Described in detail herein is an automated paint mixing system. The paint mixing system includes a mobile device which can receive an input associated with a color of a paint. The mobile device can transmit the input associated with a color to a first computing system. The first computing system can receive the input associated with a color. The first computing system retrieve an identifier associated with the color based on the input. The first computing system can transmit the identifier associated with the color to a second computing system. The second computing system can instruct a paint dispenser to mix and generate a specified amount of paint of the requested color based on the received identifier. The second computing system can instruct a 3-D printer to fabricate a three-dimensional container configured to store the generated paint. The paint dispenser can deposit the generated paint in the three-dimensional container.

An optical device for painters is provided which can be used to make life drawings, the device being positioned facing the observer, between the scene, image or model to be copied and the working surface. The device includes a supporting structure including at least two mirrors disposed facing one another, both positioned to form an angle, of approximately 45, relative to the rear surface of the structure, such that the image, located on the front side of the device received by a first mirror is reflected onto a second mirror and the image reflected in the second mirror is received by the observer located on the rear side of the device. One of the mirrors can pivot in order to control the orientation of the reflected image received and to adjust same as appropriate.

An optical device for painters is provided which can be used to make life drawings, the device being positioned facing the observer, between the scene, image or model to be copied and the working surface. The device includes a supporting structure including at least two mirrors disposed facing one another, both positioned to form an angle, of approximately 45, relative to the rear surface of the structure, such that the image, located on the front side of the device received by a first mirror is reflected onto a second mirror and the image reflected in the second mirror is received by the observer located on the rear side of the device. One of the mirrors can pivot in order to control the orientation of the reflected image received and to adjust same as appropriate.

A paint applicator washer for washing paint applicators, such as for example paint brushes and paint rollers. The paint applicator washer includes at least one spray tube with a hose connector or adapter at one end thereof and at least one nozzle provided along the length of the at least one spray tube. When connected to a hose supplying washing fluid, such as for example water, the washing fluid is ejected from the at least one nozzle as a pressurized stream or jet which can be directed at used paint applicators to wash out paint and other debris therefrom.

A hanger is provided that remains relatively stable and does not rotate in a direction a hanging rod extends from which the hanger is suspended. The hanger comprises a top hook which is configured with multiple straight sides with adjacent straight sides connected at angles, wherein two adjacent sides are connected at an angle via a high point, wherein the high point is a highest point of the top hook. The two adjacent straight sides connected via the high point are arranged to contact the hanging rod on opposing sides when suspended from the hanging rod. The top hook is connected to one or more arms which are connected to base. The base includes a wavy portion which includes one or more peaks and one or more low points, wherein a first low point is configured at a midpoint of the base and the first low point is in line with the high point of the top along a centerline.

An easy-to-use paint roller cleaning device with multiple cleaning members sized for interfacing with rollers and naps of various sizes while the user holds onto the device along a handle. The cleaning members have an opening encircled by a roller interface wall which squeezes tightly over the nap while its paint-scraping rim removes the paint or other liquid from the roller nap and the paint-guiding wall urges the liquid downward to exit the nap. The paint roll cleaner tool will scrape the entire length of the nap before clearing the tip of the nap farthest from the painting handle. The cleaning structures come in sizes suited for standard and mini rollers with a variety of naps including ? inch, ? inch, and ? inch.

A tool is provided that includes unitary plate that includes a blade portion and a tang portion. The blade portion can include an edge. The tang portion can include a positioning hole, a first hole, a slot, a second hole, a rivet hole, and one or more teeth (also referred to as one or more barbs) on a side of the tang portion. The tool can further include a hilt member which includes a through passage, a tab, and a notch. The tool includes an overlay on a body to create a handle for gripping the tool. The tool further includes a hammerhead cap on an end of the body, the hammerhead cap is coupled to the handle with a rivet through the rivet hole.

Cleaning system and method for paint rollers uses a liquid container. A plurality of cage shafts extend into an interior of the container. Each cage shaft supports a cage which is sized and shaped for holding a tubular paint roller. A drive system is configured to mechanically couple a drive shaft to each of the plurality of cage shafts. Rotation of the drive shaft causes a concurrent rotation of the plurality of cage shafts within the container to facilitate cleaning and drying operations.

Embodiments of a vending system are disclosed for delivering custom paints, permitting automated paint mixing and dispensing without the need for assistance. Customizable paint may be ordered locally or remotely, possibly with improved color matching that leverages color references to compare a known color with a color as observed within an image provided by the customer. Dimensional estimates of the surface to be painted may be possible using scale references within an image provided by the customer, to provide quantity suggestions. Common consumer products, having packaging of known color and dimensions, placed within the image provided by the customer may provide both color references and scale references. A preview function may replicate the image provided by the customer, but indicating the new paint color, as adjusted according to an analysis of one or more color references.

The invention is directed to a shipping container 1 for transporting works of art 2 comprising an enclosing section 3 obtained by injection moulding and a cover section 7 obtained by injection moulding, retaining means 9 to secure the cover section 7 to the wall sections of the enclosing section 3. The retaining means 9 are not present on at least one wall section 10. Said one wall section 10 is not provided with retaining means 9 and is provided with one or more support strips 11 along the length of the side wall 10.