PAINT SCRAPER

Abstract

A multi-function painting accessory includes a coupling member configured to be received on an end of an extension pole or paint roller, a scraper blade extending from the coupling member, the scraper blade having a distal edge for removing debris from a surface, and an opener device extending from the coupling member, the opener device being configured for use in removing a paint can lid or bottle top.

Claims

1. A multi-function painting accessory, comprising: a coupling member configured to be received on an end of an extension pole or paint roller; a scraper blade extending from the coupling member, the scraper blade having a distal edge for removing debris from a surface; and an opener device extending from the coupling member, the opener device being configured for use in removing a paint can lid or bottle top.

2. The multi-function painting accessory of claim 1, wherein: the opener device is configured as a paint can opener.

3. The multi-function painting accessory of claim 1, wherein: the opener device is configured as a bottle opener.

4. The multi-function painting accessory of claim 1, wherein: the scraper blade and opener device are located on opposite sides of the coupling member.

5. The multi-function painting accessory of claim 1, wherein: the scraper blade extends at an angle between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the coupling member.

6. The multi-function painting accessory of claim 1, wherein: the coupling member is a thin-walled sleeve having a hollow passageway, the hollow passageway being configured to receive a proximal end of the paint roller or the extension pole.

7. The multi-function painting accessory of claim 1, wherein: the scraper blade extends perpendicularly from the coupling member.

8. The multi-function painting accessory of claim 1, wherein: a scraper has an angled forward surface terminating in a knife edge.

9. The multi-function painting accessory of claim 1, wherein: the coupling member is formed from an elastomeric material such that the coupling member is configured to stretch so as to be received over the proximal end of the paint roller or the extension pole and so as to be secured thereto via a press fit connection.

10. The multi-function painting accessory of claim 1, wherein: the opener device includes a curved distal end.

11. A method of preparing a surface, comprising the steps of: utilizing an opener device of an accessory to remove a lid from a paint can; and utilizing a scraper blade of the accessory to remove debris from a surface to be painted.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of: securing the accessory to a proximal end of one of a paint roller and an extension pole.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: the step of utilizing the opener device of the accessory to remove a lid from a paint can is carried out prior to the step of securing the accessory to the proximal end of one of the paint roller and the extension pole.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: the step of utilizing the opener device of an accessory to remove a lid from a paint can includes grasping a sleeve of the accessory with a palm of the hand and inserting a distal end of the opener device into an annular channel at the top of a paint can.

15. A paint scraper, comprising: a coupling member configured to be received on an end of an extension pole or paint roller; and a scraper blade extending from the coupling member, the scraper blade having a distal edge for removing debris from a surface; wherein the scraper blade extends at an angle between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the coupling member.

16. The paint scraper of claim 15, wherein: the coupling member is a thin-walled sleeve having a hollow passageway, the hollow passageway being configured to receive a proximal end of the paint roller or the extension pole.

17. The paint scraper of claim 15, wherein; the coupling member is formed from an elastomeric material such that the coupling member is configured to stretch so as to be received over the proximal end of the paint roller or the extension pole and so as to be secured thereto via a press fit connection.

18. The paint scraper of claim 15, further comprising: an opener device extending from the coupling member, the opener device being configured for use in removing a paint can lid or bottle top.

19. The paint scraper of claim 15, wherein: the opener device is configured as a paint can opener.

20. The paint scraper of claim 15, wherein: the scraper blade and opener device are located on opposite sides of the coupling member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective, side view of a paint scraper according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is perspective, front view of the paint scraper of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective, rear view of the paint scraper of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the paint scraper of FIG. 1, shown connected to a paint roller.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a paint scraper according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the paint scraper of FIG. 5, shown connected to a paint roller.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a paint scraper showing a means of connection to a paint roller.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a paint scraper showing another means of connection to a paint roller.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a paint scraper showing a means of connection to a paint roller.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a paint scraper according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the paint scraper of FIG. 10.

