Paintbrush and method of use

A paintbrush includes a bristle assembly which has a bristle housing to which a plurality of bristles are connected. The bristle housing has a first connector which is spaced apart from a second connector. A handle includes a holder which has cavity which is shaped and dimensioned to removably receive the bristle housing. The handle also includes spaced apart first and second resilient arms, the first resilient arm has a first arm connector and the second resilient arm has a second arm connector. The bristle housing is positionable in the cavity of the holder so that the first connector engages the first arm connector and the second connector engages the second arm connector thereby locking the bristle housing within the cavity. The first resilient arm and the second resilient arm are also positionable to a release position so that the first arm connector is disengaged from the first connector and the second arm connector is disengaged from the second connector so that the bristle housing can be removed from the holder.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention pertains to painting, and more particularly to a paintbrush which has a handle which receives a removable bristle assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional paintbrushes include bristles which are attached to a handle. The bristles are typically inserted into a metal head and after gluing the head is attached to a handle with staples if plastic and nails if wood. This has to be done carefully using a handle and metal head that have precise measurements to prevent a loose fit. Some manufacturers prefer plastic or composite handles because unlike wood they do not shrink or expand due to humidity or dryness. A major challenge in manufacturing a paintbrush is attaching the head of the brush (that part which contains the bristles) securely to the handle, regardless of whether the handle is plastic or wood. Heat or moisture can cause shrinkage or swelling and this creates a loose fit and annoying movement while the user is painting brush strokes.

To mitigate the above-cited problems, some paintbrush designs include a replaceable head which removably connects to the handle. This concept of a standardized design facilitates head manufacture, and also allows the handle to be reused with multiple heads.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a paintbrush which has a replaceable bristle assembly which includes a bristle housing to which bristles are connected. As such, when the bristles of the paintbrush become worn or otherwise unusable, a new bristle assembly can be installed in the handle in a few seconds, avoiding the need for a new handle. Both the bristle housing and the handle can be produced by injection molding thereby ensuring precise manufacturing tolerances. This removable design eliminates the time consuming procedure of attaching the bristle head with nails to a wooden handle or with staples to a plastic handle.

The bristle assembly is insertable into a cavity in the handle, and is removably connected by spaced apart connectors. The design ensures a secure fit which prevents the bristle assembly from moving with respect to the handle. Two release buttons are simultaneously pressed with one hand to disengage the connectors and allow the bristle assembly to be removed it from the handle.

In accordance with an embodiment, a paintbrush includes a bristle assembly which includes a bristle housing to which a plurality of bristles are connected. The bristle housing has a first side which has a first connector and an opposite second side which has a second connector. A handle includes a holder which has a first side and an opposite second side, the holder has a cavity which is shaped and dimensioned to removably receive the bristle housing. A first resilient arm is disposed at the first side of the holder, the first resilient arm has a first arm connector which is shaped and dimensioned to engage the first connector of the bristle housing. A second resilient arm is disposed at the second side of the holder, the second resilient arm has a second arm connector which is shaped and dimensioned to engage the second connector of the bristle housing. The bristle housing is positionable in the cavity of the holder so that the first connector engages the first arm connector and the second connector engages the second arm connector thereby locking the bristle housing within the cavity. The first resilient arm and the second resilient arm are positionable so that the first arm connector is disengaged from the first connector and the second arm connector is disengaged from the second connector so that the bristle housing is removable from the holder.

In accordance with another embodiment, the first connector is a first hook, the second connector is a second hook, the first arm connector is a first arm hook, and the second arm connector is a second arm hook.

In accordance with another embodiment, the handle has a longitudinal axis. The first hook has an end which projects toward the longitudinal axis. The second hook has an end which projects toward the longitudinal axis. The first arm hook has an end which projects away from the longitudinal axis. The second arm hook has an end which projects away from the longitudinal axis.

In accordance with another embodiment, the end of the first hook and the end of the second hook are each beveled, and the end of the first arm hook and the end of the second arm hook are each beveled.

In accordance with another embodiment, the bristle housing has a width W. The first hook, the second hook, the first arm hook, and the second arm hook each have a width W1which is at least one third of W.

In accordance with another embodiment, the first arm hook includes three first walls which form a first recess which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the first hook, and the second arm hook includes three second walls which form a second recess which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the second hook.

In accordance with another embodiment, the first resilient arm includes a first release button which is spaced apart from the first arm connector. The second resilient arm includes a second release button which is spaced apart from the second arm connector.

In accordance with another embodiment, the first resilient arm includes a first bending groove, and the second resilient arm includes a second bending groove.

In accordance with another embodiment, the holder has a rim. The bristle housing has a lip which is shaped and dimensioned to abut the rim.

