Paint brush packaging with edging configuration and methods of use

Reconfigurable paint brush containers provide both display packaging and an edging tool. The container has a painting edge aligned with bristles of the paint brush and a fulcrum on which the paint brush rests. The fulcrum initially spaces the bristles of the paint brush away from the painting edge in a resting state. The painting edge is aligned with a wall corner, where paint is to be applied and a force is applied to the paint brush in the direction of the fulcrum. The force overcomes the spacing effect and brings the bristles into contact with the painting edge such that paint on the bristles is applied in a straight line to a portion of the wall exposed to the bristles at the painting edge.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to reconfigurable paint brush packaging, and more specifically to multi-purpose paint brush packaging configurable into an edging tool, and methods of using the same.

2. Background and Relevant Art

Painting projects often require precise “cutting-in” of edges, corners, and other transitions of a painting surface. Thin, metal edging tools are available to provide a straight edge and paint shield at the transition. A painter can align the edge of the tool with the transition and apply paint to the painting surface on one side of the tool. When used properly, the tool is designed to reduce accidental painting of the painting surface on the other side of the tool.

A number of disadvantages exist in the field of paint edging tools. For instance, some painters may gain a false sense of security when using such edging tools—viewing the edging tool as a paint barrier, past which paint cannot pass. Accordingly, these painters may apply too much paint to the brush and/or run the paint-filled brush parallel along the tool edge. Such techniques often result in paint flowing over the tool edge and contacting the non-painting surface at the transition. Repetitive back-and-forth motion of the brush relative to and along the tool edge may accentuate this problem as additional layers of paint are applied to initial layers, thereby pushing paint further past the tool edge. Such spill-over paint must then be wiped off the non-painting surface or painted over after it dries, causing delay, additional effort, and/or added expense.

In addition, a painter typically must hold the edging tool in one hand and a paint brush in the other hand. In order for the painter to wipe off spill-over paint, move paint cans or trays, or perform other painting-related tasks, the painter must put down the brush or the edging tool, both of which can have a substantial amount of paint thereon. Similarly, the edging tool must be purchased separately from the paint brush, adding to the expense of the painting project.

Paint brushes are not generally provided with accessories, such as edging tools. Instead, brushes are sold individually or in multi-packs, often with display and/or storage packaging. Existing packaging includes brush or bristle wraps, trays, cartons, and enclosures. Some packaging is not designed for re-use and is discarded upon use. Other reusable packaging is configured to receive and protect the brush after an initial use. Certain packaging can even be configurable between a display state and a protective state. Regardless of specific configuration, however, there is not an existing paint brush packaging that provides an edging feature, and more especially that is selectively configurable between a packaging configuration and an edging configuration.

Accordingly, there are a number of limitations with existing paint brush products that can be addressed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure solve one or more of the foregoing or other problems and/or limitations in the art with single handheld paint brush/edging tools, and methods of using the same. Embodiments can include a packaging comprising (or formed of) paper or cardboard, plastic, or any suitable material. The packaging can be configured to receive a paint brush and can have a painting edge with which bristles of the paint brush can be aligned. The painting edge can also be aligned with a transition in a painting surface, where paint is to be applied. The packaging can also include a paint brush raising component that is positioned on the packaging and is structurally adapted to initially spaces at least the bristles of the paint brush away from the painting edge. A force applied to the paint brush in the direction of the paint brush raising component overcomes the spacing effect of the raising component and brings the bristles into contact with the painting edge such that paint applied to the bristles is applied in a straight line to a portion of the painting surface.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Previous paint brush packaging has been adapted to display and/or protect a paint brush product disposed therein. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, can be used for cutting-in or otherwise applying paint at edges, corners, and other transitions of a painting surface. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be advantageous over existing systems, methods, and/or processes by providing multi-purpose, reconfigurable paint brush packaging that provides an edging tool. The packaging can comprise (or be formed of) paper or cardboard, plastic, or any suitable material. The packaging can be configured to receive a paint brush and can have a painting edge with which bristles of the paint brush can be aligned. The painting edge can also be aligned with a transition in a painting surface, where paint is to be applied. The packaging can also include a paint brush raising component that is positioned on the packaging and is structurally adapted to initially space at least the bristles of the paint brush away from the painting edge. A force applied to the paint brush in the direction of the paint brush raising component overcomes the spacing effect of the raising component and brings the bristles into contact with the painting edge such that paint applied to the bristles is applied in a straight line to a portion of the painting surface.

Before describing the present disclosure in further detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the description of the particularly exemplified systems, methods, and/or products that may vary from one embodiment to the next. Thus, while certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to specific configurations, parameters, features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions), etc., the descriptions are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the embodiments, and is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention.

As used herein, the term “paint brush” is used to describe a tool (or instrument) having a gripping component attached to a paint-receiving component. The gripping component provides for handheld use of the paint brush and can have any suitable configuration, such as a handle comprised of wood, plastic, fibers, or any suitable material. For convenience, all such gripping components are referred to herein as handles and are disposed at a handle end the paint brush.

The paint-receiving component can be used to transfer paint (i.e., receive paint and then apply the paint) to a surface and can have any suitable configuration, such as bristles, fibers, hairs, sponge or sponge-like material, or any suitable material. For convenience, all such paint-receiving components are referred to herein as bristles and are disposed at a brush end the paint brush.

As used herein, the term “paint” includes any surface coating, whether colored or clear, whether opaque or non-opaque, whether liquid, solid, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, paint includes primer, clear-coat, glaze, stain, oil, wax, powders, organics, synthetics, or any suitable material.

Various aspects of the present disclosure, including systems, processes, and/or products may be illustrated with reference to one or more embodiments or implementations, which are exemplary in nature. As used herein, the terms “embodiment” and “implementation” mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects disclosed herein. In addition, reference to an “implementation” of the present disclosure or invention includes a specific reference to one or more embodiments thereof, and vice versa, and is intended to provide illustrative examples without limiting the scope of the invention, which is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the following description.

As used throughout this application the words “can” and “may” are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Additionally, the terms “including,” “having,” “involving,” “containing,” “characterized by,” as well as variants thereof (e.g., “includes,” “has,” and “involves,” “contains,” etc.), and similar terms as used herein, including the claims, shall be inclusive and/or open-ended, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”), and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps, illustratively.

It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “crease” includes one, two, or more creases. Similarly, reference to a plurality of referents should be interpreted as comprising a single referent and/or a plurality of referents unless the content and/or context clearly dictate otherwise. Thus, reference to “creases” does not necessarily require a plurality of such creases. Instead, it will be appreciated that independent of conjugation; one or more creases are contemplated herein.

