Painting system and method of use thereof

Abstract

A portable painting system and its usage are described. The system comprises a container defined by a front wall, rear wall, side walls, and bottom wall. The container has a paint reservoir and an inclined tray that allows the paint to be discharged into the reservoir. The system also includes a lid having two parts that are joined together by hinges or joined to the container. The lid is configured to cover the container and can be in a closed or open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the lid forms an airtight seal with the container for storing the paint therein. Wheels are joined to the bottom wall of the container for portability. The user operates the system without lifting it by using a painting roller, placing the roller head and neck in the designated grooves / recesses, and using the roller handle to move the system with the lid in either the open or closed configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to coating solutions, and more particularly to coating systems and methods of using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Coating kits are well known in the art. A coating kit typically includes a paint bucket, painting tools such as paintbrushes and paint rollers of different sizes and shapes, and a paint tray. In use, paint is poured into the tray of a conventional coating kit. The sleeve of the brush is dipped into the paint provided in the tray. Then, the brush is rolled on a grid structure provided on the tray for uniform distribution of the paint and to remove excess paint absorbed therein. Once a satisfactory uniform distribution of the paint is achieved on the sleeve, the paintbrush / roller assembly is ready for use.

[0003] It is well known in the art that paint dries when exposed to air for a long time. Using such paint results in non-uniform application on the painted surface. To avoid such problems, usually only a limited amount of paint is poured into the tray being used. The user needs to pour paint into the tray multiple times as the paint in the tray depletes and when the paint in the tray has depleted. This repetitive action of pouring paint into the tray for use causes inefficiency when completing the painting operation.

[0004] Also, the portability of the paint tray during the painting operation after the paint has been poured into the tray is a well-known issue related to paint spillage from either the tray or the brush, or both. Solutions such as lids used to seal the paint tray and the paintbrush therein are well known in the art. However, the act of sealing the tray before moving it and opening the tray after repositioning it to a new location is time-consuming.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] A coating system that addresses at least some of the aforementioned defects is desired in the art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has several embodiments. In one embodiment of the present invention, a portable painting 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 pouring angle of the container to provide a smooth path for discharging paint from the container, and the front wall has a recess in its upper edge to receive the neck portion of a paint roller. The container also has a paint reservoir defined by the portions of the at least two opposing side walls, the rear wall, and the bottom wall. The container further has a tray portion having a surface that extends between the at least two opposing side walls and extends downward with an inclined surface from the front wall to the paint reservoir. The tray portion has a groove that extends laterally between the at least two opposing side walls for receiving the roller head of a paint roller. The tray portion further has at least one paint channel that extends axially along the surface of the tray from the groove to the paint reservoir. The surface of the tray portion has an axial groove along the surface of the tray portion. The painting system also includes a lid, which is detachably coupled to the container and dimensioned to cover the container in either a closed or open configuration. The lid forms an airtight seal with the container when it completely covers the container in the closed configuration. The lid has a recess whose shape, size, and position correspond to a recess in the upper edge of the front wall of the container, so that when the lid is coupled to the container in the closed configuration, the combination of the recess in the front wall of the container and the recess in the lid forms an opening, which is dimensioned to fit snugly onto the neck of a painting roller. The painting system further includes detachable wheels, which are coupled to the bottom wall and located outside the container, and the detachable wheels are configured to make the container portable.

[0007] In related embodiments, the portable coating system further includes an insert for placement above the tray portion inside the container, the insert being molded and sized to completely cover the tray portion and the paint reservoir portion 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 lid comprises a first part and a second part joined to each other by a hinge, and the lid is moved from a closed configuration to an open configuration by allowing the first part to pivot along the hinge relative to the second part.

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

[0010] In another related embodiment, the container further has an additional compartment below the surface of the tray portion, the additional compartment being configured to store the user's painting equipment or personal items of the painting system.

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

[0012] In yet another related embodiment, the container further comprises an additional compartment below the surface of the tray portion, the additional compartment configured to function as a second paint storage tank.

[0013] In yet another related embodiment, the bottom wall of the additional section is sloped downward from the front wall of the container.

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

[0015] In another related embodiment of the portable coating system, the bottom wall has at least one opening that is closed by a plug, the at least one opening for draining the coating from the coating tank when the plug is removed while the container is maintained in a substantially upright orientation.

[0016] In another related embodiment of a portable coating system, hermetically sealed container is formed when the coating roller head is positioned inside the container, the neck of the coating roller is positioned inside the opening, and as a result the handle of the coating roller extends outside the container, and the lid is positioned in a closed configuration.

