Abstract:
A paint container adapter for facilitating painting is provided. The paint container adapter includes: a hollow cylindrical adapter body substantially open at both ends, the body having a continuous sidewall; the outer portion of the sidewall having one or more clips having an open end capable of aligning with an open end of the adapter body, a horizontally aligned ridge on the inner wall of the clip to reduce slippage, wherein the open end of the adapter body is capable of being inserted into an open cylindrical paint container to a sufficient depth so that the one or more clips engage an outer paint container flange, the inner horizontally aligned ridge of clip beneath the outer flange of the paint container, securing the paint container adapter to the paint container, and the outer wall of adapter body thereby compressed against an inner rim of the paint container reducing leakage occurring between the adapter and paint can seam.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a paint container adapter to be temporarily mounted to the top surface of a paint container. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Painting implements are used to reduce mess, reduce cleanup, prevent waste, shorten the painting process and reduce cost attributable to paint waste and labor costs. Frequently paint is stored in containers which do not facilitate the usage of popular painting implements such as rollers. Paint cans often must poured into a paint tray for use with a roller or other applicators. Paint trays often do not hold much paint and must be refilled periodically. Paint left in trays after completion must be poured back into a container or wasted. Paint left in trays for an extended period of time will dry, wasting paint and requiring further cleanup. The frequent pouring of paint increases the time to paint and increases the chance of spillage and waste. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    According to one embodiment of the invention, a paint container adapter is provided. The paint container adapter comprising: a hollow cylindrical adapter body substantially open at both ends, the body having a continuous sidewall; the outer portion of the sidewall having one or more clips having an open end capable of aligning with an open end of the adapter body, a horizontally aligned ridge on the inner wall of the clip to reduce slippage, wherein the open end of the adapter body is capable of being inserted into an open cylindrical paint container to a sufficient depth so that the one or more clips engage an outer paint container flange, the inner horizontally aligned ridge of clip beneath the outer flange of the paint container, securing the paint container adapter to the paint container, the outer wall of adapter body thereby compressed against an inner rim of the paint container preventing leakage from occurring between the adapter and paint can seam. 
         [0004]    In another embodiment of the invention, a paint container adapter is provided. The paint container adapter comprising: a hollow cylindrical adapter body substantially open at both ends, the body having a continuous sidewall; the outer portion of the sidewall having one or more clips having an open end capable of aligning with an open end of the adapter body, a horizontally aligned ridge on the inner wall of the clip to reduce slippage, wherein the open end of the adapter body is capable of being inserted into an open cylindrical paint container to a sufficient depth so that the one or more clips engage an outer paint container flange, the inner horizontally aligned ridge of clip beneath the outer flange of the paint container, securing the paint container adapter to the paint container, the outer wall of adapter body thereby compressed against an inner rim of the paint container preventing leakage from occurring between the adapter and paint can seam; and a textured insert extending from a top opening of the adapter into the adapter body, the insert having a planar shape with hooks at one end for suspending the insert into the adapter body wherein the insert facilitate the application of paint to a painting implement. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The present invention, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the paint container adapter with three attachment mechanisms displayed according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the paint container adapter with two attachment mechanisms displayed according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the paint container adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter attached to a paint container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter attached to a paint container with a roller grid secured to the upper rim of the adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged side view partially in section showing one of the attachment mechanisms of the paint container adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter attached to a paint container according to an embodiment of the present invention 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter attached to a paint container according to an embodiment of the present invention 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter attached to a paint container according to an embodiment of the present invention 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configuration can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment of the present invention, an individual may utilize the paint container adapter in conjunction with a paint container. By way of non-limiting example this may be a standard five gallon paint bucket. The adapter is attached by simply removing the cover of the paint container containing paint and securely fastening the paint container adapter to the top surface of the paint container. In one embodiment this may be accomplished simply by inserting the bottom portion of the paint container adapter into an open container and pushing downward until clips on the outer side wall of the paint container adapter engage an outer flange of the paint container and securely fasten the adapter to the container. The adapter may, in some embodiments, reduce spillage in the event a paint container is overfilled. 