Various aspects of the present disclosure can be illustrated by describing components that are bound, coupled, attached, connected, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “bound,” “coupled”, “attached”, “connected,” and/or “joined” are used to indicate either a direct association between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect association with one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly bound,” “directly coupled”, “directly attached”, “directly connected,” and/or “directly joined” to another component, no intervening elements are present or contemplated.

To facilitate understanding, like references (i.e., like naming of components and/or elements) have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, like structures, or structures with like functions, will be provided with similar reference designations, where possible. Specific language will be used herein to describe the exemplary embodiments. Nevertheless it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Rather, it is to be understood that the language used to describe the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure (unless such language is expressly described herein as essential).

It will also be appreciated that where multiple possibilities of values or a range of values (e.g., less than, greater than, at least, and/or up to a certain value, and/or between two recited values) is disclosed or recited, any specific value or range of values falling within the disclosed range of values is likewise disclosed and contemplated herein. Thus, disclosure of an illustrative measurement or amount less than or equal to about 10 units or between 0 and 10 units includes, illustratively, a specific disclosure of: (i) a measurement or amount of 9 units, 5 units, 1 units, or any other value between 0 and 10 units, including 0 units and/or 10 units; and/or (ii) a measurement or amount between 9 units and 1 units, between 8 units and 2 units, between 6 units and 4 units, and/or any other range of values between 0 and 10 units.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims.

Turning now to the figures,FIG. 1Aillustrates a top plan view of a template10useful in forming a reconfigurable paint brush container12, shown inFIGS. 1B-1D, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Template10can be comprised of a semi-rigid, foldable (sheet) material that retains a crease when folded. The material can comprise paper, such as card stock or card board, plastic, or any other suitable material. Template10and/or the components thereof can comprise an upper surface11aand an opposing lower surface11b(seeFIGS. 1B and 1C) opposite upper surface11a.

Template10comprises a base or floor panel14having a front edge16, a rear edge18opposite front edge16, a first side edge20extending between front edge16and rear edge18on a first side24of template10or floor panel14thereof, and a second side edge22extending between front edge16and rear edge18on a second side26of template10or floor panel14thereof, opposite first side24.

Template10also comprises a cover panel30extending from front edge16of floor panel14. Cover panel30has an inner edge32connected to front edge16, with a first crease34formed between inner edge32and front edge16, an outer edge36opposite inner edge32, a first side edge38extending between inner edge32and outer edge34on first side24of template10or cover panel30thereof, and a second side edge40extending between inner edge32and outer edge34on second side26of template10or cover panel30thereof opposite first side24. Cover panel30also includes a second crease42disposed between inner edge32and outer edge36. First crease34and second crease42each extend laterally between the first side edge38and second side edge40. Second crease42can divide cover panel30into a first portion46(proximal to inner edge32) and a second portion48(proximal to outer edge36). In one or more embodiments, cover panel30also includes a slit44extending along a portion of second crease42.

Cover panel30is foldable along first crease34such that cover panel30overlays at least a portion of floor panel14(e.g., with upper surface11aof cover panel30facing, touching, and/or adjacent to upper surface11aof floor panel14). For instance, when cover panel30is folded along the first crease34, first side edge38of cover panel30can become substantially aligned with first side edge20of floor panel14and second side edge40of cover panel30can become (substantially) aligned with second side edge22of floor panel14. As used herein, “align,” “alignment,” and similar terms refer to the positioning and/or disposition of two or more elements in adjacent spaces and does not necessarily imply or require that the two or more elements be immediately and/or exactly parallel, congruent, or equal in size. In some embodiments, for instance, first and/or second side edges38and40can be tapered relative to inner and outer side edges20and22, respectively. In certain embodiments, cover panel30can be folded along first crease34such that outer edge36of cover panel30becomes (substantially) aligned with rear edge18of floor panel14. Cover panel30is also foldable along second crease42, such that upper surface11aof second portion48faces, touches, and/or becomes disposed adjacent to upper surface11aof the first portion46.

Template10also includes a first side panel50extending from first side edge20of floor panel14with a third crease52disposed therebetween, a second side panel54extending from second side edge22of floor panel14with a fourth crease56extending therebetween, and a rear panel58extending from rear edge18of floor panel14with a fifth crease60extending therebetween. In at least one embodiment, first side panel50and second side panel54can be substantially similar in size, structure, and/or configuration. For instance, first side panel50and second side panel54can be mirror images of each other in at least one embodiment. In other embodiments, however, first side panel50and second side panel54can have different configurations.

As depicted inFIG. 1A, first side panel50has a sidewall portion62adjacent to third crease52and a cover portion64extending from sidewall portion62, opposite third crease52. A sixth crease66extends between at least a part of side wall portion62and cover portion64. First side panel50also has a slit68. In at least one embodiment, a first portion70of slit68can extend from an outer edge72of first side panel50or cover portion64thereof (opposite third crease52) to or towards sixth crease66. The first portion70of slit68can be linear (or has a linear segment) and/or curved (or have a curved segment). As depicted inFIG. 1A, first portion70begins with a linear segment74extending from outer edge72at upper corner74of lower portions82of side panels50and54, and transitions into a curved segment76extending from linear segment74to or towards sixth crease66. A second portion78of slit

68can extend from sixth crease66(e.g., along a line defined by creases66such that second portion78of slit68comprises a continuation of sixth slit66).

First portion70of slit68extends through a portion of first side panel50such that cover portion64thereof is divided into an upper portion80(adjacent to the rear panel58) and a lower portion82(adjacent to cover panel30). As illustrated inFIG. 1A, slit68(or second portion78thereof) does not extend entirely through first side panel50(or cover portion64thereof). In particular, slit68and/or second portion78thereof extends along the line defined by sixth slit66, but does not extend to third crease52and/or a lower edge84of first side panel50(or lower portion82of cover portion64). Lower edge84can extend from first side edge20of floor panel14or third crease52. Accordingly, in at least some embodiments, a lower region83of cover portion64(or lower portion82thereof) can be continuous with a lower region63of sidewall portion62adjacent and/or along lower edge84and/or a part of first side panel50adjacent thereto. Lower region83of cover portion64(or lower portion82thereof) can be or comprise the portion of side panel50,54adjacent lower edge84and/or beyond slit68(or second portion78thereof). An opposing upper region85thereof can be disposed adjacent to slit68.

Upper portion80of first side panel50and/or cover portion64thereof has an upper edge86extending from and/or continuous with an upper edge88of sidewall portion62, and a tab87adjacent to upper edge86. Tab87can have a rounded configuration, as depicted in the illustrated embodiment. Upper edge88of sidewall portion62can similarly extend from first side edge20of floor panel14or third crease52(adjacent to rear panel58). Second side panel54can be configured substantially similar to the first side panel50.