[0024] FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of the paint scraper of FIG. 10.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the paint scraper of FIG. 10, shown connected to an extension pole of a paint roller.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of the paint scraper of FIG. 10, shown connected to an extension pole of a paint roller.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a detailed perspective view of another paint scraper, shown connected to an extension pole of a paint roller.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a detailed perspective view of a paint scraper according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a top, plan view of the paint scraper of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a paint scarper 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The paint scraper 10 includes a coupling member 12 and a scraper body 14 extending from the coupling member 12. In an embodiment, the coupling member 12 is generally cylindrical in shape, although other shapes are possible, and includes a longitudinal slot 16 configured to receive the wire frame arm of a paint roller therein, as described in detail hereinafter. The lower portion of the slot 16 is preferably cylindrical in shape and is sized to generally correspond to the diameter of the frame arm of the paint roller. In an embodiment, the coupling member 12 includes relieved areas 18 on opposing sides of the slot 16 which extend down to about a longitudinal midline of the coupling member 12. The coupling member 12 also includes first and second retention elements 20, 22 each having a pair of opposed retention arms 24, 26 on opposing sides of the slot 16. In an embodiment, the retention arms 24, 26 are formed from a slightly resilient or deflectable materials such as, for example, a polymer, and the distance between the opposed retention arms 24, 26 of each retention element 20, 22 is slightly less than the diameter of the frame arm of a standard paint roller such that the frame arm can be forcibly urged past the retention arms 24, 26 into seated position with in the slot 16, as discussed in detail below. As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, the coupling member 12 also includes a position stop 28 at the end adjacent to the scraper body 14, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described.

[0031] As best shown in FIG. 1, the scraper body 14 is generally planar and rectangular in shape, although other shapes are possible, and has and angled, forward portion 30 that terminates in a knife edge 32. In an embodiment, the coupling member 12 and scraper body 14 may be formed from a rubber, hard plastic or metal, although other materials may also be utilized without departing from the broader aspects of the invention.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 4, the paint scraper 10 of the present invention is configured to connect to a standard paint roller 50 having a handle 52, a wire frame arm 54 and a paint roller cage 56 configure to receive a paint roller cover 58. In particular, in use, the longitudinal slot 16 is aligned with the wire frame arm 54 of the paint roller 50. The frame arm 54 is then pushed into the slot 16. As the frame arm 54 and coupling member 14 are pressed together, this force causes the opposed retention arms 24, 26 of the retention elements 20, 22 to deflect outwardly, allowing the frame arm 54 to move into seated position within the slot 16. The retention arms 24, 26 then snap back into their original position, retaining the frame arm 54 within the slot 16 via a snap fit. Importantly, the presence of the relieved areas 18 allows a user to push the frame arm 54 into its seated position within the slot 16 (without being obstructed by distal ends of the retention arms 24, 26.

[0033] As best shown in FIG. 4, a first leg member 60 of the frame arm 54 is received in the slot 16 of the coupling member 12 while the position stop 28 contacts a second leg member 62 of the frame arm 54. The contact between the second leg member 62 of the frame member 54 (which is oriented at about 90 degrees with respect to the first leg member 60) and the position stop 28 prevents the paint scraper 10 from sliding along the frame arm 54 while in use. As illustrated in FIG. 4, once coupled to the paint roller 50, the scraper body 14 extends laterally outward (in a direction generally perpendicular from the handle 52).

[0034] In use, the paint roller 50 can be used to apply paint to a surface in the conventional manner. If surface imperfections, debris (such as dirt or roller fibers) or the like are discovered on the bare surface or a just painted surface, a user can simply tilt the roller 50 to the side and contact the knife edge 32 of the scraper body 14 with the surface. The knife edge 32 can then be gently slide along the surface to remove the imperfection or debris. Painting can then resume using the roller 50 in the conventional manner. Importantly, the only step required to remove debris or imperfections from the surface is to tilt the roller 50 to contact the scraper 10 with the surface rather than the roller cover 58. This is in contrast to stand-alone device which require a user to put down the roller, locate and pick up a stand-alone scraper device, contact it with the wall to remove debris, and again grasp the roller to apply paint to the surface. The paint scraper 10 of the present invention thus decreases the number of steps required to remove imperfections or debris, thus resulting in decreased paint times and less labor.

[0035] While the paint scraper 10 of the present invention has hereinbefore been described as employing a snap fit connection with the frame arm of the roller, the present invention is not intended to be so limited in this regard. In particular, it is contemplated that Velcro, clamps, set screws or other fastening means may be utilized to connect the paint scraper 10 to the frame arm 54. In yet other embodiments, it is contemplated that the scraper 10 may be integrally formed with, or otherwise permanently connected to, the frame arm 54.