Other embodiments, in addition to the embodiments enumerated above, will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the paintbrush and method of use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially toFIGS. 1-9, a paintbrush20includes a bristle assembly22(a.k.a. a head or bristle pack) which includes a bristle housing24(a.k.a. a ferrule) to which a plurality of bristles26are connected. Also referring toFIGS. 25-26, bristle housing24has a first side which has a first connector and an opposite second side which has a second connector. In the shown embodiment the first connector is a first hook28and the second connector is a second hook30. As used herein, the term “hook” means a bent or curved member which has a protruding part which is used to catch and hold another member. Paintbrush20further includes a handle32(also refer toFIGS. 11-15). Handle32has a holder34which has a first side and an opposite second side and a cavity36which is shaped and dimensioned to removably receive bristle housing24. A first resilient arm38is disposed at the first side of holder34, the first resilient arm38has a first arm connector which is shaped and dimensioned to engage the first connector of bristle housing24. In the shown embodiment, the first arm connector is a first arm hook40which is disposed at the distal end of first resilient arm38, and which is shaped and dimensioned to engage first hook28. A second resilient arm42is disposed at the second side of holder34, the second resilient arm42has a second arm connector which is shaped and dimensioned to engage the second connector of bristle housing24. In the shown embodiment, the second arm connector is a second arm hook44which is disposed at the distal end of second resilient arm42, and which is shaped and dimensioned to engage second hook30. Bristle housing24is positionable in cavity36of holder34so that the first connector (first hook28as shown) engages the first arm connector (first arm hook40as shown), and second connector (second hook30as shown) engages the second arm connector (second arm hook44as shown) thereby locking the bristle housing24within cavity36. First resilient arm38and second resilient arm42are positionable to a release position so that the first arm connector (first arm hook40as shown) is disengaged from the first connector (first hook28as shown), and the second arm connector (second arm hook44as shown) is disengaged from the second connector (second hook30as shown) so that bristle housing24is removable from holder34. It is noted that the use of two spaced apart connections reduces movement of bristle housing24within holder34, and also eliminates the accidental pressing of a single connector which would inadvertently release bristle housing24from holder34.

Holder34has a rim46. Bristle housing24has a lip48which is shaped and dimensioned to abut rim46when bristle housing24is inserted into cavity36(refer toFIG. 1). Lip48stabilizes bristle housing24within holder34and prevents it from moving with respect to handle32. Moreover, lip48prevents paint from seeping from bristles26into cavity36.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 15, holder34has internal grooves50which are shaped and dimensioned to slidably receive first hook28and second hook30when bristle housing24is inserted into holder34. Grooves50serve to stabilize the connection of bristle housing24and holder34to prevent relative motion thereof.

Referring toFIGS. 7-9, handle32has a longitudinal axis52. When bristle housing24is installed in holder34, first hook28has an end54which projects toward longitudinal axis52, and second hook30has an end56which projects toward longitudinal axis52. First arm hook40has an end58which projects away from longitudinal axis52, and second arm hook44has an end60which projects away from longitudinal axis52. Engagement of the hooks occurs when the end54of first hook28extends past and interlocks with the end58of first arm hook40, and the end56of second hook30extends past and interlocks with the end60of second arm hook44so that bristle housing24is locked within holder34. It is further noted that end54of first hook28and end56of second hook30are each beveled, and end58of first arm hook40and end60of second arm hook44are each beveled. The beveling facilitates the engagement of the hooks when bristle housing24is inserted into holder34(also refer toFIGS. 33-35and the associated discussion).

First resilient arm38includes a first release button66which is spaced apart from the first arm connector (first arm hook40as shown). Second resilient arm42includes a second release button68which is spaced apart from second arm connector (second arm hook44as shown). First resilient arm38includes a first bending groove70and second resilient arm42includes a second bending groove72(also refer toFIG. 12).FIG. 10is a fragmented exploded perspective view of first resilient arm38with first arm hook40having end58and first release button66. First arm hook40engages first hook28which has end54. It may be appreciated that second resilient arm42, second arm hook44, and second hook30have the same structure.

FIGS. 11-15show various views of handle32. Shown are holder34, cavity36, first resilient arm38, first arm hook40, second resilient arm42, second arm hook44, rim46, and groove50.

FIGS. 16-19show the operation of first resilient arm38and second resilient arm42. Resilient arms38and42are fabricated from a material such as a polymer (e.g. polypropylene) which is flexible enough to move when a force is applied, but which will return to its original position when the force is removed. In an embodiment, holder34(including resilient arms38and42) and bristle housing24are both fabricated from the same polymer by injection molding. Resilient arms38and42are outwardly biased (normally reside) in the direction of the arrows inFIGS. 16 and 18. To disengage bristle housing24from holder34, first release button66is pressed inwardly in the direction of the arrow inFIG. 17, and simultaneously second release button68is pressed inwardly in the direction of the arrow inFIG. 19(also refer toFIGS. 27-29and the associated discussion). The bending grooves70and72serve to facilitate the bending of the resilient arms38and42when they are pressed inwardly. It is also noted that first arm hook40includes three first walls62which form a first recess63which is shaped and dimensioned to receive first hook28, and that second arm hook44includes three second walls64which form a second recess65which is shaped and dimensioned to receive second hook30(refer also toFIG. 10).

