Abstract:
A painting apparatus for applying paint to a painting surface within a narrow space. The painting apparatus includes a handle portion, an applicator portion and an applicator material. The handle portion is configured to prevent a user&#39;s hand from moving with respect to the handle portion while grasping the handle portion. The applicator portion is attached to the handle portion. The applicator material is arranged relative to an external surface of the applicator portion for applying paint to the painting surface.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/631,401, which was filed on Dec. 4, 2009, now abandoned which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/120,508, which was filed Dec. 8, 2008, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to paint application devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a painting apparatus and method of use in connection with painting within narrow spaces. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In certain situations it is desirable to mount objects close to surfaces to minimize the portion of the location in which the object is located that is occupied by the object. An example of one such object is a toilet. It is possible to mount the toilet close to a wall because it is generally not necessary to access the portion of the wall that is behind the toilet. 
     One of the primary times that it is necessary to access the space behind the toilet is when decorating. For example, it is generally desirable to paint the space behind the toilet when painting other portions of the wall that are not behind the toilet. 
     While conventional painting implements such as rollers and paint brushes may be used on the other portions of the wall that are not behind the toilet, the toilet is typically located sufficiently close to the wall such that it is not possible to access all of the space that is behind the toilet with a conventional roller or paint brush. 
     To overcome this limitation, it is common to disconnect at least a portion of the toilet to facilitate painting behind the toilet. A problem with disconnecting a portion of the toilet is that it may be necessary to have the portion of the toilet disconnected by a plumber because the toilet contains water and drain lines. Any water and/or waste that inadvertently escapes from the toilet may not only cause damage to the areas that surround the toilet, but also could present a health risk. 
     A need exists for improvement in paint application devices. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of the invention is directed to a painting apparatus for applying paint to a painting surface within a narrow space. The painting apparatus includes a handle portion, an applicator portion and an applicator material. 
     The handle portion includes a proximal section, a distal section and an intermediate section. The proximal section has a maximum width and a maximum height. The distal section has a thumb engaging mechanism formed therein. The intermediate section has a maximum width and a maximum height. The proximal section and the distal section extend from opposite ends of the intermediate section. 
     At least one of the maximum width of the proximal section is larger than the maximum width of the intermediate section and the maximum height of the proximal section is larger than the maximum height of the intermediate section. 
     The applicator portion is attached to the handle portion. The applicator portion has first and second external surfaces are oriented opposite one another. The applicator material is arranged relative to at least one of the first and second external surfaces of the applicator portion for applying paint to the painting surface. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a painting apparatus for applying paint to a painting surface within a narrow space. The painting apparatus includes a handle portion, an applicator portion and an applicator material. 
     The handle portion includes a proximal section, a distal section and an intermediate section. The distal section has a thumb engaging mechanism formed therein. The proximal section and the distal section extend from opposite ends of the intermediate section. The proximal section is oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to the intermediate section. 
     The applicator portion is attached to the handle portion. The applicator portion has first and second external surfaces are oriented opposite one another. The applicator material is arranged relative to at least one of the first and second external surfaces of the applicator portion for applying paint to the painting surface. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of painting a surface to be painted within a narrow space. A painting apparatus is provided that includes a handle portion and an applicator portion offset from the handle portion. An applicator material is arranged relative to at least one external surface of the applicator portion. 
     At least a portion of the applicator material is immersed in a paint reservoir. The applicator material is positioned on the surface to be painted. The painting apparatus is moved relative to the surface to be painted to cause paint to be applied to the surface to be painted. Movement of a user&#39;s hand with respect to the handle portion is resisted with a plurality of channels on a surface of the handle portion. The channels define a plurality of ribs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a painting apparatus in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 5-9  are environmental views depicting the painting apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a method of use. 
         FIG. 10  is a first perspective view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 1  with a paint reservoir. 
         FIG. 11  is a second perspective view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an alternative position with respect to the paint reservoir. 
         FIG. 12  is a first perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the painting apparatus. 
         FIG. 13  is a second perspective view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 12   
         FIG. 16  is a front view of the painting apparatus of  FIG. 12   
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a painting apparatus  10  in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the painting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a top view of the painting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a side view of the painting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The painting apparatus  10  aids in the application of paint to surfaces that are blocked or obstructed by objects placed close to the surfaces, such as toilets, stoves and refrigerators. Many such objects are very heavy or permanently mounted, and therefore difficult or impossible to move. As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the painting apparatus  10  comprises a handle portion  20 , an applicator portion  22  and an intermediate portion  24 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the handle portion  20  includes an elongated region configured to be grasped by a user of the painting apparatus  10 . The elongated region may be formed with a length, width and outer surface contour to at least partially conform to the shape of the user&#39;s hand when closed. 
