Disposable or reusable paint applicator protector

Abstract

An improved protective covering for paint brushes, paint rollers, and other paint applicators, consisting of a sheath of flexible, impermeable material. In one embodiment, a protector for a paint brush, roller or other paint applicator comprising a sheath of impermeable flexible material. Said sheath is comprised of two membranes. The inner membrane is polyethylene vinyl acetate, or ethylene vinyl acetate. This provides intrinsic adhesiveness thereby improving performance. The surface of said membrane has a frosted or translucent appearance. This membrane adheres to the paint on the tools for an improved barrier between the paint and oxygen. When the wet surface of the tool makes contact with the frosted membrane, the wet or paint shows through more clearly, while the dry areas maintain a frosted appearance, thereby indicating the product is working. The outer membrane is polyethylene plastic. The outer layer provides an extra barrier against moisture and air and, due to its ductility and impact strength, will act as an extra layer of protection against any punctures. All sides of the covering are sealed except one. The width of the protector may narrow from the open end to the closed end. A casing is at the open end. An elastic cord is threaded through a small hole in the outer side of the casing, through the casing, and out of the hole. A lock is attached to the exposed portion of the elastic cord. The elastic cord and lock allow the user to adjust the seal that fits, or works, best for each painting tool. The improved protector is convenient to use, secure, and inexpensive. The cover is reusable or disposable, at the option of the user. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Claims

1. A protective cover adapted for storing a paint applicator, the protective cover comprising: a sheath constructed of an impermeable, flexible material, the sheath having: an open end, a closed end, and sides extending between the open end and the closed end, with the open end having a greater width than the closed end; and a membrane adapted to contact a paint applicator inserted into the sheath, with the membrane having a translucent appearance when dry and having a more transparent appearance when wet than when dry; a partially enclosed channel adjacent to and around a perimeter of the open end of the sheath, with the channel having an inner wall on an inside of the sheath and an outer wall on an outside of the sheath; an elastic cord running through the channel and having opposite ends exiting the channel through an aperture, with the aperture formed only in the outer wall of the channel such that the aperture does not extend into the inner wall of the channel; and a slidable lock positioned on the opposite ends of the elastic cord and adapted to interact with the elastic cord to secure the open end of the sheath in a substantially closed position.

2. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the protective cover is configured to store one of a brush, roller, or foam applicator.

3. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the membrane comprises an inner membrane and with the sheath further including an outer membrane, with the inner membrane constructed of a different material than the outer membrane.

4. The protective cover of claim 3 wherein the channel is formed by folding back at least one of the inner membrane or the outer membrane.

5. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the closed end of the sheath includes a gusset.

6. The protective cover of claim 5 wherein the gusset enables expansion of the closed end of the sheath such that the sides of the sheath can separate.

7. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the membrane comprises one of polyethylene vinyl acetate or ethylene vinyl acetate.

8. The protective cover of claim 3 wherein the outer membrane comprises polyethylene plastic.

9. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the sheath has a trapezoidal shape, the perimeter of which is closed on the closed end and sides.

10. A protective cover adapted for storing a paint applicator, the protective cover comprising: a sheath constructed of an impermeable, flexible material, the sheath having: an open end, a closed end, and sides extending between the open end and the closed end; and a membrane adapted to contact a paint applicator inserted into the sheath, with the membrane having a translucent appearance when dry and having a more transparent appearance when wet than when dry; a partially enclosed channel adjacent to and around a perimeter of the open end of the sheath, with the channel having an inner wall on an inside of the sheath and an outer wall on an outside of the sheath; an elastic cord running through the channel and having opposite ends exiting the channel through an aperture, with the aperture formed only in the outer wall of the channel such that the aperture does not extend into the inner wall of the channel; and a slidable lock positioned on the opposite ends of the elastic cord and adapted to interact with the elastic cord to secure the open end of the sheath in a substantially closed position.

11. The protective cover of claim 10 wherein the sheath has a trapezoidal shape, the perimeter of which is closed on the closed end and sides.

12. The protective cover of claim 10 wherein the protective cover is configured to store one of a brush, roller, or foam applicator.

13. The protective cover of claim 10 wherein the membrane comprises an inner membrane and with the sheath further including an outer membrane, with the inner membrane constructed of a different material than the outer membrane.

14. The protective cover of claim 10 wherein the closed end of the sheath includes a gusset.

15. The protective cover of claim 14 wherein the gusset enables expansion of the closed end of the sheath such that the sides of the sheath can separate.

16. The protective cover of claim 10 wherein the membrane comprises one of polyethylene vinyl acetate or ethylene vinyl acetate.

