Paintbrush hanger

Abstract

A paintbrush hanger is provided for use with a bucket. The hanger includes a support ring received within the bucket, inner hanger members projecting inwardly from the ring for suspending paintbrushes inside the bucket, and outer hanger members projecting outwardly from the ring. In use, the outer hanger members rest upon the rim of the bucket to support the ring and extend beyond the rim to provide external hanging points. Brushes may thus be suspended within the bucket with bristles immersed in paint or cleaning solution, or externally for drip drying. The arrangement allows stable support without reliance on wedging against the interior wall of the bucket, while reducing contact with residue and facilitating easy cleaning.

Description

Paintbrush HangerField of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to accessories for painting equipment. More particularly, it concerns a hanger for supporting paintbrushes relative to a paint bucket.Background of the Invention

[0002] Painting tasks, whether undertaken in a domestic, commercial or industrial setting, commonly involve the repeated use of paintbrushes with liquid paints or cleaning solvents. It is routine for painters to pause during application, switch between different brushes, or interrupt work for breaks. During such times, it is undesirable to simply leave a brush resting across the rim of a bucket or submerged uncontrolled within the paint, as this can lead to uneven wetting, deformation of the bristles, contamination of the paint with debris, or spillage over the rim. Brushes left lying flat on a surface or standing upright on their bristles may dry out, accumulate residue, or become misshapen, shortening their useful life.

[0003] Accordingly, efforts have been made to provide accessories that interact with paint buckets to better manage brushes when not in immediate use. These accessories are intended to reduce wastage, extend brush life, and minimise mess by controlling the way brushes are held in relation to the liquid within the bucket.

[0004] US9102193B1 (Mahowald) 2015-08-11 discloses a generally annular body sized and tapered to nest within a pail by frictional engagement with the pail’s concave, inwardly tapered wall, from which brush-hanging pins project towards the centre. Variants include upper and lower outer seal rings to improve seating, as well as wiping edges and optional strainers.

[0005] US2566650A (Anderson) 1951-09-04 similarly teaches an annular supporting member arranged to wedge against the inner surface of a container, the member including a horizontal portion and an inner wall with apertures for resilient brushholding elements; an alternative form includes uprights and a bottom plate carried within the container. In practice, wedge-fit solutions depend on close conformitybetween the annulus and the bucket’s internal profile. Buckets vary in taper, roundness, diameter tolerance, and surface condition. As a result, frictional retention can be unreliable or require seating at unpredictable depths. Local irregularities can cause point contact, rocking, or rotation about a high spot, as acknowledged in Mahowald’s discussion of multi-ring sealing arrangements. Moreover, continuous contact between the annular periphery and the painted or solvent-wet inner wall can transfer paint or residue between the two surfaces, smear the wall during installation or adjustment, trap deposits in the contact zone, and complicate cleaning. Removing a wedged insert while the bucket contains liquid may disturb the contents, and scraping accumulated material from the wall / insert interface can be difficult where access is restricted by the close fit.

[0006] US20230382154A1 (Griffith) 2023-11-30 describes a support rack having upper and lower rings mechanically connected by vertical members, with pegs for rollers and arms for paintbrushes, the assembly sized to be lifted into and out of a standard five-gallon bucket. A standalone variant includes a carrying handle. Anderson’s alternative embodiment with uprights and a bottom plate also falls within this category. While such structures provide defined hanging points and can carry multiple tools, they introduce larger multi-part assemblies that occupy significant volume within the bucket, reducing usable liquid capacity. Portions of the framework may be submerged during soaking or cleaning, increasing surface area exposed to paint or solvent and thereby tending to collect residue. This can lead to more extensive clean-down requirements, with multiple interfaces and crevices to address. Larger internal frameworks can also interfere with bucket accessories such as lids and add bulk and weight for transport and storage. Where bottom plates are used to catch sediment, they must be periodically removed and scraped, which may drip or track material during handling. In general, multi-component internal racks can be more complex and costly to manufacture and maintain, and can be less convenient to rinse or wipe than simpler, less intrusive arrangements.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide a way that will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0008] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0009] There is provided a paintbrush hanger for suspending paintbrushes relative to a bucket. The hanger comprises a support ring dimensioned to be received within the bucket, a plurality of inner hanger members projecting inwardly from the support ring, and a plurality of outer hanger members projecting outwardly from the support ring.