     The handle portion  20  includes several features that enhance the ability to hold onto the handle portion  20  if part of the handle portion  20  is covered with paint, which can reduce the ability to grasp the handle portion  20 . 
     The handle portion  20  may generally be defined as including a proximal section  50 , an intermediate section  52  and a distal section  54 . In certain embodiments, the proximal section  50 , the intermediate section  52  and the distal section  54  may be integrally formed. 
     The proximal section  50  may have a maximum width and/or a maximum height that is larger than a maximum width and/or a maximum height of the intermediate section  52 . Forming the proximal section  50  with the maximum width and/or the maximum height that is larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section  52  reduces the potential of the user&#39;s hand slipping off of the end of the painting apparatus  10  because even if the user&#39;s hand is held slightly larger than the intermediate section  52 , the user&#39;s hand will encounter the wider and/or higher proximal section  50  and thereby be prevented from sliding off the handle portion  20 . 
     Forming the proximal section  50  with the maximum width and/or the maximum height that is larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section  52  also enables the user to sense the position of the user&#39;s hand on the handle portion  20  without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion  20 . 
     In certain embodiments, the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the proximal section  50  is more than 5 percent larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section  52 . In other embodiments, the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the proximal section  50  is between about 10 and 30 percent larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section  52 . 
     An upper surface  160  and at least a portion of side surfaces  162  of the proximal section  150  may be curved to generally conform to a shape of a portion of a user&#39;s hand who is holding the painting apparatus  110 . 
     At least part of the upper surface  60  and the side surfaces  62  may be substantially smooth. Alternatively, at least part of the upper surface  60  and the side surfaces  62  may be textured to enhance the ability for the user to grasp the handle portion  20 . 
     The proximal section  50  may encompass up to about 30 percent of a length of the handle portion  20 . In certain embodiments, the proximal section  50  encompasses between about 10 percent and about 25 percent of the length of the handle portion  20 . 
     At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the handle portion  20  may include a non-smooth transition (not shown) between the proximal section  50  and the intermediate section  52 . In certain embodiment, the non-smooth transition is a ridge on the upper surface. 
     The non-smooth transition enhances the ability of the user to sense the position of the user&#39;s hand on the handle portion  20  without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion  20 . 
     The intermediate section  52  may encompass up to about 80 percent of a length of the handle portion  20 . In certain embodiments, the intermediate section  52  encompasses between about 40 percent and about 80 percent of the length of the handle portion  20 . 
     At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the handle portion  20  may include a non-smooth transition  66  between the distal section  54  and the intermediate section  52 . In certain embodiment, the non-smooth transition is a ridge on the upper surface. 
     The non-smooth transition  66  enhances the ability of the user to sense the position of the user&#39;s hand on the handle portion  20  without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion  20 . 
     The handle portion  20  may be fabricated from the same material as the other components of the painting apparatus  10 . Alternatively, the handle portion  20  may be fabricated from a material such as molded plastic. 
     The applicator portion  22  has a first surface  30  and a second surface  32  that are oriented opposite each other. In at least one embodiment, the first surface  30  is substantially flat and is adapted to receive an applicator material  34 . It will further be appreciated that various embodiments of the applicator portion  22  are of varying lengths. 
     The difference in length of the applicator portion  22  depends on the size of the object behind which the user desires to paint. In at least one embodiment, the applicator portion  22  is between about 12 inches and about 18 inches. However, other embodiments may feature an applicator portion  22  as short as about 6 inches and as long as about 36 inches. 
     Depending on the length of the applicator portion  22  and the material from which the applicator portion  22  is formed, it may be necessary to strengthen the applicator portion  22  to ensure that an end of the applicator portion  22  that is opposite the handle portion  20  is sufficiently rigid to cause the paint to be applied to the surface. 
     An example of one such device that may be used to strengthen the applicator portion  22  is at least one rib  36  that extends from the second surface  32  along at least a portion of a length of the applicator portion  22 . 
