Paint roller hook

This device is comprised of a washer with one or two hooks on either side of the washer. The washer may also have serrated surfaces to prevent an extension pole and a handle of a paint roller frame from untightening during normal painting operation. The hook(s) allow the paint roller and extension pole to be hung on the lip of a paint bucket or other container so that the roller does not dry out during the painting operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to providing painters with an option of hanging a paint roller on the edge of an bucket and keeping an extension pole tightly fastened to the handle of a paint roller frame. This allows the roller to be submerged in the paint to prevent drying the roller out. The device was originally contemplated to be used in connection with a paint roller and extension pole, but may also be used with other paint applicators.

B. Prior Art

Paint rollers and extension poles for painting have been available to painters for quite some time. However, some common problems associated with using a paint roller attached to an extension pole is having no place to set it down without having to disconnect the roller frame from the extension pole, creating a tripping hazard by placing the roller on a paint bucket or paint tray and laying the pole on the ground, or consistently having to tight the two objects together due to coming undone while being used.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Usually when a painter wants to attach a paint roller frame to an extension pole, the painter will twist the exterior threads of the extension pole into the interior thread of the paint roller frame handle as tightly as possible. However, after an extended period of time the paint roller frame untightens and comes loose from the extension pole. Consequently, the painter must stop painting and tighten the handle and extension pole back together. In addition to the delay that is caused, the act of tightening is also frequently messy.

This device is comprised of a split lock washer, which has two hooks on either side to aid in the use of a paint roller that is attached to an extension pole. Other types of washers may be used but it is contemplated that regardless of the type of washer one or two hooks will be on the side of the washer.

The exterior threads of the extension pole would fit through the split lock washer and then into the handle of the paint roller frame; the paint roller fits on the paint roller frame. The split lock washer would provide tension between the handle and the pole, which would prevent the two sections from coming loose. Accordingly, painters can spend less time adjusting the two tools and more time painting.

After the extension pole and handle are tightened together the hooks that are formed as part of the split lock washer may be used to support the pole and paint frame on the lip of a bucket by inverting the pain roller. This device allows the painter to submerge the brush or roller, if desired, in the paint to prevent the roller from drying out.

It is also contemplated that one hook may be utilized rather than two hooks. It is also contemplated that a different washer may be used to lock the extension pole and handle together.

NUMBERING REFERENCE

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

This device5is intended to increase job site safety and improve employee efficiency. Although this device is described as being used with a paint frame handle and an extension pole, it is contemplated that it may also be used with other paint applicators.

This device is comprised of a washer10such as a split lock washer as depicted and described for purposes of this application although other types of washers may be used and two hooks15that are formed together as part of the device; the two hooks extend a predetermined distance away from the washer directly opposed to each other. It is contemplated that an alternative embodiment could include only one hook15, which would be attached to the split lock washer10, with one or more serrated surfaces for additional gripping surface.

A flat washer with serrated surfaces may also be used because the serrated surface provides a means to grip the respective extension pole and pain roller frame. As shown inFIG. 4, the washer10is placed over the exterior threads of the extension pole21. The exterior threads are then twisted into the interior threads of the paint roller frame handle26, thereby causing the device to be located between the extension pole20and the handle25during normal use.

The split lock washer10would provide pressure between the pole20and the handle25so that the two sections (extension pole and paint roller frame) do not come loose while being used. The device will not interfere with the normal painting operation. The hooks15would allow the extension pole and paint roller frame to hang on the lip of a paint bucket35as shown inFIG. 5, by inverting the paint roller and placing the roller in the bucket. This prevents the extension pole from having to lay on the ground and would be clearly visible so that it is not a tripping hazard and not otherwise an obstacle to other painters. In addition, the device allows the paint roller to be submerged (partially or full) in the wet paint, thereby preventing the paint on the paint roller from drying.

FIG. 5depicts the actual device in use with the roller submerged in the paint in a paint bucket. A paint screen30is often used and this is shown to illustrate the common means to paint.

While the embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, certain modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to modify the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.