Paint tray and paint roller storage container

Abstract

A storage container configured for storing a paint roller includes a base and a lid. The base has an interior space including a basin and a roll-off area. The lid is configured to selectively cover the interior space of the base and includes a lower portion, one or more rail handles, and a raised portion having a roller cover receptacle therein that is configured for receiving a roller cover of a paint roller therein.

Description

PAINT TRAY AND PAINT ROLLER STORAGE CONTAINERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 687,891, filed August 28, 2024, and entitled PAINT TRAY AND PAINT ROLLER STORAGE CONTAINER, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND1. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to storage containers for paint trays and paint rollers.2. The Relevant Technology

[0003] Paint rollers are widely used for applying paint to large surfaces due to their efficiency and ability to create a smooth finish. Similarly, paint trays allow for easy, efficient, and relatively clean transfer of paint to paint rollers. However, one significant challenge associated with paint rollers and paint trays is the difficulty in storing them between uses without compromising the quality of the roller cover or the paint itself. Traditionally, users are faced with the dilemma of either thoroughly cleaning the roller cover and paint tray after each use or devising a method to cover the roller cover and paint tray to prevent the paint from drying out.

[0004] Thorough cleaning of the roller cover and paint tray is a time-consuming and often messy process. It requires the use of solvents or copious amounts of water to remove the paint from the fibers of the roller cover and the paint tray. This not only results in wasted paint but also contributes to environmental concerns due to the disposal of contaminated water or solvents.

[0005] Alternatively, users may attempt to cover the roller cover and paint tray with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or other makeshift covers to keep the paint from drying out. While this method can be somewhat effective, it is often cumbersome and unreliable. Improper sealing can lead to dried-out or unevenly dried paint, rendering the roller cover and paint tray unusable for future applications. Additionally, the makeshift covers can be difficult to handle and may not provide a perfect seal, leading to the paint drying out over time.-Page 1- Docket No. 23902. la

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a more efficient and reliable solution for storing paint rollers and paint trays between uses without the need for thorough cleaning or makeshift covers.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] Figures 1A and IB show perspective closed and partially open views of a storage container according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure

[0009] Figure 2 shows a side elevational view of the storage container of Figures 1A and IB in a closed configuration.

[0010] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the storage container of Figures 1 A and IB.

[0011] Figure 4 shows a side elevational view of the storage container of Figures 1A and IB in an open configuration.

[0012] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the storage container of Figures 1A and IB in an open configuration with disposable liners therein.

[0013] Figure 6 shows a top plan view of the storage container of Figures 1A and IB.

[0014] Figure 7 shows a first end view of the storage container of Figures 1 A and IB.

[0015] Figure 8 shows a second end view of the storage container of Figures 1 A andIB.

[0016] Figure 9 shows a bottom view of the storage container of Figures 1 A and IB.

[0017] Figure 10 illustrates an example method of how to store a paint roller in the storage container of Figures 1A and IB.

[0018] Figure HA and I IB illustrates various top and side partially cross-sectional view of example ways to temporarily set a paint roller on the storage container of Figures 1A and IB.

[0019] Figure 12 illustrates a side view of two stacked storage containers.

[0020] Figure 13A-13D illustrate top views of a storage containers with a paint roller stored therein.- Page 2 - Docket No. 23902.1aDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The present disclosure is directed to storage containers for storing paint rollers and optionally paint. The Figures illustrate various views of example embodiments of a storage container that is configured for use in storing a paint roller and, optionally, paint. As will be described in more detail below, the storage containers are configured to have at least the roller cover of the paint roller stored therein. When closed, the storage container may be sealed so that any paint therein and / or on the roller cover does not dry out too fast (e.g., within two or three days).

[0022] As shown in Figures 1A-9, the storage container 100 has a clamshell configuration with a base 102 and a lid 104 that are connected together by a hinge 106. In some embodiments, the hinge 106 may be configured to allow the base 102 and the lid 104 to be selectively disconnected from and reconnected to one another. For instance, when the base 102 is to be used as a paint tray, the lid 104 may be disconnected from the base 102. The lid 104 may thereafter to reconnected to the base 102.

[0023] The base 102 has an interior space 108. The interior space 108 of the base 102 includes a basin 110 that is configured to receive paint therein and / or a basin of a disposable liner (discussed below). The interior space 108 also includes a sloped surface 112 that may function as a roll-off area or may support a roll-ff area of a disposable liner.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 8, the base 102 may optionally have a storage compartment 114 underneath the sloped surface 112. As shown, the storage compartment 114 includes a drawer 1 15, but may alternatively include a door, for access to the storage compartment 114. Figure 2 illustrates the drawer 115 pulled partially out and Figures 5 and 8 illustrate the drawer 115 closed.