[0010] In use, the inner hanger members extend within the bucket to provide hanging points for suspending paintbrushes in the interior, while the outer hanger members rest upon the rim of the bucket to support the support ring within the bucket and extend beyond the rim to provide external hanging points for suspending further paintbrushes outside the bucket.

[0011] The arrangement enables paintbrushes to be suspended securely both within the bucket, where bristles may be immersed in paint or cleaning liquid to prevent drying, and outside the bucket, where bristles may be allowed to drip or dry in free air.

[0012] By supporting the hanger on the rim by the outer hanger members rather than wedging against the interior wall, the design avoids reliance on precise conformity with bucket dimensions, thereby ensuring stability across buckets of varying taper and tolerances.

[0013] This arrangement may further allow for spacing between the support ring and the interior surface of the bucket which reduces contact with residue and allows liquid to drip freely back into the bucket without smearing along the rim or walls. The structure is compact and easily inserted or removed, minimises obstruction of the bucket opening, and is readily cleaned after use.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support ring may be formed with a generally flat inner face. This surface may assist in wiping excess paint or liquid from brush bristles during use. The inner face may be inclined, such as frustoconical, to guide liquid downwardly towards the interior of the bucket. A stepped or rimmed portion at an upper region of the inner face may further act to remove residual paint or cleaning solution as a brush is withdrawn. The support ring may also define an outer face, which may likewise be flat and optionally frustoconical. Such shaping may allow the hanger to nest neatly within a bucket opening without obstructing movement of a bucket handle.

[0015] The support ring may define a lower edge that lies beneath the rim of the bucket. This lower edge can act as a contact line against which excess paint or solvent is stripped from the brush, ensuring it returns to the bucket rather than spilling over the rim. The ring may further define an upper edge above the inner hanger members, such that the inner members sit at a lower elevation while the outer members are carried higher relative to the rim. This vertical offset can enable brushes inside the bucket to extend deeper into liquid.

[0016] In some examples, the outer hanger members may project directly from the upper edge of the support ring, while the inner hanger members project from the lower edge. The lower edge may also be spaced slightly from the interior wall of the bucket, avoiding contact that could otherwise smear or collect residue.

[0017] For added rigidity, reinforcing flanges may connect the outer hanger members to the ring, and further flanges may connect the inner hanger members to the ring. These supports may provide stability without occupying significant surface area, and in some arrangements may present only point contact with the bucket rim, thereby limiting the chance of paint transfer between the bucket and the hanger.

[0018] In a further option, one or more of the hanger members may include a sharpened or linear apex along its upper edge. This can reduce the area of contact with a brush handle limiting adhesion of wet paint.

[0019] The support ring may include a lower surface from which the inner hanger members extend, with the inner hanging members may define resting points beneaththe ring. These resting points can allow the hanger to be placed on a surface without significant spread of liquid that might have collected on the underside of the ring.

[0020] In use, the hanger members may extend in a generally horizontal orientation when the hanger is installed, ensuring brushes are suspended vertically under their own weight without undue tilt. One or more of the hanger members may further incorporate small projections at their distal ends, functioning as hooks to prevent brushes from slipping off unintentionally.

[0021] The outer hanger members may, in one example, be grouped in two sets separated by wider spacing. Within each set, the members may be more closely spaced, while the gap between sets accommodates movement of a bucket handle. This arrangement allows the handle to pivot freely without obstructing brushes held on the outer members.

[0022] The inner hanger members may be arranged at equal spacing around the support ring. In some examples, the inner members may extend further inward than the outer members project outward. Such proportioning may permit more than one brush to be suspended from each inner member, while limiting each outer member to a single brush to maintain a compact overall profile.

[0023] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a paintbrush hanger.

[0026] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the paintbrush hanger.

[0027] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the paintbrush hanger.

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the paintbrush hanger positioned on a bucket in use.

[0029] Figure 5 shows an end-on view of hanger members.

[0030] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the paintbrush hanger at a position of hangers.

[0031] Figure 7 is a sectional view of the paintbrush hanger at a position between hangers.

[0032] Figure 8 is a sectional detail view of the paintbrush hanger on the rim of the bucket.

