Paint Brush Cover

Abstract

The present invention is an improved paint brush or applicator cover that may be used to store a conventional brush when it is not in use. The improved paint brush or applicator cover is effective at protecting the bristles of the brush once the brush has been used, washed, and dried. The improved paint brush cover has a base portion that is sized to fit a particular brush style, type, or size. The improved paint brush cover includes a plurality of elastic closures and posts for securing the cover portion to the base portion after the insertion of the paint brush into the base portion.

Claims

1. A paint brush or applicator cover comprising: a front flap comprising a plurality of posts and an elastic closure; a rear flap; a pair of side flaps, wherein each of the pair of side flaps is connected to each of the front and rear flaps; a base portion comprising a first opening and a second opening, wherein the base portion is connected to the front flap; and a second plurality of posts positioned on the base portion.

2. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the elastic closure engages with the second plurality of posts on the base portion.

3. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 2, wherein the elastic closure creates an undulating closure pattern when wrapped around each of the plurality of posts on the front flap and the second plurality of posts on the base portion.

4. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of posts outnumber the second plurality of posts.

5. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 4, wherein the plurality of posts is comprised of five posts and the second plurality of posts is comprised of four posts to allow for an undulating pattern by the elastic closure to hold the front flap to the base portion.

6. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of side flaps comprise at least one post.

7. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the front flap forms an angled end along with the rear portion, and further wherein the angled end is opposite from the base portion.

8. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the front flap and back flap are joined along a spine or top end edge.

9. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 8, wherein the spine or top end edge comprises a plurality of openings.

10. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 9, wherein the plurality of openings have a length that is larger than a width, and the length of the openings is parallel to a plurality of bristles of a brush upon which the paint brush or applicator cover is installed.

11. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 8, wherein the spine of top end edge is angled to accommodate a shaped bristle type.

12. The paint brush or applicator cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the paint brush or applicator cover is sized and configured to fit at least one of a chisel trim brush, a square trim brush, or an angled brush.

13. A combination paint brush and protective cover comprising: a paint brush comprising a handle portion, a brush portion and a ferrule that connects the brush portion to the handle portion, wherein the handle portion has a width that is less than a width of each of the ferrule portion and the brush portion; a cover comprising a base portion, a front flap, a rear flap and a pair of side flaps, wherein the front and rear flaps are connected to one another along a spine and the front flap is foldable about a fold line, and further wherein the spine comprises a plurality of openings; and a plurality of posts positioned along the cover.

14. The combination paint brush and protective cover as recited in claim 13 further comprising an elastic closure connecting a first set of posts positioned on the base portion to a second set of posts positioned on at least one of the front flap and the rear flap.

15. The combination paint brush and protective cover as recited in claim 13 further comprising an elastic closure connecting a first set of posts positioned on the base portion to a second set of posts positioned on the pair of side flaps.

16. The combination paint brush and protective cover as recited in claim 13, wherein the front flap comprises a plurality of micro-perforations.

17. The combination paint brush and protective cover as recited in claim 13, wherein the cover is comprised of at least one of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polystyrene, a coated cellulosic stock, a silicone and a rubber.

18. The combination paint brush and protective cover as recited in claim 14, wherein the elastic closure is wrapped through the first and second sets of posts in an undulating pattern.

19. A cover for holding a cleaned paint brush, the cover comprising: a front flap; a rear flap connected to the front flap along a top end edge, wherein the top end edge comprises a plurality of openings; a pair of side flaps connected to the rear flap; a base portion connected to each of the rear flap and the pair of side flaps; a plurality of posts positioned on each of the base portion and the pair of side flaps; a second plurality of posts positioned on the front flap; and and elastic closure for wrapping around at least one of the plurality of posts and the second plurality of posts.

20. The cover for holding a cleaned paint brush as recited in claim 19, wherein the base portion comprises a first opening sized and configured to receive a ferrule of the cleaned paint brush and a second opening sized and configured to receive a handle of the cleaned paint brush.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the paint brush cover of the present invention in a closed orientation in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 1B illustrates a side perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 1C illustrates a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a conventional paint brush in an as new condition;

[0027] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a conventional paint brush in a less-than-new or less-than desired condition;

