Abstract:
A multipurpose tool is disclosed. The multipurpose tool comprises a flexible material comprising a proximate region formed as a scraper and a first semicircular hook, a distal region formed as a second semicircular hook, and a straight intermediate region therebetween having a jagged side edge or toothed portion. The first semicircular hook comprises an inner surface with a clip formed thereon.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 61/638, 928, filed Mar. 22, 2012, entitled “PAINTER&#39;S MULTI-TOOL,” which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and Ser. No. 61/797,650 filed Dec. 12, 2012, entitled “PAINTER&#39;S MULTI-TOOL,” which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a multipurpose apparatus and, more particularly to a multipurpose tool for aiding in multiple different activities associated with painting. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    To paint a small or large area, a minimum amount of equipment is required. For example, a list of the items needed to perform the task would include a tool to open a can of paint, a paintbrush, a pail (touchup container), roller, roller tray, a rag, roll of tape, a scraper/putty knife, a brush comb, a brush repository and so on. While generally not very expensive, the various tools do require investment in terms of money, storage space and so on to keep track of necessary tools for subsequent jobs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Various deficiencies of the prior art are addressed by a multipurpose apparatus or tool adapted to support multiple different activities associated with painting. The multipurpose tool comprises a flexible material having a proximate region formed as a scraper and a first semicircular hook, a distal region formed as a second semicircular hook, and a straight intermediate region therebetween having a jagged side edge or toothed portion. The first semicircular hook comprises an inner surface with a clip formed thereon. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary multipurpose tool according to one embodiment; 
           [0007]      FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C and  2 D depict the scraper/putty knife of the exemplary multipurpose tool according to one embodiment; 
           [0008]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  graphically illustrate the multipurpose tool attached to a can opener according to one embodiment; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  graphically illustrates the magnet device of the multipurpose tool clamping to a paint brush according to one embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C graphically illustrate the multipurpose tool being used as a handle for pint/quart size pails according to one embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  graphically illustrates the multipurpose tool being attached to a roller tray according to one embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  graphically illustrates the multipurpose tool being used to drape one or more rags according to one embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  graphically illustrates the multipurpose tool being used as a load bearing apparatus according to one embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  graphically illustrates the multipurpose tool being used as a load bearing apparatus according to another embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  graphically illustrates the multipurpose tool being used as a load bearing belt attachment according to one embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and  11 C graphically illustrate the multipurpose tool being used to clean a paint brush according to one embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 12A ,  12 B and  12 C graphically illustrate the multipurpose tool being used to clean a roller according to one embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  graphically illustrate the multipurpose tool being used as an organizer according to various embodiments; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the multipurpose tool with a plurality of reinforcement spines and magnet cushions according to one embodiment; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the multipurpose tool showing the length of the plurality of reinforcement spines according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The invention will be primarily described within the context of particular embodiments; however, those skilled in the art and informed by the teachings herein will realize that the invention is also applicable to other technical areas and/or embodiments. For example, since the various embodiments of an apparatus or tool are well adapted to painting related activities, the invention is also applicable to any type of activity in which a coating such as paint, varnish and the like is applied to a surface. Moreover, though the various embodiments are directed to an apparatus or tool well adapted to painting related activities, various features associated with the apparatus or tool may be successfully used within the context of non-painting related activities. Thus, those skilled in the art may readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. 