[0017] In another embodiment of the portable painting system, hermetically sealed storage is achieved when the lid is positioned in a closed configuration, and openings are sealed with opening plugs. In this case, hermetically sealed storage is established without the use of paint rollers. This allows for short-term and / or long-term storage of paint and eliminates the need for cleaning during a project. It also allows for the use of two or more paints during a painting operation, including different paints of different colors or textures for the same room or different rooms. When paint is stored in a sealed environment, problems such as the paint aging, losing its viscosity, hardening, or fading are eliminated because the paint is no longer exposed to the elements. Storage may be short-term during a single project, allowing the user to, for example, take a break or switch to a different paint. It may also be long-term, in which case the user can store the paint in the system for several days during the same work or between different work.

[0018] In another embodiment of the portable coating system, the axial grooves on the surface of the tray are configured to have a diamond-shaped pattern, which allows for uniform distribution of paint on the roller head when it rolls on the diamond-shaped pattern and improves the discharge of excess paint from the roller head to the paint reservoir.

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

[0020] In another embodiment of the portable painting system, the groove is configured to snugly receive the roller head of a paint roller, and when the roller head is received in the groove, pressure is applied to the roller head by the curvature of the groove, thereby adding a rinsing effect to remove any residual paint from the roller head.

[0021] In a further related embodiment, when the roller head is positioned in the groove, the roller head is removably fixed to the groove.

[0022] In another related embodiment of a portable painting system, the lid has at least one of one or more compartments on its upper surface when coupled to the container for arranging one or more of the following: cups, personal items of the user, and painting equipment such as paint brushes; and one or more compartments on its inner surface when coupled to the container for storing and holding paint applicators.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for using the portable coating system described above. The method includes the steps of pouring paint into the reservoir of a container, attaching a lid to the container to cover the paint, and configuring a first portion of the lid to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration relative to a second portion of the lid, so 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 paint is stored, and when the first portion of the lid is in the open configuration, the paint in the container is accessible to a user of the coating system. The method also includes placing the roller head of a coating roller on the tray portion of the container, and configuring the lid to be in the closed configuration, wherein the neck portion of the coating roller is fitted snugly into an opening formed by a recess in the front wall of the container and a recess in the lid, the neck portion is attached to the handle portion of the coating roller, and part of the neck portion and all of the handle portion extend to the outside of the airtightly sealed container. This method further includes the step of operating the painting system using the handle of the paint roller, allowing the painting system to be moved from one location to another without lifting the container or spilling paint.

[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of using the portable painting system described above, the method comprising pouring paint into a storage portion of a container, coupling a lid to the container to cover the paint, and configuring a first portion of the lid to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration relative to a second portion of the lid, 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 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 painting system. The method also includes placing a roller head portion of a paint roller on a tray portion of the container within a groove and configuring the lid to be in an open configuration, the roller head of the paint roller fitting snugly within the groove and a neck portion of the paint roller fitting snugly within a recess of the lid, further, the neck portion being coupled to a handle portion of the paint roller and a portion of the neck portion and the entire handle portion extending outside the container. The method further includes operating the container using the handle of the paint roller, during use, moving the painting system from one location to another without lifting the container or spilling the paint.

[0025] In related embodiments, the method further comprises placing an insert portion inside the container above the tray portion and storage portion of the container, the insert portion being shaped and sized to completely cover the tray portion and paint storage portion of the container, and maintaining an airtight seal of the container when the lid is configured in the closed configuration.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 1] A perspective view of a painting system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 1A] Another perspective view of the painting system of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the painting system, with the container separated from the lid. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a top view of the container. [Figure 4] The images show top views of containers for coating systems according to different embodiments. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the container along line 5'-5'. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the lid, which is in an open configuration. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a liner fitted into the container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a side view of the liner. [Figure 9] Figure 7 shows the bottom view of the liner. [Figure 10] Figure 7 shows a top view of the liner. [Figure 11] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the painting system, with the lid in a closed configuration. [Figure 12] Figure 11 shows a painting system in which the lid is in an open configuration, the painting roller has its head resting in a groove in the tray, and the roller's handle extends to the outside of the container through a recess in the side wall of the container. [Figure 12B] Figure 11 shows a painting system in which the tray is in a closed configuration and the roller handle is shown to extend outside the paint container, which is sealed by the lid and the neck of the roller, and a painting roller having a head that rests in a groove in the tray. [Figure 13] Figure 1 shows a painting system in which the lid is in an open configuration, the paint roller has its head in a groove in the tray, the handle of the paint roller extends away from the tray toward the lid, and part of the handle of the paint roller rests in a recess on the side of the lid. [Figure 14] Figure 12B shows a top view of the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view along line 15'-15'. [Figure 15A]Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view along line 15'-15' in an alternative configuration where the roller head rests on the surface of the tray rather than within the grooves of the tray. [Figure 16] A perspective view of a painting system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Specific details are provided below to give a complete understanding to those skilled in the art. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure, well-known elements may not be illustrated or described in detail. The following description of examples of the art is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the system to any exact form of any exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, the description and drawings should be considered illustrative, not restrictive. Similar reference numerals are used to refer to similar specific parts or elements in different drawings.