Rear panel58also has an inner edge90extending from rear edge18of floor panel14(with fifth crease60disposed therebetween), an outer edge92opposite inner edge90, a first side edge94extending between the inner edge90and outer edge92on first side24of template10and/or from first side edge20of floor panel14, and a second side edge96extending between the inner edge90and outer edge92on second side26of template10and/or from second side edge22of floor panel14, opposite first side edge94. Rear panel58also includes a seventh crease98disposed between inner edge90and outer edge92and extending between the first side edge94and second side edge96. Seventh crease98divides rear panel58into a sidewall portion57(adjacent inner edge90) and a cover portion59(adjacent outer edge92). Rear panel58can also include an optional eighth crease100, disposed (equal-distant) between the fifth crease60and eighth crease100, and a tab opening102extending through rear panel58(from upper surface11a(through) to lower surface11b). As depicted inFIG. 1A, opening102has a crescent shaped lower portion, leaving a rounded tab101. In at least one embodiment, Opening102can be sized and/or configured to receive one or more tabs87therein.

As depicted inFIG. 1A, template10can also include a first fastening element (or fastener)104a(disposed on upper surface11aof cover panel30and/or second portion48thereof) and a second fastener104b(disposed on upper surface11aof rear panel58). In some embodiments, will template10can also include one or more additional fasteners104. For instance, template10can also include a fastener104disposed on lower surface11bof rear panel58(opposite the fastener104b). Upper portion80of cover portion64can also include a fastener104disposed on a lower surface of11bof respective side panels50and/or54. As described in further detail below, fasteners104can be configured to (reversibly) secure and/or maintain template10in one or more folded configurations.

As used herein, the “fastener,” “fastening element,” and similar terms include hook and loop (or hook-and-loop) elements (a.k.a. Velcro), adhesive materials, such as glue, tape (single- or double-sided), spray, putty, as the like, clasping elements, locking elements, and any other suitable means for attaching two or more components. In some embodiments, such fasteners can be reversibly attachable and re-attachable. In other embodiments, the fasteners can be substantially, permanently attachable, such that the fastener is not configured to be reversibly attachable and re-attachable.

As depicted inFIG. 2B, for instance, template10can be folded into a reconfigurable paint brush container12in the packaging configuration. Container12can be sized and/or configured to receive at least a portion of a paint brush106having a specific size and/or configuration. As discussed in further detail below, for instance, container12can be sized and/or configured to receive a brush end108of the paint brush106, while a handle end110of paint brush106extends from container12. As depicted inFIGS. 1A and 1D, handle end110can comprise a handle111and brush end108can comprise bristles122. Brush end108can also comprise a middle portion124disposed between (and attached to) handle111and/or bristles122. Bristles122can also have a leading edge126.

With continuing reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B, in the packaging configuration (or to form container12in the packaging configuration), with a paint brush106disposed therein, as depicted inFIG. 2B, template10is folded along creases52,56, and60such that side panels50and54(or respective sidewall portions62thereof) and rear panel58(or sidewall portion57thereof) are folded upward, substantially perpendicular to floor panel14. Paint brush106is disposed with brush end108(e.g., bristles122and/or middle portion124) on upper surface11aof floor panel14and handle111extending through the opening102of rear panel58. Template10is also folded along respective creases66of side panels50and54, such that respective cover portions64thereof fold over brush end108of paint brush106. At least a portion of respective cover portions64can overlay one another, such that respective cover portion64are disposed in a stacked configuration (e.g., with upper surface11aa first cover portion64facing brush end108and upper surface11aof a second cover portion64facing lower surface11bof first cover portion64).

Template10and/or rear panel58thereof can also be folded along crease98, and optionally along crease100, such that cover portion59of rear panel58folds over brush end108of paint brush106. In at least one embodiment, cover portion59of rear panel58can be folded over the top of cover portions64of side panels50and54. In one or more embodiments, template10can provide means for maintaining one or more components of template10in one or more folded configurations. For instance, in some embodiments, the means for maintaining can include tabs87of upper portion80of cover portions64and opening102of rear panel58. Tabs87can be inserted through opening102, such that the side edges of opening102can retain tabs87and restricted and/or prevented side panels50and54from unfolding.

In at least one embodiment, the means for maintaining can comprise fastener104b. For instance, fastener104bcan be (directly or indirectly) reversibly attached to lower surface11bof folded cover portion64or upper portion80thereof. In one or more embodiments, lower surface11bof cover portion64or upper portion80thereof (of one or more side panels50,54) can have a corresponding fastener104disposed thereon, such that fastener104bmates with the corresponding fastener104and becomes (reversibly) attached thereto. In at least one embodiment, the corresponding fastener104and fastener104bcan comprise corresponding parts of the hook and loop fastener.

Template10can also be folded along crease34, such that cover panel30folds over brush end108of paint brush106. As depicted inFIG. 2B, for instance, cover panel30can be folded over folded side panels50and54and folded rear panel58, such that upper surface11aof cover panel30faces lower surface11bof folded side panels50and54and folded rear panel58. In some embodiments, means for maintaining are also provided for cover panel30. For instance, fastener104acan be (directly or indirectly) reversibly attached to lower surface11bof folded rear panel58. In at least one embodiment, the lower surface11bof rear panel58can have a corresponding fastener104disposed thereon, such that fastener104amates with the corresponding fastener104and becomes (reversibly) attached thereto. In at least one embodiment, the corresponding fastener104and fastener104acan comprise corresponding parts of the hook and loop fastener.

Alternatively, template10can be folded into an edging configuration as shown inFIGS. 1C-1Dand described herein. As described previously, template10can be folded along creases52and56to erect sidewall portions62relative to floor panel14. In addition, by means of slit68, lower portion82of the side panels50and54can be folded along crease66, while upper portion80of side panels50and54remains substantially unfolded along crease66. Thus, lower portion82can be folded over floor panel14. Template10can also be folded along crease34, such that cover panel30(or first portion46thereof) folds over folded lower portions82, with upper surface of11aof cover panel30(or first portion46thereof) facing lower surface11bof lower portion82. The folding of template10along crease34can also form a painting edge120(along crease34at outer surface11bof template10). In at least one embodiment, floor panel14and/or cover panel30terminates at painting edge120. Painting edge120can be (substantially) linear in one or more embodiments.

