Patent Description:
Painting, especially in an outdoor environment, presents a series of common problems to a user. Indeed, holding a paint palette is a juggling act with other necessary equipment (e.g. two water containers, paints, mixing areas, brushes, paper, etc.). It is a particular requirement that components associated with holding water and/or paint need to be level and stable at all times to avoid spilling. A user/painter only has two hands to hold and access all this equipment while painting.

Various compact and foldable palette devices exist; however, these tend to have small and shallow mixing areas and little or no consideration for appropriate amounts of clean water for painting. Magnetic couplings (e.g. within a closeable lid or to hold mixing wells in place) are also known, but not in connection with a convenient-to-release docking system between palette and a supporting mount. Examples of known prior art include <CIT> and <CIT>.

The present invention is an evolution in the field of paint box and portable palette design, resulting in improved comfort while painting. The invention is a flexible system that is customisable according to user's personal preference, suitable for application in as many painting situations as possible. At the least the invention will provide the public with a useful alternative to available designs.

In a broad aspect implementing the invention a system is defined according to claim <NUM>. A separable paint box is also described and defined herein.

In practice the invention comprises three primary elements, namely: a paint box configurable to a palette (optionally for handheld use), a mounting system (preferably utilising a magnetic connection) and optional peripheral items for attachment to the mounting system and/or palette.

In one form the mounting system consists of mating shaped parts (e.g. a protruding oval-like "stadium" part and receiving part of complimentary shape) having corresponding chamfered edges which couple together and are also separable by a twisting or sliding motion. The mating shapes are preferably non-circular but many variations are possible to achieve a naturally separating function from a twisting and/or sliding motion, assisted by the chamfered configuration. In the primary embodiment described herein one half of the mounting system is built into the floor of a paint box, however, in alternative forms a "floorplate" may be provided that can be attached to a user's own preferred paint box design. In the context of the invention, a paint box or palette will typically have multiple paint wells moulded into it.

Internal magnets may be employed to result in a 'magnetic dock' (one half of the mating parts) onto which a paint box/palette (the other half of the mating parts) can be mounted. The mating parts, which in the exemplary embodiment are stadium-shaped, or equivalent, chamfered mating parts include a first curved section and a straight or second curve (different radius) to perform a cam function that assists in twisting to separate the mating parts. In other words, the chamfered edge and twisting motion lifts the paint box away from its dock and the magnets are not able to resist said lateral and naturally levered movement.

Additional features/components can be incorporated with the mounting/magnetic dock, e.g. a leg strap via loops on the underside of the dock; a 'pro-plate' via slot and ratchet mechanism; a small 'pro-plate' via slot and ratchet mechanism; a mating part for a common vehicle cup holder (for convenient location of a paint palette within a vehicle cabin environment) and/or a clipboard via slot and ratchet mechanism.

Peripheral items that are attachable include bottles (e.g. Nalgene containers) and camera mounting accessories such as clamps and tripods.

A variant of the palette box, with flexible add-on mounting system may be suitable for indoor and outdoor use but excels for use in the field e.g. urban sketching, plein air painting. The device is light and portable to take anywhere and the mounting system allows for hands-fee painting in almost any circumstances. The paint box can easily be released and reattached to the magnetic mounting dock.

The container described herein has benefits over known prior art in that it has improved look and function. The improved functions include: hidden hinges (resulting in a more elegant external design) enabled by a twin wall, a magnetic lid closure (e.g. with hidden magnets enabled by twin wall), a plurality of latched, folding palettes which also serve as lids over a main compartment, these lids are latched to prevent wind gusts closing and spilling mix when open; a paint box pan tray i.e. removable for easy cleaning and exchanging colour schemes, with an elastomeric (e.g. silicone) lid that stretches over a hard plastic pan tray to form a cassette; the elastomeric lid keeps paints moist and prevents leakage when travelling; deep mixing wells and more mixing areas; soft removable (for easy cleaning) foot on underside to protect surfaces, e.g. table-top, and adds grip; flush, latchable thumb ring for providing a convenient holding feature by one hand of the user; UNC (unified course) thread (i.e. standard camera tripod bush such as % inch (<NUM>)) to directly mount paint palette box to conventional tripod-type mounting equipment; accessory slots in cavity wall to mount water containers and other accessories.