[0029] Figures 1 to 15 illustrate various elements of a coating system according to multiple embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a coating system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The coating system 1 is shown to include a container 2. In this embodiment, the container 2 is shown to have a rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments (not shown), it should be understood that the container 2 may have other cross-sectional shapes known in the art that are suitable for the structure and function described below. The container 2 is shown to have curved corners 3. The coating system 1 also includes a lid 4, which is designed to have an open or closed configuration. The lid 4 is configured to cover the open end of the container 2, and the lid 4 is removablely connectable to the container 2, so that the lid 4 fits onto the upper 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 lid 4 and the edge of the container 2.

[0030] In Figure 1, the lid 4 is shown having an open configuration. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the coating system of Figure 1, where the lid 4 is shown in a closed configuration. When the lid 4 is coupled to the container 2, the entire open end of the container 2 is covered and sealed by the lid 4 while in the closed configuration. In this embodiment, the seal is established by providing a layer (not shown) on the periphery of either the lid 4, the container 2, or both, such that the layer is slightly pressed when the lid 4 is coupled to the open end of the container 2. This layer may be made from rubber, silicone, plastic, or any other material well known in the art for sealing airtight containers.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, the container 2 is shown to have a paint tray 5 positioned inside the container 2. In this embodiment, the paint tray 5 is shown to be integral with the container 2. In other embodiments (not shown), the paint tray 5 may be removable from the container 2. The paint tray 5 is configured to have an inclined surface from substantially the upper edge of the container 2 to a point on the base of the container 2 near the center of the container 2. This is best illustrated in Figure 5. The tray 5 also has a groove 6 along its width, configured to receive the roller head of a paint roller when it is placed on the tray when not in use. Examples of this may be shown in Figures 12B, 13, and 15. In some embodiments, such as Figure 15, the groove 6 is configured to be deep enough to receive the roller head 7 and allow the lid 4 to be coupled to the upper end of the container 2 to form an airtight seal, as shown in Figures 12B and 15. In another embodiment, such as that in Figure 15A, the roller head 7 may rest on the tray 5 but not in the groove 6. This is done to ensure that an airtight seal is established between the container 2 and the lid 4 when the size of the roller head does not allow the roller head to fit into the groove 6, while still allowing the lid 4 to be in a closed configuration.

[0032] In the provided embodiments, the paint tray 5 is shown having channels 8 along each of the inclined edges of the tray along its length. The channels 8 are configured to allow paint to be discharged from the roller head 7 to the bottom of the container 2 when the wet roller head 7 is placed on the grooves 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 across different embodiments. Some factors that may contribute to such variation are the overall size of the container 2 and the tray 5, and the size of the roller head, which determines the amount of paint discharged from the roller head through the channels 8. As a non-limiting example, the width of the channels 8 may range from 18 to 25 mm.

[0033] In some embodiments, the groove 6 is configured to snugly receive the roller head 7, and as a result, 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 providing a rinsing effect to the roller head 7 and draining the paint from there. Also, this snug fit ensures that the groove 6 securely receives the roller head 7, and as a result, when the roller head 7 is pushed 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 simply be configured to receive the roller head 7, and an additional mechanism may be used to fix the roller head 7 to the tray 5 while the roller head 7 is positioned on the groove 6. Various mechanisms known in the art can be utilized for this purpose. In a non-limiting example, the roller head 7 may have a male portion on any of its edges (not shown) that is received and clipped by a corresponding female recess (not shown) on the tray 5. Another non-limiting example is a mechanical harness (not shown) that can be applied to the roller head 7 when it is placed on the groove 6, which engages firmly with a portion of the tray 5 or the side wall of the container 2 to hold the roller head 7 securely in place.

