Paint bucket insert

EP4748585A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-27R J A VAN DER ZANDE BEHEER BV +1

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
R J A VAN DER ZANDE BEHEER BV
Filing Date
2025-11-20
Publication Date
2026-05-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing paint tools require numerous steps and time for emptying and cleaning, leading to infrequent reuse and cleaning of paint, especially for less expensive or smaller quantities, and can cause contamination due to improper handling and material incompatibilities.

Method used

A paint bucket insert with a positioning element, support element, and a closure element that allows for easy removal and placement on a storage container, featuring a paint outlet opening and optional filter element to facilitate efficient emptying and cleaning, reducing the need for constant handling and minimizing contamination.

Benefits of technology

The insert simplifies the process of emptying and cleaning paint, allowing for more frequent reuse and recycling, reduces waste, and minimizes the risk of spillage and contamination, while being compatible with different paint types and containers.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Paint bucket insert (1) for a working paint bucket (90), such as a paint kettle, comprising: a positioning element (2) configured to hold the paint bucket insert in position in an insert position in the working paint bucket (90); a wall portion (3) extending from the positioning element, comprising at least one of a side wall portion and a bottom wall portion, and wherein the wall portion defines a paint holder volume (4) for holding paint in the paint bucket insert; a support element (5) configured to support the paint holder volume on a surface, such as a storage paint kettle (99); a paint outlet opening (6) arranged in the wall portion; and a closure element (7) in fluid communication with the paint outlet opening, which is movable between a closed state, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening (6) is restricted and no paint can flow through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume; and an open state, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening (6) is possible and paint can flow through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume (4), wherein the support element (5) is configured to support the paint holder volume during the flow of paint through the outlet opening.
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Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a paint bucket insert for reusing a working paint bucket such as a paint kettle, a paint bucket insert assembly, and a method for recovering paint from a paint holder volume of a paint bucket insert.Background of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to paint supplies, in particular to an insert, also referred to as an inlay, insert container, insert pot or insert tray. Such a bucket is suitable for placement in a paint kettle - also referred to as a paint bucket, trim bucket, trim can, painting pot or paint pail.

[0003] In particular for professional painting work, a metal paint kettle is used. Prior to the painting job, part of the paint content is poured into the paint kettle from a storage container, bucket or kettle, in which paint can be stored for a longer period of time (when no painting job is performed) and in which it is usually delivered. This allows, for example, the desired amount of paint to be used in the paint kettle, for example without having to expose the entire contents of the storage container, bucket or kettle to environmental factors.

[0004] A paint kettle is generally more suitable for use during a painting job than a storage container and is usually provided with a handle so that the paint kettle can be moved, carried or hung up during the painting job. Paint kettles often have a relatively wide base, making them more stably positionable during a painting job.

[0005] It is known to equip a paint kettle with a plastic insert holder, which prevents the paint from coming into contact with the paint kettle. On the one hand, a paint kettle can thus be used for multiple painting jobs, types of paint and / or paint varieties, whereby only the insert needs to be replaced in between jobs and the entire paint kettle does not need to be replaced or thoroughly cleaned. On the other hand, it has been found that not all types of paint are suitable for all types of paint kettles, such as water-based paint and a metal paint kettle, which could cause rust to mix with the paint, for example. An insert holder is known, for example, from EP1499506B1.

[0006] Further, it is known to clean paint using a paint filter bag or paint sieve, for example to remove flakes or contamination from the paint. An example of a filter bag is known from US4804470 A. A disadvantage of this is that sieving using known filter bags or sieves requires a relatively large number of steps. It has been found that the filter bag or sieve cannot be used often or only once and / or must be cleaned intensively to prevent it from causing contamination of the paint itself. In addition, a filter must first be found and installed, and then the paint kettle must be emptied in one or more steps, after which it is necessary to wait for the filter to pass through.

[0007] As a result, emptying and / or filtering paint remaining in a paint bucket requires a relatively large number of steps and takes a relatively long time. In practice, storage and / or cleaning is therefore often not worthwhile and is only used, for example, for relatively expensive paint and / or relatively large quantities of paint.Object of the invention

[0008] The invention is based on the aim of at least partially reducing the disadvantages of known paint tools, or at least providing an alternative paint tool, for example, a painting tool that requires fewer steps to clean paint left in a paint bucket and / or that can be used more quickly, preferably in such a way that the reuse and / or cleaning of leftover paint can be applied more often.Description of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to a paint bucket insert according to claim 1. The paint bucket insert is suitable for placement in a working paint bucket, such as a paint kettle, also known as a paint bucket, painting pot or paint pail, for reuse. The insert comprises a positioning element that is configured to hold the paint bucket insert in position in a paint kettle, for example in such a way that the paint bucket insert can be filled with paint in the insert position and paint can be applied to a brush therefrom during a painting job.

[0010] The paint bucket insert comprises a wall portion extending from the positioning element, which defines a paint holder volume for holding paint in the paint bucket insert. In the insert position, the wall portion may extend at least partially vertically, thereby forming a side wall of the paint holder volume, and / or may extend at least partially horizontally, thereby forming a bottom of the paint holder volume. The paint holder volume may be shaped substantially cylindrically by the side wall and the bottom. The paint holder volume may comprise a substantially open top.

[0011] The paint bucket insert further comprises a support element configured to support the paint holder volume on a surface, such as a storage paint kettle. The support may be such that the paint bucket insert filled with paint can be placed on the surface. The support element may, for example, extend from the side wall and / or the bottom. The support element may substantially surround a part of the bottom.

[0012] The paint bucket insert further comprises a paint outlet opening provided in the wall portion and configured to allow paint to flow out of the paint holder volume, for example in such a way that after a painting job, any remaining paint can flow out of the paint holder volume through the paint outlet opening. The paint outlet opening may, for example, be provided at the bottom of the paint holder volume, such as in or near the bottom.

[0013] The paint bucket insert further comprises a closure element in fluid communication with the paint outlet opening, which is movable between a closed state, in which fluid flow through the paint outlet opening is restricted and no paint can flow through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume; and an open state, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening is possible and paint can flow through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume. The closure element may, for example, be one-time movable between the closed and open states. The closure element may, for example, be removable, e.g. breakable, such as being formed by a removable part of the wall part. The closure element may additionally or alternatively comprise an element arranged on the wall portion, such as a foil, plug or cap.

[0014] The support element is configured to support the paint holder volume during the flow of paint through the outlet opening, for example in such a way that the paint holder volume can flow empty while the paint bucket insert is supported by the support element.

[0015] Thanks to the combination of a support element and a paint outlet opening that can be closed by means of a closure element, the paint bucket insert is removable from a working paint bucket after conventional use during a painting job. The paint bucket insert can be configured in such a way that contact between the paint in the paint holder volume and the working paint bucket is prevented, so that no contamination of the paint and / or the working paint bucket occurs. In this way, a single working paint bucket can be used with different paint bucket inserts for different painting jobs, for example different colours and / or types of paint.

[0016] If paint remains in the paint holder volume after the paint job, the closure element can be moved to the open state and the paint bucket insert can be placed on a storage paint bucket. Advantageously, therewith the paint holder volume is supported by the support element in such a way that it is not necessary to hold the paint bucket insert continuously. Preferably, the paint holder volume is fully supported by the support element during emptying. This eliminates the need for constant handling, allowing the painter to perform other tasks while the paint holder volume is being emptied.