The paint box may be a twin wall (alternatively termed a cavity wall or box wall) design that is unique to paint boxes and allows for accessory mounting slots, holds lid closure magnets, results in improved/stronger walls, allows to moulding of 'hidden' hinges and in line of draw. Other variations may be 3D printed or milled from a block of material like aluminium. In these cases, the paint box may have comparable lid features as described herein, but not necessarily a cavity wall which allows for convenient injection moulding. Provision of at least one hidden hinge is still preferable in further variations.

Advantages of the (magnetic) mount system aspect of the invention include: metal plates can carry heavy water bottles (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and allows an array of UNC threaded holes that may provide attachment points for peripheral equipment such as a tray for paintbrushes; quick release 'C' or 'E' clips to hold bottles securely; integrated plastic dock allows quick release and docking of palette box, i.e. achieved by use of strong magnets and positive and negative inverted stadium shape with chamfered edge. Indeed, the unique design of a stadium shaped protrusion and chamfered geometry in combination with a twist release action allows for smooth and easy release of palette box from dock and avoids spilling of paint mix and water.

Furthermore, moulded strap loops and strap allows for leg mounting; sliding, notched motion of plastic dock on aluminium plate allows for better positioning of leg strap (ergonomics). The platform proposed by the invention also allows more mounting options with other mounting accessories and provides space to hold brushes, pens, etc. The magnetic mount is able to function with a variety of slot fit and ratchet adjustable metal plates, as well as working as a standalone product.

The following description presents an exemplary embodiment and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims, is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments or exact adherence with all features, since variations within the scope of the claims will be apparent to a skilled person.

Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "upper" and "lower" are used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and/or direction.

<FIG> provide a perspective top and bottom view respectively of a paint box <NUM>, configurable when opened (see <FIG>) into a palette for use. The main features visible in the closed box <NUM> include a first lid <NUM> that is hinged (<NUM>) from a sidewall <NUM> and, on the underside, a coupling feature <NUM> for mating with a mounting system (described in further detail below) and deployable thumb/finger ring <NUM>. When used as a standalone unit, the thumb ring <NUM> of paint box <NUM> is lifted, via a hinge, to provide a holding point, i.e. by sliding a user's thumb or finger through it and supporting the base on box <NUM> on the palm of a hand or fingertips. A rubber foot <NUM>, which conforms to the stadium shape of the chamfered coupling feature, provides a non-slip surface.

<FIG> also shows a threaded opening <NUM> on the underside into which may be screwed a UNC mounting, e.g. a tripod camera mount or the like.

<FIG> shows an open configuration. Particularly, lid <NUM> has been displaced <NUM> degrees about external hinge <NUM> to a fully opened position where a stadium-shaped recess <NUM> is accessible that serves as a mixing area. Preferably the lid/palette <NUM> is latched open by virtue of the hinge design in order to resist against unintentional closing, e.g. by a gust of wind. Lid <NUM> is closable again by manually overcoming a latch force of the hinge.

The "stadium" shape is an aesthetic choice for recess <NUM>, in keeping with other features of the invention that have more functional uses, to be described hereinbelow.

Two additional internally hinged (and latchable) lids <NUM> and <NUM> are shown in an open position, which become accessible after opening of first lid <NUM>. The lids unfold, like flower petals, from closed positions where they had formed a three-layered closure over a main compartment <NUM> which houses a multi-compartment paint tray/cassette <NUM> having a lid <NUM> (e.g. of silicon). Details of the internal hinges, made possible by the cavity wall design, are described hereinbelow with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>.

Optional peripheral components, such as water containers <NUM>, may be mounted into support brackets <NUM>, extending from a corner mount point <NUM>. The corner mount points <NUM> (e.g. at all corners) may be an opening through wall <NUM> (which may be hollow) for receiving a protruding element of bracket <NUM> by an interference fit or slide fitting hook.

In its fully deployed and assembled configuration paint box <NUM> resembles a palette having three or more mixing areas <NUM> and up to four water containers <NUM>. After use, lids <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> can be closed in sequence to close compartment <NUM> and enclose tray <NUM>. The lids may be secured closed by suitable means, preferably a magnetic connection, e.g. complimentary magnetic material embedded in a lid edge and side wall respectively, e.g. magnet pair <NUM>, <NUM> as seen in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a variation of <FIG> where tray lid <NUM> has been moved to a stowed position underneath tray <NUM>. Being elastomeric, lid <NUM> stretches around the base of tray <NUM> and both parts may be accommodated in main compartment <NUM> during use of the palette configuration for painting.

