Paint brush with detachable head

A paint brush has a handle and a paint brush head. The paint brush head is detachable from the paint brush handle. The paint brush head may be rotatable to a number of positions relative to the paint brush handle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a paint brush, and more particularly to a paint brush having a detachable paint brush head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Paint brushes are well known and are useful in a number of applications. However, once a common paint brush is used, it is typically necessary to either clean the paint off of the paint brush, or in the alternative, throw the paint brush away.

Moreover, the common paint brush is typically formed so that the handle is in the same plane (i.e. axially aligned) with the brush head. While this alignment may be suitable for some uses, it can be limiting and not as suitable or comfortable for a user in other uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a paint brush that has a handle and a detachable paint brush head. The handle can be formed for comfort in a user's hand, such as being contoured to fit in a person's palm and have contoured portions for receiving the fingers of the person. The handle could also be formed to fit either a left-handed person or a right-handed person.

The handle may also be formed at an angle relative to the brush head, so that a user's wrist need not conform to the longitudinal axis of the paint brush. The handle may also pivot relative to the brush, thereby giving a user a plurality of options for positioning of the brush head relative to the handle.

In one embodiment, a handle is coupled to a brush head using at least one groove-and-tab connector. The groove-and-tab connector could be configured to permit coupling of the handle and brush head in a number of positions.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a handle is coupled to a brush head using a selectable engagement device. The selectable engagement device has a first position wherein the brush head can be engaged or disengaged from the handle. The selectable engagement device also has a second position wherein the brush head can be locked in place relative to the handle.

Additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1illustrates a paint brush apparatus10having a handle12and a brush head14. Handle12is illustratively formed to have a protrusion16that is configured to mate with recess18formed in connecting end20of brush head14. Brush head14also has a brush end22that provides filaments or hairs for use in applying paint to a surface. It should be understood that although the illustrations show a fairly broad brush of a width considerably larger than that of the handle12, other brush head shapes and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, and brush head14may have a differently shaped or smaller profile. In addition, other materials may be substituted for brush head14, such as foam applicators, cloth applicators, sponges, and the like.

Handle12illustratively includes a contoured finger-grip surface24having a plurality of finger-receiving recesses26. In the illustrated embodiment, finger-receiving recesses26cooperate with a plurality of rims28positioned therebetween so as to form a grip that is comfortable and substantially conforms to the contours of a human hand. As illustrated, a contoured surface30may also be provided on the palm-side surface32of handle12. Handle12may also be configured to fit either a left-handed grip or a right-handed grip by having an exterior surface that is contoured to the corresponding grip.

AlthoughFIG. 1shows a handle12that is substantially formed in a 90-degree angle, it should be understood that other configurations are within the scope of the disclosure. Such configurations may be implemented as required by the particular use. For example, it may be advantageous for a handle12to have a less than 90-degree angle in certain applications. This configuration may be desirable for greater comfort, and/or for ease in accessing the area to be painted. In the alternative, handle12may be configured to have a pivotable angle (not shown), which would allow for a range of angles between grip portion34and engagement portion36.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, protrusion16is cylindrically shaped and has a smaller outer diameter than engagement portion36. Protrusion16extends outwardly away from engagement portion36a sufficient length to permit a secure connection between male protrusion16and female connecting end20of brush head14.

Connecting end20of brush head14is illustratively formed to have a cylindrically shaped recess18, the recess being configured to receive male protrusion16. Protrusion16has at least one groove38formed in the external surface40of protrusion16. Groove38is configured to receive a tab42that is illustratively positioned on the interior of cylindrically shaped recess18. Multiple tabs42may also be placed along the interior of cylindrically shaped recess18in order to mate with a protrusion having a plurality of grooves38. Of course, it should be understood that paint brush apparatus10may be configured such that protrusion16is located on brush head14and recess18is located on handle12.

If a plurality of groove38and tab42combinations are used, as shown inFIG. 1, brush head14can be connectable with handle12in a number of orientations. For example, brush head14could be aligned with handle12in the manner shown inFIG. 1, where brush head14is substantially co-planar with handle12. In the alternative, however, brush head14could be rotated relative to handle12such that tabs42each align with a different groove, permitting alignments of brush head14and handle12that are not co-planar. Such varying alignments may be desirable for projects which are better facilitated by having a different angle of attack for the brush head14.

Another embodiment is shown inFIG. 2, wherein a paint brush apparatus60comprises a handle62and a brush head64. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, a grip portion66can be configured similarly to grip portion34of handle12inFIG. 1. For example, grip portion66ofFIG. 2may include finger-receiving recesses70that are bounded by rims68. Furthermore, grip portion66may be configured to fit either a left hand or a right hand of a user.