[0017] In particular, the support element may be arranged relative to the positioning element in such a way that the paint bucket insert can be removed from the paint bucket from its insert position and placed in the same orientation on a surface, such as the storage paint bucket. This reduces the possibility of spilling or leakage of paint and also requires fewer steps.

[0018] Given the improved and simplified handling of the paint bucket insert, the ability to support it during emptying and the resulting reduction in labour for a painter, the lower risk of spilling and / or leakage, it has been found that the paint bucket insert according to the invention may contribute to the more frequent reuse and / or cleaning of paint remaining in a working paint bucket.

[0019] The paint bucket insert is configured to be placed in a paint bucket and could also be referred to as a paint bucket inset, insert pot, paint kettle inlay or paint bucket insert, for example.

[0020] The positioning element may be arranged as a lying element that is configured to lie on the upper edge of a working paint bucket. In addition or alternatively, the positioning element may be arranged lower and, for example, configured to lie against one side of the working paint bucket from the wall portion. The positioning element may extend substantially around the circumference, for example horizontally and / or parallel to a surface. For example, the paint holder volume may comprise a substantially open top and the positioning element may extend substantially around the circumference of the open top.

[0021] The filter element may, for example, extend over part of the wall portion, for example over a bottom wall portion.

[0022] The support element may form a placement surface for the stable placement of the paint bucket insert on a storage paint kettle, such as a storage paint kettle.

[0023] The paint bucket insert may have a size corresponding to commercially available working paint buckets, such as paint kettles, also referred to as mixing buckets or painting pails. The paint bucket insert may, for example, have a capacity of 12 litres or less, such as 8 litres or less, for example 2.5 litres or less. A commonly used capacity in practice is a paint bucket insert for a 2.5 L paint bucket.

[0024] The paint bucket insert may be used to reduce water consumption. Because it is not necessary to rinse the paint bucket in which the insert is placed, the amount of contaminated rinse water is reduced.

[0025] It has been found that the paint outlet opening may cause paint residues in the paint bucket insert to dry more quickly. This improves recyclability. Unlike liquid paint residues, dried paint residues are not classified as chemical waste. Dry paint residues can be recycled more effectively within the existing processing process for paint-related plastics. Drying the paint may make recycling cleaner and more efficient than with products containing wet paint residues.

[0026] The paint bucket insert may be nestable. This saves space during storage, transport and / or processing, which is advantageous. In addition, it has been found that the advantageous combination of a paint outlet opening and nestability allows for some air circulation. This allows any paint residues to dry, even when several inserts are placed on top of each other. In particular, the paint outlet opening can be of such a surface that when several paint bucket inserts are nested, sufficient air circulation is possible between the paint bucket inserts to allow any paint residues in the middle of the multiple paint bucket inserts to dry.

[0027] The insert position may define a usage orientation of the paint holder volume. In the usage orientation, the paint holder volume can be oriented in such a way that paint can be held in it, for example without the paint escaping through an outlet opening. In the usage orientation, the closure element can be movable between the closed state and the open state, for example in such a way that it can be moved to the open state while there is paint in the paint holder volume.

[0028] The wall portion may define a usage opening located above in the usage orientation, which provides access to the paint holder volume. For example, paint can be poured into the paint holder volume through the usage opening, for example for use in painting. The usage opening can be dimensioned such that it provides access to the paint holder volume with paint tools, such as a brush. The usage opening may be located relative to the closure element such that the closure element is movable between the closed state and the open state while being located lower than the usage opening.

[0029] In an embodiment, the paint bucket insert comprises a paint filter element which, in the open state, is fluidly connectable to the paint outlet opening. This should also be understood to mean a paint filter element that is arranged in and / or near the paint outlet opening and, as such, is fluidly connected to the paint outlet opening, for example in such a way that a paint flow through the paint outlet opening also flows through the paint filter element. The paint filter element is configured to filter paint flowing out of the paint holder volume through the outlet opening. By integrating a paint filter element into the paint bucket insert, the use of a separate filter may no longer be necessary. In particular, this can save work, as it is no longer necessary to hold a separate filter and / or the paint bucket insert and pour the paint into the filter. The paint filter element can be arranged in such a way that paint flows out of the paint holder volume past the filter element, so that the paint is filtered as it flows out of the paint holder volume.

[0030] By filtering after use and thus keeping the paint residues clean, the paint residues remain usable for longer. This reduces waste and disposal of paint residues and can reduce the ecological footprint of existing painting methods.

[0031] In an embodiment, multiple paint filter elements are provided. In particular, a first paint filter element may be fixedly arranged, and a second paint filter element may be detachably attached. The multiple paint filter elements may have different mesh sizes. This allows the paint to be filtered to a desired mesh size, e.g. depending on the type of paint, temperature and / or degree of contamination. For example, the first paint filter element may be installed in the wall portion. The second paint filter element may be attached by a suitable method, for example to the wall portion near the first paint filter element. The second paint filter element may, for example, be attached using an adhesive or bonding agent. The first paint filter element may, for example, have a larger mesh size than the second paint filter element, or vice versa, for example more than 100 mu, such as more than 130 mu, for the first paint filter element, and less than 100 mu, such as less than 80 mu, for the second paint filter element, or vice versa. The second paint filter element and the closure element may be arranged on opposite sides of the wall portion. In this way, manufacturing can be simplified, for example when the second paint filter element and the closure element are both arranged on the wall portion.

[0032] In an embodiment, the paint bucket insert comprises multiple paint outlet openings. In this way, the total surface area of the paint outlet openings can be increased.

[0033] In an embodiment, a maximum passage size of the paint outlet openings may be such that the paint outlet openings form the paint filter element. The maximum passage size may, for example, be an inner diameter of each of the respective paint outlet openings, so that a respective outlet opening can function as a mesh and prevent paint-foreign particles and / or paint flakes from passing through. The paint outlet openings may be configured to filter paint flowing out of the paint holder volume.

[0034] In an embodiment, the paint filter element is arranged on the wall portion. In this way, an efficient yet relatively sturdy construction can be achieved.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the paint filter element is fixed during forming of the wall portion, e.g. by casting. The paint filter element may comprise, for example, a sieve, cloth and / or grid. The wall portion may be formed, for example, by injection moulding, wherein the paint filter element is fixed.

[0036] In an embodiment, the closure element is detachably arranged on the wall section, for example by means of a screw thread connection, clamping, an adhesive and / or a fusion connection. By detachably arranging a relatively easy-to-use paint bucket insert can be obtained. Advantageously, in this way the closure element can be moved from the closed state to the open state by detaching the closure element.

[0037] In an embodiment, the closure element comprises a part of the wall portion that is configured to be removed for forming and / or exposing the paint outlet opening, for example by means of a weakening arranged around the part in the wall portion. In this way, the closure element can be provided in a relatively cost-effective manner. Furthermore, it has been found that in this way a relatively easy-to-operate closure element can be provided in an advantageous manner, which is moved from the closed state to the open state by removing, e.g. breaking out, the respective part of the wall portion to form the paint outlet opening.

[0038] In an embodiment, the maximum passage size of the paint outlet opening and / or the paint filter element is such that paint flakes are filtered out of the paint flowing through the outlet opening. In particular, the maximum passage size is large enough to allow commercially available types of paint to pass through, while larger particles, such as flakes, remain in the paint holder volume. The maximum passage size may be such that solid particles remain in the paint, but liquid paint can flow out of the paint holder volume. The maximum passage size, e.g. the mesh size, may be less than 1 mm, for example. It has been found that such a size provides a relatively good combination of flow rate and filtering.