17. A protective cover adapted for storing a paint applicator, the protective cover comprising: a sheath constructed of an impermeable, flexible material, the sheath having: an open end, a closed end, and sides extending between the open end and the closed end, with the open end having a greater width than the closed end; and a membrane adapted to contact a paint applicator inserted into the sheath, with the membrane having a translucent appearance when dry and having a more transparent appearance when wet than when dry; a partially enclosed channel adjacent to and around a perimeter of the open end of the sheath, with the channel having an inner wall on an inside of the sheath and an outer wall on an outside of the sheath; an elastic cord running through the channel and having opposite ends exiting the channel through an aperture, with the aperture formed only in the outer wall of the channel such that the aperture does not extend into the inner wall of the channel; and a slidable lock positioned on the opposite ends of the elastic cord and adapted to interact with the elastic cord to secure the open end of the sheath in a substantially closed position; wherein the open end of the sheath is adapted to be selectively opened to enable insertion of a paint applicator and closed to secure the open end of the sheath in a substantially closed position around a handle of the paint applicator, using the partially enclosed channel, the elastic cord, and the slidable lock.

18. The protective cover of claim 17 wherein the membrane comprises an inner membrane and with the sheath further including an outer membrane, with the inner membrane constructed of a different material than the outer membrane.

19. The protective cover of claim 17 wherein the closed end of the sheath includes a gusset.

20. The protective cover of claim 17 wherein the membrane comprises one of polyethylene vinyl acetate or ethylene vinyl acetate.

Description

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the paint roller protector with the gusset open

(2) FIG. 1B is a partial detail view showing the two membranes

(3) FIG. 1C is a detail view of the open gusset

(4) FIG. 2 is a top view of the paint roller protector with the gusset closed

(5) FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the paint brush protector

(6) FIG. 3B is a detail view showing the two membranes

(7) FIG. 4 is a top view of the paint brush protector

(8) FIG. 5 is a detail view of the closure showing the two membranes

(9) FIG. 6 is a top view of a roller inside a protector with a gusset

(10) FIG. 7 is a top view of a brush inside a protector

(11) FIG. 8 is a top view of a foam brush inside a protector

(12) FIG. 9 is a top view of a detail roller inside a protector

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

(13) 1 impermeable flexible material 2 inner membrane 3 outer membrane 4 side 6 opening 8 casing 10 hole 11 elastic cord 12 cord 14 lock 16 closed gusset 18 closed end 20 bottom of expanded gusset

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2

(15) One embodiment of the protector is illustrated in FIGS. 1A (perspective view), 1B (partial detail perspective view), 1C (end partial view) and 2 (top view). The protector comprises a sheath of impermeable flexible material 1 (FIG. 2) with an inner membrane 2 (FIGS. 1B, 2) and an outer membrane 3 (FIGS. 1B, 2), in the shape of a trapezoid, the perimeter of which is closed on all sides 4 and 18 (FIGS. 1A, 2), except one 6 (FIGS. 1A, 2), which is open. The opening 6 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2) is parallel to and longer than the closed end 18 (FIGS. 1A, 2). The two sides 4 (FIGS. 1A, 2) narrow from the opening 6 (FIGS. 1A, 2) to the closed end 18 (FIGS. 1A, 2). A short length of the material 1 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2) at the opening 6 (FIGS. 1A, 2) is folded inside the protector and the circumference of which is adhered to the protector to form a casing 8 (FIGS. 1A, 2). A small hole 10 (FIGS. 1A, 2) is cut into the outer portion of the casing 8 (FIGS. 1A, 2) and an elastic cord 11 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2) is threaded into the hole 10 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2), through the casing 8 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2), and then out of the hole 10 (FIGS. 1A, 2). A lock 14 (FIGS. 1A, 2) is attached to the exposed portion of the elastic cord 11 (FIGS. 1A, 2).

(16) FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4—Additional Embodiment

(17) FIG. 3A shows a perspective view and FIG. 4 shows a top view of the protector for a paint brush or similar tool. FIG. 3B shows a detail view of the membranes of the protector. The protector comprises a sheath of impermeable flexible material 1 (FIG. 4), in the shape of a trapezoid, the perimeter of which is closed on all sides 4 and 18 (FIGS. 3A, 4), except one 6 (FIGS. 3A, 4), which is open. The opening 6 (FIGS. 3A, 4), of the protector and the casing 8 (FIGS. 3A, 4), around the opening 6 (FIGS. 3A, 4), can be seen. The elastic cord 1 (FIGS. 3A, 4), is threaded into a small hole 10 (FIGS. 3A, 4), in the casing, through the casing 8 (FIGS. 3A, 4), and out of the hole 10 (FIGS. 3A, 4). A lock 14 (FIGS. 3A, 4), is attached to the exposed portion of the elastic cord 11 (FIGS. 3A, 4).

(18) FIGS. 5-9

(19) FIG. 5 shows a detail view of the closure disclosing the two membranes 2, 3 (FIG. 5). FIG. 6 shows a roller placed inside a protector. The end of the roller has opened the gusset and is snugly covered. FIG. 7 shows a paint brush inside a protector. FIG. 8 shows a foam brush inside a protector and FIG. 9 shows a detail roller in a protector. FIGS. 7-9 show the versatility of the protector; it can be used for many different tools.