[0034] Referring again to container 2 in Figures 2 and 12, the edge of the open end of container 2 adjacent to the upper end of tray 5 is shown to have a recess 9 for accommodating the neck portion 10 of the handle 11 of the paint roller 12. A corresponding recess 13 is also found on the edge of lid 4, matching the size, width, and position of the recess 9 of container 2. When lid 4 is coupled to the open end of container 2, recesses 9 and 13 form an opening 14 large enough to accommodate the neck portion 10 of the roller 12. This is best illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. When the roller head 7 is placed on the groove 6 and the neck 10 is received within the opening 14 formed by recesses 9 and 13, the opening 14 is configured to be completely closed by the neck 10, maintaining an airtight seal between lid 4 and container 2. In some embodiments, the seal is established by having a thin layer (not shown) that bundles the recesses 9 and 13 together. Such thin layers may be formed from rubber, silicone, plastic, or any other material well known in the art for sealing airtight containers. It should be understood that the same effect can be achieved using other means well known in the art.

[0035] When the roller 12 is removed from the tray 5, the airtight seal between the lid 4 and the container 2 may still be maintained by placing a plug (not shown) inside the opening 14. Such a plug may be made from any material well known in the art for such purposes. In non-limiting examples, such materials may be plastics, silicones, rubbers, and certain metals that are suitable for establishing an airtight seal when used to seal the opening 14. In non-limiting examples, in some embodiments, the opening 14 may be sealed by a simple cork. In other embodiments, the opening 14 may be sealed by other mechanisms such as a cap or cover that can be screwed into the lining of the opening or attached to the outer surface of the opening 14.

[0036] Figure 12 shows the roller 12 in a predetermined position in one configuration when placed on the inclined tray 5. The inclined surface of the tray 5 functions to allow paint to be discharged through the channel 8 by gravity. The inclined surface of the tray 5, along with the opening 14 formed by the recesses 9 and 13, allows the handle 11 of the paint roller 12 to extend away from the paint system on the inclined surface. This allows the user to hold the handle with their hand 11 while standing.

[0037] Container 2, shown in Figures 1, 2, and 11-14, has wheels 15 attached to the bottom of the container. The wheels 15 shown in the figures are 360° accessible wheels. However, it should be understood that other types of wheels, casters, and glides, which are well known in the field of moving furniture and equipment, may be used. The wheels 15 are detachably coupled to container 2, allowing for easy cleaning and replacement of the wheels 15. In some embodiments, the wheels 15 are permanently attached to the base of container 2.

[0038] The combination of the inclined surface of the tray 5, the opening 14, and the wheels 15 allows the user to operate the painting system 1 when the lid 4 is connected to the container 2 in a closed configuration, the neck 10 seals the opening 14, and the paint roller 12 is positioned so that the handle 11 extends outside the painting system 1. Specifically, the user can hold the handle 11 and drag or push the painting system 1 to the desired position while keeping the paint in the container 2 fresh, without having to carry any of the painting system components. This feature allows the user to efficiently paint different parts of a house, such as different rooms. Furthermore, the airtight seal between the lid 4 and the container 2 allows for cost savings in the use of the painting system 1, as the paint and rollers do not need to be replaced frequently.

[0039] In some embodiments, the handle 11 of the paint roller 12 may also be used to operate the paint system 1 when the lid 4 is in an open configuration or when the lid 4 is not coupled to the container 2. In such embodiments, the positioning of the roller head 7 on the groove 6, the fitting of the neck 10 of the roller 12 into the recess 9 of the container 2, and the coupling of the wheel 15 to the base of the container 2 provide the user with a sufficiently stable structure to operate the container 2 using the handle 11 of the roller 12. Such use may allow for faster operation during the paint process.

[0040] In some embodiments, the container 2 has handles 21 that allow a user to carry the entire system, for example, to move the painting system 1 from one floor to another over a series of stairs, as needed. It should be understood that any type and configuration of handles known in the art may be used. Figures 1 and 1A show non-limiting examples of handles 21 formed as openings on two opposing short edges of the container 2. Figure 16 shows another non-limiting example of handles 221 that protrude from the front and rear of the system, allowing a user to grip the edges of the handles when carrying the painting system 200. It should be understood that other embodiments may have a different number, shape, and position of handles, and a user may use such handles to carry the painting system without spilling the paint contained therein.

[0041] In Figures 1 to 3, tray 5 shows a surface with diamond-shaped pattern grooves. The layered design of the diamond-shaped 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 discharge. The size and number of rows of the diamond-shaped pattern may be modified in different embodiments of the present invention. It should also be understood that other patterns known in the art may be used. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the coating system 300 representing a non-limiting exemplary different pattern of the grooved surface of tray 305.