[0028] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of Step 1 of the method described in FIGS. 3A-3D for storing a recently cleaned-out conventional paint brush using the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A-1C in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of Step 2 of the method described in FIGS. 3A-3D for storing a recently cleaned-out conventional paint brush using the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A-1C in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of Step 3 of a method described in FIGS. 3A-3D for storing a recently cleaned-out conventional paint brush using the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A-1C in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0031] FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of Step 4 of a method described in FIGS. 3A-3D for storing a recently cleaned-out conventional paint brush using the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A-1C in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0033] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved paint brush or applicator cover that can securely protect a used, cleaned-out paint brush or paint applicator thereby keeping the paint brush bristles properly aligned while the brush dries out after use. In addition, there is a long-felt need for an improved paint brush cover that can keep a paint brush protected while it is stored, thus keeping it ready for its next usage. Finally, there is a long-felt need for an improved paint brush or applicator cover that can include a writing surface on the front or back flaps thereby allowing the user to identify the type of brush and its specific application (i.e., latex paint, oil paint, stain, or other types of coatings) as well as the last date of use and other details that may help the next time the brush is used, such as the project or room where the brush or applicator was used.

[0034] The present invention is an improved paint brush or applicator cover that includes base portion that is sized to fit a particular brush size, style, or type. In addition, the improved paint brush or applicator cover has a preferably rigid or semi-rigid cover portion that is also sized to fit a particular brush type, size, or style. Finally, the improved paint brush cover includes a plurality of elastic closures, fasteners, strips, or bands and corresponding posts for securing the cover portion to the base portion of the cover after the insertion of the paint brush into the base portion of the cover takes place. The cover portion that is formed by a front flap, a rear flap, two side flaps, and a spine may include one or more openings that will assist in the proper drying of the brush or applicator once it has been secured inside of the device. The cover portion and the base portion are joined together on the rear side of the improved paint brush cover. The spine is inclined to match the angle of the toe end of the bristles on the brush.

[0035] The easy opening elastic closures allow each of the front and side flaps to be opened along a fold line. Both the base portion and the cover portion are made slightly larger than the conventional paint brush. After placing the brush into the base portion of the improved paint brush cover, the user can then close each of the preferably rigid or semi-rigid flaps and secure them in place with the elastic closures and posts. When the elastic closures are stretched around corresponding posts, the flaps are then stretched slightly and held in position. This stretching action causes a slight pressure between the flaps and the bristles, which helps them keep their desired shape and alignment while the brush continues to dry.

[0036] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a preferred embodiment of the improved paint brush or applicator cover 100 of the present invention as per the disclosed design shown in a closed orientation. Additionally, FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1A as per the disclosed design. Finally, FIG. 1C illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1A as per the disclosed design.

[0037] Using FIGS. 1A-1C, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises of an improved paint brush or applicator cover 100 that includes a base portion 110 and a cover portion 120 that are sized to fit a particular brush style, type, or size. In addition, the improved paint brush or applicator cover 100 includes a plurality of elastic closures 130 for securing the cover portion 120 to the base portion 110 of the device 100 after the insertion of the paint brush into the base portion 110 of the device 100 takes place.

[0038] The cover portion 120 that is formed by a front flap 140, a rear flap 160, two side flaps 150, and a spine or top end edge 170 may include one or more openings 175 that will assist in the proper drying of the brush once it has been secured inside of the device 100. The openings 175 have a length which is greater than a width and run parallel to the brush bristles. Micro-perforations and other holes 121 may be dispersed throughout the cover to help in drying of the brush. The openings range in size from a number of micro-perforations having a size ranging between 0.05 to 0.5 mm up to 15 mm or about a half inch diameter. The spine or top end edge 170 of the cover portion 120 is preferably inclined to match the angle of the toe end of the bristles on the brush. The cover may be configured to fit angled ends such as with chisel trim, square trim, angled, brushes. Other brushes useable for use with the cover include thin angle, angle sash, flat sash, trim, wall brushes. Each of the flaps (140, 150, and 160) and spine or top end edge 170 are preferably made from plastic such as, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, coated cellulosic stock or a silicone or rubber having an approximate thickness of 0.03 to about 0.2 inches with about 0.06 inches being preferred. A plurality of preferably plastic, hard rubber or metal posts 125, may be affixed to each of the front 140 and side 150 flaps. The posts 125 are spaced about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches apart with about 0.25 inches being preferred for securing the front 140 and side 150 flaps using elastic closures 130. The posts 125 are about 0.1 to about 0.25 inches tall. The cover portion 120 and the base portion 110 are joined together at seam or fold line 180, which is located at the bottom edge of rear flap 160 of the improved paint brush cover 100. As shown in FIG. 1A, there are preferably more posts present on the front flap than on the base portion so that the elastic band can create an undulating closure pattern wrapped around the various posts to create the sufficient pressure on the brush or applicator enclosed in the cover.