[0036] Turning now to FIG. 5, a paint scraper 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The paint scraper 100 is generally similar to paint scraper 10, where like reference numbers designate like parts. Rather than the scraper body 14 being rigidly connected to the coupling member 12, however, the scraper body 14 is pivotally connected to the coupling member 12 via a hinge 102. In an embodiment, thee hinge may be a living hinge, although a separate mechanical hinge may also be utilized without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. As further shown in FIG. 5, a third retention element 104 (similar in construction to the retention elements 20, 22) is connected to the scraper body 14 and is utilized to couple the scraper body 14 to the second leg member 62 of the frame arm 54, as shown in FIG. 6. In an embodiment, the third retention element 104 is a hinged clip. The hinged clip 104 provides additional support for the paint scrape 100 when it is connected to the frame arm 54. Importantly, the hinged connection between the scraper body 14 and the coupling member 12 allows the paint scraper 10 to be folded and stowed, or extended/deployed.

[0037] As alluded to above, the paint scraper of the present invention may be connected to the frame arm 54 of a paint roller via a variety of means. FIG. 7, for example, illustrates a snap fit connection of a paint scraper 120 (configured similarly to paint scraper 10) using resilient arms or flexible snaps 122. FIG. 8 illustrates a strap connection of a paint scraper 130 (configured similarly to paint scraper 100) using flexible straps 132 and a pin and keyhole connection 134. As shown therein, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the blade may be folded back about pivot point 136. FIG. 9 shows a similar connection means, although with a fixed blade pain scraper 140.

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 10-12, a paint scraper 200 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As shown therein, the paint scraper 200 includes a generally thin-walled sleeve 210 having a hollow passage 212 therethrough and defining a longitudinal axis 214, and a scraper body 216 extending from a distal end of the sleeve 210 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 214 and sleeve 212. For example, in an embodiment, the scraper body 216 (also referred to herein as scraper blade 216) may extend at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to axis 214. It is contemplated, however, that other configurations are possible. For example, in an embodiment, the scraper blade 216 may extend between zero and 90 degrees relative to axis 214 and, more preferably, between about 45 degrees and 90 degrees relative to axis 214. In another embodiment, the scraper blade 216 may extend between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees relative to axis 214 and, more preferably, between about 90 degrees and bout 135 degrees relative to axis 214.

[0039] In an embodiment, the sleeve 210 has a generally frusto-conical shape, having a larger diameter at the end adjacent to the scraper body 216, and a smaller diameter at the end opposite the scraper body 216. It is contemplated, however, that the direction of the taper may be reversed. In an embodiment, the sleeve 210 may have a textured or rough outer surface that allows for a reliable grip when attached to the end of an extension pole, as discussed below.

[0040] Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the scraper body 216 is generally planar and rectangular in shape, although other shapes are possible, and has and angled, forward portion 218 that terminates in a knife edge 220. In an embodiment, the sleeve 210 and scraper body 216 (including the knife edge) may be formed from rubber, hard/rigid plastic, or metal, although other materials may also be utilized without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. In an embodiment, the sleeve 210 may be formed from an elastomeric or rubber-like material that can be stretched slightly to fit over the existing handle.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 13, the paint scraper 200 can be connected to the proximal end of an extension pole 250 opposite the end that receives the paint roller 50. As shown therein, the diameter of the hollow passage 212 may be selected such that it is slightly less (either throughout its longitudinal extent or at its narrowest end) than the outside diameter of the proximal end of the extension pole 250. This allows the sleeve 210 to be fit over the proximal end of the pole 250 and held in place by a snug fit.

[0042] In use, a user can use the roller end of the extension pole 250 to apply paint in the conventional manner. If surface imperfections, debris (such as dirt or roller fibers) or the like are discovered on the bare surface or a just painted surface, a user can simply flip the extension pole over and use the paint scraper 200 on the proximal end of the pole to remove such debris. Painting can then resume using the roller 50 and extension pole 250 in the conventional manner. Like the embodiments above, instead of being removably connected to the proximal end of the extension pole via a press fit, Velcro or other fastening means, it is contemplated that the paint scraper 200 may be fixedly attached to (or otherwise integral with) the proximal end of the extension pole 250.

[0043] FIG. 14 presents a more detailed view of paint scraper 200 connected to the distal end of pole 250. In an embodiment, the connection may be a press fit connection, although a threaded connection or other connection means may also be employed. FIG. 15 shows a similar paint scraper 280 connected to pole 250 in a similar manner, although scraper 280 has blade 282 rotatable about pivot point 284.