Cover panel30can also be folded along crease42, such that a second portion48of cover panel30folds under lower portions82, with upper surface of11aof cover panel30(or first portion46thereof) facing upper surface11aof lower portion82. Accordingly, the cover panel30can be folded about lower portions82of side panels50and54. In some embodiments, corners174of lower portions82of side panels50and54(or upper region85thereof) can be inserted into slit44, thereby securing lower portions82to cover panel30. In this folded (and optionally secured) configuration (as illustrated inFIGS. 1C and/or 1D), folded cover panel30and folded lower portions82of side panels50and54form a raising component112. As used herein, “form,” “forming,” and similar terms are inclusive and/or open-ended, such that one or more components forming an element does not negate the element comprising additional components. Accordingly, raising component112comprises (at least) folded cover panel30and folded lower portions82of side panels50and54, in the illustrated embodiment. It is noted, however, that in other embodiments, raising component112can comprise (at least) folded cover panel30or folded lower portions82of side panel50or54.

In certain embodiments, raising component112can be attached to and/or extend from (upper surface11aof) floor panel14. Indeed, in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1C-1D, raising component112can be attached to and/or extend from of floor panel14. For instance, as described above, cover panel30extends from a front edge16of floor panel14. Thus, raising component112is attached to and extends from floor panel14. Moreover, with cover panel30folded such that a second portion48thereof folds beneath lower portions82of side panels50and54, second portion48can contact upper surface11aof floor panel14.

In addition, because second portion48is folded under first portion46and/or because lower portions82of side panels50and54are disposed between the first portion46and second portion48of cover panel30, raising component112may not be disposed or lay (flat) against upper surface11aof floor panel14, in a folded, resting position (as illustrated inFIGS. 2C and/or 2D). For instance, folded second portion48can space raising component112and/or cover panel30thereof away from upper surface11aof floor panel14(as second portion48tends to at least partially rebound into the unfolded configuration illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B. In addition, fastener104acan be disposed between the first portion46and second portion48of cover panel30in the folded configuration, such that second portion48may not lay (flat) against first portion46.

Furthermore, because crease66can extend (substantially or entirely) to crease52and/or because slit68or second portion78thereof may not extend (entirely) to crease52, lower portions82of side panels50and54may not collapse and/or fold against (or may not be collapsible and/or foldable against) upper surface11aof floor panel14, in the resting position. Thus, in the folded, resting position, raising component112and/or one or more components thereof can be spaced away from upper surface11aof floor panel14.

In one or more embodiments, upper portions80of side panels50and54, respectively, and/or rear panel58can be folded into a paint brush retaining element114. For instance, as indicated above, template10can be folded along crease66, such that upper portions80of side panels50and54, respectively, fold over floor panel14, and along crease98(and optionally crease100), such that cover portion59of rear panel58folds over floor panel14. Upper portions80of side panels50and54and cover portion59of rear panel58can be folded in any suitable order or sequence, as described above. However, in at least one embodiment, a fastener104bcan be secured (directly or indirectly) to lower surface11bof upper portion80. For instance, a corresponding fastener104can be attached to lower surface11bof upper portion80of side panel50or54.

As depicted inFIG. 1D, container12can comprise (or form) a paint brush receiving element (or area)116. For instance, at least a portion of upper surface11aof floor panel14can form a bottom portion of receiving area112, one or more of opposing sidewall portion62of side panel50,54and/or sidewall portion57of rear panel58can form a sidewall118of receiving area112, and/or retaining element114can form a top portion of receiving area112. Stated another way, receiving element116can comprise at least a portion of floor panel14, a sidewall118(comprising opposing sidewall portions62of side panels50and54and/or sidewall portion57of rear panel58), and/or retaining element114, or respective upper surfaces11athereof. Moreover, at least a portion of floor panel14, sidewall118(comprising opposing sidewall portions62of side panels50and54and/or sidewall portion57of rear panel58), and/or retaining element114, or respective upper surfaces11athereof, can at least partially bound receiving element116. Accordingly, the receiving element116can include an upper surface portion of floor panel14, sidewall118(comprising opposing sidewall portions62of side panels50and54and/or sidewall portion57of rear panel58), and/or retaining element114. Thus, paint brush106(or brush end108thereof) can be disposed in the upper surface portion of floor panel14, sidewall118(comprising opposing sidewall portions62of side panels50and54and/or sidewall portion57of rear panel58), and/or retaining element114.

As further depicted inFIG. 1D, a portion of paint brush106(e.g., brush end108or bristles122and/or middle portion124thereof) can be disposed on top of raising component112, beneath retaining element114, and/or within side wall118, or between components thereof. In certain embodiments, raising component112can space bristles122(or leading edge126thereof) away from painting edge120. For instance, while cover panel30extends from painting edge120, second portion48and/or lower portions82of side panels50,54can lift (or space) first portion46of cover panel30away from floor panel14. Moreover, raising component112can provide or form a fulcrum130, on which paint brush106can rest. Fulcrum130can comprise an edge formed at folded crease42and/or a part of first portion46adjacent crease42, in some embodiments.

Raising component112(or fulcrum130thereof) can also be structurally configured (or adapted) to space bristles122(or leading edge126thereof) away from painting edge120by forming a ramp. For instance, as indicated above, slit68may not extend entirely to crease52. Accordingly, lower part83of side wall panel50,54(or lower portion82thereof) can be raised above upper surface11aof floor panel14by means of sidewall portion62(or lower part63thereof). Upper region85, on the other hand, can become depressed under the weight of brush106, such that lower part63raises (or spaces) bristles122(or leading edge126thereof) relative to handle end110(or handle111thereof) and/or away from painting edge120. In at least one embodiment, middle portion124and/or a portion of handle111can rest on upper surface11aof floor14adjacent rear panel58. Retaining element114can be structurally adapted and/or positioned to retain paint brush106in the receiving element116and/or atop raising component112. For instance, retaining element114can apply a force (or pressure) to a portion of paint brush106(e.g., middle portion124and/or handle111) such that the portion of paint brush106is pressed against upper surface11aof floor14.

As illustrated inFIG. 1D, raising component112can space bristles122and/or leading edge126thereof away from painting edge120(e.g., such that a (vertical) gap or spacing127is disposed therebetween. Leading edge126of bristles122can also be (substantially) aligned with painting edge120of container12, even with gap or spacing127disposed therebetween. Accordingly, with paint132disposed on bristles122(or leading edge126thereof), painting edge120can provide a straight edge for painting (or edging) a transition in a painting surface, as discussed in further detail below. In some embodiments, for instance, the spacing effect of raising component112can be overcome by applying additional (downward) pressure on paint brush106(e.g., toward upper surface11aof floor14). For instance, a downward force applied to bristles122(or leading edge126thereof), in the direction of raising component112, can bring leading edge126adjacent to and/or in contact with painting edge120. The force can be applied to bristles122(or leading edge126thereof) directly, in some embodiments, by pressing downward on bristles122, middle portion124, retaining element114, etc.