[0039] In an embodiment, the wall portion is manufactured as a solid plastic part. The wall portion may be manufactured, for example, by casting, such as injection moulding, and / or by deep drawing. In a further and / or alternative embodiment, the paint filter element comprises a woven material, such as a plastic and / or a metal.

[0040] It has been found that a practical paint bucket insert can be obtained relatively efficiently in this way. The combination of a solid plastic part and a metal and / or woven filter element may be particularly efficient.

[0041] In an embodiment, the wall portion comprises a circumferential side wall portion, e.g. delimiting the paint holder volume at the side walls, and a bottom wall portion, e.g. delimiting the paint holder volume at the bottom, with the paint outlet opening being provided in and / or near the bottom wall portion. It has been found that this allows for a relatively good flow of paint out of the paint holder volume.

[0042] The paint outlet opening may be located at some distance from the bottom wall section and / or the bottom wall portion may be shaped in such a way that solid particles are diverted away from the paint outlet opening. In this way, with or without a filter element, some cleaning of the outflowing paint may already be achieved due to the distance.

[0043] In an embodiment, the bottom wall portion comprises a concave or convex bottom, as viewed from the paint holder volume. It has been found that in this way the paint flow and / or filtering of flowing paint can be further improved, making the reuse of paint remaining in the paint holder volume after a paint job more attractive. The paint outlet opening can, for example, be arranged at the peak of the convex bottom in order to achieve some cleaning of the outflowing paint, or the paint outlet opening can, for example, be located in a valley of the concave bottom in order to allow as much paint as possible to flow out of the paint holder volume.

[0044] In an embodiment, the support element comprises multiple support areas which, upon placing on a surface, are spaced apart in a direction substantially parallel to the surface. It has been found that this achieves a relatively stable placement, which can contribute to a smooth outflow of paint, reducing the risk of spillage.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the support areas are configured to place the paint bucket insert each on storage paint kettles of mutually different sizes. For example, a first support area may be provided that is configured to support the paint bucket insert around a first diameter, for example on a storage paint bucket with a first diameter, and a second support area may be provided that is configured to support the paint bucket insert around a second diameter, for example on a storage paint bucket with a second diameter. In this way, paint can flow out of the paint bucket insert while the paint bucket insert is stably supported on storage paint buckets of different sizes. As an alternative to an at least partially circular shape with a diameter, different shapes, such as polygons, with different lengths and widths could be used, in which case there may be an effective diameter. This further improves the compatibility of the paint bucket insert with different sizes of storage paint buckets, e.g. kettles, pots, etc.

[0046] In an embodiment, the support element comprises at least a partially circumferential outer edge configured to grip an upper edge of a storage paint bucket in such a way that movement of the paint bucket insert in the drain position in a direction parallel to the surface is restricted. The first and second support areas may, for example, each be shaped by a circumferential outer edge.

[0047] In an embodiment, the positioning element comprises a paint brush scraping edge. The paint brush scraping edge may be shaped by a sharp angle, for example an angle shaped by the positioning element with the wall portion. This results in an even more efficient construction.

[0048] In an embodiment, the wall portion comprises an upper end, and the positioning element is arranged near the upper end. In particular, it may be provided that the positioning element protrudes radially near the upper end, for example around the wall portion. The positioning element may be arranged at the upper end, for example to engage around an upper end of a working paint bucket in the insert position.

[0049] The positioning element may be arranged near the upper end in such a way that the paint bucket insert is nestable. The ability to at least partially slide stacked paint bucket inserts into one another saves storage space during production and use. The closure element may be advantageously arranged, for example by protruding only slightly from the wall portion, so that the nestability of the paint bucket insert is not restricted.

[0050] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a paint bucket insert assembly comprising a working paint bucket, such as a paint kettle, provided with a wall that at least partially encloses an interior space; and a paint bucket insert, for example according to one of the embodiments discussed herein, wherein the positioning element of the paint bucket insert is configured to hold the paint bucket insert against the wall in an insert position, and wherein the paint holder volume is arranged relative to the positioning element such that it extends into the interior space in the insert position.

[0051] The working paint bucket can, for example, be embodies as a paint bucket, such as a paint kettle, mixing pot or painting pot, which is provided with a handle. The handle can, for example, be made of plastic and / or steel.

[0052] An outer shape of the positioning element may be configured to cooperate with an inner shape of the working paint bucket. The outer shape of the paint bucket insert may be adapted to be placed in an insert position in the working paint bucket. In particular, an outer dimension of the paint bucket insert is equal to or smaller than an inner dimension of the working paint bucket. The wall portion, for example a side wall portion, can at least partially follow the contours of the working paint bucket in the insert position.

[0053] The paint bucket insert can be used in one or more of the embodiments discussed herein, thereby achieving corresponding advantages in the paint bucket insert assembly as discussed herein for the paint bucket insert.

[0054] In an embodiment, the wall of the working paint bucket comprises a paint bucket upper edge, and the positioning element is configured to cooperate with the paint bucket upper edge, e.g. because they are shaped complementary to each other.

[0055] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a working paint bucket for use in the paint bucket insert assembly as described herein.

[0056] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for recovering paint from a paint holder volume of a paint bucket insert, for example according to one of the embodiments discussed herein. The method comprises the steps of moving the paint bucket insert out of the paint bucket; moving a closure element in fluid communication with the paint-holder volume into an open state, so that paint can flow out of the paint holder volume past the closure element; and placing the paint holder volume on a surface, such as a storage paint bucket, so that outflowing paint can be collected while the paint bucket insert is arranged on the surface.

[0057] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of filtering the paint flowing out of the paint holder volume by means of a paint filter element applied to the paint bucket insert. In this way, cleaning and / or reuse of leftover paint is further simplified, as discussed above.

[0058] In an embodiment, the paint bucket insert is in the same orientation during all steps of the method. This further simplifies the use of the paint bucket insert, as discussed above.

[0059] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing of a paint bucket insert for a working paint bucket, comprising the steps of forming a wall portion that defines a paint holder volume; and either fixing, e.g. by casting, a paint filter element during forming of the wall portion; or detachably arranging a closure element in front of a paint outlet opening, for example by means of a threaded connection, clamping, an adhesive and / or a fusion connection; or removably arranging a part of the wall portion so that it is removable for forming and / or exposing a paint outlet opening, e.g. by applying a weakening around the part in the wall portion.

[0060] In this way, the manufacturing of the paint bucket insert is further simplified, as discussed above. It has also been found that the combination of a circumferential wall portion that defines a holder volume, a support element and an outlet opening arranged near a bottom edge in the wall portion, and a closure element in fluid communication with the liquid opening can also be advantageous for liquid containers other than a paint bucket insert according to the invention. Such a liquid container may therefore become the subject of a separate patent application.

[0061] According to an aspect, the disclosure relates to a liquid container, such as a bucket or kettle, comprising: a circumferential wall portion, which defines a holder volume for holding a liquid in the liquid container, provided with an opening arranged near a top of the holder volume for removing liquid held in the liquid container; a support element configured to support the holder volume on a surface, such as a storage container; and a grip portion configured to handle the liquid container in a handling position; wherein the liquid container further comprises: an outlet opening arranged on the wall portion near a bottom of the holder volume; and a closure element in fluid communication with the liquid opening that is movable between: ∘ a closed state, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening is restricted and no liquid can flow through the outlet opening out of the holder volume; and ∘ an open state, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening is possible and liquid can flow through the outlet opening out of the holder volume, wherein the support element is arranged to support the holder volume during fluid flow through the outlet opening, wherein the liquid container further comprises a liquid filter element, which in the open state is fluidly connectable, e.g. connected, to the liquid opening and is configured to filter liquid flowing out of the holder volume through the outlet opening. In an embodiment, the liquid container comprises several outlet openings, wherein a maximum passage size of the outlet openings is such that the outlet openings form the liquid filter element.