[0039] The actual dimensions of the improved paint brush or applicator cover 100 may be adjusted to accommodate different sizes, types, and styles of paint brushes 200 (See FIGS. 2A-2B for paint brush item numbers). In addition, while it is preferable to size the improved paint brush cover 100 to hold a single paint brush 200, it is also conceivable to configure the device such that it could hold more than one paint brush 200 at a time. Further, inserting small pieces of plastic, foam, or rubber (not shown) to act as shims along the inside surfaces of the side flaps 150 could allow the device 100 to accommodate slightly smaller paint brushes 200.

[0040] The base portion 110 includes an appropriately sized opening 113 near its top end to accommodate the brush ferrule 220 and another appropriately sized opening 112 near its bottom end to accommodate the brush handle 210. The overall dimensions of the base portion 110 are sized to hold a particular shape and size of paint brush 200, thereby providing for a slight clearance between both the paint brush ferrule 220 and paint brush handle 210. The base portion 110 is preferably made from injection molded plastic having an approximate thickness of 0.12 inches or formed from coated cellulosic stock which may include post-consumer waste and other recycled content. A plurality of posts 115, preferably formed as part of the injection molding process for the base portion 110, are located near the top opening 113 of the base portion 110. The posts 115 are spaced apart for securing the front 140 and side 150 flaps using elastic closures, strips, or bands 130, which are typically made from rubber, elastic fabric, or other stretchable materials. The closures 130 ideally can be stretched up to 100 percent of the unstretched size of the band or closure. The closures 130 may be a continuous strip with loops 127 (see FIG. 3D) provided on the terminal ends to secure around the posts.

[0041] The improved paint brush 100 cover extends the overall life of the paint brush 200. This is accomplished by the tight-fitting cover portion 120 of the cover 100 that serves to keep the bristles 230 aligned while the recently cleaned paint brush 200 dries. The openings 175 in the spine or top end edge 170 portion and other openings 121 allow moisture to escape so that the enclosed paint brush 200 does not get moldy. The elastic closures 130, when stretched between corresponding posts (125, 115) on the cover portion 120 and the base portion 110, cause slight pressure of the flaps (140, 150, 160) against the brush bristles 230. The slight pressure, along with the close-fitting cover portion 120, effectively keep the brush bristles 230 aligned during the drying process.

[0042] Additional features of the improved paint brush cover 100 may be easily incorporated into the overall design. For instance, the base portion 110 and cover portion 120 of the device 100 could be made in many different color options. Further any of the exterior surfaces of the base portion 110 or cover portion 120 could be made to be written onto using a marker or may include logos or other company information 161. This feature would allow the user to markdown the relevant information about the paint brush 200 that is securely stored inside of the device 100. Even further, a hook (not shown) could be affixed to the rear flap 160 for allowing the improved paint brush cover 100 to be hung on a wall. This may be helpful even for paint bushes 200 having an opening 215 in their handle 210 since the opening 215 can be too small at times or may have dried paint filling the opening 215 in the handle 210.

[0043] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a conventional paint brush in an as-new condition 200. A new conventional paint brush 200 has bristles 230 that are perfectly aligned making it easy for the user to dip the bristles 230 into the can of paint. The toe end 235 of the bristles 230 forms an inclined edge making it easier for the user to control the amount of paint on the brush 200 and makes it easier for dipping the brush 200 into the can of paint, stain or other material. The grip end of the handle 210 may include an opening 215 to permit hanging of the brush when it is not in use. The other end of the brush handle 210 flares outward to join the ferrule 220. The ferrule 220 attaches the brush handle 210 to the heel end 232 of the bristles 230. The handle 210, the opening in the handle 215, the ferrule 220, and the bristles 230 will accumulate paint over time while the individual is using it. Some of this paint will become dried-on while the individual is using the brush 200. As the brush 200 is used, the once aligned bristles 230 are no longer perfectly aligned. The dried-on paint makes it difficult to get the residual paint cleaned from the brush 200 once the project has been completed.

