Paint Container Thumb Hole and Reservoir Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current paint containers are difficult to use efficiently due to limited features for ease of handling and control, making it challenging to apply and manage liquids like paint effectively.
Innovation Solution
A paint container design featuring a container body with elevated members forming reservoirs, a thumb hole, and additional features like scraping edges and finger holes for improved stability and control, allowing for easier handling and application of liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional paint container designs are used, then the container structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in simultaneous holding and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional elements into a nested structure where the thumb hole is formed within the container wall itself, and the elevated member with reservoirs is integrated into the container body. This nesting approach allows complex functionality (thumb hole for gripping, elevated reservoirs for paint containment) to be achieved without increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated member serves multiple functions: it creates separated reservoirs for paint containment, provides a scraping surface for removing excess paint, and its integration into the container wall forms the thumb hole structure. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation while avoiding additional separate components
2Reliability
If paint containers are designed for basic containment, then the device complexity is low, but the stability and control deteriorate during application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific structural features at critical locations: the elevated member is positioned to provide both reservoir containment and scraping functionality, the thumb hole is strategically located in the container wall for optimal gripping, and the finger holes are placed to enhance control during paint application. These localized structural enhancements improve stability without requiring complex overall redesign
Data Source
AI summary
An improved paint container is disclosed. A paint container which may be a tray or an edger tray, is shown having two halves each being configured to hold and contain a liquid. The paint container may have a plurality of walls to form reservoirs therebetween, and a base. The two halves may be separated by an elevated member such as a ridge forming two reservoirs. The elevated member may have a rounded surface for permitting scraping of a pad or brush. In another embodiment, a can holder may include at least one opening that may be formed in a lower section of a base portion. The at least one opening may be as many as four holes and sized to accept fingers of a user. The plurality of holes may be configured and located below a thumb hole. The holes may be recessed permitting near simultaneous insertion of a thumb and fingers into the respective holes.