In certain embodiments, pressure can be applied to bristles122(or leading edge126thereof) indirectly by means of fulcrum130. For instance, handle111can be lifted upwards while applying a stabilizing (downward) force to a portion of paint brush106(e.g., atop fulcrum130). In at least one embodiment, for example, a downward force can be applied to retaining element114, middle portion124, bristles122, and/or brush end108of paint brush106, while an upward force (opposite the downward force) is applied to handle111.

Accordingly, a method of painting a transition in a painting surface (e.g., cutting-in a wall corner) with paint can include positioning paint brush106within receiving element116of paint brush container12, container12, applying paint132to bristles122of paint brush106, aligning leading edge126of bristles122with painting edge120of container12, aligning painting edge120of container12with a transition in a painting surface (see, for example, transition (e.g., corner)150of painting surface152ofFIG. 5D), and applying a force on paint brush106in the direction of raising component112, the force overcoming the spacing of raising component112and bringing bristles122(or leading edge126thereof) into proximity or contact with painting edge120, such that paint132is applied to a portion of the painting surface. The method can also include forming raising component112by folding template10along crease34. Additional folding steps, as described herein, can also be performed.

It is noted that structural components, including, but not limited to surfaces, sides, ends, edges, portions, parts, panels, creases, slits, tabs, openings, fasteners, materials, and so forth, as well as method steps, including, but not limited to folding, forming, erecting, aligning, applying, inserting, disposing, placing, and so forth, disclose and/or described in relation to the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1A-1D, can be incorporated in other embodiments of the present disclosure without specific recitation thereof. Similarly, structural components and/or method steps disclose and/or described in relation to other embodiments can be incorporated into the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1A-1Dand/or additional embodiments of the present disclosure without specific recitation thereof. Accordingly, the description of a specific embodiment need not recite (or label in the figures) each and every component (or indicate each and every function) thereof. Instead, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2Aillustrates an alternative embodiment of a template10a, useful in forming container12a(depicted inFIG. 2B). Template10aincludes many of the same or similar components, or components having the same or similar function, as found in template10. For instance, template10ahas a floor panel14awith a front edge16aand a cover panel30awith an inner edge32aextending from floor panel14a, with a crease34adisposed therebetween. Unlike template10, however, crease34ais disposed at an angle relative to floor panel14aand/or cover panel30a. Accordingly, template10ais foldable and/or configurable into a paint brush packaging container adapted for a paint brush106ahaving a tapered leading edge126a(seeFIG. 2B).

Moreover, unlike template10, template10acomprises a slit68aextending through a portion outside panels50aand54a, slit68ahaving a first portion70acomprising a linear segment74athat extends at least partially into side wall panel62a. In some embodiments, first portion70adoes not include a curved segment. Similar to template10, second portion78aof slit68atravels along a portion of the line defined by creases66a.

Paint brush106acan be placed on upper surface11aof floor panel14awith handle111athereof extending through opening102aand leading edge126athereof aligned with crease34a. Template10acan then be folded about paint brush106aas described previously in relation to template10. For instance, template10acan be folded along creases52aand56aso as to erect sidewall panels62a. Each side can then be folded along crease66ato cover paint brush106a. In at least one embodiment, side panel50acan be folded first, followed by side panel54a, after which, rear panel58acan be folded along creases60aand98a, such that tabs87aextends through opening102a.

Upper portion80acan have a first fastener104disposed on lower surface11bthereof. The fastener104cdisposed on upper surface11aof rear panel58acan be sized and/or configured to mate with first fastener104of upper portion80a. As described above, upper portion80acan also have a second fastener104disposed on lower surface11bthereof and configured to mate with fastener104aof cover panel30a. Openings103can be sized and configured to expose second fastener104therethrough, such that when cover panel30ais folded along crease34aso as to cover brush and108aof paint brush106a, fastener104aon upper surface11aof cover panel30amates with the second fastener104on upper portion80a, to secure container12ain a packaging configuration (not shown). Alternatively, upper portion80acan have a single fastener104disposed thereon, and fasteners104aand104ccan each mate with the single fastener104.

FIG. 2B, on the other hand, illustrates an edging configuration of container12a. In the edging configuration, template10ais folded along creases52aand56aso as to erect sidewall panels62a. However, unlike the packaging configuration, template10ais folded along second portion78aof slit68a, such that lower portion82aof side panels50aand54aare folded over floor panel14a. Cover panel30ais folded along crease34asuch that first portion46acovers lower portions82a. Cover panel30ais also folded along crease42asuch that second portion48afolds under lower portions82a, adjacent to and optionally extending from upper surface11aof floor panel14a, thereby forming raising component112a.

The connection between cover panel30aand floor panel14aat leading edge120a, as well as the presence of lower portions82aand second portion48abeneath first portion46aof cover panel30aprovides a hinged, spring-board, and/or spacing element to raising component112a. Upper portions80aare folded along creases66aso as to fold over floor panel14a, and rear panel58ais folded along creases60aand98aso as to fold over folded upper portions80a, forming sidewall118a, retaining element114a, and forming receiving area116a. As described above, fastener104ccan mate with a corresponding fastener104disposed on lower surface11bof upper portion80a, thereby securing sidewall118aand retaining element114ain a folded configuration, as in the depicted embodiment. Raising component112acan be depressed towards upper surface11aof floor panel14a, overcoming the spacing effect thereof away from upper surface11aof floor panel14a. Handle111aof paint brush106acan be inserted through receiving area116a, between depressed raising component112aand a retaining element114a, and through opening102a, as depicted inFIG. 2B. Paint132can be applied to bristles122aand/or leading edge126athereof, and paint brush106acan be retracted into receiving area116asuch that leading edge126abecomes aligned with painting edge120aof container12a.

In some embodiments, paint132can be applied to a painting surface (e.g., at a transition, such as a corner). Paint brush106acan then be advanced forward such that leading edge126aextends beyond the painting edge120a. Additional paint132can then be applied to bristles122aor leading edge126athereof and a paint brush106acan again be retracted into receiving area116asuch that leading edge126abecomes aligned with painting edge120aof container12afor further painting. As described above, raising component112acan space bristles122aand/or leading edge126athereof away from painting edge120a(e.g., such that a (vertical) gap or spacing is disposed therebetween. The spacing effect of raising component112acan be overcome by applying force (or pressure) to paint brush106a, as described above.