     The applicator portion  22  may be formed with a width that depends on factors such as the size of the object behind which it is desired to paint and the volume of paint that is desired to be held with the applicator material  34 . For example, the wider the applicator material  34 , the more paint that may be held in the applicator material  34 , which reduces the frequency at which the applicator material  34  must be refilled with paint. In at least one embodiment, the width of the applicator portion  22  is about 6 inches. In alternative embodiments, the width is smaller, even as small as about 1 inch. 
     The applicator portion  22  may be formed from a variety of materials using the concepts of the invention. In some embodiments, the applicator portion  22  may be formed from a metallic material such as stainless steel. Forming the applicator portion  22  from stainless steel enables the applicator portion  22  to be relatively rigid and relatively thin. 
     The applicator material  34  may be formed from a variety of materials using the concepts of the invention such that the applicator material  34  is relatively thin and has the ability to absorb paint to facilitate applying the paint to the surface. In some embodiments, the applicator material  34  may be foam, bristles, fabric or some combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the applicator material  34  has a surface covering that is consistent over the entire surface thereof. In other embodiments, the applicator material  34  may have at least two applicator regions that are fabricated from different materials. 
     The applicator material  34  may be attached to the applicator portion  22  using a variety of techniques. In some embodiments, the applicator material  34  is permanently attached to the applicator portion  22 . Using such a configuration, the painting apparatus  10  may be disposed of after use. 
     In other embodiments, the applicator material  34  may be removably attached to the applicator portion  22 . An example of suitable techniques for removably attaching the applicator material  34  is an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener such as is available under the designation VELCRO. 
     Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the applicator material  34  may extend over at least a portion of the applicator portion  22  such that sliding of the applicator material  34  with respect to the applicator portion  22  facilitates attachment of or detachment of the applicator material  34  to the applicator portion  22 . In such a configuration, a lock mechanism may be provided to retain the applicator material  34  in a desired location with respect to the applicator portion  22 . 
     The intermediate portion  24  may offset the handle portion  20  from applicator portion  22  such that when the applicator portion  22  is positioned along a surface for applying paint to the surface, the handle portion  20  is located above the surface such that the user&#39;s hand does not contact the surface. In some embodiments, the offset between the handle portion  20  and the applicator portion  22  is up to about 6 inches. 
     In other embodiments, the offset between the handle portion  20  and the applicator portion  22  is between about 1 inch and about 3 inches. The intermediate portion  24  may be oriented at an angle with respect to the applicator portion  22 . In some embodiments, the angle may be between about 20 and about 90 degrees. 
     The handle portion  20 , the applicator portion  22  and the intermediate portion  24  may be oriented in different configurations. Examples of alternative configurations provide the painting apparatus  10  with a C-shape or an L-shape. 
     The intermediate portion  24  may be integrally formed with at least one of the handle portion  20  and the applicator portion  22 . The intermediate portion  24  may have sufficient rigidity such that when a pressure is applied to the applicator portion  24  with the handle portion  20 , the intermediate portion  24  resists deformation. 
       FIGS. 5-9  are environmental views depicting the painting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  in a method of use, and  FIGS. 10-11  are perspective views of the painting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  with a paint reservoir  60 . While  FIGS. 5-9  depict the painting apparatus  10  in a method of use to paint behind a toilet  72 , it is also contemplated that the painting apparatus  10  may be used in a similar manner to paint other areas that may be difficult to access with conventional paint application devices, such as behind stoves and refrigerators. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a portion of a surface  70  that is not behind a toilet  72  may be painted using the painting apparatus  10 . Alternatively, the painting apparatus  10  may be used to paint the surface  70  that is behind the toilet  72  before the other portions of the surface  70  are painted. 
     In an initial step, a top  74  of the toilet  72  may be removed, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The toilet  72  may be covered with a protective material such as a sheet of plastic. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the applicator material  34  is at least partially immersed in a paint reservoir  60  to cause the paint to be retained therein. 
     If the applicator material  34  soaks up excess paint, the applicator material  34  may be moved across an edge of a paint reservoir  60 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , to remove some of the paint from the applicator material  34 . 
     The painting apparatus  10  is then positioned so that the applicator material  34  is on the surface  70  that is at least partially behind the toilet  72 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The painting apparatus  10  is moved with respect to the surface  70  to cause paint to be applied to the surface  70 . 
     The process may be repeated to apply paint to the surface  70  that is along the sides of the toilet  72 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Once the surface  70  behind the toilet  72  is painted, any protective material may be removed from the toilet  72  and the top  74  of the toilet  72  is replaced, as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     An alternative embodiment of the painting apparatus  110  is set forth in  FIGS. 12-16 . The painting apparatus  110  includes a handle portion  120 , an applicator portion  122  and an intermediate portion  124 . 