FIGS. 20-24show various views of bristle assembly22. Shown are, bristle housing24, bristles26, first hook28, and second hook30. InFIG. 20it is noted that bristle housing24has a width W. Also inFIG. 20it is noted that first hook28and second hook30each have a width W1which is at least one third of width W. Referring toFIGS. 10 and 12, it is also noted that first resilient arm hook40and second arm hook44also have a width W1which is at least one third of width W. The width of the hooks both ensures that the hooks will always engage, and provides a longer connection which tends to stabilize bristle housing24within holder34. It is noted inFIG. 22, there exists a distance D between first hook28and second hook30. Distance D must be of sufficient length to accommodate the plug tool which is used to align bristles26within bristle housing24. Once inserted, the bristles26are permanently connected to bristle housing24with a bonding agent such as a glue or epoxy74.

FIGS. 25 and 26are perspective and reverse perspective views respectively of bristle housing44without bristles26installed. Shown are first hook28, second hook30, and lip48.

FIGS. 27-29show bristle assembly22being released from holder34of handle32. From the connected position ofFIG. 7, the user simultaneously inwardly presses and holds first release button66of first resilient arm38and second release button68of second resilient arm42(toward the longitudinal axis52of handle32, refer toFIG. 7). This causes first arm hook40to move inwardly and disengage from first hook28. and second arm hook44to move inwardly and disengage from second hook30.

After the disengagement of the hooks shown inFIGS. 27-29,FIGS. 30-33show bristle assembly22being separated from the handle32by pulling bristle assembly22out of holder34in the direction of the arrows. It is also noted that after disengagement, pressure upon first release button66and second release button68is removed so that resilient arms38and42return to the outwardly biased position ofFIG. 14.

FIGS. 33-35are cross sectional views as inFIG. 7, showing bristle assembly22being installed in handle32. Bristle assembly22is inserted into holder34of handle32and pushed in until first hook28engages first arm hook40and second hook30engages second arm hook44. During the insertion process beveled end54of first hook28contacts beveled end58of first arm hook40, and beveled end56of second hook30contacts beveled end60of second arm hook44. As bristle assembly22is moved in the direction of the vertical arrows, first hook28forces first arm hook40inward in the direction of the horizontal arrow, and second hook30forces second arm hook44inward in the direction of the horizontal arrow. When first hook28passes first arm hook40and second hook30passes second arm hook44, first arm hook40and second arm hook44resiliently snap back into the position ofFIG. 7. This snapping action causes an audible “click” which is an indication that the bristle assembly22is properly seated in holder34.

In terms of use, a method for using a paintbrush includes:

(a) providing a paintbrush20including;a bristle assembly22which includes a bristle housing24to which a plurality of bristles26are connected;the bristle housing24having a first side which has a first connector28and an opposite second side which has a second connector30;a handle32including a holder34which has a first side and an opposite second side, the holder34having a cavity36which is shaped and dimensioned to removably receive the bristle housing24;a first resilient arm38disposed at the first side of the holder34, the first resilient arm38having a first arm connector40which is shaped and dimensioned to engage the first connector28of the bristle housing24, the first resilient arm38also having a first release button66;a second resilient arm42disposed at the second side of the holder34, the second resilient arm42having a second arm connector44which is shaped and dimensioned to engage the second connector30of the bristle housing24, the second resilient arm42having a second release button68;the bristle housing24is positionable in the cavity36of the holder34so that the first connector28engages the first arm connector40and the second connector30engages the second arm connector44thereby locking the bristle housing24within the cavity36;the first resilient arm38and the second resilient arm42are positionable so that the first arm connector40is disengaged from the first connector28and the second arm connector44is disengaged from the second connector30so that the bristle housing24is removable from the holder34;

(b) inserting the bristle assembly22into the holder34until the first connector28engages the first arm connector40, and the second connector30engages the second arm connector44; and,

(c) using the paintbrush20.

The method further including:

in (b), an audible click being produced when the first connector28engages the first arm connector40, and the second connector30engages the second arm connector44.

The method further including:

after (c), simultaneously pressing the first release button66and the second release button68so that the first connector28disengages from the first arm connector40and the second connector30disengages from the second arm connector44; and,

removing the bristle assembly22from the holder34.

The method further including:

in (a), the first connector28being a first hook, the second connector30being a second hook, the first arm connector being a first arm hook40; and the second arm connector being a second arm hook44.

The method of claim11, further including:

in (a), the holder34having a rim46, and the bristle housing24having a lip48which is shaped and dimensioned to abut the rim46; and,

in (b), the lip48abutting the rim46.

Note: Unless specifically otherwise stated, and as applicable, the order of performance of the above cited method steps can be changed.

The embodiments of the paintbrush and method of use described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, combinations, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims. Further, nothing in the above-provided discussions of the paintbrush and method should be construed as limiting the invention to a particular embodiment or combination of embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.