FIG. 3Aillustrates another embodiment of a template10buseful in forming paint brush packaging container12billustrated inFIGS. 3B-3D. Template10bhas a floor panel14band a cover panel30bextending therefrom, with a crease34bdisposed therebetween, and side panels50band54bextending therefrom, with creases52band54bdisposed therebetween, as described above. Unlike templates10and10a, however, side panels50band54bdo not include cover portions, as described above. Instead, sidewall portions62bhas a crease65that allows a corner portion67of sidewall portion62bto be folded over floor panel14b. In addition, side panels50band54beach have a rear tab69extending from side panel50b(or sidewall portion62bthereof) adjacent to rear panel58b, with a crease71disposed between rear tab69and side panel50b(or sidewall portion62bthereof, and a slit97disposed between rear tab69and rear panel58b. In at least one embodiment, a crease71can be aligned with crease60b. In some embodiments, a gap197bcan be formed between rear tab69and rear panel tab73.

As depicted inFIG. 3B, template10bcan be folded along creases52band56bto erect sidewall panels62b, and along creases71, thereby aligning tabs69with crease60b. Template10bcan also be folded along crease60bto erect rear panel58b, such that upper surface11aof rear panel58bfaces lower surface11bof opposing tabs69, or vice versa, thereby forming sidewall118b. One or more of opposing tabs69and/or rear panel58bcan have a fastener104disposed thereon. For instance, opposing tabs69can each have a fastener104disposed on lower surface11bthereof. For the sake of convenience, however, fasteners104are depicted on upper surface11aof tabs69. Fastener104can comprise an adhesive such as glue or double-sided tape, in certain embodiments. Accordingly, rear panel58bcan be erected and fastened (e.g., adhered) to tabs69.

Template10bcan also include a rear panel tab73extending from rear panel58b, with a crease75disposed therebetween. In at least one embodiment, template10bcan also include one or more (e.g., opposing) slits81extending from (opposite sides of) crease75(e.g., extending to the edge of template10b). As depicted inFIG. 3B, rear panel tab73can be folded (e.g., rolled), and opposing ends thereof secured together by means of fastener104d, to form paint brush retaining element114b. With handle111bextending through opening102b, and leading edge126baligned with crease34b, cover panel30bcan be folded along crease34bso as to fold over paint brush106b. Cover panel30balso includes front tabs49extending therefrom (opposite crease34b), with crease51disposed therebetween. Accordingly, opposing corner portions67can be folded along respective creases65, and opposing front tabs49can be folded along respective creases51, such that tabs49become inserted behind corner portions67or between corner portions67and folded tabs69and/or corrected rear panel58b, thereby securing cover panel30bover paint brush106band disposing container12bin a closed packaging configuration (not shown).

Alternatively, as depicted inFIGS. 3C-3D, template10bcan be folded so as to dispose container12bin an edging configuration. In particular, as depicted inFIG. 3C, cover panel30bcan also be folded along crease42b, and optionally, a long optional crease43, such that tabs49are disposed adjacent to upper surface11aof floor panel14b. Tabs49can be folded along creases51such that tabs49extend towards crease34b, as illustrated in the depicted embodiment. Alternatively, tabs49can be folded along creases51such that tabs49extend away from crease34b.

As further depicted inFIG. 3D, cover panel30bcan be further folded against upper surface11aof floor panel14b, thereby forming paint brush raising component112b. In certain embodiments, tabs49can be further folded (inward or outward) along crease51, such that crease51becomes aligned with crease34b. Cover panel30balso includes optional crease43to allow cover panel30bto form a raising component112bin one or more additional configurations. Optional tabs45extending (laterally) from cover panel30bcan be inserted into optional slits47extending through side wall panels62b(e.g., to help retain raising component112badjacent to and/or against upper surface11aof floor panel14b. Paint brush106bcan be disposed in receiving area116bby inserting a handle111bthrough opening102b, placing brush and108ba top raising component112b, and aligning leading edge126bof bristles122bwith painting edge120bof container12b.

As described previously, raising component112bcan space bristles122band/or leading edge126bthereof away from painting edge120b(e.g., such that a (vertical) gap or spacing127bis disposed therebetween. The spacing effect of raising component112bcan be overcome by applying force (or pressure) to paint brush106b, as described previously.

FIGS. 4A-4Billustrate an alternative embodiment in which template10cdoes not include a cover panel. Instead, floor panel14chas one or more slits77extending therethrough so as to form one or more tabs79. An optional crease177can extend between opposing ends of slit(s)77, such that tab(s)79can be folded (e.g., or rolled) so as to form one or more raising components112c. Like other raising components described herein, raising component112ccan be configured to space bristles (or a leading edge thereof) of a paint brush away from painting edge120c, so as to for a gap or space therebetween. Unlike some other embodiments, template10cpresents painting edge120cwithout needing to fold and/or manipulate a cover panel.

Side panels50band54bof template10ceach have a rear tab69cextending from sidewall panel62badjacent to rear panel58c, with a crease71cdisposed between rear tab69cand sidewall panel62c, and a slit97cdisposed between rear tab69cand rear panel58c. In at least one embodiment, creases71ccan be aligned with crease60cand slits97ccan be aligned with creases52cand54c, respectively.

Sidewall118ccan be erected and/or formed by folding template10calong creases52cand54cso as to erect sidewall panels62c, folding template10calong crease60cso as to erect rear panel58c, folding tabs69calong creases71c, and securing folded tabs69cto rear panel58cby means of fasteners104, thereby forming receiving area116c.

Rear panel58calso has an opening102c. However, unlike some other embodiments, opening102cis at least partially covered by one or more tabs61. For instance, template10ccan also include a slit91aextending along a portion of crease60c, a slit91bextending from (a middle portion of) slit91aat least partially through rear panel58c, and/or a slit91cextending across an end of slit91b(opposite slit91a). Slits91a,91b, and91cform tabs61, as well as opening102c. Opposing creases93can allow tabs61to yield to a paint brush handle inserted therethrough. In addition, tabs61can at least partially retain the paint brush handle with the and opening102c, such that the paint brush handle, and the paint brush bristles attached thereto, are retained in a predetermined position. Accordingly, tabs61can comprise a retaining element.

Template10ccan also include a rear panel tab73cextending from rear panel58c, with a crease75adisposed therebetween. In at least one embodiment, template10ccan also include one or more (e.g., opposing) slits81aextending from (opposite sides of) crease75a(e.g., extending (past tabs69c) to the edge of template10b). As depicted inFIG. 4B, rear panel tab73ccan be folded (e.g., rolled), and opposing ends thereof secured together by means of fastener104d, to form paint brush retaining element114b.