         [0017]    According to an embodiment, a mesh such as a metal grid is hung from a top open end of the adapter and extends down into the adapter body. The mesh provides a textured surface for the application of paint to painting implements such as rollers or brushes. According to some embodiments, the mesh may extend below the adapter body into the paint container so that the mesh may be partially submerged in the paint. This may allow a painter to use the non-submerged portion of the mesh for removing excess paint from a roller, brush, painting edger tool or other painting implement. In some embodiments, the mesh may be a rectangular shape with a length less than or equal to the adapter body. The width of the mesh may be less than the width of interior width of the adapter so that the mesh when inserted into the adapter will allow painting implements to be inserted into the adapter during use. The mesh may contain one or more hooks at one end enabling the mesh to be suspended from the upper lip of the adapter. Other embodiments of the adapter may attach a mesh to the inside of an adapter using bolts, interlocking clips or other fasteners. 
         [0018]    The paint container adapter is also suitable for stain, varnish, other liquid-based colorings, sealants, adhesives and liquid-based building treatments, or any other liquid that may be dispensed in the manner described herein. The paint container adapter although depicted to fit a traditional circular paint container, such as a standard five gallon bucket, for example, may be adapted to fit other size containers including square, rectangular, oval or other shaped containers. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the paint container adapter with three attachment mechanisms displayed according to an embodiment of the present invention. As depicted by  FIG. 1 , the attachment mechanisms may be clips  110  or latches which have an open end facing the bottom opening of the paint container adapter  100 . The clips may be formed as part of the adapter body or fastened to the adapter separately. There may be one or more horizontally aligned ridges  120  forming a complete or partial circle around the upper periphery of paint container adapter  100 . Ridges  120  may reduce and impede drips and flow of any paint running down the outside of paint container adapter  100 . Ridges  120  may provide grip when carrying paint container adapter  100  or disengaging paint container adapter  100  from a paint container. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the paint container adapter with two attachment mechanisms displayed according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, there may be sufficient space allotted between an inner wall of clip  110  and the outer wall portion  250  of paint container adapter  100  to fit the width of an upper rim of a paint container. Horizontally aligned locking ridge  220  may extend over an outer flange of a paint container when paint container adapter  100  is fitted onto a paint container. In some embodiments, clip  110  may be formed of a strong yet pliable material so that portion  230  of clip  110  may flex to allow horizontally aligned locking ridge  220  to extend over the outer flange of a paint container and clip  110  may flex back inwards and lock under an outer flange of a paint container. Tab  240  on clip  110  may provide leverage so that clip  110  may be flexed outwards to disengage from an outer flange of a paint container and it may be removed. Clip  110  may also be made using a traditional hinge and spring clipping mechanism and may be attached separately onto paint container adapter  100 . Outer wall portion  250  may function as a inner wall of clip  110  and provide a smooth continual surface with the lower outer surface of paint container adapter  100 , facilitating the insertion of the adapter into paint containers. 
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the paint container adapter  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one or more embodiments, four separate clips  110  may be used to secure paint adapter  100  to a paint container. Clips  110  are shown in  FIG. 3  rotated  90  degrees clockwise. Paint container adapter  100  may contain varying numbers and arrangements of clips to achieve its functionality. For example, paint container  100  may contain one continuous circular clip around the periphery of the adapter, one or more semi-circular clips, or one or more clips as shown. Additionally clips, need not be formed as an integral portion of the adapter body as shown. Clips may be external latching devices formed using a traditional spring and hinge clamping mechanism, which may then be attached to the adapter using bolts, glue, or other fasteners. Other clips or devices for connecting the adaptor to a paint container are of course possible. 