[0025] As best seen in Figure 9, the base 102 may also include feet 116 on a bottom surface thereof. The feet 116 may be formed of anon-slip material, such as rubber, to limit or prevent the storage container 100 from sliding on a support surface.

[0026] From an outside perspective, such as shown in Figures 1A-7, the lid 104 may include a lower portion 118 and a raised portion 120. The lower portion 118 may be configured to cover a portion of the interior space 108 of the base 102 and the raised portion 120 may be configured to cover the rest of the interior space 108 of the base 102.

[0027] The interior of the raised portion 120 may include a roller cover receptacle 122, as shown in Figures 3 and 5. The roller cover receptacle 122 may be sized and shaped to receive a roller cover therein. As shown in Figure 3, at least one end of the roller cover- Page 3 - Docket No. 23902.1areceptacle 122 may include a support 124 configured to support the free end of the roller cover and / or the end cap of the paint roller.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1A, IB, 2, and 4, the opposite end of the roller cover receptacle 122 may include a roller pass through 126. The roller pass through 126 may be a slot formed in an end of the roller cover receptacle 122 and may be configured to allow a frame on which the roller cover is mounted to extend out of the roller cover receptacle 122. as shown in Figures 10. HA. 11B, 12, and 13A-13D. The roller pass through 126 includes a seal 128 that creates an airtight seal around the frame. In some embodiments, both ends of the roller cover receptacle 122 include a support 124 and a roller pass through 126, such that the roller may be supported on either side and extend out of either end of the roller cover receptacle 122.

[0029] The lid 104 also includes two spaced apart rail handles 130, 132 attached to and / or extending over the lower portion 118. The rail handles 130, 132 and the raised portion 120 have similar heights such that multiple storage containers can be stacked on top of one another, as shown in Figure 12. The rail handles 130, 132 are spaced part so that the handle (and optionally a portion of the frame) of the paint roller can be disposed therebetween, as shown in Figures 13A-13D. At least one of the rail handles 130, 132 and the raised portion 120 are space apart from one another to allow for the frame of the paint roller to extend or be disposed therebetween.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more of the rail handles 130, 132 may be selectively removable from the lid 104. Alternatively, one or more of the rail handles 130, 132 may be integrally formed with or permanently attached to the lid 104.

[0031] A seal 134 may be included between the base 102 and the lid 104 to create an airtight seal therebetween when the storage container 100 is closed. The seal 134 and the seal 128 may prevent air from entering the storage container 100 that may accelerate the drying of paint in the base 102 and / or on the roller cover.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1A-6 and 8, one or more securing elements 136 (e.g., latches, etc.) may be included to selectively secure the base 102 and the lid 104 in the closed configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing elements 136 are disposed on the side of the storage container 100 opposite to the hinge 106. However, the securing elements 136 may be disposed on other sides of the storage container 100.

[0033] As shown in Figures 10, 12, and 13 A, when the roller cover is stored within the storage container 100. the handle of the paint roller may be rested upon an outside surface of the lower portion 118 of the lid 104. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to secure- Page 4 - Docket No. 23902.1athe handle and / or frame of the paint roller to the storage container 100. Figures 13B-13D illustrate example embodiments of retention elements 138 that may be used for this purpose.

[0034] As shown in Figure 13B, the one or more retention elements 138 may include one or more set of hooks or posts and one or more straps or bands. Each end of the one or more straps or bands may be selectively connected to a set of hooks or posts to hold the handle or frame of the paint roller against the outside surface of the lower portion 118.

[0035] As shown in Figure 13C, the one or more retention elements 138 may include one or more set of hooks or posts and one or more straps or bands. One end of the strap or band may be fixedly connected to a hook or post and a second end of the strap or band may be selectively connected to a hook or post to hold the handle or frame of the paint roller against the outside surface of the lower portion 118.

[0036] As shown in Figure 13D, the one or more retention elements 138 may include one or more straps or bands. The straps or bands may be connected between the rail handles 130, 132 to hold the handle or frame of the paint roller against the outside surface of the lower portion 118.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, disposable inserts 140 may be included for the base 102 and / or the lid 104. The disposable inserts 140 may be sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to match or conform to the interior surfaces of the base 102 and / or the lid 104. The disposable inserts may protect the interior surfaces of the base 102 and / or the lid 104 from being covered in paint. Once a paint job is completed, the disposable inserts 140 may be removed, discarded, and replaced with new clean disposable inserts prior to a new7paint job.