[0042] The lid 4 is described to have both an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, as shown in Figure 11, the lid 4 forms an airtight seal with the container 2. In the open configuration, the lid 4 is partially coupled to the container 2. This is shown in Figures 1, 12, and 13. In all figures, the lid 4 consists of two parts coupled to each other or to the container 2 by hinges. In some embodiments, the open configuration is established by pivoting a first segment 4a of the lid 4 across a hinge (not shown) to move it away from the corresponding edge of the open end of the container 2. In some embodiments, the movable segment of the lid, i.e., 4a, may be coupled to the side of the container 2 by a hinge 22, allowing the lid segment 4a to pivot relative to the other segment of the lid coupled to the container 2, i.e., segment 4. When the lid 4 is in the open configuration, the first segment 4a moves away from the edge of the open container 2 where the recess 9 is located. When the lid 4 is in the open configuration, segments 4a and 4 do not share the same plane. Therefore, the open configuration allows the roller head 7 and roller 12 to be removable from the coating system 1 for use by the user. In Figures 1, 6, 12, and 13, the first section 4a is the same width as the container 2, and therefore, in the open configuration, only a portion of the long side edge of the lid 4 is connected to the periphery of the open end of the container 2. Such a design and configuration provides sufficient robustness and stability of the coating system 1 during handling and cleaning.

[0043] In another embodiment shown in Figure 16, a system 200 is presented, where section 204a may be narrower than the width of the container 202. In such an embodiment, the lid 204 may be coupled to the entire edge of the open end of the container 202, except for one edge from which the first section 4a may extend away and form an open configuration. In such an embodiment, the roller is still placed on the groove 206 and paint can be discharged through the channel 208.

[0044] Another use of the recess 13 on portion 4a of the lid 4 can be shown in Figure 13, in which case the recess is used to receive the handle 11 of the paint roller 12 during operation, for example, when the user desires a quick break. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the lid 4 is shown to optionally have compartments inside portion 4a for storing and holding different paint applicators. Different mechanisms known in the art can be used to hold the paint applicators. For example, such mechanisms may include magnets, clips, Velcro, etc. The figure also shows that the upper side of the lid 4 may optionally be configured to have, for example, a cup holder or compartment for holding painting equipment.

[0045] When the first section 4a is in the closed position, this position may be maintained by various mechanisms known in the art for securing the first section 4a to the corresponding edge of the open end of the container 2. These mechanisms may, in non-limiting examples, include a hook (indicated by reference numeral 217 in Figure 16). The same objective can be achieved using other mechanisms known in the art, such as magnets, in non-limiting examples.

[0046] The painting system 1 may include a liner 16 as shown in Figures 2 and 7-10. The liner 16 is shaped and dimensional to match the inner surface of the container 2, so that it fits snugly inside the container 2 and covers the tray 5 and the exposed portion 18 of the container 2. Thus, the liner 16 includes a channel 8a, a groove 6a, an inclined tray surface 5a, and an exposed base 18a. The liner 16 allows for keeping the container clean when multiple colors are required for painting work. In such situations, each liner 16 may be fitted with its own lid 4 to maintain an airtight seal when not in use, in order to keep the paint fresh and prevent the paint and painting roller head 7 from drying out. The liner 16 is dimensional so that it can maintain an airtight seal when fitted inside the container 2 and when the lid 4 is coupled to the container 2. In some embodiments, the leading edge of the liner 16 is positioned directly below the recess 9 so as not to obstruct the paint roller handle of the neck 10 of the roller 12 when the system is in the closed position, thereby maintaining an airtight seal between the lid 4 and the container 2. In other embodiments (not shown), the leading edge of the liner 16 may be configured to have a corresponding recess in the container 2 that is shaped and sized to match the recess 9.

[0047] The compartment 18 of container 2 can be sized to hold varying amounts of paint. For example, compartment 18 may hold one gallon of paint. Ideally, the paint level of compartment 18 should be below the groove 6 to allow for the discharge of the roller head 7 when the roller head 7 is positioned above the groove 6. As shown in Figure 5, compartment 18 functions as a storage tank for paint. In this embodiment, the portion of container 2 below the tray 5 (marked with diagonal lines and referred to as 19) is separated from the other side of container 2 by the tray 5. In such an embodiment, compartment 19 may be used for storing a paint canister, or other items that can be attached thereto, such as the user's personal belongings, or painting equipment such as brushes, rollers, applicators, etc. Alternatively, only a portion of compartment 19 labeled as compartment 20 may be formed as a pocket for the user to store personal belongings and some items such as paint brushes while using the painting system 1.