         [0023]    Generally speaking, the present invention is a multi-purpose, multi-job tool or device that is small enough to fit in one&#39;s pocket. The multi-purpose tool is manufactured using, illustratively, a flexible plastic or metal material that will tend not to crack or break when exposed to temperature variations, mechanical stresses and the like as described herein. Various embodiments utilize ABS, polypropylene and the like. Although primarily described with respect to flexible plastic or metal, a semi-flexible plastic or metal, or any other material exhibiting characteristics consistent with the characteristics and applications discussed herein may also be used. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary multipurpose tool according to one embodiment. Specifically, multi-purpose tool or device  100  includes two or more of a scraper or putty knife  105  described in reference to  FIGS. 2A-2D , a first semicircular hook  110 , a roller tray clip  115 , a magnetic assembly  120  described in reference to  FIG. 4  and 
         [0025]      FIG. 14 , a non-linear clip portion  125 , a pressure handle portion  130 , a roller cleaner  135  described in reference to  FIGS. 12A-12C  and  FIGS. 14-15 , a ladder clip/painter tape/rag holder portion  140  described in reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , a handle for small pails  145  described in reference to  FIG. 5 , a toothed portion or jagged side edge  150  described in reference to  FIGS. 11A-11C , a small pail clip  155  and a 1-gallon paint can opener  160  described in reference to  FIGS. 3A-3B . 
         [0026]    The first step of a painting project often begins with preparing the surface to be painted.  FIG. 2  depicts the scraper/putty knife of the exemplary multipurpose tool according to various embodiments. Specifically,  FIG. 2A  depicts the front view of multipurpose tool  100  showing scraper/putty knife  105 , first semicircular hook  110 , roller tray clip  115 , magnetic assembly  120 , roller cleaner  135 , ladder clip/painter tape/rag holder portion  140 , and toothed portion  150  according to one embodiment. 
         [0027]    According to another embodiment,  FIG. 2B  depicts the right side view of multipurpose tool  100  illustrating scraper/putty knife  105 , first semicircular hook  110 , magnetic assembly  120  and non-linear clip portion  125 . 
         [0028]    According to yet another embodiment,  FIG. 2C  depicts the back view of multipurpose tool  100  illustrating scraper/putty knife  105  and toothed portion jagged side edge  150 . 
         [0029]    Additionally, according to another embodiment,  FIG. 2D  depicts the right side view of multipurpose tool  100  illustrating first semicircular hook  110 , magnetic assembly  120  and non-linear clip portion  125 . 
         [0030]    Further, in one embodiment, the scraper or putty knife is used for filling holes. In another embodiment, the scraper or putty knife is used for smoothing a rough spot. In yet another embodiment, the scraper or putty knife is used for removing paint flakes. In various embodiments, multi-purpose tool enable better handling of painting instruments, e.g., paint brush, paint tape, pail, roller, roller tray and the like. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  graphically illustrates multipurpose tool  100  being utilized to open a can of paint according to various embodiments. Specifically,  FIG. 3A  graphically illustrates multipurpose tool  100  being used as a can opener according to one embodiment. The next step of the project might entail opening a can. Multipurpose tool  100  is well suited for the task. As seen, multipurpose tool  100  lid  310  of the can of paint in order to pry the open the can of paint. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3B  graphically illustrates multipurpose tool  100  being attached to the can  305  according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, multipurpose device  100  is equipped with a built-in device  105  to pry open a metal can of paint  305 . In another embodiment, multipurpose device  100  is used to open a can of varnish. Multipurpose device  100  works for both right and left handed individuals. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  graphically illustrates magnetic assembly  120  of multipurpose tool  100  being affixed to a paint brush according to one embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 4  shows multipurpose tool  100  being attached to paint brush  405  via a magnetic device, which is a component of magnetic assembly  120 . Multi-purpose tool  100  is further attached to container  410  thereby holding paint brush  405  inside the container. Hence, brush  405  remains inside bucket  410  enabling the bristles to stay moist while keeping brush  405  out of the way. 