     The handle portion  120  includes several features that enhance the ability to hold onto the handle portion  120  if part of the handle portion  120  is covered with paint, which can reduce the ability to grasp the handle portion  120 . 
     The handle portion  120  may generally be defined as including a proximal section  150 , an intermediate section  152  and a distal section  154 . In certain embodiments, the proximal section  150 , the intermediate section  152  and the distal section  154  may be integrally formed. 
     The proximal section  150  may be oriented at an angle with respect to the intermediate section  152 . Orienting the proximal section  150  at an angle with respect to the intermediate section reduces the potential of a user&#39;s hand slipping off the end of the painting apparatus  110  while using the painting apparatus  110 . 
     Orienting the proximal section  150  at an angle with respect to the intermediate section  152  also enables the user to sense the position of the user&#39;s hand on the handle portion  120  without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion  120 . 
     In certain embodiments, when viewed from a side of the handle portion  120  as illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 15 , the proximal section  150  is oriented at an obtuse angle with respect to the intermediate section  152 . In other embodiments, an angle between the proximal section  150  and the intermediate section  152  is between about 145 degrees and about 170 degrees. 
     The proximal section  150  may have a maximum width and/or a maximum height that is larger than a maximum width and/or a maximum height of the intermediate section  152 . Forming the proximal section  150  with the maximum width and/or the maximum height that is larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section  152  reduces the potential of the user&#39;s hand slipping off of the end of the painting apparatus  110  because even if the user&#39;s hand is slightly larger than the intermediate section  152 , the user&#39;s hand will encounter the wider and/or higher proximal section  150 . 
     Forming the proximal section  150  with the maximum width and/or the maximum height that is larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section  152  also enables the user to sense the position of the user&#39;s hand on the handle portion  120  without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion  120 . 
     In certain embodiments, the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the proximal section  150  is more than 5 percent larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section  152 . In other embodiments, the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the proximal section  150  is between about 10 and 30 percent larger than the maximum width and/or the maximum height of the intermediate section  152 . 
     An upper surface  160  and at least a portion of side surfaces  162  of the proximal section  150  may be curved to generally conform to a shape of a portion of a user&#39;s hand who is holding the painting apparatus  110 . 
     At least part of the upper surface  160  and the side surfaces  162  may be substantially smooth. Alternatively, at least part of the upper surface  160  and the side surfaces  162  may be textured to enhance the ability for the user to grasp the handle portion  120 . 
     The proximal section  150  may encompass up to about 30 percent of a length of the handle portion  120 . In certain embodiments, the proximal section  150  encompasses between about 10 percent and about 25 percent of the length of the handle portion  120 . 
     At least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the handle portion  120  may include a non-smooth transition  164  between the proximal section  150  and the intermediate section  152 . In certain embodiment, the non-smooth transition  164  is a ridge on the upper surface. 
     The non-smooth transition enhances the ability of the user to sense the position of the user&#39;s hand on the handle portion  120  without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion  120 . 
     The intermediate section  152  may encompass up to about 80 percent of a length of the handle portion  120 . In certain embodiments, the intermediate section  152  encompasses between about 40 percent and about 80 percent of the length of the handle portion  120 . 
     The distal section  154  may have a recess  166  formed in an upper surface thereof. The recess  166  is adapted to receive a portion of a tip of a user&#39;s thumb. The recess  166  enhances the ability of the user to sense the position of the user&#39;s hand on the handle portion  120  without the user having to view the position of the hand on the handle portion  120 . 
     The recess  166  may have a width and a length that are slightly larger than a width and a length of the tip of the user&#39;s thumb. The width and the length of the recess  166  should not be significantly larger than the width and the length of the tip of the user&#39;s thumb because such a configuration would impair the ability of the user to utilize the position of the tip of the user&#39;s thumb as indicating the position of the user&#39;s hand on the handle portion  120 . In certain embodiments, the width and the length of the recess  166  may each be between about ½ of an inch and 1 inch. 
     The recess  166  should have a depth that is sufficiently large such that the user can readily feel when the tip of the user&#39;s thumb is positioned in the recess  166  without the user having the visually see that the tip of the user&#39;s thumb is positioned in the recess  166 . 