[0044] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a conventional paint brush in a less-than-new or less-than desired condition 200′. Due to the normal usage of the brush 200′, in addition to the cleaning of the brush 200′, many of the bristles 230′ will now become fanned-out (largely at the bristle toe end 235′ and not at the bristle heel end 232′) instead of being perfectly aligned, thereby making it more difficult to dip the brush 200′ into the paint or stain receptacle the next time it is to be used. In order for the bristles 230′ to return to their original alignment, they must be held in proper alignment until the bristles 230′ dry out. Failing to do so will leave the paint brush 200′ in a less-than-desirable condition. If the condition is severe enough, the user may decide not to re-use the brush 200′ next time. Instead, the user may elect to discard the brush 200′ and use a new one instead, which can be inefficient and costly. However, inserting the cleaned-out brush 200 into an improved brush cover 100 of the present invention can maintain proper alignment of the bristles 230, thereby extending the usable life of the brush 200.

[0045] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of using an improved paint brush cover of the present invention is disclosed in FIGS. 3A-3D. The method includes several steps.

[0046] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of Step 1 of the method described in FIGS. 3A-3D for storing a recently cleaned conventional paint brush 200 using the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A-1C as the disclosed design. The first step (see Step 1 item 310 in FIG. 3A) is to open the front flap 140 of the cover portion 120 of the device 100 and align the cleaned paint brush 200 with the rear 160 and side 150 flaps of the device 100. The front flap 140 will pivot open at the location of a fold line 162 formed between the spine or top end edge 170 and the rear flap 160. The side flaps 150 may be opened as well, by loosening elastic closures 130 and pivoting the side flap 150 at the fold line 163 formed between the side flap 150 and the rear flap 160. The cover portion 120 and the base portion 110 are joined together at the lower end of the rear flap 160 at seam 180. Seam 180 may be an adhesively bonded joint, or the like.

[0047] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of Step 2 of the method described in FIGS. 3A-3D for storing a recently cleaned conventional paint brush 200 using the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A-1C as the disclosed design. The second step of the method (see Step 2 item 320 in FIG. 3B) is to slide the brush handle 210 down into the opening 112 formed in the bottom side of the base portion 110 of the device 100. Again, the side flaps 150 may be opened as well, by loosening elastic closures 130 and pivoting the side flap 150 at the fold 163 (see FIG. 3A) formed between the side flap 150 and the rear flap 160. The brush 200 should slide completely down into the base portion 110 of the device 100. This will allow the toe end 235 of the bristles 230 of the brush 200 to align with spine or top end edge 170 portion of the device 100.

[0048] FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of Step 3 of a method described in FIGS. 3A-3D for storing a recently cleaned conventional paint brush 200 using the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A-1C as the disclosed design. The third step of the method (see Step 3 item 330 in FIG. 3C) is to close the front flap 140 by pivoting the front flap 140 about the fold line 162 formed between the spine 170 and the rear flap 160. With the bristles 230 properly aligned and held in place by the front flap 140, the rear flap 160, and side flaps 150 of the cover 100, the brush 200 should now fit snuggly within the improved brush cover 100. The front flap 140 should still be loose, but in contact with the bristles 230.

[0049] FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of Step 4 of a method described in FIGS. 3A-3D for storing a recently cleaned conventional paint brush 200 using the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A-1C as the disclosed design. The fourth step of the method (see Step 4 item 340 in FIG. 3D) is to stretch each of the elastic closures 130 so that they go over a corresponding post 125 on the front flap 140. If any of the elastic closures 130 were loosened on the side flaps 150 in steps one or two, they too, need to be reattached to a corresponding post 125 on the side flaps 150. In this configuration, the elastic closures 130 are fixedly attached to the base portion 110 and selectively attached to each of the flaps (140, 150). Alternatively, the elastic closures 130 could be fixedly attached to each of the flaps (140, 150) and selectively attached to a corresponding post 115 on the base portion 110 of the device 100. In either case, when the elastic closures 130 are all attached to their corresponding posts (115 or 125), a slight pressure is placed on the bristles 230 of the brush 200 due to the slight stretching of the front 140 and side 150 flaps. The brush 200 is now ready to dry-out and can be stored away for future use.

[0050] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “improved paint brush cover” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the improved paint brush cover 100 of the present invention. Further, the term “paint brush” refers to a brush made for any treatment coating such as paint, stain, adhesive, or the like.

[0051] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the improved paint brush cover 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of each of the improved paint brush cover 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and designs of the improved paint brush cover 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of each of the improved paint brush cover 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the improved paint brush cover 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0052] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0053] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.