         [0034]    Having opened a can, a next step may be to start applying the paint to the surface via a paint brush. Once that paint brush is inserted into the can or container of paint and loaded with paint, it may become difficult to handle. Quite often the brush is left dangling on top of the can, pail, touchup container or roller tray, or the brush is simply held, which only leads to accidents. Additionally, it is optimal to have the wet bristles stay moist. In various embodiments, this multi-purpose tool product clips to any size bucket or pail from 1-quart to 5-gallon buckets, 1 gallon paint and the like. In one embodiment, the multipurpose device has a strong magnet that sits inside, allowing wet brush  405  to sit inside the bucket or pail  410  while remaining ready-to-use and safely out of the way. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  graphically illustrates multipurpose tool  100  being used as a handle for pint/quart size pails according to one embodiment. Some projects such as varnishing, touch-up might only involve a smaller size pail. In one embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5A , multipurpose tool  100  is attached to a pint size pail  505  to be used as a handle. In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 5B , multipurpose tool  100  is attached to a quart size pail  510  to also be used as a handle. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  graphically illustrates multipurpose tool  100  being attached to a roller tray according to one embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 6  shows multipurpose tool  100  being attached to paint brush  405  via magnet attachment  120 . Paint brush  405  sits inside roller tray  605 , which also houses roller  610 . Frequently a painting project requires the utilization of a roller tray and roller in addition to the brush. In one embodiment, multipurpose tool  100  provides for attaching the tool to the roller tray while keeping paint brush  405  available when needed and still keeping those bristles moist. In other embodiments, paint brush  405  is kept soaking in cleaning agent or the like. 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  graphically illustrates the multipurpose tool being used to drape one or more rags according to one embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 7  shows multipurpose tool  100  being attached to container  705  while second semicircular hook portion  140  of multipurpose tool  100  accommodates one or more rags. In one embodiment, multipurpose tool  100  acts as a hook allowing a user to drape one or more rags on the bottom of the hook. In another embodiment, magnet attachment  120  is adapted to be placed on any metal surface and utilized in various ways. For example, the arrangement may be used as storage in work vehicles or shop; to hang a lightweight coat, dust mask, gloves, goggle holder, and items on a refrigerator and so on. 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  graphically illustrates multipurpose tool  100  being used as a load bearing apparatus according to one embodiment.  FIG. 8  shows extended ladder  820  extending from ground level  825  to wall  805 . New wider multipurpose tool  815  is attached to ladder  815 . Multipurpose tool  815  supports the load of bucket of paint  810 . 
         [0039]    In various circumstances, a user may need to climb an extension ladder while simultaneously holding a container of paint. This situation could prove difficult. In one embodiment, multipurpose tool  100  clips to any rung of the ladder while supporting the load of a paint bucket, brush or other tools. 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  graphically illustrates multipurpose tool  100  being used as a load bearing apparatus according to another embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 9  shows a step ladder  905  providing a hole to anchor multipurpose tool  100 , which supports the load of container  910 . In one embodiment, multipurpose tool  100  is used with a step ladder that does not provide a folding material support. 
         [0041]      FIG. 10  graphically illustrates multipurpose tool  100  being used as a load bearing belt attachment according to one embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 10  shows user  1010  with multipurpose tool  100  attached to her/his belt supporting the load of container  1005 . In one embodiment, user  1010  is working on the ground. In another embodiment, user  1010  is working on a ladder. In either case, multipurpose tool  100  clips to the belt holding needed items. In one embodiment, multipurpose tool  100  acting as a belt clip is adapted to carry a number of rolls of tape. In another embodiment, again multipurpose tool  100  acting as a belt clip is adapted to carry a bucket of paint. In various embodiments, other items are carried by multipurpose tool  100  acting as a belt clip. 
         [0042]      FIG. 11  graphically illustrates the multipurpose tool being used to clean a paint brush according to one embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 11A  shows toothed portion or jagged side edge  150  of multipurpose tool  100  gripping the wet bristles of paint brush  405  while liquid paint  1105  drips away from brush  405 .  FIG. 11B  shows multipurpose tool  100  progressing toward the end of brush  405 .  FIG. 11C  shows multipurpose tool  100  progressing further toward the end of brush  405 . 