     However, the depth of the recess  166  should not be too great such that the user perceives the depression as being indicative of the end of the handle portion  120 . Additionally, if the recess  166  is too deep, the user may experience discomfort caused by the user&#39;s thumb contacting the lip surrounding the recess  166 . 
     In certain embodiments, the recess  166  has a depth of up to about ½ of an inch. In other embodiments, the recess  166  has a depth that is between about ⅛ of an inch and about ¼ of an inch. 
     A plurality of channels  170  is formed in a lower side of the handle portion  120 . The channels  170  each have a depth that is between about 10 percent and about 50 percent of the height of the handle portion  120 . In certain embodiments, the channels  170  may each have a depth that is approximately the same. In other embodiments, the channels  170  at different locations on the handle portion  120  may have different depths. 
     The plurality of channels  170  may be positioned in a spaced-apart relationship such that a spacing between each of the channels  170  is substantially equal. A width of the channels  170  may be approximately the same as a width of the ribs  172  that are positioned between each of the channels  170 . 
     The channels  170  may be oriented at an angle with respect to an upper surface of the handle portion  120 . In certain embodiments, the angle is between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle is between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees. 
     In still other embodiments, the channels  170  are not oriented substantially transverse to the upper surface of the handle portion  120 . By orienting the channels  170  at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the handle portion  120  that is not transverse to the upper surface, the ribs  172  are more likely to deflect when the handle portion  120  is grasped by the user&#39;s hand. 
     The rib  172  should be sufficiently wide so that the person using the painting apparatus  110  does not experience discomfort when contacting the edges of the ribs  172 . In certain embodiments, the edges of the ribs  172  may be slightly curved. 
     Forming the channels  170  in the preceding manner provides the handle portion  120  with a lower surface that may be grasped by the user. However, the channels  170  are adapted to receive paint that is on the user&#39;s hand. 
     The channels  170  thereby can cause the paint to be scraped off of the user&#39;s hand as the person&#39;s hand moves with respect to the handle portion  120 . Alternatively or additionally, the channels  170  receiving the paint enhance the ability of the user to grasp the handle portion  120 . 
     The ribs  172  may be formed with a sufficiently thin thickness such that the ribs  172  are deflectable by manual pressure from the user&#39;s fingers when the user is holding the handle portion  120 . The deflectable ribs  172  thereby enhance the comfort to the user such that the handle portion  120  may be fabricated from a single type of material that provides a rigid upper surface and a deflectable lower surface. 
     Yet another advantage of forming the channels  170  in the handle portion  120  is that the weight of the painting apparatus  110  is reduced when compared to the handle portion  120  that is formed from a solid piece of material. This reduced weight reduces fatigue to the user caused by holding a heavier painting apparatus that does not include the channels  170 . 
     Furthermore, the channels  170  reduce the cost associated with manufacturing the painting apparatus  110  compared to a design that does not include the channels  170  because less material is used to fabricate the handle portion  120  of the painting apparatus  110  that includes the channels  170 . 
     The distal section  154  may encompass up to about 30 percent of a length of the handle portion  120 . In certain embodiments, the distal section  154  encompasses between about 10 percent and about 25 percent of the length of the handle portion  120 . 
     The applicator portion  122  has a first surface  130  and a second surface  132  that are oriented opposite each other. In certain configurations, the first surface  130  is substantially flat and is adapted to receive an applicator material  134 . Depending on the intended use of the painting apparatus  110 , the applicator portion  122  may be formed of varying lengths. 
     One factor that may affect the length of the applicator portion  122  is the size of the object behind which the person using the painting apparatus  110  desires to paint. In certain embodiments, the applicator portion  122  has a length of between about 6 inches and about 36 inches. In other embodiments, the applicator portion  122  has a length of between about 12 inches and about 18 inches. 
     Depending on the material from which the applicator portion  122  is formed, it may be necessary to strengthen the applicator portion  122  to ensure that an end of the applicator portion  122  that is opposite the handle portion  120  is sufficiently rigid to cause the paint to be applied to the surface. 
     An example of one such strengthening device is a rib  136  that extends from the second surface  132  along at least a portion of a length of the applicator portion  122 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 12-16 , the rib  136  may span an intersection between the applicator portion  122  and the intermediate portion  124 . 
     The applicator portion  122  may be formed with a width that depends on factors such as the size of the object behind which it is desired to paint and the volume of paint that is desired to be held with the applicator material  134 . 
     The applicator portion  122  may include measuring indicia  142  on a surface thereof. In certain embodiments, the measuring indicia  142  may be provided on the second surface  132 . 