FIG. 5Aillustrates another embodiment of a template10duseful in forming container12ddepicted inFIGS. 5B-5D. Template10dand container12dinclude many of the features found in other embodiments of the present disclosure, including panels, slits, creases, tabs, and so forth. For instance, a floor panel14dhas a cover panel30dextending from a front end16dwith a crease34ddisposed therebetween, opposing side panels50dand54dextending laterally from opposing sides20dand22dwith respective creases52dand56ddisposed therebetween, and a rear panel58dextending from a rear end18dwith a crease60ddisposed therebetween.

Cover panel30dcomprises a first portion46dextending from front end16dand/or crease34d, a second portion41dextending from first portion46dwith a crease43ddisposed therebetween, and a third portion48dextending from second portion41dwith a crease42ddisposed therebetween, cover panel30dand/or third portion48dthereof having an outer edge36d, opposite floor panel14d.

Side panels50dand54deach include a side wall panel portion62dextending from respective sides20dand22dof floor panel14dwith respective creases52dand56ddisposed therebetween and a cover portion64dextending from sidewall panel portions62dwith a crease66ddisposed therebetween. Side wall panel portions62dcan have a slanted front edge84dextending away from cover panel30d(at approximately 45°). Cover portion64dcomprises a lower portion82dextending from front edge84d, an upper portion80dopposite lower portion82d, and a middle portion89are disposed therebetween. A slit105extends between lower portion82dand middle portion89and a slit107extends between middle portion89an upper portion80d. An inner portion121of slit105extends partially into a sidewall panel portion62d(optionally at an angle of about 45°) and an inner portion123of slit107extends partially into side wall panel portion62d. A crease125extends between endpoints of inner portion121and inner portion123. A middle part109of slit107extends into upper portion80d, forming a tab113. A crease115is disposed between middle portion89and tab113. Upper portion80dand a lower portion82deach also include an outer crease117, and an outer side wall tab119extending therefrom.

Tab69dextend from rear end88dof side wall panel portions62d, with a crease71ddisposed therebetween. A rear cover tab95extends from tab69d, with a crease131disposed therebetween. A slit129extends between upper portion88dand rear cover tab95.

Template10dcan also include a slit91dextending along the middle portion of crease60dand a slit91eextending from slit91dpartially into rear panel58d. A crease93dextends between endpoints of slit91dand91e, forming tabs61d. A rear panel tab73dextends from rear panel58d, with a crease75ddisposed therebetween, and opposing slits81dextending from crease75dand between rear panel tab73dand rear panel58d, tabs69d, and rear cover tab95.

As depicted inFIG. 5B, and with continued reference toFIG. 5A, template10dcan be folded into a packaging container12d(in a packaging configuration) by folding template10dalong crease60d, thereby erecting rear panel58d, along crease75d, thereby folding rear panel tab73daway from floor panel14d, along creases52dand56d, thereby erecting side panels50dand54d, along crease71d, thereby folding rear tabs69dagainst erected rear panel58d, along crease131, thereby folding rear cover tabs95over floor panel14d, along crease66d, thereby folding cover portion64dof side panels50dand54dover floor panel14d, and along creases117, thereby folding the outer tabs119against erected side wall panel portion62d. One or more of the foregoing folding steps can form sidewall118d. It is noted that the foregoing folding steps can be conducted in various orders and/or sequences. Indeed, a variety of aspects and/or outer displays can be achieved by altering the order and/or sequence of the foregoing folding steps.

As described above, rear panel58dcan be secured to tabs69dby means of one or more fasteners104disposed on upper surface11a(or lower surface11b) of rear panel58and/or tab(s)69d). Similarly, fasteners104can also be disposed on upper surface11a(or lower surface11b) outer tabs119and/or sidewall panel portions62dadjacent thereto. Accordingly, outer tabs119can be secured to side wall panel portions62d. In addition, rear panel tab73dcan be folded (e.g., rolled) so as to form paint brush retaining element114d, extending from opening102dof rear panel58d. A paint brush can then be disposed within packaging container12dby inserting a handle portion thereof through opening102dand retaining element114d, such that a brush portion is disposed on floor panel14d, within side wall118d, and beneath cover portion64d. Cover panel30dcan then be folded at creases34dand43d, such that cover panel30dis disposed on top of container12d. In the depicted embodiment, outer edge36dof cover panel30dcan be inserted beneath upper portion80d, such that at least part of the third portion48dis disposed on top of tab13and at least a part of third portion48dis disposed beneath upper portion80d, thereby securing cover panel30d.

In an alternative, edging configuration, illustrated inFIG. 5C-5D, tabs113can be folded along crease115such that they become disposed beneath and/or against middle portion89(via middle part109of slit107), side wall panel portions62dcan be folded along creases125, and middle portion89of cover portion64dcan be folded along crease66d, such that middle portion89of cover portion64dis depressed to (or towards) floor panel14d. It will be appreciated that middle portion89is thereby separated from upper portion80d(via slit107) and from lower portion82d(via slit105).

Cover panel30dcan then be wrapped around depressed middle portion89(and folded tabs113) by inserting outer edge36dbeneath lower portion82dof cover portion64dand over the top (or outer surface11b) of middle portion89, and folding cover panel30dalong crease42dsuch that third portion48dof cover panel30dfolds beneath middle portion89(e.g., with tabs113disposed between the third portion48dand middle portion89), thereby forming raising component112d(comprising middle portion89, tabs113, and cover panel30d), receiving area116d(above the floor panel14d, beneath upper portion80dand lower portion82dof cover portion64d, atop raising component112d, and/or within side wall118d), and painting edge120d(at folded crease34dand/or the junction between folded cover panel30dfloor panel14d). Moreover, raising component112dcan provide or form a fulcrum130d, on which paint brush106d(seeFIG. 5D) can rest. Fulcrum130dcan comprise an edge formed at folded crease42dand/or a part of second portion41dadjacent crease42d, in some embodiments.

As depicted inFIG. 5D, paint brush106dcan be disposed (or placed) in container12d(in the illustrated edging configuration) by inserting paint brush106d(or handle111dof handle portion110dthereof) beneath lower portion82dof cover portions64dat painting edge120d, over raising component112d(or fulcrum130dthereof), beneath upper portion80dof cover portions64d, through opening102dinner rear panel58d, and/or through retaining element114d, such that middle portion124dof paint brush106drests on raising component112d(or fulcrum130dthereof) and leading edge126dof bristles122dbecome aligned with painting edge120dof container12d. Raising component112d(or fulcrum130dthereof) can also be structurally configured (or adapted) to space bristles122d(or leading edge126dthereof) away from painting edge120d.

