can cover the surface coating much faster than when moving to other parts of a house, building, etc., during coating operations and having to reposition the paint tray and coating equipment. Due to this rapid coverage of the area, the user can perform coating operations under this method of use while section 4a remains open, without worrying about the freshness of the paint in the reservoir, even when updating the paint on the roller head during operation. A significant improvement in coating efficiency was observed under this method.

[0072] Therefore, according to the systems and methods described herein, a novel coating system is provided that allows for efficient coating and long-term storage once the paint is removed from its original container. Specifically, this new coating system allows for faster speeds through maneuverability and handling tools, which improves overall efficiency. Long-term paint storage means less mess and surface damage due to spills, reducing the need for cleaning and handling dried paint and changing rollers. The coating system also reduces the use of plastics for storing paint in trays and reduces water consumption for post-work cleaning. These systems and methods also save costs by reducing the need for cleaning and handling dried paint and changing paint roller heads for the same reason. The invention allows users to move the system without excessive bending, lifting, and / or carrying, which can reduce the need for compensation for back and neck injuries to workers in commercial applications.

[0073] Explanation of terms Unless the context explicitly requires it, throughout the specification and claims: "Including" and "containing" should be interpreted in the sense of inclusion, rather than exclusion or exhaustive; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to".

[0074] "Connection", "linkage" or any variation thereof means any direct or indirect connection or link between two or more elements; the link or connection between elements can be physical, logical or a combination thereof.

[0075] The terms “this document,” “above,” “below,” and similar terms, when used to describe this specification, refer to the entire specification and not any particular part thereof.

[0076] When referring to a list of two or more items, the word “or” encompasses all of the following interpretations: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

[0077] The singular forms “one,” “a,” and “the” also include the meaning of any appropriate plural form.

[0078] The terms “user,” “subject,” “individual,” and “participant” are understood to be used interchangeably in this disclosure and refer to bipedal animals, such as humans.

[0079] The directional terms used in this specification and any of the appended claims (where applicable), such as “vertical,” “lateral,” “horizontal,” “upward,” “downward,” “forward,” “backward,” “inward,” “outward,” “vertical,” “lateral,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “below,” “above,” “under,” “up,” “down,” etc., depend on the specific orientation of the device described and shown. Various alternative orientations are possible for the subject matter described herein. Therefore, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0080] In the case of the components mentioned above (e.g., circuits, modules, components, devices, etc.), unless otherwise stated, references to such components (including references to “devices”) should be interpreted as including any component that performs the function of the described component (i.e., functionally equivalent) as an equivalent of that component, including components that are not structurally equivalent to components that perform the function of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention.

[0081] Specific examples of systems and methods have been described herein for illustrative purposes. These are merely examples. The techniques provided herein can be applied to apparatuses and methods other than those described above. In practice of this invention, many changes, modifications, additions, omissions, and substitutions are possible. This invention includes variations of the described embodiments that are obvious to those skilled in the art, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements, and / or actions with equivalent features, elements, and / or actions; mixing and matching features, elements, and / or actions from different embodiments; combining features, elements, and / or actions from embodiments as described herein with features, elements, and / or actions from other technologies; and / or omitting combinations of features, elements, and / or actions from the described embodiments.

[0082] Therefore, the appended claims and the claims introduced below are intended to be construed as including all such modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations that can be reasonably inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited to the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description throughout.

Claims

1. A portable paint system comprising: a container having: a front wall, a back wall, at least two opposing side walls coupled to the back wall to form a vertically curved pour corner of the container for providing a smooth path for paint to drain from the container, the front wall having a notch at a top edge thereof for receiving a neck section of a paint roller; a paint reservoir section defined by portions of the at least two opposing side walls, the back wall, and the bottom wall; a tray section having a surface extending between the at least two opposing side walls and extending downward from the front wall in an inclined plane to the paint reservoir section, the tray section having a groove extending laterally between the at least two opposing side walls for receiving a head of a paint roller, the tray section further having at least one paint channel extending axially along the surface of the tray from the groove to the paint reservoir section, the tray section surface having an axial groove along the surface of the tray section; a lid sized to be removably coupled to the container and covering the container in one of a closed configuration and an open configuration, the lid forming an air-tight seal with the container when fully covering the container in the closed configuration, the lid having a notch corresponding in shape, size, and location to the notch at the top edge of the front wall of the container such that when the lid is coupled to the container in the closed configuration, a port is formed by the combination of the notch in the front wall of the container and the notch in the lid, the port sized to fit a neck section of a paint roller closely; and a removable wheel coupled to the bottom wall and external to the container, the removable wheel configured to make the container portable.

2. The portable paint system of claim 1, further comprising an insert for placement within the container atop the tray section, the insert shaped and sized to fully cover the tray section and the paint reservoir section of the container and allow the lid to maintain an air-tight seal of the container when in the closed configuration.

