Paint Can Holder with Over-Center Clamping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paint can holders are prone to spilling and are awkward to use, as they tip or require the user to hold them by the thin metal wire handle, and lack secure latching mechanisms, making it difficult for painters to access the paint without using their hands.

Innovation Solution

A paint can holder device with a base that securely attaches to a user's belt via a carabiner or clip, featuring an over-center clamping mechanism that keeps the paint can upright and stable, allowing hands-free painting by attaching to the paint can's sealing lip and providing a secure, stable hold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a paint can is held by the thin metal wire bale (handle), then the user can access the paint can, but it becomes awkward and difficult to hold securely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of holding paint canVSAvoidstrength of handle

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the paint can from the user's hand and transfers it to the belt-mounted holder device. The holder includes a base that receives the paint can and a connecting component that attaches to the user's belt, completely removing the need to hold the can by its weak metal wire bale.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder device acts as an intermediary between the paint can and the user's belt. It provides a strong structural connection point on the belt and a receiving base for the paint can, mediating the support function that was previously attempted through the weak metal wire handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a typical belt clip holder is used, then the paint can is supported from the waist belt, but it tips and spills paint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free supportVSAvoidstability of paint can

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The holder device incorporates a toggle-type latching clip with movable arms that can dynamically adjust to secure the paint can in various positions. The latching mechanism transitions from an open state during attachment to a locked state that prevents tipping, adapting to the paint can's weight and position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder device is segmented into distinct functional components: a base for receiving the paint can, a connecting component for belt attachment, and a toggle-type latching clip with movable arms. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function - the base provides stability, the connecting component secures to the belt, and the latching clip prevents tipping through its articulated arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If prior art devices attach to the belt without a pivot clip or carabiner, then the structure is simpler, but careful removal is required to avoid dumping paint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of attachment mechanismVSAvoidease of removing holder

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The toggle-type latching clip provides self-latching functionality where the movable arms automatically lock into position when the paint can is inserted, and can be easily released by actuating the toggle mechanism. This self-service latching system eliminates the need for careful manual positioning during removal while maintaining secure attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If a magnet is used to attach a paint brush to the device (as in Bajuyo), then the brush can be held, but a toggle latch cannot be conveniently used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrush attachment capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with latching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder device provides universal functionality by incorporating both a toggle-type latching mechanism for securing the paint can and a magnet for attaching the paint brush. These two attachment systems work independently and complementarily, allowing the device to handle both the paint can and brush simultaneously without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9931887B2Paint can holder for painting

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 EBERLY JR JAMES W

AI summary

The invention is a paint can holder, allowing a painter to hold a paint container for easy access when painting, having a base with a ledge integrally formed to the base, securely conforming to a sealing lip of the paint can, and a handle with a pair of inwardly bent legs extending through the handle connecting the handle to the base and a pair of hinge connecting means. An over center clamping member connects to the hinge connecting means, allowing the handle to cause the over center clamping member to clamp the base to the sealing lip of the paint can. A connecting component threads through a clip hole in the base simultaneously attaching to a user's garment. The invention may be used for home improvement or construction to carry a paint and other articles, allowing the paint can to remain upright without spilling.