     The measuring indicia  142  may be positioned proximate to at least one of the edges of the applicator portion  122 . In certain embodiments, the measuring indicia  142  extend substantially between a proximal end and a distal end of the applicator portion  122 . 
     In certain embodiments, the measuring indicia  142  may be provided in inches. In addition to marks spaced one inch apart, the measuring indicia  142  may include a plurality of intermediate marks. The intermediate marks may be placed at a spacing of about ¼ of an inch. In addition to the marks, the measuring indicia  142  may also include numbers to facilitate the person using the painting apparatus  110  to readily determine the distance. 
     Depending on the material from which the applicator portion  122  is formed, the measuring indicia  142  may be integrally formed with the other parts of the applicator portion  122 . In other embodiments, the measuring indicia  142  may be applied to the applicator portion  122 . Examples of techniques that may be used to apply the measuring indicia  142  are painting or printing. 
     An advantage of using the indicia that are raised above a surface of the applicator portion  122  is that it may remain possible for the person using the painting apparatus  110  to view the measuring indicia  142  even after paint accumulates on the part of the applicator portion  122  where the measuring indicia  142  is located. 
     The measuring indicia  142  may be used to determine how far the person has painted in from an edge of the object that is located near to the wall. The measuring indicia  142  thereby enable the person to minimize the potential of not painting far enough behind an object from a first side. When this happens, the person would not realize that he or she has not painted far enough behind the object until the person had painted one of the other sides. In this situation, the person would have to go back to the first side for additional painting. 
     Such a situation is highly undesirable because it would not only increase the time associated with the painting project but could also present a significant issue that negatively impacts the outcome of the painting project if the paint along the first side had already begun to dry when the person comes back over to the first side for the additional painting 
     The larger the width of the applicator material  134 , the more paint that may be held in the applicator material  134 , which thereby reduces the frequency at which the applicator must be refilled with paint. In certain embodiments, the width of the applicator material  134  is up to about 6 inches. In other embodiments, the width of the applicator material  134  is between about ½ of an inch and 2 inches. 
     In certain embodiments, the applicator material  134  has a surface covering that is consistent over the entire surface thereof. In other embodiments, the applicator material  134  may have at least two applicator regions that are fabricated from different materials. 
     The applicator material  134  may be attached to the applicator portion  122  using a variety of techniques. In certain embodiments, the applicator material  134  is permanently attached to the applicator portion  122 . Using such a configuration, the painting apparatus  110  may be discarded after use. 
     In other embodiments, the applicator material  134  may be removably attached to the applicator portion  122 . An example of one technique that may be used to removably attach the applicator material  134  to the applicator portion  122  is an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener such as is available under the designation VELCRO. 
     Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the applicator material  134  may extend over at least a portion of the applicator portion  122  such that sliding of the applicator material  134  with respect to the applicator portion  122  facilitates attachment or detachment of the applicator material  134  to the applicator portion  122 . In such a configuration, a lock mechanism may be provided to retain the applicator material  134  in a desired location with respect to the applicator portion  122 . 
     The intermediate portion  124  may offset the handle portion  120  from the applicator portion  122  such that when the applicator portion  122  is positioned along a surface for applying paint to the surface, the handle portion  120  is located above the surface such that the user&#39;s hand does not contact the surface. 
     In certain embodiments, the offset between the handle portion  120  and the applicator portion  122  is up to about 6 inches. In other embodiments, the offset between the handle portion  120  and the applicator portion  122  is between about 1 inch and about 3 inches. 
     The intermediate portion  124  may be oriented at an angle with respect to the applicator portion  122 . In certain embodiments, the angle may be between about 20 degrees and about 90 degrees. 
     The handle portion  120 , the applicator portion  122  and the intermediate portion  124  may be oriented in different configurations. Examples of the alternative configurations provide the painting apparatus  110  with a C-shape or an L-shape. 
     The intermediate portion  124  may be integrally formed with at least one of the handle portion  120  and the applicator portion  122 . In other embodiments, the intermediate portion  124  may be fabricated separately from at least one of the handle portion  120  and the applicator portion  122 . 
     The intermediate portion  124  should exhibit sufficient rigidity so that the handle portion  120  may be used to apply pressure to the applicator portion  124  without the intermediate portion  124  experiencing deformation. 
     Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. 
     It will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. 
     Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. 
     The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
     Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. 
     Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein. 
     Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail. 
     Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.” 
     When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” 
     Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.” 
     Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.