<FIG> shows the underside of the device in open palette mode where lids <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are deployed, as is thumb ring <NUM> in an upstanding position.

<FIG> illustrates a mounting system <NUM> for receiving a paint box as shown in <FIG>. The mounting system primarily comprises a dock portion <NUM> having a stadium-shaped recess <NUM> for receiving the like-shaped coupling feature <NUM> on the underside of paint box <NUM>. Dock <NUM> may be, in turn, mounted from or incorporated with a frame <NUM> that includes multiple fixture points (e.g. openings <NUM> that may couple to a tripod mount or the like with UNC threads) and clips <NUM> that support one or more water containers <NUM>. Clips <NUM> and containers <NUM> are generally intended to be alternative to and larger/more robust than containers <NUM> and brackets <NUM> but may be used in combination therewith.

The paint box <NUM> is preferably connected to mounting dock <NUM> by a magnetic means. A stadium-shape recess <NUM> and corresponding paint box coupling part <NUM> is chosen such that the magnetic connection can be broken by twisting or sliding the relative parts, aided by a chamfered edge <NUM>. Alternative constructions are possible, preferably achieving an equivalent function, i.e. a curved leading to straight or other curved shape with chamfered edges that enable two mating parts to couple and de-couple by a twisting or sliding motion.

<FIG> illustrates a view of the invention where bottles <NUM> are in place within E-clips <NUM> and mounting dock <NUM> is in an extended position upon frame <NUM>, i.e. moved away from clips <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of dock components where a ratchet mechanism, toothed edge <NUM> of frame <NUM> and resilient leaf springs <NUM>, is visible. This mechanism enables a sliding extension of dock <NUM> upon frame <NUM> as described above, thereby extending the working length. Leaf springs are accommodated by a lower moulding <NUM> that, together with upper part <NUM>, comprises the slidably adjustable mounting dock.

A through-slot <NUM>, centrally located within recess <NUM>, provides access to any fixture points underneath paint box <NUM>, e.g. UNC connection <NUM>, for the purpose of locking the mounting dock <NUM> and box <NUM> together, overriding potential disengagement of the magnetic connection. It will be apparent that frame <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>, as does lower moulding <NUM> (opening <NUM>) that allows underside access to slot <NUM> and connection <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a variation where a clipboard <NUM> attachment, having a corresponding toothed (<NUM>) frame <NUM> may slide into a channel <NUM> in mounting dock <NUM> and engage with ratchet springs <NUM>. Clipboard <NUM>/frame <NUM> takes the place of frame <NUM> as pictured in <FIG>. Preferably clipboard <NUM> includes a friction hinged connection <NUM> with frame <NUM> enabling both parts to fold flat for transport and to adjust a relative angle and fix that angle when in use, by virtue of inherent friction within the hinge. The hinge friction force should be such that a loaded palette can be supported in an angled position relative to the clipboard. The clipboard being typically handheld by a user, e.g. against a seated leg, for sketching.

<FIG> shows a cross-section perspective view of paint box <NUM>, in closed configuration, mounted in place upon dock <NUM>. The lid layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, paint cassette <NUM>, box-section side wall <NUM>, corresponding internal magnets <NUM>, <NUM> and chamfered mating edges <NUM> are visible.

<FIG> show top and bottom views respectively of box <NUM> as it de-couples with dock <NUM>. Specifically, a manually operated twisting and/or sliding motion enables the cam action of <NUM>-degree chamfered edge <NUM> to prise magnets <NUM> and <NUM> apart and achieve disengagement. Paint box's floor can then be lifted/pulled away from dock <NUM>. A reverse operation, or simple placement onto the receiving plate, may re-engage magnets <NUM>/<NUM>.

The underneath view of <FIG> also shows a pair of slotted through-openings, defined by bridge pieces <NUM>, for receiving a strap means. For example, a belt-type strap may encircle a user's thigh or other body part in order to secure the mounting dock and provide an anchor point for the paint box, especially in a sitting position. The mounting dock/box may alternatively be secured to any available mechanical substrate, such as the arm of a chair.

<FIG>, <FIG> illustrate particular features of a cavity wall design incorporated with the side walls of paint box <NUM>, that enable an internal hinge to be constructed, although it is noteworthy that these features may be applied to other container types with hinged lids.