An illustrative method of edging a painting surface (e.g., wall)155at a transition (e.g., corner)150can include forming container12din an edging configuration, as described above, inserting paint brush106dinto container12dor receiving element116dthereof, as described above, with a portion of paint brush106d(e.g., middle portion124d) disposed (or resting) on raising component112d(or fulcrum130dthereof), applying paint132to bristles122dor leading edge126dthereof, as described previously, aligning leading edge126dof bristles122dwith painting edge120dof container12d, aligning painting edge120dof container12dwith transition150of painting surface155, with bristles122d(or leading edge126dthereof) adjacent a painting surface portion152and container12dadjacent a non-painting surface portion154, and applying a force on paint brush106din the direction of raising component112d, the force overcoming the spacing of raising component112dand bringing bristles122d(or leading edge126dthereof) into contact with painting edge120d, such that paint132is applied to painting portion152of painting surface155, container12doptionally substantially inhibiting (e.g., obstructing, impeding, preventing, etc.) paint132from being applied to non-painting portion154of painting surface155. In at least one embodiment, the method can also include grasping paint brush106d(or handle111dthereof), optionally about retaining element114dand/or upper portion80dof cover portion64d.

It will be appreciated that other embodiments disclosed and described herein can be similarly implemented in analogous painting methods.

FIG. 6illustrates another embodiment of a container12ein an edging configuration, in which container12ecomprises a receiving element116e, and a detachable cover (or lid)30e. Unlike other embodiments, where the container is formed of a folded template, container12eis formed of a material that are generally retains (or returns to) its shape in the depicted configuration. For instance, container12ecan be formed of a semi-rigid plastic material, that has a degree of flexibility, but which cannot be unfolded into a flat configuration without breaking. It is noted, however, that other containers described herein can also be formed of more rigid materials, similar to container12e, and vice versa.

Receiving element116ecomprises a floor panel14eand a sidewall118eextending from the perimeter edge thereof. Side wall118edoes not, however, extend across (at least a portion of) front edge16eof floor panel14e. Moreover, with cover30ebeing detachable, front edge16eforms painting edge120e. In addition, cover30edoes not fold to form a raising component112e. Instead, raising component112eextends (vertically upward) from upper surface11aof floor panel14e. As depicted in inFIG. 6, raising component112eextends between opposing side wall panels62eof sidewall118e. It will be appreciated, however, that raising component112eneed not extend entirely between opposing sides of side wall118e. Raising component112ecan be formed of the same or different material as floor panel14eand/or sidewall118e. Similar to other embodiments described herein, raising component112e(or fulcrum130ethereof) can be configured to receive at least a portion of a paint brush thereon and space the bristles (or leading edge) thereof away from painting edge120e.

Receiving element116ehas an outer edge133extending about the upper edge of side wall118e, down slanted front edge84eof side wall panels62e, and/or across front edge16e(or painting edge120e). In the depicted embodiment, outer edge133includes a sealing element134. Sealing element134can comprises a hook or other formation extending about outer edge133, whereby container12ecan be substantially sealed (e.g., at least partially airtight) and/or covered. For instance, cover30ehas an outer edge135having a shape corresponding to the shape of outer edge133of receiving element116e. Outer edge135of cover30ealso comprises a sealing element136corresponding to and/or compatible with sealing element134of receiving element116e. In particular, first portion46eof cover30ecan extend over and/or being secured to sidewall panels62eand second portion48eof cover30ecan extend down front edge84eand across front edge16e(or painting edge120e).

Receiving element116ecan also include a retaining component114edisposed at the rear end of receiving element116e, adjacent opening102eand/or opposite painting edge120e. In at least one embodiment, retaining component114ecan comprise a sealing material, such as foam, sponge, rubber, or other suitable material. Retaining component114ecan extend across the rear ends of side wall panels62eand floor panel14e. Cover30ecan also have a retaining component114fextending across a rear portion thereof, opposite second portion48e. When cover30eis attached to receiving element116e, sealing element134can mate with sealing element136to create a seal between outer edges133and135, disposing container12ein a packaging configuration. Retaining components of114eand114fcan form a (partial) seal between container12eand a paint brush handle extending through opening102e. Accordingly, a paint brush having paint disposed on the bristles thereof, can be placed in receiving element116eand, with cover30eattached to receiving element116e, can be (at least temporarily) protected and/or preserved within container12e.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a cross-sectional view of receiving element116ewith a paintbrush disposed at least partially therein. As can be seen, raising component112eis positioned so at to initially space the bristles of the paint brush away from floor panel14eand/or painting edge120e. As discussed with the other embodiments disclosed herein, the paintbrush can be advanced so that the ends of the bristles are aligned with the painting edge120eand the paint brush can be rotated about the raising component112eso as to bring the paint brush bristles into contact with the painting edge120e.

Various embodiments disclosed and described herein include one or more slits and/or creases. As used herein, slits (are adapted to) extend (entirely) through a portion of a template (e.g., from an upper surface11ato a lower surface11bthereof), such that two adjacent portions of the template are (or can be) separated one from another. In certain embodiments, for instance, slits can include perforated portions, wherein the perforations extend (entirely or partially) through the template with intervening template portions disposed therebetween. Such intervening template portions can be broken (such as by tearing, cutting, applying pressure to the point of rupture, etc.) to separate the two adjacent portions of the template. In other embodiments, the template may include a slit line or other indication of where the template is to be cut, torn, or ruptured so as to separate the two adjacent portions of the template. All such features are contemplated herein as slits.

Similarly, creases (are adapted to) form a fold line in the template, along which the template can be pre-designed to be folded so as to form a packaging and/or edging container. Such creases can comprise one or more depressions, compressions, perforations, thinning portions, or any other suitable form of creasing, as known in the art. In certain embodiments, however, such fold lines can be indicated on one or more surfaces of the template without necessarily being pre-folded.

In addition, certain embodiments can include a handle adaptor for sizing the container (12), opening (102), and/or retaining element (114) to fit a specific configuration (e.g., size, shape, etc.) of paint brush handles. Such adaptors can be received by container (12), opening (102), and/or retaining element (114) and can provide a smaller opening through which the handle may pass and/or within which the paint brush may be retained.

Various alterations and/or modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and are to be considered within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. While a number of methods and components similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice embodiments of the present disclosure, only certain components and methods are described herein.

It will also be appreciated that systems, processes, and/or products according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, processes, products, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Each of the appended claims, as well as the recited elements thereof, is intended to be combinable with any other claim(s) and/or element(s) in any suitable combination or dependency without regard to the dependency in which said claims are presented. While certain embodiments and details have been included herein and in the attached disclosure for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.