[0033] Figure 9 is a further sectional detail view showing spacing relative to the bucket wall.Description of Embodiments

[0034] Figures 1 and 2 show, respectively, top and bottom perspective views of a paintbrush hanger 100 for suspending paintbrushes 101 relative to a bucket 102 or similar receptacle having a generally circular opening.

[0035] The hanger 100 comprises a support ring 103 and a plurality of inner hanger members 104 projecting inwardly from the support ring 103. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the hanger 100 includes six inner hanger members 104. The hanger 100 further comprises a plurality of outer hanger members 105 projecting outwardly from the support ring 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the hanger 100 has an equal number of inner hanger members 104 and outer hanger members 105.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, in use, the support ring 103 is dimensioned to fit within the bucket 102. The inner hanger members 104 extend into the interior of the bucket102 to provide inner hanging points for suspending paintbrushes 101 within the bucket 102. Paintbrushes 101 may be suspended within the bucket 102 with their bristles submerged in paint to prevent drying during intermittent breaks, or in a cleaning solution, such as turpentine or similar, for post-painting cleaning.

[0037] The outer hanger members 105 are configured to rest on a rim 106 of the bucket 102, as shown in more detail in Figure 8. In this arrangement, the support ring103 is fully supported by the outer hanger members 105 and does not rely on wedging against an interior frustoconical surface of the bucket 102 or on any internal support structures. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate how this arrangement may provide a spacedapart configuration between the support ring 103 and an interior surface 107 of the bucket 102. Specifically, Figures 8 and 9 show that a gap 108 may be defined between an exterior surface 109 of the support ring 103 and the interior surface 107 of thebucket 102. This spacing prevents the support ring 103 from contacting any residue on the interior surface 107 of the bucket 102 and allows paint or cleaning solution to drip down from the support ring 103 into the bucket, rather than smearing on the rim 106 or the adjacent interior surface 107.

[0038] The outer hanger members 105 further extend beyond the rim 106 to provide external hanging points for suspending additional paintbrushes 101 outside the bucket 102. Paintbrushes 101 can therefore be suspended externally in free air for drying. For example, during cleaning, the hanger 100 may be used first to soak paintbrush bristles in cleaning solution within the bucket 102 using the inner hanger members 104, and subsequently to suspend the brushes outside the bucket on the outer hanger members 105 for drip drying.

[0039] In the arrangement shown in Figure 4, the paintbrushes 101 are suspended vertically, with the hanger members 104 and 105 engaging through apertures at proximal ends of their handles.

[0040] The support ring 103 preferably defines a flat inner face 110 which may be frustoconical. The support ring 103 may also define a flat outer face 109, which may likewise be frustoconical. In such a form, the ring 103 may be band-like and relatively thin, thereby not substantially occluding the bucket 102 at the rim 106, while also providing height for relative offset between the hanger members 104 and 105 as described in further detail below.

[0041] With reference to Figure 9, the support ring 103 may define a bottom edge 111 beneath the rim 106. When removing paint from the bucket 102 with a paintbrush 101 , the bristles can be wiped against the flat inner face 110 of the support ring 103, with the bottom edge 111 wiping excess paint from the bristles at a position below the rim 106. This prevents excess paint from spilling over the rim 106 and ensures it drips back into the bucket 102. As explained above, the spaced-apart arrangement allows such excess paint to fall back into the bucket away from the rim 106, avoiding smearing along the bucket interior near the rim 106. As further shown in Figure 9, the inner flat face 110 may terminate at an upper inner rim 122 which can wipe additionalpaint or cleaning solution from the bristles of the paintbrush 101 as they are drawn across the top edge 112 of the support ring 103.

[0042] The support ring 103 may further define a top edge 112, with the inner hanger members 104 projecting below the top edge 112 in elevation.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, in elevation, the outer hanger members 105 are preferably raised relative to the inner hanger members 104. As such, the inner hanger members 104 are positioned beneath the rim 106 of the bucket 102 and below the top edge 112 of the support ring 103, while the outer hanger members 105 are positioned above the rim 106, the bottom edge 111 , and the inner hanger members 104. In the illustrated arrangement, the outer hanger members 105 project directly from the top edge 112, whereas the inner hanger members 104 project directly from the bottom edge 111. This relative arrangement allows the outer hanger members 105 to extend across the rim 106 of the bucket while enabling the inner paintbrushes 101 to be suspended at a lower position within the bucket 102. Such positioning ensures that any paint or cleaning solution collected on the support ring 103 or on the inner paintbrushes 101 , including their handles, does not escape over the rim 106. Furthermore, the arrangement allows the inner paintbrushes 101 to extend deeper into the bucket 102, facilitating use of lower levels of paint or cleaning solution.