[0038] In some embodiments, the disposable inserts 140 for the base 102 and the lid 104 may be separate from one another. In other embodiments, the disposable inserts 140 for the base 102 and the lid 104 may be attached to one another and may be configured to fold relative to one another when the storage container 100 is opened or closed.

[0039] Figure 10 illustrates one example process for storing a paint roller for an extended period (e.g.. 1-3 days or more). With the storage container 100 in an opened configuration, the roller cover is placed inside the roller cover receptacle 122. As the roller cover is placed inside the roller cover receptacle 122, the frame on which the roller cover is mounted will extend through the roller pass through 126. The lid 104 can then be closed. The frame and the handle of the paint roller can be rotated until the handle rests on the outside surface of the lid 104 (on the lower portion 1 18 and betw een the rail handles 130,- Page 5 - Docket No. 23902.1a132). Finally, and optionally, the one or more retention elements 138 may be used to secure the handle and / or frame of the paint roller to the lid 104.

[0040] During active use of the storage container 100 during a paint job, the paint roller can be temporarily set on the storage container 100 in a variety of ways, as shown in Figures 11 A and 1 IB, which illustrate top and side partially cross-sectional views. For instance, as depicted with the paint roller A, paint roller can be rested against an edge of the base 102. so that the roller cover is positioned over the sloped surface 112. Alternatively, as depicted with the paint roller B, the roller cover may be positioned within the basin 110 and the frame of the paint roller may be rested against an edge of the base 102 (e g., the edge that is hingedly connected to the lid 104). Another option, as depicted with the paint roller C, is to rest the handle of the paint roller on the interior surface of the lower portion 118 of the lid 104 and have the roller cover positioned over the basin 110 so that paint on the roller cover may drip into the basin 110. In still another option, as depicted with the paint roller D, the handle of the paint roller may be positioned on the interior surface of the lower portion 118 of the lid 104 and the roller cover is positioned over the roller cover receptacle 122.

[0041] In light of the description herein, it will be apparent that a storage container according to the present disclosure may be configured to have at least the roller cover of a paint roller stored therein. The storage container may also include a basin for receiving paint and a roll-off area. In some embodiments, the handle and / or a portion of the frame of the paint roller may be positioned on the outside of the storage container while the roller cover is stored inside of the storage container. In such embodiments, the storage container may include a pass through through w hich the frame of the paint roller can extend.

[0042] Following are some further example embodiments of the invention. These are presented only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Further, any example embodiment can be combined with one or more of the example embodiments.

[0043] Embodiment 1. A storage container configured for storing a paint roller, the storage container comprising: a base having an interior space including a basin configured for receiving paint therein; and a lid configured to selectively cover the interior space of the base, the lid comprising a roller cover receptacle configured for receiving a roller cover of a paint roller therein.- Page 6 - Docket No. 23902.1a

[0044] Embodiment 2. The storage container of embodiment 1, wherein the roller cover receptacle comprises a pass through that is configured to have a portion of a frame of the paint roller extend therethrough.

[0045] Embodiment 3. The storage container of embodiment 2, wherein the pass through comprises a seal.

[0046] Embodiment 4. The storage container of and of embodiments 1-3, wherein the interior space of the base includes a sloped surface configured to function as a roll-off area for the paint roller.

[0047] Embodiment 5. The storage container of embodiment 4, wherein the base comprises a storage compartment below the sloped surface.

[0048] Embodiment 6. The storage container of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the lid comprises a lower portion and a raised portion.

[0049] Embodiment 7. The storage container of embodiment 6, wherein the roller cover receptacle is disposed within the raised portion.

[0050] Embodiment 8. The storage container of embodiment 6 or 7, wherein the lid further comprises one or more rail handles.

[0051] Embodiment 9. The storage container of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more rail handles are positioned over the lower portion.

[0052] Embodiment 10. The storage container of embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the one or more rail handles are spaced apart from the raised portion.

[0053] Embodiment 1 1. The storage container of any of embodiments 8-10, wherein the one or more rail handles comprise two spaced apart rail handles.

[0054] Embodiment 12. The storage container of any of embodiments 8-11, wherein one or more rail handles and the raised portion have top surfaces that are positioned at the same height as one another.

[0055] Embodiment 13. The storage container of any of embodiments 8-12, wherein the one or more rail handles are selectively attachable to and removable from the lid.

[0056] Embodiment 14. A storage container configured for storing a paint roller, the storage container comprising: a base having an interior space including a basin and a rolloff area, the basin being configured for receiving paint therein; and a lid configured to selectively cover the interior space of the base, the lid comprising a lower portion, one or more rail handles, and a raised portion having a roller cover receptacle therein that is configured for receiving a roller cover of a paint roller therein.- Page 7 - Docket No. 23902.1a

[0057] Embodiment 15. The storage container of embodiment 14, wherein the roller cover receptacle comprises a pass through that is configured to have a portion of a frame of the paint roller extend therethrough.