[0062] The wall portion is provided with an opening arranged near the top of the holder volume for removing stored liquid from the liquid container. The opening may be closeable with a lid, such as a closable bucket and / or kettle.

[0063] The liquid container further comprises a grip portion configured to handle the liquid container in a handling position. The grip portion is suitable for handling the liquid container. The grip portion may comprise a handle and / or may be formed by the wall portion, for example an outward-facing side thereof. The grip portion can be positioned relative to the closure element in such a way that the closure element may be removable in the handling position.

[0064] The liquid container further comprises a liquid filter element, which will also be referred to as a filter element hereinafter. In the open state, the filter element is fluidly connectable, e.g. connected, to the liquid opening and is configured to filter liquid flowing out of the holder volume through the outlet opening. By integration of a liquid filter element into the liquid container, the use of a separate filter may no longer be necessary. In particular, this can save work, as it is no longer necessary to hold a separate filter and / or the liquid container and pour the liquid into the filter. The liquid filter element can be arranged in such a way that paint flows out of the holder volume past the filter element, so that the paint is filtered as it flows out of the holder volume.

[0065] Thanks to the combination of a support element and an outlet opening that is closable by means of a closure element, the liquid container can potentially be emptied without having to be held continuously. For this purpose, the closure element can be moved to the open state and the liquid container can be placed on another container, for example a storage container. Advantageously, therewith the holder volume is supported by the support element in such a way that it is not necessary to hold the liquid container continuously. Preferably, the paint holder volume is fully supported by the support element during emptying of the paint holder volume. In this way, continuous handling is no longer necessary, so that other work can be carried out while the holder volume is being emptied, for example.

[0066] In particular, the support element can be positioned relative to the grip portion in such a way that the liquid container can be handled with a closure element in a closed state and placed in the same orientation on a surface, such as a storage container. This reduces the possibility of spillage and / or leakage of liquid and also requires less handling.

[0067] Given the improved and simplified handling of the liquid container, the ability to support it during emptying, the arranged liquid filter element and the resulting reduction in labour, the more efficient operation with relatively few separate tools, such as a filter, and the lower risk of spillage and / or leakage, it has been found that the liquid packaging according to the invention can contribute to the more frequent reuse and / or cleaning of liquids remaining in the liquid container.

[0068] The liquid container can be embodied as an insert configured to be placed in another liquid container, such as an outer container, e.g. a bucket, and could also be referred to as an inset, inlay or liner, for example. In an embodiment, the liquid container is a paint bucket insert, e.g. suitable for placement in a working paint bucket, such as a paint kettle, also known as a mixing bucket, mixing pot or painting pot, for reuse thereof.

[0069] A positioning element may be provided, which is configured to hold the liquid container in position in an insert position in an outer container, for example in such a way that the liquid container can be filled with liquid through the opening in the insert position and liquid can be applied therefrom to a tool, e.g. a brush or roller, during a job. The positioning element may be arranged as a lying element that is configured to lie on an upper edge of a working paint bucket. In addition or alternatively, the positioning element may be arranged lower and, for example, be configured to lie against a side of the working paint bucket from the wall portion. The positioning element may extend substantially around the circumference, for example horizontally and / or parallel to a surface. For example, the paint holder volume may comprise a substantially open top and the positioning element may extend substantially around the circumference of the open top.

[0070] The filter element may, for example, extend over part of the wall portion, for example over a bottom wall portion.

[0071] The support element may form a placement surface for the stable placement of the liquid container on a storage container, such as a storage paint kettle.

[0072] The liquid container may have a size corresponding to commercially available working buckets, such as paint kettles, grease buckets or oil drums. The liquid container may, for example, have a capacity of 12 litres or less, such as 8 litres or less, for example 2.5 litres or less. A commonly used capacity in practice is a liquid container for a 2.5 litre paint bucket.

[0073] In an embodiment, the liquid container comprises multiple outlet openings. In this way, the total surface area of the outlet openings can be increased.

[0074] In an embodiment, a maximum passage size of the outlet openings may be such that the outlet openings form the filter element. The maximum passage size may, for example, be an inner diameter of each of the respective outlet openings, so that a respective outlet opening can function as a mesh and not let liquid-foreign particles and / or flakes pass through.

[0075] In an embodiment, the filter element is arranged on the wall portion. In this way, an efficient yet relatively sturdy construction can be obtained.

[0076] In a further embodiment, the filter element is fixed during forming of the wall portion, e.g. by casting. The filter element may comprise, for example, a sieve, cloth and / or grid. The wall section may be formed, for example, by injection moulding, whereby the filter element is fixed.

[0077] In an embodiment, the closure element is detachably arranged on the wall portion, for example by means of a screw thread connection, clamping, an adhesive and / or a fusion connection. By detachably arranging a relatively easy-to-use paint bucket insert can be obtained. Advantageously, this allows the closure element to be moved from the closed state to the open state by detaching the closure element.

[0078] In an embodiment, the closure element comprises a part of the wall portion that is configured to be removed for forming and / or exposing the paint outlet opening, for example by means of a weakening provided around the part in the wall portion. In this way, the closure element can be provided in a relatively cost-effective manner. Furthermore, it has been found that in this way a relatively easy-to-operate closure element can be provided in a cost-effective manner, which is moved from the closed state to the open state by removing, e.g. breaking out, the respective part of the wall portion to form the outlet opening.

[0079] In an embodiment, the maximum passage size of the outlet opening and / or the filter element is such that flakes are filtered out of the liquid flowing through the outlet opening. In particular, the maximum passage size is large enough to allow commercially available types of paint to pass through, while larger particles, such as flakes, remain in the holder volume. The maximum passage size may be such that solid particles remain in the liquid, but liquid particles can flow out of the holder volume. The maximum passage size, e.g. the mesh size, may be less than 1 mm, for example. It has been found that such a size provides a relatively good combination of flow rate and filtering.

[0080] In an embodiment, the wall portion is manufactured as a solid plastic part. The wall portion can, for example, be manufactured by casting, such as injection moulding, and / or by deep drawing. In a further and / or alternative embodiment, the filter element comprises a woven material, such as a plastic and / or a metal.

[0081] It has been found that in this way, a practical paint bucket insert can be obtained relatively efficiently. The combination of a solid plastic part and a metal and / or woven filter element may be particularly efficient.

[0082] In an embodiment, the wall portion comprises a circumferential side wall portion, e.g. which delimits the holder volume at the side walls, and a bottom wall portion, e.g. which delimits the holder volume at the bottom, wherein the outlet opening is arranged in and / or near the bottom wall portion. It has been found that this allows for relatively good outflow of liquid from the holder volume.

[0083] The outlet opening may be located at some distance from the bottom wall portion and / or the bottom wall portion may be shaped in such a way that solid particles are diverted away from the outlet opening. In this way, with or without filter element, some cleaning of the outflowing paint may already be achieved due to the distance.