(20) Operation—FIGS. 1A, 2, 3A, 3B, 4

(21) The user places the paint brush bristles or paint roller places the roller arm assembly through the opening 6 into the protector up to the handle, which extends out of the protector. The handle will extend out of the protector. The user of any other paint applicator places the applicator portion of the paint applicator through the opening 6 into the protector. The protector is then closed by sliding the lock 14 along the elastic cord 11 (or other cord 12) toward the protector until the protector is substantially closed, press the protector around the brush, roller or applicator to remove any air in it, and then resume sliding the lock 14 along the elastic cord 11 (or other cord 12) toward the protector until the protector is fully closed. Alternately, one can slide the lock 14 along the elastic cord 11 (or other cord 12) toward the protector until the protector is fully closed around the brush, roller or applicator, as the case may be. Operationally, the advantages of my invention are: (1) The advantages of the double membranes are: the inner membrane provides adherence to the paint on the tool for an improved barrier between the paint and oxygen; the outer membrane provides an extra barrier against moisture and air as well as protects against punctures. (2) The translucent surface of the inner membrane indicates the product is working. (3) The intrinsic adhesiveness of the inner membrane causes the protector to cling to the paint and tool for longer and enhanced protection. (4) The outer membrane has high ductility and impact strength and when in use, can withstand impacts, such as dropping or knocking against other tools. (5) The trapezoid shape of my protector provides users a faster, easier, and neater solution to protecting their tools because it has more width space and more area space at entry point than a simple rectangle. (6) The gusset provides superior protection to rollers or similarly shaped paint applicators by tightly conforming to their shape. My protector neatly fits around a roller and provides better protection since there is less air space next to the roller. (7) The elastic cord and spring toggle locking system make my protector simple to use and reuse. With it, the user can control the seal that fits best for each painting tool, far superior to closures in the prior references. The casing at one end, the elastic cord, and spring toggle locking system keep the protector from being inadvertently torn. The lock secures the brush and will not open until the user desires it to be opened. (8) My protector is reusable or disposable.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

(22) In other embodiments, the protector may be of various sizes or shapes to closely fit different tools. The membranes of the impermeable material may be different thicknesses or appearance. A different means may be used for the closure.

(23) Advantages

(24) From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my protector become evident: (a) The inner membrane provides adherence to the paint on the tool for an improved barrier between the paint and oxygen; the outer membrane provides an extra barrier against moisture and air as well as protects against punctures. (b) The translucent surface of the inner membrane indicates the product is working. (c) The composition of the inner membrane provides intrinsic adhesiveness and thereby improves performance. (d) The outer membrane has high ductility and impact strength and, when in use, can withstand impacts, such as dropping or knocking against other tools. (e) The casing is stronger, the elastic tighter, and the lock is more secure than found in prior art. (f) The novel features of my invention all combine to create a much stronger, more secure, and more attractive protector. (g) The protector is much easier to use than the prior art. (h) Only one hand is needed to hold the protector, while the other hand is holding the brush or roller. (i) The shape increases protection by minimizing the air space around the brush or other paint applicator. The wide opening allows for easy placement. (j) The brush or roller easily slips into the protector without the need for the user's hands to touch wet paint. (k) The protector is more convenient than existing products. It can be stored in the user's pocket prior to use so that it is immediately available upon its need with no search undertaken or extra time taken to locate it, which would allow the paint or stain on the brush or roller to begin to dry and possibly damage the brush or roller. (l) After use, the protector can be discarded or cleaned and reused at the user's discretion. (m) The protector is inexpensive to manufacture, package, and market. (n) The protector is easy and inexpensive to distribute. (o) The protector provides a better-appearing design than the prior art. (p) Due to the low cost of the protector, many painters will desire to use it in order to protect more expensive painting equipment and thereby save money and materials. (q) When the gusset is folded shut, the protector lays flat and smooth, which provides for easier handling, packaging, and storage of the protectors. No part of the gusset is exposed to being opened or caught on machinery, tools or anything else. (r) When in use, the gusset expands within the protector, allowing the protector to maintain a low profile that is less likely to catch or snag on nearby tools or items than a flat protector. (s) The gusset provides a tighter fit around the roller than a flat protector, which is desirable because a tight fit with no air space optimizes the preservation of paint and roller for later use, and better protects the roller from damage or drying out if wet with paint, stain, or similar application. (t) The gusset minimizes the amount of materials needed for the protector for a paint roller compared to a flat protector. (u) The trapezoid shape provides the user 44% more width space at entry point, and 50% more area space at entry point than a simple rectangle. The revolutionary trapezoid bag increases the space ratio between the painting tools at entry point, thus providing a faster, more convenient, less messy solution for the user. (v) The closure is superior to those found in prior art. (w) One size of the protector fits multiple painting tools, such as brushes, foam applicators and detail rollers. (x) The elastic cord and lock provide the user the control to adjust the seal that fits, or works, best for each painting tool.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

(25) Thus the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the protector provides a secure, convenient, fast and easy to use, and economical protector with minimal air space when in use that can be used by most anyone and is reusable or disposable.

(26) While the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Many other variations are possible. For example, the protector may be of various sizes or shapes. The membranes of the impermeable material may be different thicknesses or appearance.

(27) Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.