In the embodiment disclosed inFIG. 2, handle62and brush head64are connectable via selectable engagement device72and receiver74. Selectable engagement device72is illustratively a cylindrical tube76having a movable rod78disposed therein, as can be seen inFIG. 3. Selectable engagement device72has a button end80housing a button82(visible inFIGS. 2 and 3). In the illustrated embodiment, button82is an exposed end of movable rod78. The opposite, engagement end79of selectable engagement device72is enclosed and contains at least one aperture84. A ball bearing86is positioned inside cylindrical tube76such that a portion of the ball bearing86extends outwardly through aperture84. Outer surface91of rod78engages ball bearing86, holding it in place against aperture84.

A chamber88circumscribes rod78, and a spring90is positioned between end cap92of cylindrical tube76and rod78, thereby maintaining a bias against rod78to naturally predispose rod78in the position shown inFIG. 3. When button82is depressed, rod78moves in the direction indicated by arrow94, depressing spring90against end cap92. Such movement aligns chamber88with aperture84, thereby allowing ball bearing86to partially recess inside chamber88and thereby not protrude as far through aperture84. In this position, selectable engagement device72can be engaged or disengaged with receiver74. Once selectable engagement device72is engaged with receiver74(and therefore handle62and brush head64are engaged), button82can be released, so as to cause ball bearing86to engage an inner surface96of receiver74. In order to accommodate ball bearing86, inner surface96may be fitted with a chamber or dimple (not shown) that receives ball bearing86, or any similar type of construction that permits a locking engagement between selectable engagement device72and receiver74. It is also contemplated that inner surface96may alternatively be formed of a malleable or other type of material that would allow for ball bearing86to imbed in inner surface96and thereby retain selectable engagement device72inside receiver74.

A positioned (not shown) may also be used to facilitate engagement between handle62and brush head64. Such a positioned may comprise, for example, matching engageable teeth that are formed on each of the surfaces of the handle62and brush head64. The engageable teeth would be positioned such that when handle62and brush head64are engaged, the teeth would engage and therefore lock the rotational position of the brush head64in place relative to the handle62. The teeth may be positioned, for example, on engagement surface98of handle62and on the opposing engagement surface of brush head64. Another alternative construction is to place the teeth on or near end cap92of selectable engagement device72, and mating teeth inside receiver74.

In either embodiment, it may further be desirable to incorporate a paint feed tube, or some other means of introducing paint to the brush head. For example, it may be desirable to have a paint feed tube that passes through the handle to feed paint to the paint brush head. The paint feed tube may be connected to a paint supply, or even a pressurized paint supply, that would provide a constant source of paint to the brush head. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, such a paint feed tube may be configured to pass through the center of rod78. However, other configurations are within the scope of the disclosure.

In yet another embodiment, a paint brush handle100and heads102,104,105are disclosed inFIGS. 4-8. Paint brush handle100is illustratively formed of two substantially symmetric halves106,108, and the two halves are fastened with at least one fastener. A grip coating110is also disclosed, the grip being of a material that provides both comfort and utility as a grip. Such a material for the grip coating110, for example, may be a polymer or rubberized type of material that is long-lasting and durable, yet has some flexibility so as to feel comfortable in the hand.

As shown inFIG. 4, handle100can be configured to have an engagement portion112that mates with receiving portion115of brush heads102,104,105, shown inFIGS. 5-7. Illustratively, engagement portion112has recesses114that can mate with tabs116of brush heads102,104, or105. Recesses114cooperate with tabs116to create a mating relationship between handle100and a selected one of heads102,104,105such that head102,104or105does not rotate relative to handle100when handle100and head102are engaged. Handle100also has a rim118that interlocks with head102to maintain the engagement between handle100and head102.

As can be seen inFIGS. 4 and 8, handle100is illustratively configured to include a first thumb notch120and a second thumb notch122. The alternative positions for the thumb in notch120or122allows for a range of hand sizes and/or a range of desired grips for a user.

FIG. 5is an example of one type of paint brush head102that can be engaged with handle100. In the example shown inFIG. 5, paint brush head102holds a two inch paint brush. Such a two inch paint brush is well known in the art, and is readily formed and attached to head102via staples, glue, or any other type of fastener.

Yet another type of paint brush head104is shown inFIG. 6, wherein the paint brush head104holds a four inch brush. In the illustrated embodiments shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, brush heads102and104each include a protrusion121that provides a lip to facilitate easy detachment from handle100.

It is contemplated that a roller head105, such as that shown inFIG. 7, may also be attached to handle100. Roller head105may include a paint catch126that functions to prevent paint from running down support128and on to handle100. Illustratively, support128is made of metal and is attached to a plastic head105. Similar to paint brush heads102,104, roller head105has a receiving portion130that engages engagement portion112of handle100.