[0048] In Figure 5, the surface of tray 5 is solid and unperforated, which allows for the separation of section 19 from the top 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 be discharged into section 19. In such embodiments, section 19 can function as an additional paint reservoir and storage tank. In such embodiments, container 2 may be configured to hold a larger volume of paint. It is even more preferable to have an arbitrary amount of paint stored in section 19 below the groove 6 to allow for discharge of the roller head 7. Also, to allow the roller head 7 to access the paint in section 19, it is preferable that the bottom surface of container 2 defining the base of section 19 is inclined so that the paint in section 19 can move through the perforated tray 5 to section 18. In some embodiments, a mechanical mechanism may be used to push the paint storage tank from section 19 through tray 5 to section 18. In this embodiment, the base of container 2 may be removable to allow for easy cleaning of section 19.

[0049] Container 2 is shown in Figures 1-3 and 11-13 to have a curved corner 3. Such a feature is beneficial for draining paint from container 2 during the container cleaning process. The curved edge provides a smooth path for the paint to be drained from container 2 into the original paint container, as needed or by other means. The described embodiment is shown to have a tapered pouring-facilitating corner to allow for greater precision when recovering the paint into the original paint container. In other embodiments (not shown), instead of turning container 2 upside down to drain and remove paint from section 18, draining paint from container 2 may be achieved by other means. For example, in some embodiments, openings can be added to the base (bottom) or side of container 2 to allow draining any paint from the paint storage tank in section 18 without the need to turn container 2 upside down. Such openings may be located in various parts of the bottom or side of container 2. In some embodiments, two or more openings are present to allow for pressure release inside the container when draining is desired when an airtight seal is engaged. Such openings may be sealed with discharge plugs, which may be made of rubber, plastic, silicone, or any other material used to maintain a seal for storing liquids. In such embodiments, when paint is discharged from the container 2 in an upright or inclined position, the base of the container 2 may be tapered such that the discharge opening is at the lowest point of the base of the container 2, and the remaining surface area of ​​the base tapers toward the discharge opening. Such features allow the paint to be discharged from the container 2 by gravity once the discharge plug is removed.

[0050] This disclosure has described various embodiments of the coating system. It should be understood that the containers, lids, and inserts forming the coating system may be made from any material known in the art for manufacturing such components for their intended use.

[0051] According to one method of use, during operation, the user pours the desired color of paint into section 18 of container 2. The lid 4 is then attached to container 2 and maintained in a closed configuration to preserve the freshness of the paint in the container. The opening 14 is sealed with a flange even when the roller 12 is not present. When the roller 12 is used with the system, as shown in Figure 12B, the flange is not required because the neck 10 of the roller 12 is sufficient to seal the opening 14. When the user intends to use the paint, the seal on the opening 14 is removed and section 4a is moved to an open configuration. The user then immerses the roller head in the paint in section 18 and then rolls the roller head on the surface of tray 5 to obtain the desired uniform paint distribution on the roller head 7. When the paint roller 12 is used for painting, section 4a may be moved to a closed configuration to maintain the airtight seal of container 2. When the user then wishes to replenish the paint on the roller head 7, section 4a is returned to an open configuration, and then section 4a is returned to a closed configuration. These steps are repeated by the user throughout the painting process. If the user wishes to reposition the painting system 1, the roller head 7 is positioned and secured on the groove 6, section 4a is moved to a closed configuration, and the user then uses the handle 11 of the roller 12 to manipulate the painting system 1 to the desired position without having to lift any part of the system. While in place under airtight sealing, the roller head 7 discharges paint through the channel 8 into the paint reservoir in section 18.

[0052] According to another method of use, when in operation, the user sets up the painting system and loads it with paint, similar to the method described above. When the user is about to use the paint, the seal on the opening 14 is removed and section 4a is moved to the open configuration. The user then immerses the roller head in the paint in section 18 and then rolls the roller head on the surface of tray 5 to obtain the desired uniform paint distribution on the roller head 7. When the user is using the painting roller, in this method of use, section 4a of the lid 4 is kept open. This allows the user to easily access the paint reservoir in section 18 and tray 5 without the delay that might be experienced when moving section 4a between the closed and open configurations whenever the user needs to replenish the paint on the roller in use. In this method, the paint remains fresh even when section 4a is open during operation. This is because the paint surface is regularly stirred, which helps maintain its freshness while the paint is exposed to the elements. During operation, the use of rollers for painting and the replenishment of paint on the roller head 7 are fast enough to keep the paint in section 18 fresh, even though the lid section 4a is open during operation. Furthermore, since the user can operate the entire painting system 1 by placing the rollers on the grooves 6 of the tray 5 while section 4a is in an open configuration, the user can cover the surface much faster compared to having to rearrange the painting tray and painting equipment as the user moves through the painting work to other parts of the house, building, etc. Due to the rapid painting range in this area, when the user replenishes the paint on the roller head during operation, the user can perform the painting work with section 4a open without having to worry about the freshness of the paint in the storage tank under this method of use. Under this method, a significant improvement in efficiency in the painting work is observed.