         [0043]    Clean-up may be everyone&#39;s favorite part of any job. In one embodiment, multipurpose tool  100  assists in making this part of the job a lot easier. Toothed portion or jagged side edge  150  built into one side of the tool allows a user to clean almost any paintbrush completely and easily. Although depicted as cleaning brush  405 , multipurpose tool  100  is adapted to be used for various other tasks. 
         [0044]      FIG. 12  graphically illustrates the multipurpose tool being used to clean a roller according to one embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 12A  shows second semicircular hook portion  140  of multipurpose tool  100  gripping roller  610 .  FIG. 12B  shows multipurpose tool  100  progressing toward the end of roller  610 .  FIG. 12C  shows multipurpose tool  100  progressing further toward the end of roller  610 . 
         [0045]    Cleaning of a roller has never been easier. In one embodiment, second circular portion  140  of multipurpose tool  100  is adapted to squeeze out the excess paint when placed over one end of a paint filled roller, allowing the user to put the roller directly back into its original container and making cleaning the roller a breeze. In another embodiment, pressure handle portion  130  is used to provide added pressure to thereby remove a greater volume of liquid. 
         [0046]      FIG. 13  graphically illustrates the multipurpose tool being used as an organizer according to one embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 13A  shows second semicircular hook portion  140  of multipurpose tool  100  used to organize a particular area of an environment. Multi-purpose tool  100  attaches to object  1305  while second semicircular hook portion  140  holds object/instrument  1305 . Multi-purpose tool  100  is easily stored. 
         [0047]    In various embodiments, multipurpose tool  100  is used to accomplish a plurality of tasks. For example, with the super strong magnet, multipurpose tool  100  is adapted to attach to any metal surface providing a plethora of uses including barbecue grill accessory holder, work vehicle organization, refrigerator utilization, tool box/work shop organization. 
         [0048]      FIG. 13B  shows magnet portion  120  of multipurpose tool  100  attaching to a barbecue-grill  1320  while second semicircular hook portion  140  anchors fork  1325  and flatware  1330 . 
         [0049]    In various embodiments, multipurpose tool  100  is used to handle a full gallon can of paint. As a result, the tool may be adapted to decrease its flexibility or increase its rigidity. 
         [0050]      FIG. 14  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the multipurpose tool with a plurality of reinforcement splines (or ribs) and magnet cushions according to one embodiment. Specifically, roller cleaner  135  is outfitted with reinforcement splines/ribs  1425 ,  1430  and  1435 , which are further described with respect to  FIG. 15 . Although primarily described with respect to an embodiment where three reinforcement splines or ribs are used, any number of reinforcement splines or ribs may be used. 
         [0051]    Moreover, the ceramic magnet or magnetic device may break or shatter if the multipurpose tool is dropped. Accordingly, the magnet is cushioned to attenuate a mechanical shock resulting from contact with a landing surface in the event that the multipurpose tool is dropped. 
         [0052]    Magnetic assembly  120  is shown with top cushion  1405 , right side cushion  1410 , bottom cushion  1415  and left side cushion  1420 . In various embodiments, magnetic assembly  120  comprises tracks or gaps on lower portion of inner area of top cushion  1405  and bottom cushion  1415  thereby forming a channel allowing the magnet device to be securely adhered to the magnetic assembly. Although primarily described with respect to an embodiment where top cushion  1405  and bottom cushion  1415  are used, any other arrangement may be used. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, magnetic assembly  120  comprises a protrusion. 
         [0054]    Although primarily described with respect an embodiment where four cushions are used, any suitable number of cushions may be used. 
         [0055]      FIG. 15  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the multipurpose tool showing the length of the plurality of reinforcement splines (or ribs) according to one embodiment. The reinforcement splines/ribs are primarily used as a variable strength adjustment arrangement as described above. As such, the number, distance between reinforcement splines  1425 ,  1430  and  1435 , the width of the reinforcement spines  1425 ,  1430  and  1435 , the length of the reinforcement splines  1425 ,  1430  and  1435  and any combination thereof may be adapted to comply with the requirements of a specific situation or environment.