[0044] With reference to Figure 8, lower bracing flanges 113 may join the outer hanger members 105 to the support ring 103. Additional upper bracing flanges 114 may similarly join the inner hanger members 104 to the support ring 103. The lower bracing flanges 113 may directly contact the rim 106, thereby providing point contact with the rim 106 and minimising the surface area for transference of paint or cleaning solution between the bucket 102 and the hanger 100.

[0045] With reference to Figure 5, the hanger members 104 and 105 may each define a linear pointed apex 115, thereby reducing contact area with the handle of a paintbrush 101.

[0046] Figure 7 shows that the support ring 103 may define a bottom surface 116, from which the inner hanger members 104 extend. In this arrangement, resting points117, preferably linear and horizontal, are defined, minimising the contact area between the bottom surface 116 of the support ring 103 and any resting surface. This reduces the risk of paint or cleaning solution transferring from the support ring 103 to the resting surface.

[0047] Distal ends of the hanger members 104 and 105 may define upward projections 118 acting as hooks to prevent paintbrushes 101 from slipping off.

[0048] Figure 3, a top view of the hanger 100, shows that the inner hanger members 104 are preferably equidistantly spaced. Figure 3 further shows that the outer hanger members 105 may be non-equidistantly spaced and, in particular, divided into two groups 119. The outer hanger members 105 within each group 119 may be spaced apart by a hanger spacing interval 120, while the two groups 119 may be separated by a larger inter-group spacing interval 121. This arrangement effectively defines two peripheral gaps on opposite sides of the hanger 100 to accommodate a bucket handle 122, as shown in Figure 4. The bucket handle 122 is positioned within these inter- group gaps, enabling full rotation of the handle without obstruction from the outer hanger members 105.

[0049] Figures 3 and 4 further show that the inner hanger members 104 may each be relatively longer than the outer hanger members 105. This dimensional relationship allows more than one paintbrush 101 to be suspended from each of the inner hanger members 104, while a single paintbrush 101 may be suspended from each of the outer hanger members 105, thereby minimising the cross-section of the hanger 100.

[0050] In one embodiment, the hanger 100 may be integrally formed as a single piece of plastics material by way of an injection moulding process. The support ring 103, inner hanger members 104, outer hanger members 105, bracing flanges 113 and 114, and upward projections 118 may thereby be formed in one operation without requiring separate assembly. Such integral formation provides structural rigidity, reduces manufacturing cost, and avoids joints or seams where paint or cleaning solution might otherwise accumulate. The plastics material may comprise polypropylene, polyethylene, or a similar durable polymer resistant to degradation when exposed to paint, solvents, or cleaning agents such as turpentine.

[0051] By way of example, the support ring 103 may define an outer diameter of approximately 230 mm to 250 mm, thereby corresponding to the circular opening of a conventional paint bucket 102 of nominal 4 litre to 10 litre capacity. The support ring 103 may define a band height of approximately 15 mm to 25 mm, with the bottom edge 111 spaced beneath the rim 106 of the bucket 102 by approximately 10 mm to 15 mm when in use. The gap 108 between the exterior surface 109 of the support ring 103 and the interior surface 107 of the bucket 102 may range from 2 mm to 5 mm to prevent contact whilst avoiding excessive lateral movement.

[0052] The inner hanger members 104 may extend inwardly by approximately 30 mm to 80 mm from the support ring 103, and may be positioned to suspend paintbrushes 101 with their bristles located at a depth of approximately 80 mm to 1 50 mm below the rim 106. This depth allows bristles of typical household or trade paintbrushes, which may have lengths of about 80 mm to 140 mm, to remain fully submerged in paint or cleaning solution within the bucket 102.