FIG. 9shows yet another embodiment of a paint brush handle200. In this embodiment, neck202of brush handle200is relatively shorter, thereby allowing a user to position his or her hand closer to the brush and consequently have more control over the stroke of the brush. Once again, paint brush head204is removable and replaceable with other types and sizes of paint brush heads206,208, as can be seen inFIGS. 10 and 11.

Illustratively, paint brush handle200has grip surfaces210,212that can be formed from a different material, such as a rubberized material. Such a contrasting material may provide additional comfort and/or tackiness (assisting with grip) when a user is using the paint brush handle200.

In one embodiment, portions or all of the paint brush apparatus10and other devices disclosed herein, in addition to the packaging for the same, can be made of recyclable and/or biodegradable materials. For example, materials such as those available from www.goodearthpkg.com may be used.

Paint brush heads204,206,208may also be configured to have grip surfaces214,216,218. Such grip surfaces are contemplated to assist a user with both removal and placement of the paint brush head, as well as rotation of the paint brush head as discussed further herein. Paint brush handle200may also have a recess220that is positioned to receive a user's hand.

As can be seen inFIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of paint brush handle200A is disclosed. According to this embodiment, a button222can be positioned on a lower portion224of neck202. The butt end226of paint brush handle200is formed to have a rounded portion228that also may have a grip surface230that extends from the finger groove portion232. Although not shown, paint brush handle200ofFIGS. 9-11may also be configured to have a button222.

FIG. 13shows a cutaway view of the paint brush handle200A ofFIG. 12. In the cutaway view, it can be seen that engagement mechanism234. A closer view of engagement mechanism234and the operation thereof can be seen inFIGS. 14-17.

FIG. 14illustrates the various components of engagement mechanism234. According to the illustrated embodiment, paint brush head204(although other paint brush heads are similarly constructed and can be positioned in place of head204) has an integral disc236and a plunger238. Integral disc236is illustratively formed integrally with paint brush head204. In the illustrated embodiment, plunger238is also formed integrally with paint brush head204and integral disc236. Plunger238defines a longitudinal axis.

Engagement mechanism234also includes a carriage240that is configured to slide in a substantially coaxial direction along the longitudinal axis of plunger238. Carriage240includes tabs242,244that extend longitudinally toward brush head204. On the opposite end246of carriage240, carriage240is connected to first lock248, which is in turn engaged with second lock250. Illustratively, first and second locks248,250have teeth252,254formed thereon, such that teeth252,254can be positioned to engage each other as shown inFIGS. 14-15, thereby substantially preventing rotary motion of carriage240and first lock248relative to second lock250. Second lock250is positioned in a fixed relationship with housing component256. A foot258also extends downwardly from second lock250to further secure it in housing component256.

FIG. 16shows a cutaway view of engagement mechanism234, wherein paint brush head204has been pulled outwardly in the direction shown by arrows258. Because plunger238is connected to paint brush head204, and likewise carriage240is engaged with plunger238, carriage240has also moved in the direction of arrows258. Likewise, since first lock248is engaged with carriage240, it has also moved with carriage240away from second lock250. Accordingly, when a user pulls paint brush head204in the manner shown inFIG. 16, it causes first lock248to separate from second lock250. The separation of first and second locks248and250permits first lock248to rotate relative to second lock250. This rotation allows a user to reposition paint brush head204in an angle of rotation appropriate for the application or user. Once the desired angle of rotation is achieved, the user can release paint brush head so that first lock248returns to engagement with second lock250. Spring260biases carriage240such that it causes first lock248to engage second lock250absent action from a user.

As can be seen inFIGS. 17-18, plunger238engages with carriage240in substantially the following fashion. A user inserts plunger238(which is attached to paint brush head204) into chamber262. Plunger is guided toward carriage240by the walls of chamber262.

A catch264is formed at the distal end266of plunger238. Catch264functions to engage retainer268, which is illustratively formed integrally with slider270. Slider270is illustratively housed within plunger238and is configured to move orthogonally relative to the plunger axis, in the direction indicated by arrow272. Slider270is in communication with button222on one end, and is biased by spring274on the other end. When button222is depressed in the direction shown by arrow276(visible inFIG. 18), internal face278of button222pushes against slider270, urging it toward spring274and eventually causing spring274to compress, as shown inFIG. 18. Such movement of slider270causes retainer268to move upwardly in the direction shown by arrows280(FIG. 18), thereby disengaging retainer268from catch264of plunger238. In this disengaged position, shown inFIG. 18, plunger238can be withdrawn from chamber262. Such a withdrawal may be appropriate if, for example, a user wants to remove paint brush head204and exchange it for another, or clean or dispose of paint brush head204.

There is a plurality of advantages of the present invention arising from the various features of the paint brush described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the paint brush of the present invention may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of a paint brush that incorporate one or more of the features of the present invention.