[0084] In an embodiment, the bottom wall portion comprises a concave or convex bottom, as viewed from the holder volume. It has been found that in this way the paint outflow and / or filtering of outflowing paint can be further improved, making the reuse of paint remaining in the holder volume after a painting job more attractive. The outlet opening can, for example, be arranged at the top of the convex bottom in order to already achieve some cleaning of the outflowing paint, or the outlet opening can be arranged, for example, in a valley of the concave bottom in order to allow as much liquid as possible to flow out of the holder volume.

[0085] In an embodiment, the support element comprises multiple support areas which, upon placing on a surface, are spaced apart in a direction substantially parallel to the surface. It has been found that this may achieve a relatively stable placement, which can contribute to a smooth outflow of paint, reducing the risk of spillage.

[0086] In a further embodiment, the support areas are configured to place the liquid container each on a storage liquid container of different sizes. For example, a first support area may be provided that is configured to support the liquid container around a first diameter, for example on a storage liquid container with a first diameter, and a second support area may be provided that is configured to support the liquid container around a second diameter, for example on a storage liquid container with a second diameter. In this way, liquid can flow out of the liquid container while the liquid container is stably supported on different sizes of storage liquid containers. As an alternative to at least a partially round shape with a diameter, different shapes, such as polygons, with different lengths and widths could be used, in which case there may be an effective diameter. This further improves the compatibility of the liquid container with different sizes of storage liquid containers, e.g. kettles, pots, etc.

[0087] In an embodiment, the support element comprises at least a partially circumferential outer edge that is configured to grip an upper edge of another storage liquid container in such a way that movement of the liquid container in the drain position in a direction parallel to the surface is restricted. The first and second support areas may, for example, each be formed by a circumferential outer edge.

[0088] In an embodiment, the positioning element comprises a scraping edge, e.g. a paint brush scraping edge. The paint brush scraping edge may be formed by a sharp angle, for example an angle formed by the positioning element with the wall portion. This results in an even more efficient construction.

[0089] In an embodiment, the wall portion is provided with a handle arranged thereon, which forms the grip portion. The handle may be shaped ergonomically. For example, one or more curves may be provided in the handle, which mimic the curvature of the fingers. The handle may be provided with an elastic material and may, for example, comprise foam. This way, comfort and grip, e.g. friction between a hand and the elastic material, are improved. It has been found that a good grip contributes to the ease with which the closure element can be moved from the closed to the open state.

[0090] In an embodiment, the wall portion comprises an upper end and the grip portion is arranged near the upper end, such that the liquid container is nestable. The ability to at least partially slide stacked liquid containers into one another saves storage space during production and use. The closure element can be advantageously arranged, for example by protruding only slightly from the wall portion, so that the nestability of the liquid container is not restricted.

[0091] In an embodiment, the wall portion comprises an upper end, and the positioning element is arranged near the upper end. In particular, it may be provided that the positioning element protrudes radially near the upper end, for example around the wall portion. The positioning element may be arranged at the upper end, for example to engage around an upper end of an outer container in the insert position. The positioning element may be arranged near the upper end in such a way that the liquid container is nestable.

[0092] In an embodiment, the wall portion has an outer surface, and the outer surface forms the grip portion. The outer surface may be provided with a structured surface, for example a microscopically structured surface, e.g. with a surface roughness, and / or a macroscopically structured surface, e.g. provided with one or more ridges.

[0093] According to an aspect, the disclosure relates to a liquid container-outer container assembly comprising an outer container, such as a transport can, provided with a wall that at least partially encloses an interior space; and a liquid container, for example according to any of the embodiments discussed herein, wherein the liquid container is placeable in the outer container.

[0094] In an embodiment of the liquid container, the positioning element is configured to hold the liquid container against the wall in an insert position, and wherein the holder volume is arranged relative to the positioning element such that it extends into the interior space in the insert position.

[0095] The outer container may, for example, be embodied as a paint bucket, such as a paint kettle, mixing pot or plastering pot, which is provided with a handle. The handle may, for example, be made of plastic and / or steel.

[0096] An outer shape of the positioning element may be configured to cooperate with an inner shape of the outer container. The outer shape of the liquid container may be adapted to be placed in an insert position in the working paint bucket. In particular, an outer dimension of the paint bucket insert is equal to or smaller than an inner dimension of the working paint bucket. The wall portion, for example a side wall portion, may at least partially follow the contours of the working paint bucket in the insert position.

[0097] The liquid container in the liquid container-outer container assembly can be used in one or more of the embodiments discussed herein, thereby providing the liquid container-outer container assembly with corresponding advantages as discussed herein for the liquid container.

[0098] In an embodiment, the wall of the outer container comprises an outer container upper edge, and the positioning element is configured to cooperate with the outer container upper edge, e.g. because they are shaped complementary to each other.

[0099] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an outer container, e.g. a working paint bucket, for use in the liquid container-outer container assembly as described herein.

[0100] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for recovering liquid from a holder volume of a liquid container, for example according to any of the embodiments described herein, comprising the steps of

[0101] handling a liquid container provided with a holder volume in a handling position by means of a grip portion; and moving a closure element in fluid communication with the holder volume into an open state in the handling position, such that liquid can flow out of the holder volume past the closure element; placing the holder volume on a surface, such as a storage liquid bucket, so that outflowing liquid can be collected while the liquid container is arranged on the surface.

[0102] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of filtering the liquid flowing out of the holder volume by means of a liquid filter element arranged on the liquid container. In this way, cleaning and / or reuse of residual liquid is further simplified, as discussed above.

[0103] In an embodiment, the liquid container is in the same orientation during all steps of the method. This further simplifies the use of the liquid container, as discussed above.

[0104] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing of a liquid container, comprising the steps of forming a wall portion that defines a holder volume; and the detachably arranging of a closure element in front of a liquid opening, for example by means of a screw thread connection, clamping, an adhesive and / or a fusion connection, or removably configuring of a part of the wall portion so that it is removable for forming and / or exposing a liquid opening, for example by means of a weakening arranged around the part in the wall portion; and fixing a liquid filter element during forming of the wall portion, e.g. by casting.

[0105] In this way, the manufacturing of the liquid container is further simplified, as discussed above.Brief description of the figures

[0106] Additional features and advantages of the invention are clarified by a description of an embodiment of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a paint bucket insert assembly with a paint bucket insert in the insert position according to an embodiment; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view cross-section of the paint bucket insert assembly from Fig. 1, along line A-A; Figure 3 schematically shows a bottom wall portion of a paint bucket insert above two nested storage paint buckets according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4A schematically shows an oblique bottom view of the paint bucket insert of Fig. 3, with the closure element in the closed state; Figure 4B schematically shows an oblique bottom view of the paint bucket insert of Fig. 3, wherein the closure element is in the open state, wherein ; Figure 5A schematically shows an oblique bottom view of a paint bucket insert according to another embodiment; Figure 5B schematically shows an oblique bottom view of a paint bucket insert according to yet another embodiment; and Figure 6 schematically shows a paint bucket insert according to yet another embodiment. The figures use the same reference numbers and symbols to refer to corresponding components or components that have a corresponding function.Detailed description of the figures

[0107] Figure 1 shows a liquid container, in particular a paint bucket insert 1 suitable for placement in a working paint bucket, such as a paint kettle 90 for reusing thereof. The insert 1 comprises a positioning element 2 which is configured to hold the paint bucket insert 1 in position in a in an insert position in a paint kettle 90 in such a way that the paint bucket insert 1 can be filled with paint in the insertion position and paint can be applied therefrom to a brush during a painting job.