[0053] The outer hanger members 105 may extend outwardly by approximately 20 mm to 35 mm from the support ring 103. The upward projections 118 at their distal ends may define a height of 3 mm to 8 mm above the outer hanger members 105 to retain the paintbrushes 101 securely in place. The inter-group spacing interval 121 may be approximately 80 mm to 120 mm, sufficient to accommodate free rotation of the bucket handle 122.

[0054] The overall thickness of the support ring 103 and hanger members 104, 105 may be approximately 2 mm to 5 mm, providing adequate rigidity while keeping the hanger 100 lightweight. The hanger 100 in this form may weigh less than 150 grams, thereby minimising additional load on the bucket 102 and preserving portability.

[0055] In an exemplary, non-limiting method of use, the hanger 100 is positioned within the bucket 102 by lowering the support ring 103 into the circular opening of the bucket 102 until the outer hanger members 105 come to rest upon the rim 106. In this position, the support ring 103 is suspended within the bucket 102 with the inner hanger members 104 projecting inwardly to define inner hanging points, and the outerhanger members 105 projecting outwardly beyond the rim 106 to define external hanging points.

[0056] A user may insert one or more paintbrushes 101 onto the inner hanger members 104 by aligning apertures at proximal ends of the brush handles with the inner hanger members 104, such that the brushes 101 hang vertically with their bristles immersed in paint or cleaning solution within the interior of the bucket 102. In this configuration, the bristles remain wetted during intermittent breaks, thereby preventing drying or hardening of paint on the bristles.

[0057] Once a painting task is complete, the user may reconfigure the brushes 101 for cleaning by suspending them first on the inner hanger members 104 to soak the bristles in cleaning solution, and thereafter transferring them to the outer hanger members 105 for drip drying. The outer hanger members 105 retain the paintbrushes 101 outside the bucket 102, with the bristles suspended in free air to dry naturally.

[0058] During painting, excess paint may be wiped from the bristles of a brush 101 against the inner face 110 of the support ring 103. The bottom edge 111 beneath the rim 106 directs the excess paint back into the bucket 102 without spilling over the rim 106. The upper inner rim 122 may also assist in wiping residual paint or cleaning solution from the bristles when the brush 101 is drawn across the top edge 112 of the support ring 103.

[0059] When the bucket 102 is not in use, the hanger 100 may be removed by lifting it vertically from the rim 106, whereafter the support ring 103 and hanger members 104, 105 can be rinsed clean. The relatively thin band-like configuration of the support ring 103 allows the hanger 100 to be conveniently stored flat or nested within a stack of paint buckets 102.

[0060] The paintbrush hanger described herein can provide a number of benefits when compared with prior arrangements. By being supported on the rim of a bucket rather than wedged against its inner surface, the hanger may remain stable across a range of bucket sizes and tapers without relying on precise conformity. This arrangement may also minimise contact between the hanger and the bucket wall, reducing the likelihood of residue transfer or smearing.

[0061] Suspending brushes inside the bucket allows bristles to be immersed in paint or cleaning solution in a controlled manner, helping to prevent drying or hardening between uses. Suspending brushes outside the bucket can allow them to drip and dry in free air without cluttering surrounding surfaces. The ability to manage brushes both internally and externally can make the device suitable for both intermittent painting and post-use cleaning.

[0062] In some forms, the relative elevation of the inner and outer hanger members may keep brushes at different levels, ensuring that brushes inside the bucket reach liquid at a lower depth while brushes outside are carried clear of the rim. This separation may help contain drips within the bucket and permit use of lower liquid levels.

[0063] Optional shaping of the support ring, such as flat or frustoconical faces, may assist in guiding paint back into the bucket or in wiping excess material from brush bristles. Edge features and rims may further strip residual paint or solvent as brushes are withdrawn. Where bracing flanges are used, they may contribute rigidity while limiting the area of contact with the bucket rim, thereby reducing the chance of paint transfer.

[0064] Projections or hooks at the distal ends of hanger members may help to retain brushes in place, while linear or pointed profiles may limit the contact area with brush handles. Variations in spacing of the outer hanger members may allow bucket handles to pivot freely, and differences in length between inner and outer members may enable multiple brushes to be held on some members while preserving a compact overall outline.