[0053] Accordingly, the system and method described in the present invention provide a new painting system that enables efficient painting and long-term storage of paint removed from its original paint container. Specifically, this new painting system allows for faster speeds through mobility and transport tools, which increases overall efficiency. Long-term storage of paint means less staining and surface damage from spilled paint, thereby reducing the need for cleaning and disposal of dried paint, as well as roller replacement. This painting system also reduces the use of plastic for storing paint in trays and reduces water consumption for post-work cleaning. The system and method also provide cost savings by reducing the need for cleaning and disposal of dried paint and consequently replacing paint roller heads. The present invention allows the system to be moved without the user having to bend, lift, and / or carry it, thereby reducing worker compensation claims from back and neck injuries in commercial applications.

[0054] Interpretation of terms Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, ● Words like "comprise" and "comprising" should be interpreted in a comprehensive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive meaning. That is, they mean "including, but not limited to." ● "Connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof means any connection or combination, direct or indirect, between two or more elements. The connection or combination between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. ● When used to describe this specification, the words "herein," "above," "below," and similar terms refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any specific part thereof. ● In a list of two or more items, "or" encompasses all possible interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. ● The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" also include the meaning of any appropriate plural form. ● "User," "subject," "individual," and "participant" are used interchangeably in this disclosure and are understood to refer to bipedal animals such as humans.

[0055] The terms indicating direction, such as “vertical,” “transverse,” “horizontal,” “upward,” “downward,” “forward,” “backward,” “inward,” “outward,” “vertical,” “transverse,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “below,” “above,” “under,” “upper,” and “lower,” as used herein and in any appended claims (if any), depend on the specific orientation of the device described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may envision a variety of alternative orientations. Therefore, these terms indicating direction are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0056] Where components (e.g., circuits, modules, assemblies, devices, etc.) are referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, references to such components (including references to “means”) should be interpreted as including any components that perform the function of the described component (i.e., are functionally equivalent) and include components that are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structures that perform the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] Specific examples of systems and methods are described herein for illustrative purposes only. These are merely examples. The techniques provided herein may be applied to devices and methods other than those described above. Many changes, modifications, additions, omissions, and substitutions are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention includes variations to the embodiments described herein, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and include variations obtained by replacing features, elements, and / or actions with equivalent features, elements, and / or actions; mixing and adapting features, elements, and / or actions from different embodiments; combining features, elements, and / or actions from the embodiments described herein with features, elements, and / or actions of other technologies, and / or omitting the combination of features, elements, and / or actions from the embodiments described herein.

[0058] Accordingly, the attached claims below and any claims introduced thereafter are intended to be construed to include all such modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and partial combinations that can be reasonably inferred. The claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments described in the examples, and the broadest interpretation consistent with the overall description should be given.

Claims

1. A portable painting system, It is a container, A front wall, a rear wall, at least two opposing side walls, and a bottom wall, wherein the at least two opposing side walls are joined to the rear wall to form a vertically curved pouring angle of the container to provide a smooth path for discharging paint from the container, and the front wall has a recess at its upper edge for receiving the neck of a paint roller, A paint storage area is defined by the portion of the at least two opposing side walls, the rear wall, and the bottom wall, A container comprising: a tray portion having a surface that extends between at least two opposing side walls and extends downward in an inclined plane from the front wall to the paint storage portion, wherein the tray portion has a groove that extends laterally between at least two opposing side walls for receiving the roller head of a paint roller, and the tray portion further has at least one paint channel that extends axially along the surface of the tray from the groove to the paint storage portion, and the surface of the tray portion has an axial groove along the surface of the tray portion; A lid that is removably coupled to the container and is sized to cover the container in one of a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein when the lid completely covers the container in the closed configuration, it forms an airtight seal with the container, and when the lid is coupled to the container in the closed configuration, an opening is formed by the combination of the recess in the front wall of the container and the recess in the lid, and the shape, size, and position of the opening are such that it fits snugly onto the neck of a paint roller, with the recess having a corresponding recess in the upper edge of the front wall of the container, and A portable painting system comprising: a removable wheel attached to the bottom wall and located outside the container, wherein the removable wheel is configured to make the container portable.

2. The portable coating system according to claim 1, further comprising an insertion portion for placement inside the container above the tray portion, wherein the insertion portion is molded and sized such that it completely covers the tray portion and the paint storage portion of the container, and the lid maintains an airtight seal of the container when the lid is in the closed configuration.