[0108] The paint bucket insert 1 is configured to be placed in a paint bucket 90 and could also be referred to, for example, as a paint bucket inset, insert pot, paint bucket inlay or paint bucket liner.

[0109] The paint bucket insert 1 comprises a wall portion 3 extending from the positioning element 2, which defines a liquid holder volume, in particular a paint holder volume, 4 for holding paint in the paint bucket insert. In the insertion position, the wall portion 3 extends at least partially vertically, thereby forming a side wall 31 of the paint holder volume 4, and extends at least partially horizontally, thereby also forming a bottom 32 of the paint holder volume 4, which is shaped substantially cylindrical by the side wall 31 and the bottom 32 and comprises a substantially open top. The wall portion 3 forms a grip portion configured to handle the liquid container 1 in a handling position. A handle may be provided in addition or as an alternative. The grip potion is positioned relative to the closure element in such a way that the closure element is removable in the handling position.

[0110] The positioning element 2 is arranged as a lying element that is configured to lie on an upper edge 93 of a working paint bucket 90. In addition or as an alternative, the positioning element may be arranged lower and, for example, configured to lie against a side of the working paint bucket from the wall portion. The positioning element extends mainly around, namely horizontally and / or, after placement on surface 98, parallel to a surface 98, mainly around the upper open side of the paint holder volume 4.

[0111] The positioning element 2 comprises a paint brush scraping edge formed by a sharp angle that the positioning element 2 makes with the wall portion 3. The wall portion 3 comprises an upper end 33, and the positioning element 2 is arranged near, in particular at, the upper end 33 and protrudes radially around the wall portion 3 in order to engage around the upper edge 93 of the working paint bucket 90 in the insertion position.

[0112] The positioning element 2 is arranged near the upper end 93, and the closure element 7 is arranged, e.g. protrudes only slightly relative to the wall portion 3, in such a way that the paint bucket insert 1 is nestable because several stacked paint bucket inserts can slide at least partially into one another.

[0113] The paint bucket insert 1 further comprises a support element 5 which extends from the bottom 32 and surrounds a part thereof, and is configured to support the paint holder volume on a surface, such as a storage paint bucket 99, such that the paint bucket insert 1 filled with paint can be placed on the surface 98. The support element may additionally or alternatively extend from the side wall 31. The support element is arranged relative to the grip portion in such a way that the liquid container can be handled with a closure element in a closed state and can be placed in the same orientation on a surface, such as a storage container.

[0114] The support element 5 is configured to support the paint holder volume 4 during the flow of paint through the outlet opening, such that the paint holder volume 4 can flow empty while the paint bucket insert 1 is supported by the support element 5. The paint bucket insert is configured in such a way that contact between paint located in the paint holder volume and the working paint bucket 90 is prevented, so that no contamination of the paint and / or the working paint bucket occurs.

[0115] The support element 5 is positioned relative to the positioning element in such a way that the paint bucket insert 1 is removable from the working paint bucket 90 from its insert position and placed in the same orientation on a surface, such as the storage paint bucket 99. The support element 5 forms a placement surface for the stable placement of the paint bucket insert 1 on a storage paint bucket 99, such as a storage paint kettle.

[0116] The paint bucket insert 1 comprises a paint outlet opening 6 which is provided in the wall section 32 and which is configured to allow paint to flow out of the paint holder volume 4, so that after a painting job, any remaining paint can flow out of the paint holder volume 4 through the paint outlet opening 6. The paint outlet opening 6 is arranged at the bottom of the paint holder volume 4 in the wall portion 3, in particular in the bottom 32, but could also be provided at some distance above it, for example near the bottom 32 in the side wall 31.

[0117] The paint bucket insert 1 comprises a closure element 7 in fluid communication with the paint outlet opening 6, which is movable between a closed state, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4A, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening is restricted and no paint can flow through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume; and an open state, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4B, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening is possible and paint can flow through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume. The closure element 7 is one-time movable between the closed and open state and is removable, but may also be detachable, such as breakable, and may be formed by a detachable part of the wall portion. The closure element 7 in the embodiment shown comprises an element 7 arranged on the wall portion 3, namely a foil, plug or cap. The filter element 7 extends over part of the bottom wall portion 3.

[0118] The working paint bucket 90, such as a paint kettle, is provided with a handle 94 and a wall 91 that at least partially encloses an interior space 92. The positioning element 2 is configured to hold the paint bucket insert 1 against the wall 91 in an insert position by cooperating with the paint bucket upper edge 93, whereby the paint holder volume 4 extends into the interior space 92 in the insert position. The positioning element 2 and the outer shape of the paint bucket insert are configured to cooperate with the inner shape of the working paint bucket 90. An outer dimension of the paint bucket insert 1 is equal to or smaller than an inner dimension of the working paint bucket 90. The wall section 3, for example a side wall portion 31, at least partially follows the contours of the wall 91 of the working paint bucket 90 in the insert position.

[0119] The paint bucket insert 1 has a size corresponding to commercially available working paint buckets 90, such as paint kettles, namely 12 litres or less, such as 8 litres or less, in particular 2.5 litres or less.

[0120] The paint bucket insert 1 comprises a paint filter element 8 which, in the open state, is connectable to the paint outlet opening 6 for fluids and is configured to filter paint flowing out of the paint holder volume 4 through the outlet opening 6, so that the paint is filtered during its flow out of the paint holder volume 4.

[0121] The paint bucket insert 1 as shown in the embodiments of Fig. 3 and Fig. 5B comprises a plurality of paint outlet openings 6. The paint filter element 8 is arranged along the openings 6 in the bottom wall portion 32 and is fixed during the forming of the wall portion 3 by casting, in particular injection moulding.

[0122] The maximum passage size of the paint outlet openings 6 in Fig. 5B is such that the paint outlet openings 6 form the paint filter element 8.

[0123] In an embodiment, multiple paint filter elements may be provided. In particular, a first paint filter element may be fixedly arranged, for example, with the paint outlet openings 6 together forming the first paint filter element, and a second paint filter element may be detachably arranged. The second paint filter element may, for example, be a sticker that is removably arranged over the paint outlet openings 6. The first paint filter element is thus arranged on the wall portion. The second paint filter element may be attached via a suitable method, for example by means of an adhesive or other fastening means, such as by fusing. The first paint filter element may, for example, have a larger mesh size than the second paint filter element, or vice versa, for example more than 100 microns, such as more than 130 microns, for the first paint filter element, and less than 100 microns, such as less than 80 microns, for the second paint filter element, or vice versa. The second paint filter element and the closure element 7 may be arranged on opposite sides of the wall portion.

[0124] The insert position defines a usage orientation of the paint holder volume 4, and wherein the closure element 7 is movable between the closed state and the open state in the usage orientation. The wall portion defines a usage opening located above in the usage orientation, namely the open top, which provides access to the paint holder volume 4. The usage opening is located relative to the closure element 7 in such a way that the closure element movable between the closed state and the open state while it is located lower than the usage opening, so that the closure element 7 can be moved into the open state while paint is present in the paint holder volume 4.

[0125] The closure element 7 in Fig. 4A is detachably arranged on the wall portion 31, namely by means of an adhesive and / or a fusion connection. In further or alternative embodiments, the closure element could be attached in other ways, for example by means of a threaded connection or clamping. Alternatively or additionally, the closure element 7 may form part of the wall portion, which is configured to be removed for forming and / or exposing the paint outlet opening, for example by means of a weakening arranged around the part in the wall portion.