[0065] The hanger may be formed as a lightweight, integrally moulded component, enabling easy insertion, removal, and cleaning after use. Its relatively unobtrusive form may avoid obstructing the bucket opening and can allow convenient storage.

[0066] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments ofthe invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1. A paintbrush hanger for suspending paintbrushes relative to a bucket, the paintbrush hanger comprising: a support ring; a plurality of inner hanger members projecting inwardly from the support ring; and a plurality of outer hanger members projecting outwardly from the support ring , wherein, in use: the support ring is dimensioned to fit within the bucket; the inner hanger members are configured to extend within the bucket to provide inner hanging points for suspending paintbrushes within an interior of the bucket; and the outer hanger members are configured to: rest upon a rim of the bucket so as to support the support ring within the bucket; and extend beyond the rim of the bucket so as to provide external hanging points for suspending further paintbrushes outside the bucket.

2. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein the support ring defines a flat inner face.

3. The paintbrush hanger of claim 2, wherein the flat inner face is frustoconical.

4. The paintbrush hanger of claim 2, wherein the flat inner face comprises an upper inner rim.

5. The paintbrush hanger of claim 2, wherein the support ring defines a flat outer face.

6. The paintbrush hanger of claim 5, wherein the flat outer face is frustoconical.

7. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein the support ring defines a bottom edge beneath the rim of the bucket.

8. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein the support ring defines a top edge, and wherein, in elevation, the inner hanger members are positioned beneath the top edge.

9. The paintbrush hanger of claim 8, wherein, in elevation, the outer hanger members are raised with respect to the inner hanger members.

10. The paintbrush hanger of claim 9, wherein the outer hanger members project from the top edge and the inner hanger members project from a bottom edge of the support ring.

11. The paintbrush hanger of claim 7, wherein the bottom edge is spaced apart from an interior surface of the bucket.

12. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein lower bracing flanges interface the outer hanger members and the support ring.

13. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein upper bracing flanges interface the inner hanger members and the support ring.

14. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein at least a subset of the hanger members define a linear pointed apex.

15. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein the support ring defines a bottom surface, and wherein the inner hanger members extend beneath the bottom surface to define resting points.

16. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein the hanger members are generally horizontal when the hanger is installed within the bucket.

17. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein the hanger members define upward projections at distal ends.

18. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein the outer hanger members are arranged in two groups each defining a hanging member spacing interval, and wherein the two groups are spaced apart by a group spacing interval larger than the hanging member spacing interval.

19. The paintbrush hanger of claim 18, further comprising a handle, wherein opposite ends of the handle are arranged between the two groups.

20. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein the inner hanger members are equidistantly spaced.

21. The paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , wherein the inner hanger members are longer than the outer hanger members.

22. The paintbrush hanger of claim 21 , wherein the inner hanger members are dimensioned to accommodate at least two paintbrushes thereon, and the outer hanger members are dimensioned to accommodate only one paintbrush thereon.

23. A system comprising: the paintbrush hanger of claim 1 ; a bucket having a rim, the support ring of the paintbrush hanger being received within the bucket and supported by the outer hanger members resting upon the rim; anda plurality of paintbrushes, wherein at least one of the plurality of paintbrushes is suspended from the inner hanger members within an interior of the bucket, and at least one of the plurality of paintbrushes is suspended from the outer hanger members outside the bucket.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the outer hanger members are arranged in two groups each defining a hanging member spacing interval, and wherein opposite ends of a handle of the bucket are arranged between the two groups.

25. A method of using the paintbrush hanger of claim 1 , the method comprising positioning the paintbrush hanger within a bucket by resting the outer hanger members on a rim of the bucket such that the support ring is received within the bucket.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising suspending one or more paintbrushes from the inner hanger members with bristles of the one or more paintbrushes submerged in liquid within the bucket.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the liquid comprises paint during intermittent painting.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the liquid comprises a cleaning solution during cleaning of the one or more paintbrushes.

29. The method of claim 25, further comprising suspending one or more paintbrushes from the outer hanger members such that bristles of the one or more paintbrushes are held outside the bucket in free air for drying.

30. The method of claim 25, further comprising wiping excess paint or liquid from bristles of a paintbrush against the flat inner face of the support ring such that excess liquid drips back into the bucket.

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