[0058] Embodiment 16. The storage container of embodiment 15, wherein the raised portion and the one or more rail handles are spaced apart from one another such that the frame of the paint roller can be disposed therebetween.

[0059] Embodiment 17. The storage container of embodiment 14 or 15, further comprising one or more retention elements configured to secure a handle and / or a frame of the paint roller to the outside surface of the lower portion of the lid.

[0060] Embodiment 18. The storage container of embodiment 17, wherein the one or more retention elements comprise one or more straps or bands.

[0061] Embodiment 19. The storage container of any of embodiments 14-18, wherein the base further comprises a storage compartment below the roll-off area.

[0062] Embodiment 20. The storage container of embodiment 19, wherein the storage compartment comprises a drawer.

[0063] Embodiment 21. The storage container of any of embodiments 14-20, wherein the base and the lid are hingedly connected together.

[0064] Embodiment 22. The storage container of any of embodiments 14-21, further comprising a seal disposable between the base and the lid.

[0065] It will be understood that the present disclosure extends beyond the specific combinations of features illustrated and described in connection with the various particular embodiments disclosed herein. For instance, although a particular embodiment described herein may include a combination of multiple features, the present disclosure extends to embodiments that include one or more of the described features. Additionally, it will be understood that a feature described in connection with one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment without departing from the disclosure.

[0066] It will now be evident that there have been described herein improved scissor assemblies. The disclosed scissor assemblies allow for more simpler, more accurate, and less time-consuming assembly while also providing scissor assemblies that meet the tight tolerance requirements and perform as intended.

[0067] The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5%- Page 8 - Docket No. 23902.1aof, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and w ithin less than 0.01% of a stated amount.

[0068] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.- Page 9 - Docket No. 23902.1a

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A storage container configured for storing a paint roller, the storage container comprising: a base having an interior space including a basin configured for receiving paint therein; and a lid configured to selectively cover the interior space of the base, the lid comprising a roller cover receptacle configured for receiving a roller cover of a paint roller therein.

2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the roller cover receptacle comprises a pass through that is configured to have a portion of a frame of the paint roller extend therethrough.

3. The storage container of claim 2, wherein the pass through comprises a seal.

4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the interior space of the base includes a sloped surface configured to function as a roll-off area for the paint roller.

5. The storage container of claim 4, wherein the base comprises a storage compartment below the sloped surface.

6. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a lower portion and a raised portion.

7. The storage container of claim 6, wherein the roller cover receptacle is disposed within the raised portion.

8. The storage container of claim 6, wherein the lid further comprises one or more rail handles.

9. The storage container of claim 8. wherein the one or more rail handles are positioned over the lower portion.- Page 10 - Docket No. 23902.1a10. The storage container of claim 8, wherein the one or more rail handles are spaced apart from the raised portion.

11. The storage container of claim 8, wherein the one or more rail handles comprise two spaced apart rail handles.

12. The storage container of claim 8, wherein one or more rail handles and the raised portion have top surfaces that are positioned at the same height as one another.

13. The storage container of claim 8. wherein the one or more rail handles are selectively attachable to and removable from the lid.

14. A storage container configured for storing a paint roller, the storage container comprising: a base having an interior space including a basin and a roll-off area, the basin being configured for receiving paint therein; and a lid configured to selectively cover the interior space of the base, the lid comprising a lower portion, one or more rail handles, and a raised portion having a roller cover receptacle therein that is configured for receiving a roller cover of a paint roller therein.

15. The storage container of claim 14, wherein the roller cover receptacle comprises a pass through that is configured to have a portion of a frame of the paint roller extend therethrough.

16. The storage container of claim 15, wherein the raised portion and the one or more rail handles are spaced apart from one another such that the frame of the paint roller can be disposed therebetween.

17. The storage container of claim 14, further comprising one or more retention elements configured to secure a handle and / or a frame of the paint roller to the outside surface of the lower portion of the lid.- Page 11 - Docket No. 23902.1a18. The storage container of claim 17, wherein the one or more retention elements comprise one or more straps or bands.

19. The storage container of claim 14, wherein the base further comprises a storage compartment below the roll-off area.

20. The storage container of claim 19, wherein the storage compartment comprises a drawer.

21. The storage container of claim 14, wherein the base and the lid are hingedly connected together.

22. The storage container of claim 14, further comprising a seal disposable between the base and the lid.- Page 12 - Docket No. 23902.1a

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