[0126] The maximum passage size of the paint outlet opening 6 and / or the paint filter element 8 is such that paint flakes are filtered out of the paint flowing through the outlet opening, but commercially available types of paint are allowed to pass through and larger particles, such as flakes, remain in the paint holder volume. The mesh size of the filter element 8 is less than 1 mm.

[0127] The wall portion 3 is manufactured as a solid plastic part, for example by moulding, such as injection moulding, but could alternatively be manufactured in a different way, for example by deep drawing or additive manufacturing. The paint filter element 8 comprises a woven material, such as a plastic and / or a metal.

[0128] In other embodiments, the paint outlet opening 6 may be positioned at some distance from the bottom wall portion 32 and / or the bottom wall portion 32 may be shaped in such a way that solid particles are diverted away from the paint outlet opening. In an embodiment, the bottom wall portion 32 comprises a concave or convex shaped bottom, as viewed from the paint holder volume 4, as shown for the working paint bucket 90 in Fig. 2. The paint outlet opening may, for example, be arranged at a peak of the convex bottom or in a valley of the concave bottom.

[0129] As shown in the embodiments of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the support element 5 comprises multiple support areas 51, 52, which, upon placing on a surface 98, are spaced apart in a direction substantially parallel to the surface and are each configured to place the paint bucket insert 1 on a mutually different dimension storage paint bucket 99. A first support area 51 is provided which is configured to support the paint bucket insert around a surface 98 with a first diameter, for example on a storage paint bucket 99 with a first diameter, and a second support area 52 is provided which is configured to support the paint bucket insert around a surface 98 with a second diameter, for example on a storage paint bucket 99 with a second diameter.

[0130] The first support area 51 and second support area 52 are each formed by a circumferential outer edge configured to grip an upper edge 98 of a storage paint bucket 99, such that movement of the paint bucket insert 1 in the drain position, i.e. during emptying, in a direction parallel to the surface 98 is restricted.

[0131] An example of another embodiment is shown in Fig. 5A, in which the closure element is attached to bottom wall portion 32 by means of a spring clip 53, in particular wherein a ringshaped protrusion is arranged around an opening in the bottom wall portion that protrudes towards the holder volume, around which the closure element 7 is attached via spring clip 53, so that the closure element 7 can be released by pushing it inwards into the paint holder volume 4 and can be moved into the open state.

[0132] In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the filter element 8 is detachably arranged on the wall portion 32 by means of a threaded connection 53 or a clamp. The filter element 8 comprises a mesh 80 which is attached in a ring 81. The ring 81 can be secured to the bottom wall portion by means of a thread cooperating with the thread 53 in the bottom wall portion 32 and / or a push-fit connection, thereby also fixing the mesh 80 in place. In addition or as an alternative, the mesh 80 may be attached to the ring 81 in another way, for example by means of an adhesive and / or a fusion connection. In this embodiment, the closure element 7 is attached to the top of the filter element 8 by means of an adhesive and / or a fusion connection.

[0133] When in use, the paint bucket insert 1 is placed in a working paint bucket 90 and then the paint holder volume 4 is filled with paint so that it can be used for painting, e.g. with a brush or roller. If there is still paint remaining in the paint holder volume 4 after completing the painting job, the closure element 7 of the wall portion 3 is removable to move it from the closed state into the open state, thereby exposing the paint outlet opening 6. By then placing the support element 5 on an open storage paint bucket 99, paint can flow out of the paint holder volume 4 into the storage paint bucket 99 through the paint outlet opening 6, whereby the paint is filtered by filter element 7 and no continuous handling of the paint bucket insert 1 is required.CLAUSES

[0134] Alternative and / or additional embodiments of the invention can be described as follows: 1. Paint bucket insert (1) for reusing of a working paint bucket (90), such as a paint kettle, comprising: a positioning element (2) configured to hold the paint bucket insert in position in an insert position in the working paint bucket (90); a wall portion (3) extending from the positioning element, which defines a paint holder volume (4) for holding paint in the paint bucket insert, wherein the wall portion comprises, for example, at least one of a side wall portion and a bottom wall portion; a support element (5) configured to support the paint holder volume on a surface, such as a storage paint kettle (99); characterised in that the paint bucket insert further comprises: a paint outlet opening (6) arranged in the wall portion; and a closure element (7) in fluid communication with the paint outlet opening, • which is movable between: ∘ a closed state, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening (6) is restricted and no paint can flow through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume; and ∘ an open state, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening (6) is possible and paint can flow through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume (4), wherein the support element (5) is arranged to support the paint holder volume during the flow of paint through the outlet opening. 2. Paint bucket insert according to the previous embodiment, further comprising a paint filter element (8) which, in the open state is in fluid communication with the paint outlet opening (6) and is configured to filter paint flowing through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume. - D1 3. Paint bucket insert according to the previous embodiment, wherein the paint bucket insert comprises a plurality of paint outlet openings (6), wherein a maximum passage size of the paint outlet openings is such that the paint outlet openings form the paint filter element. - D2 4. Paint bucket insert according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the paint filter element (8) is arranged on the wall portion and is fixed thereto during forming of the wall portion, e.g. by casting. - D1 5. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the closure element (7) is detachably arranged on the wall portion (3), for example by means of a screw thread connection, clamping, an adhesive and / or a fusion connection. - D1 6. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the closure element (7) comprises a part of the wall portion (3) which is configured to be removed for forming and / or exposing the paint outlet opening, for example by means of a weakening arranged around the part in the wall portion. - D2 7. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a maximum passage size of the paint outlet opening (6) and / or the paint filter element (8) is such that paint flakes are filtered out of the paint flowing through the outlet opening, in particular wherein the maximum passage size, e.g. the mesh size, is less than 1 mm. - D1- D2 8. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wall portion (3) is manufactured as a solid plastic part and wherein the paint filter element (8) comprises a woven plastic and / or a metal. 9. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wall portion (3) comprises a circumferential side wall portion (31) and a bottom wall portion (32) which delimits the paint holder volume (4) at the bottom, wherein the paint outlet opening (6) is arranged in and / or near the bottom wall portion. - D1-D2 10. Paint bucket insert according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the bottom wall portion (32) as viewed from the paint holder volume (4), comprises a concave or convex shaped bottom. 11. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the support element (5) comprises a plurality of support areas (51, 52) which, upon placing on a surface (98), are spaced apart in a direction substantially parallel to the surface (98) and are each configured to place the paint bucket insert (1) on a storage paint bucket (99) of a mutually different size. 12. Paint bucket insert according to the previous embodiment, wherein the support element (5) comprises an at least partially circumferential outer edge that is configured to grip an upper edge (98) of a storage paint bucket in such a way that movement of the paint bucket insert in the drain position in a direction parallel to the surface is restricted. - D2 13. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the positioning element (2) comprises a paint brush scraping edge (20). 14. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wall portion comprises an upper end and wherein the positioning element is arranged near the upper end, such that the paint bucket insert (1) is nestable. - D2 15. Paint bucket insert assembly comprising: a working paint bucket (90), such as a paint kettle, provided with a wall (91) that at least partially encloses an interior space (92); and a paint bucket insert (1) according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the positioning element (2) is arranged to hold the paint bucket insert against the wall (91) in an insert position, and wherein the paint holder volume (4) is arranged relative to the positioning element such that it extends into the interior space (92) in the insert position. - D2 16. Paint bucket insert assembly according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the wall (91) comprises a paint bucket upper edge (93), and wherein the positioning element is configured to cooperate with the paint bucket upper edge, e.g. is complementarily formed. - D2 17. Method for recovering paint from a paint holder volume of a paint bucket insert, for example according to any of the embodiments 1-14, comprising the steps of: moving the paint bucket insert (1) out of the paint bucket (90); and moving a closure element (7) in fluid communication with the paint holder volume (4) into an open state, so that paint can flow out of the paint holder volume past the closure element; placing the paint holder volume (4) on a surface (98), such as a storage paint kettle (99), so that paint flowing out can be collected while the paint bucket insert is arranged on the surface (98). 18. Method according to the previous embodiment, further comprising the step of filtering the paint flowing out of the paint holder volume by means of a paint filter element (8) arranged on the paint bucket insert. - D1 19. Method according to embodiment 17 or 18, wherein the paint bucket insert (1) is in the same orientation during all steps. 20. Method for manufacturing of a paint bucket insert (1) for a working paint bucket, for example according to any of the embodiments 1-14, comprising the steps of: forming a wall portion (3) that defines a paint holder volume (4); and fixing, e.g. by casting, a paint filter element (8) during the forming of the wall portion; or removably arranging of a closure element (7) in front of a paint outlet opening (6), for example by means of a screw thread connection, clamping, an adhesive and / or a fusion connection; or removably configuring of a part of the wall portion (3) in such a way that it is removable for the forming and / or exposing of a paint outlet opening (6), e.g. by means of a weakening arranged around the part in the wall portion.