3. The portable paint system of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a first portion and a second portion coupled to one another by a hinge and the lid is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration by allowing the first portion to pivot relative to the second portion along the hinge.

4. The portable paint system of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a first portion coupled to a section of the container by a hinge and a second portion coupled to the at least two opposing side walls of the container and the lid is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration by allowing the first portion to pivot relative to the second portion along the hinge.

5. The portable paint system of claim 1, wherein the container further has an additional section below the surface of the tray section, the additional section configured for storing paint equipment or personal items of a user of the paint system.

6. The portable paint system of claim 1, wherein the tray section of the container has a perforated sloped section.

7. The portable paint system of claim 6, wherein the container further includes an additional section below the surface of the tray section, the additional section configured to serve as a second paint reservoir.

8. The portable paint system of claim 7, wherein the bottom wall of the additional section slopes downward from the front wall of the container.

9. The portable paint system of claim 8, wherein the bottom wall is removable.

10. The portable paint system of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall includes at least one opening plugged by a plug for draining paint from the paint reservoir when the plug is removed, wherein the container is maintained in an upright orientation.

11. The portable paint system of claim 1, wherein the air-tight seal is achieved when a paint roller head is placed within the container, the neck section of the paint roller placed in the aperture such that the handle section of the paint roller extends outward from the container, and wherein the lid is placed in the closed configuration.

12. The portable paint system of claim 1, configured for one of long-term storage or short-term storage of paint, wherein the air-tight seal is achieved when the lid is placed in the closed configuration, and wherein the aperture is plugged by an aperture plug to seal the aperture.

13. The portable paint system of claim 1, wherein the axial grooves on the surface of the tray section are configured in a diamond pattern for allowing paint to be evenly distributed on the roller head when rolled over the diamond pattern and to improve drainage of excess paint from the roller head to the paint reservoir.

14. The portable paint system of claim 1, wherein the air-tight seal between the container and the lid when the lid is in the closed configuration is achieved by having a sealing mechanism coupled to the lid, the container, or both.

15. The portable paint system of claim 1, wherein the groove is configured to closely receive a roller head of a paint roller, wherein when the roller head is received in the groove, pressure is applied to the roller head by the curvature of the groove, thereby applying a flushing effect to drain residual paint from the roller head.

16. The portable paint system of claim 15, wherein when a roller head is placed in the groove, the roller head is removably secured to the groove.

17. The portable paint system of claim 1, wherein the lid has at least one of: one or more compartments on an upper surface of the lid for placing one or more of a cup, a user's personal items, and paint equipment such as a paint brush when coupled to the container; and one or more compartments on an inner surface of the lid for storing and holding a paint applicator when coupled to the container.

18. A method of using the portable paint system of claim 1, the method comprising: pouring paint into the reservoir section of the container; coupling the lid to the container to cover the paint; configuring a first portion of the lid to be movable relative to a second portion of the lid between an open configuration and a closed configuration, such that: when the first portion of the lid is in the closed configuration, creating an air-tight seal between the lid and the container in which the paint is stored; and when the first portion of the lid is in the open configuration, the paint in the container is accessible by a user of the paint system; placing a roller head section of a paint roller on the tray section of the container and configuring the lid to be in the closed configuration, wherein a neck section of the paint roller fits tightly into the aperture formed by the notch in the front wall of the container and the notch in the lid, wherein the neck section is coupled to a handle section of the paint roller and a portion of the neck section and the entirety of the handle section extend outside of the air-tight container; and manipulating the paint system using the handle of the paint roller while in use, moving the paint system from one location to another without having to lift the container and without causing any spillage of paint.

19. A method of using the portable paint system of claim 1, the method comprising: pouring paint into the reservoir section of the container; coupling the lid to the container to cover the paint; configuring a first portion of the lid to be movable relative to a second portion of the lid between an open configuration and a closed configuration, such that: when the first portion of the lid is in the closed configuration, creating an air-tight seal between the lid and the container in which the paint is stored; and when the first portion of the lid is in the open configuration, the paint in the container is accessible by a user of the paint system; placing a roller head section of a paint roller on the tray section of the container in the recess and configuring the lid to be in the open configuration, wherein a head section of the paint roller fits tightly into the recess and wherein a neck section of the paint roller fits tightly into the notch in the lid, and further wherein the neck section is coupled to a handle section of the paint roller and the portion of the neck section and the entirety of the handle section extend outside of the container; and manipulating the paint system using the handle of the paint roller while in use, moving the paint system from one location to another without having to lift the container and without causing any spillage of paint. The handle of the paint roller is used to manipulate the container while moving the paint system from one location to another in use without lifting the container and without causing any spillage of paint.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: An insert is placed within the container, atop the tray section and the reservoir section of the container, the insert being shaped and sized to completely cover the tray section and the paint reservoir section of the container; and When the lid is configured in the closed configuration, a hermetic seal of the container is maintained for one of long-term storage or short-term storage of paint in the container.

Images