3. The portable coating system according to claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a first portion and a second portion joined to each other by a hinge, and the lid is moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration by allowing the first portion to pivot along the hinge relative to the second portion.

4. The portable coating system according to 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 at least two opposing side walls of the container, the lid is moved from a closed configuration to an open configuration by allowing the first portion to pivot along the hinge relative to the second portion.

5. The portable painting system according to claim 1, wherein the container further has an additional compartment below the surface of the tray portion, the additional compartment being configured to store the user's painting equipment or personal items of the painting system.

6. The portable coating system according to claim 1, wherein the tray portion of the container has a perforated inclined portion.

7. The portable painting system according to claim 6, wherein the container further comprises an additional compartment below the surface of the tray portion, the additional compartment being configured to function as a second paint storage tank.

8. The portable coating system according to claim 7, wherein the bottom wall of the additional section is inclined downward from the front wall of the container.

9. The portable coating system according to claim 8, wherein the bottom wall is removable.

10. The portable painting system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom wall comprises at least one opening sealed by a plug, the at least one opening being for discharging paint from the paint storage tank when the plug is removed while the container is maintained in a substantially upright orientation.

11. The portable painting system according to claim 1, wherein the airtight seal is achieved when the paint roller head is positioned inside the container, the neck portion of the paint roller is positioned inside the opening, and as a result the handle portion of the paint roller extends outward from the container, and the lid is positioned in the closed configuration.

12. A portable coating system according to claim 1, configured for either long-term or short-term storage of paint, wherein the airtight seal is achieved when the lid is positioned in the closed configuration, and the opening is sealed with an opening plug to seal the opening.

13. The portable painting system according to claim 1, wherein the axial grooves on the surface of the tray portion are configured to have a diamond-shaped pattern, enabling uniform distribution of paint on the roller head when the roller head rolls on the diamond-shaped pattern, and improving the discharge of excess paint from the roller head to the paint storage tank.

14. The portable coating system according to claim 1, wherein the airtight 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 painting system according to claim 1, wherein the groove is configured to snugly receive the roller head of a painting roller, and when the roller head is received in the groove, pressure is applied to the roller head by the curvature of the groove, thereby adding a rinsing effect to discharge residual paint from the roller head.

16. The portable painting system according to claim 15, wherein when the roller head is positioned in the groove, the roller head is removably fixed in the groove.

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

18. A method using the portable coating system described in claim 1, wherein the method is Injecting paint into the storage portion of the container, To cover the aforementioned paint, the lid is attached to the container, The first portion of the lid is configured to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration relative to the second portion of the lid, When the first portion of the lid is in the closed configuration, an airtight seal is formed between the lid and the container with the paint stored therein, and When the first portion of the lid is in the open configuration, the paint inside the container is accessible to the user of the painting system. The roller head of the paint roller is placed on the tray portion of the container, and the lid is configured in the closed position, wherein the neck portion of the paint roller fits snugly into the opening formed by the recess in the front wall of the container and the recess in the lid, the neck portion is connected to the handle portion of the paint roller, and a part of the neck portion and the entirety of the handle portion extend to the outside of the airtight container. A method comprising operating the painting system using the handle of the painting roller, and moving the painting system from one place to another without lifting the container or spilling paint during use.

19. A method using the portable coating system described in claim 1, wherein the method is Injecting paint into the storage portion of the container, To cover the aforementioned paint, the lid is attached to the container, The first portion of the lid is configured to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration relative to the second portion of the lid, When the first portion of the lid is in the closed configuration, an airtight seal is formed between the lid and the container with the paint stored therein, and When the first portion of the lid is in the open configuration, the paint inside the container is accessible to the user of the painting system. The roller head of the paint roller is positioned on the tray portion of the container within the groove, and the lid is configured to be open, wherein the head of the paint roller fits snugly into the groove, the neck of the paint roller fits snugly into the recess of the lid, the neck is connected to the handle portion of the paint roller, and a part of the neck and the entirety of the handle portion extend to the outside of the container. A method comprising using the handle of the paint roller to operate the container, and during use, moving the painting system from one place to another without lifting the container and without spilling paint.

20. The method involves arranging an insertion portion inside the container above the tray portion and the storage portion of the container, wherein the insertion portion is molded and sized to completely cover the tray portion and the paint storage portion of the container. The method of claim 18, further comprising maintaining an airtight seal of the container when the lid is configured to be in the closed configuration for either long-term or short-term storage of the paint in the container.

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