Claims

1. Paint bucket insert (1) for reusing of a working paint bucket (90), such as a paint kettle, comprising: • a positioning element (2) configured to hold the paint bucket insert in position in an insert position in the working paint bucket (90); • a wall portion (3) extending from the positioning element, comprising at least one of a side wall portion and a bottom wall portion, and wherein the wall portion defines a paint holder volume (4) for holding paint in the paint bucket insert; • a support element (5) configured to support the paint holder volume on a surface, such as a storage paint bucket (99); characterized in that the paint bucket insert further comprises: a closure element (7) in fluid communication with the paint outlet opening, • wherein the closure element is in fluid communication with a paint outlet opening (6) comprised in the wall portion and wherein the closure element is movable between: ∘ a closed state, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening (6) is restricted and no paint can flow through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume; and ∘ an open state, in which fluid flow through the outlet opening (6) is possible and paint can flow through the outlet opening out of the paint holder volume (4); or • wherein the closure element comprises a part of the wall portion (3) that is movable between: ∘ a closed state, in which fluid flow through the wall portion is restricted and no paint can flow through the wall portion out of the paint holder volume; and ∘ an open state, in which the closure element is at least partially moved away to form or expose a paint outlet opening (6) in the wall portion so that fluid flow through the outlet opening (6) formed in the wall portion is possible and paint can flow out of the paint holder volume (4), wherein the support element (5) is arranged to support the paint holder volume during the flow of paint through the outlet opening.

2. Paint bucket insert according to claim 1, wherein the insert position defines a usage orientation of the paint holder volume (4) and wherein the closure element (7) in the usage orientation is movable between the closed state and the open state.

3. Paint bucket insert according to the preceding claim, wherein the wall portion defines a usage opening located above in the usage orientation, which provides access to the paint holder volume, and wherein the usage opening is located relative to the closure element (7) such that the closure element is movable between the closed state and the open state while being located lower than the usage opening.

4. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a paint filter element (8) configured to filter paint flowing out of the paint holder volume through the outlet opening, for example, wherein the paint filter element (8) is arranged on the wall portion and fixed thereto during forming of the wall portion, e.g. by casting.

5. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the paint bucket insert comprises a plurality of the paint outlet openings (6), for example wherein a maximum passage size of the paint outlet openings is such that the paint outlet openings form the paint filter element.

6. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (7) is detachably arranged on the wall portion (3), for example by means of a screw thread connection, clamping, an adhesive and / or a fusion connection.

7. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (7) comprises a part of the wall portion (3) that is configured to be removed for forming and / or exposing the paint outlet opening, for example by means of a weakening arranged around the part in the wall portion.

8. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum passage size of the paint outlet opening (6) and / or the paint filter element (8) is such that paint flakes are filtered out of the paint flowing through the outlet opening, in particular wherein the maximum passage size, e.g. the mesh size, is less than 2 mm, e.g. less than 1 mm.

9. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wall portion (3) comprises a circumferential side wall portion (31) and a bottom wall portion (32) which delimits the paint holder volume (4) at the bottom, wherein the paint outlet opening (6) is arranged in and / or near the bottom wall portion, for example, wherein the bottom wall portion in the insert position is located lower than the side wall portion; and / or for example, wherein the bottom wall portion (32), as viewed from the paint holder volume (4), comprises a concave or convex shaped bottom.

10. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (5) comprises multiple support areas (51, 52) which, upon placing on a surface (98), are spaced apart in a direction substantially parallel to the surface (98) and are each configured to place the paint bucket insert (1) on a storage paint bucket (99) of a mutually different size, for example, wherein the support element (5) comprises an at least partially circumferential outer edge which is configured to grip an upper edge (98) of a storage paint bucket, such that movement of the paint bucket insert in the drain position in a direction parallel to the surface is restricted.

11. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning element (2) comprises a paint brush scraping edge (20).

12. Paint bucket insert according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the paint bucket insert (1) is nestable, for example wherein the wall portion comprises an upper end and wherein, for example, the positioning element is arranged near the upper end.

13. Paint bucket insert assembly comprising: • a working paint bucket (90), such as a paint kettle, provided with a wall (91) that at least partially encloses an interior space (92); and • a paint bucket insert (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning element (2) is configured to hold the paint bucket insert against the wall (91) in an insert position, and wherein the paint holder volume (4) is arranged relative to the positioning element such that it extends into the interior space (92) in the insert position, for example, wherein the wall (91) comprises a paint bucket upper edge (93), and for example, wherein the positioning element is configured to cooperate with the paint bucket upper edge, e.g. is complementarily shaped.

14. Method for recovering paint from a paint holder volume of a paint bucket insert, for example according to any of the preceding claims, or from a paint bucket insert assembly according to the preceding claim, comprising the steps of: • moving the paint bucket insert (1) out of the paint bucket (90); and • moving a closure element (7) in fluid communication with the paint holder volume (4) into an open state so that paint can flow out of the paint holder volume past the closure element; • placing the paint holder volume (4) on a surface (98), such as a storage paint bucket (99), so that flowing paint can be collected while the paint bucket insert is arranged on the surface (98), for example, further comprising the step of filtering the paint flowing out of the paint holder volume by means of a paint filter element (8) arranged on the paint bucket insert; and / or wherein, for example, the paint bucket insert (1) is in the same orientation during all steps.

15. Method for manufacturing of a paint bucket insert (1) for a working paint bucket, for example according to any of the claims 1-13, comprising the steps of: forming a wall portion (3) comprising at least one side wall portion and one bottom wall portion, wherein the wall portion defines a paint holder volume (4); and • fixing, e.g. by casting, a paint filter element (8) during forming of the wall portion; or • arranging a closure element (7) in front of a paint outlet opening (6), for example by means of a screw thread connection, clamping, an adhesive and / or a fusion connection; or • removably configuring of a part of the wall portion (3) in such a way that it is removable for forming and / or exposing of a paint outlet opening (6), for example by arranging a weakening around the part in the wall portion.