[0044] Referring finally to FIGS. 16 and 17, a multi-function paint scraper 300 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The multi-function paint scraper 300 is generally similar to paint scraper 200 of FIGS. 10-12, where like reference numerals designate like parts. In particular, paint scraper 300 includes a generally thin-walled sleeve 210 having a hollow passage 212 therethrough and defining a longitudinal axis 214, and a scraper body 216 extending from a distal end of the sleeve 210 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 214 and sleeve 212. For example, in an embodiment, the scraper body 216 (also referred to herein as scraper blade 216) may extend at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to axis 214. It is contemplated, however, that other configurations are possible. For example, in an embodiment, the scraper blade 216 may extend between zero and 90 degrees relative to axis 214 and, more preferably, between about 45 degrees and 90 degrees relative to axis 214. In another embodiment, the scraper blade 216 may extend between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees relative to axis 214 and, more preferably, between about 90 degrees and bout 135 degrees relative to axis 214.

[0045] As with scraper 200, the sleeve 210 of scraper 300 has a generally frusto-conical shape, having a larger diameter at the end adjacent to the scraper body 216, and a smaller diameter at the end opposite the scraper body 216. It is contemplated, however, that the direction of the taper may be reversed. In an embodiment, the sleeve 210 may have a textured or rough outer surface that allows for a reliable grip when attached to the end of an extension pole, as discussed below. As disclosed above, scraper body 216 is generally planar and rectangular in shape, although other shapes are possible, and has and angled, forward portion 218 that terminates in a knife edge 220. In an embodiment, the sleeve 210 and scraper body 216 (including the knife edge) may be formed from rubber, hard/rigid plastic, or metal, although other materials may also be utilized without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. In an embodiment, the sleeve 210 may be formed from an elastomeric or rubber-like material that can be stretched slightly to fit over the existing handle of an extension pole 250, as described above.

[0046] In addition to having a scraper blade 216, the scraper 300 may also include an opener or prying element 310. In an embodiment, the opener 310 is formed from a rigid material such as metal or plastic, and has a width that is generally much smaller than that of scraper blade 216. In an embodiment, the opener 310 is configured as a paint can opener that can be utilized to open a can of paint (having a slightly arcuate or curved distal end portion 312). In another embodiment, the opener 310 is configured as a bottle opener (e.g., a beer bottle opener) for removing the top to a glass bottle. In particular, the distal end of the opener 310 may take the form of any variety beer bottle opener or paint can opener known in the art. In one embodiment, the opener 310 may be rigidly connected to the sleeve 210 so that a prying force can be transmitted from the sleeve 210 to the opener 310, as described hereinafter. While FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the opener 310 as being offset about 180 degrees from the scraper blade 216 (i.e., on an opposite side of the sleeve 210 from the scraper blade 216, it is contemplated that the scraper blade 216 and opener 310 may be located at other angular orientations with respect to one another. Moreover, while FIGS. 16 and 17 show the opener 310 as extending generally perpendicularly from axis 214, it is contemplated that different orientations of the opener 310 are possible (e.g., between 0 degrees and 180 degrees or, more preferably, between 45 degrees and 90 degrees or between 90 degrees and 135 degrees). Still further, in an embodiment, the opener may extend from the bottom end of the sleeve 210 in a direction generally parallel to the axis 214.

[0047] In use, the multi-function paint scraper 300 may be attached to the butt-end of an extension pole as disclosed above. The opener 310 can then be used to open a can of paint by exerting the customary prying force. Alternatively, or in addition, the opener 310 may be utilized to open a can of paint prior to attaching the paint scraper 300 to an extension pole. In particular, a user may grasp the sleeve 210 in the palm of their hand, insert the blade of the opener 310 into the annular channel at the top of the paint can, and exert a prying force to remove the lid from the paint can. After removing the lid, the paint scraper 300 may be attached to the butt-end of an extension pole and the scraper blade 216 can be used to clear debris and blemishes from a surface during painting, as described above.

[0048] In one embodiment, the end of the paint scraper 300 opposite the opening may be weighted and/or have a hard rubber or metal exterior which enables the paint scraper 300 to be removed from the extension pole and utilized as a mallet to secure the lid of a paint can when painting is complete.

[0049] It is contemplated that in some embodiments, both the paint scrapers 200, 300 and paint scraper 10 or 100 may be utilized in combination (so that the frame is outfitted with a first paint scraper, and the proximal end of the extension pole is outfitted with a second paint scraper).

[0050] As will be appreciated, the present invention therefore provides paint scrapers that are intended to be selectively affixed to a paint roller or extension pole thereof, which can be easily deployed and utilized without having to put down the roller and access a dedicated tool. In this manner, the present invention provides a two-in-one paint roller and scraper device that is useable to quickly and easily remove surface imperfections or debris on a surface to be, or being, painted.

[0051] Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of this disclosure.