Paint brush with modified handle

Abstract

A paint brush with a modified handle features a handle that is elongated in comparison to a conventional paint brush, and provides hooks for hanging the brush on the rim of a paint can. The lower end of the handle provides a threaded socket for affixing the brush on the end of a painting pole, enabling quick and easy touch-ups of any spots high above the floor or scaffold that were missed.

Claims

1. A paint brush with a modified handle, comprising: a) an elongated handle having a lower end and an opposite end having bristles, the handle comprising two or more hooks protruding and disposed radially about the longitudinal axis of the handle, the two or more hooks being sized and configured to hang the paint brush from a rim of a paint can, wherein a position of each of the two or more hooks is adjustable such that the position of each of the two or more hooks is independently movable up and down the elongated handle.

2. The paint brush of claim 1, wherein the two or more hooks are affixed to a sliding insert within the elongated handle, the two or more hooks protruding through vertical slots provided in the handle.

3. The paint brush of claim 2, wherein the position of the two or more hooks is adjusted by sliding the two or more hooks up or down the vertical slots, wherein the sliding insert is held in place by friction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the brush 10, the handle 11, the hooks 12, the socket 13, and the bristles 14.

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the brush 10, the handle 11, the hooks 12, the socket 13, and the bristles 14.

(4) FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the brush 10, and the socket 13.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side transparency view of a paint can with the first exemplary embodiment hanging from the rim, displaying the brush 10, the hooks 12, the can 15, and the rim 16.

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of the first exemplary embodiment affixed to a painting pole, displaying the brush 10, and the pole 18.

(7) FIG. 6 is a front view of the second exemplary embodiment displaying the sliding insert 30 and vertical slots 31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a paint brush 10 with a modified handle 11.

(9) The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a paint brush 10 which is similar in structure and function to a conventional paint brush, with the following modifications. The handle 11 is elongated in comparison to a conventional paint brush, and provides hooks 12 for hanging the brush 10 on the rim 16 of a paint can 15. The lower end of the handle 17 provides a threaded socket 13 for affixing the brush 10 on the end of a painting pole 18, such as those conventionally used with paint rollers, enabling quick and easy touch-ups of any spots high above the floor or scaffold that were missed.

(10) The bristles 14 are preferably manufactured from a soft, fine material such as horsehair. The overall length of the brush 10 is preferably 15.5 inches to 16 inches, with a handle 11 that is preferably 12 inches in length. The overall width of the brush 10 is preferably 3.5 inches. Larger and smaller sizes are contemplated. Each hook 12 provides a 90 angle, rather than being curved like a fishhook, such that the shape of the hook 12 corresponds closely to the shape of the rim 16 for greater stability. The hooks preferably extend towards the bristles 14 of the brush 10 such that when the brush 10 is hung from the rim 16 of the paint can 15, the bristles 14 face downwardly into the paint can 15.

(11) An alternate embodiment, providing hooks 12 which are adjustable, is also contemplated. For the alternate embodiment, the hooks 12 are molded as part of a sliding insert 30 within the handle 11, and protrude through vertical slots 31 provided in the handle 11. Once the position of the hooks 12 is adjusted by the user, the slide is secured in position within the handle 11 by friction and flexibility. This enables the user to suspend the bristles 14 at any desired height in the can 16.

(12) To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may hang the brush 10 on the rim 16 of a paint can 15, with the bristles 14 descending into the can 15, when desired. To paint a spot which is difficult to reach, the user may insert the threaded end of a painting pole 18 into the socket 13, turning the brush 10 clockwise to tighten the threads and secure the brush 10 to the pole 18.

(13) The handle 11 and the hooks 12 are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials, such as hardened plastic or wood. The socket 13 is preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as steel or aluminum alloy. The bristles 14 are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material which is soft, fine, and easily cleaned, such as horsehair or nylon fibers.

(14) Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

(15) While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.