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter  100  attached to a paint container  430  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Horizontally aligned locking ridge  220  of clip  110  is shown latched over paint container flange  420 . Outer wall portion  250  may contain a horizontally aligned gasket, o-ring, or other sealing material around the periphery or a portion of the periphery to ensure a tight seal when paint container adapter  100  is attached to paint container  430 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, outer wall portion  250  may contain a horizontally aligned ridge which may be formed as part of the adapter body to facilitate sealing. In some embodiments, outer wall portion  250  may be tapered from a narrower diameter at the bottom of the adapter to a wider diameter near the top of clip  110  to facilitate a secure seal. Combinations of these elements may be used to facilitate a secure seal when paint container adapter  100  is secured on container  430 . This may prevent leakage of paint if a paint container is filled above paint container flange  420 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter attached to a paint container with a roller grid secured to the upper rim of the adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5 . illustrates additional functionality of paint container adapter  100 . Paint container adapter may receive a mesh or other textured surface suitable for facilitating application of paint to painting implements. Painting mesh  510  may be hung inside paint container adapter  100  using hooks  520 . One or more hooks  520  may hang over the upper edge of paint container adapter  100 . Painting mesh  510  may be used for paint rollers to apply an even coat of paint across the roller and prevent uneven application. Placing painting mesh  510  inside adapter  100  reduces the mess and splatter that often occurs when rollers spray off excess paint. Excess paint or other liquid based building treatments may be removed from a roller or other applicator using the mesh inside the body of the adaptor and excess paint may remain in the adapter or fall back into the paint container. Additionally, using a painting mesh inside of the adapter reduces painting effort. A painter may not be required to periodically refill a separate rolling tray or pan in order to use rollers, paint edgers and other painting implements. A painter may not have to throw out additional paint left in a separate painting tray or pour it back into a container. In some embodiments, the mesh may be separately removable from a painting adapter and only excess paint may require rinsing from the mesh. In some embodiments, the painting mesh may be an integrated part of the adapter body and may be cleaned when the adapter is removed from the paint container. A paint container adapter may also contain or receive a ridged structure serving essentially the same functionality as the aforementioned mesh. Other planar textured surfaces which facilitate the even application of building treatments to applicators may be placed inside the adapter body to perform this functionality. The surface may be solid or may be porous (e.g. a metal mesh, plastic mesh, a grid, a ridged ramp.) In some embodiments, the adapter may be a circular tubular body containing a flat inner wall with a mesh or ridges facilitating the application functionality. 
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged side view partially in section showing one of the attachment mechanisms of the paint container adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Clip  110  is shown in detail. Portions  250  may be formed as an integral portion of the adapter body, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, clip  110  may be a separate mechanism attached to the adapter body. Portion  620  may be solid to prevent the leakage of paint or other liquid-based building treatments. Portion  230  of clip  110  may be comprised at least partially of a plaint material such as a plastic, resin or polymer which may allow clip  110  to flex back into place if it is flexed outward so that horizontally aligned locking ridge  220  may pass a paint container flange when the paint container adapter is being inserted into a paint container. Portion  630  of clip  110  may be slanted inward towards the paint container so that when the adapter is inserted it will slide along the outer flange of the paint container allowing clip  110  to flex outwards. This may allow the insertion of the adapter simply by pushing downward on the adapter body over the top of the paint container without requiring the clamps to be opened by a separate action. Portion  240  of clip  110  may function as a tabbed lever, allowing a user of the adapter to easily open clip  110  and disengage the adapter from a paint container. 
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter  100  attached to a paint container  430  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the paint container  100  includes a handle  170  for facilitating transportation of the adapter  100  and/or the paint container  430 . In some embodiments, handle  170  may be attached to adaptor  100 , while in some embodiments, it may be removable attached thereto. 
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter  100  attached to a paint container  430  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the paint container  100  includes a handles  180  (the other handle is directly opposite the one shown) for facilitating transportation of the adapter  100  and/or the paint container  430 . In some embodiments, handles  180  may be cut out of adaptor  100  as shown. 
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter  100  attached to a paint container  430  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the paint container  100  is attached to the paint container  430  by one or more attachment straps  190 . As shown, two attachment straps are shown connecting adaptor  100  and container  430 . In some embodiments, attachment strap  190  may be elastic while in some embodiments it may be rigid. In some embodiments, adaptor  100  may further include a ridge  195  which impedes adaptor  100  fall falling through container  430 . For example, the flange of container  430  may be urged against ridge  195  by the pressure applied by attachment straps  190 , as shown. In some embodiments, attachment strap  190  may be permanently attached to adaptor  100  while in some embodiments it is removable attached thereto. 
         [0028]    While the foregoing description includes details and specificities, it should be understood that such details and specificities have been included for the purposes of explanation only, and are not to be interpreted as limitations of the present invention. Many modifications to the embodiments described above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as it is intended to be encompassed by the following claims and their legal equivalents.