With reference to <FIG> side wall <NUM> can be seen to be hollow, i.e. having a cavity <NUM>. The side walls are preferably moulded in one piece and a separate floor <NUM>, incorporating coupling features for the mounting system (e.g. chamfered edge, threaded opening <NUM>) is applied to close off cavity <NUM>.

Floor <NUM> is preferably welded onto the open end of wall <NUM>, over cavity <NUM>. Floor <NUM> may be provided as a separate component, for use with the mounting system, that has a sufficient thickness to accommodate a screw thread <NUM>, flush latchable finger ring and removable foot <NUM>. The outward surface of floor <NUM> is flat/flush so that it can stably rest upon a flat surface such as a desk.

At an upper edge of cavity wall <NUM> there is space for moulding of a hinge <NUM> (bridging cavity <NUM>) that will receive a pin <NUM> for hingedly attaching one of the internal lids (<NUM>). Hinge <NUM> is "internal" in that it is completely covered over and hidden by outermost lid <NUM> when the paint box is in a fully closed state.

<FIG> shows both an internal hinge <NUM> at the top of cavity wall <NUM> and external hinge <NUM> that enables opening and closing of lid <NUM>. Magnets for enabling lids to be latched closed may also be hidden within cavity walls <NUM>.

The overall aesthetic appearance of the box is greatly improved by the functional structure of cavity wall design <NUM>. Box <NUM> (see <FIG>) has one externally visible hinge <NUM> but has otherwise smooth surfaces about its peripheral edges, hiding foldable panels that extend to provide two or more palettes for mixing paints.

It will be apparent that numerous variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

For example: paint box <NUM> may include a recessed/female coupling part, while mounting dock <NUM> is associated with a male coupling part; a hand/finger support ring may be integrated into the underside of dock <NUM> in addition to or instead of box <NUM>; a fourth lid may be incorporated; multiple mixing areas may be incorporated as recessed zones in a lid. Furthermore, the floor (that incorporates coupling features) of box <NUM> may be a separable or separately sold element for coupling to another brand or preference of paint box design, depending on user requirements.

By way of summary, in one form the invention can be described as a paint palette mounting system comprising a docking portion and a paint box, re-configurable to become a paint palette. The system includes a first half of a coupling feature at the docking portion for coupling with a second half of the coupling feature located on the paint box/palette. The coupling feature is preferably comprised of complimentary stadium-shaped parts, with chamfered edges, that are separable by a twisting or sliding motion. The parts are held together in use by magnetic connections and/or a mechanical fixing element. The paint box/palette includes several overlapping lids that unfold to provide paint mixing surfaces.

The invention is in essence a highly configurable and hands-free portable paint box/palette. A step-change in the field of portable/outdoor painting. Particularly:.

Various water container sizes combined with various mounting options are key to providing the user/artist with maximum flexibility and comfort for all painting situations.

In a broad aspect there is described herein: a container, comprising: a main compartment bounded by a cavity wall, the cavity wall including an inner hinge at at least one edge thereof; an inner lid, pivotally attached to the cavity wall at the inner hinge; an outer lid that, in a closed state, overlaps with the inner lid and covers the inner hinge.

The container may comprise a deployable ring portion, extendable from a flush latched position an underside of the main compartment, for holding by a user. In one form, each of the inner and outer lids may be openable in different directions from the main compartment. In one form, a latch means to hold the lids open against unintentional closing. At least one lid may comprise a magnetic closure element. The container may include a second half of a coupling feature, for docking with a first half of the coupling feature located on the docking portion of a mounting system. In which case, the second half of the coupling feature may include a chamfered surface.

A surface of the container may comprises a secondary coupling feature; e.g. selected from, alone or in combination: a strap receiving means, a threaded fixing element or opening therefor, a cup holder engagement part.

The container may comprise mounting positions, formed into an edge of the cavity wall, for removable brackets. In further forms, the container may be provided in combination with a paint tray, the paint tray including a lid, e.g. of elastomeric material, that can be removed and stowed underneath the paint tray when in position in the main compartment.

Claim 1:
A mounting system (<NUM>) for a paint palette (<NUM>) housing a multi-compartment paint tray (<NUM>), comprising:
a docking portion (<NUM>) including a first half (<NUM>)of a coupling feature, for docking with a second half (<NUM>) of the coupling feature located on a paint palette/box (<NUM>);
characterized in that a shape of the first half (<NUM>) of the coupling feature is configured for coupling with a like-shaped second half (<NUM>) of the coupling feature, such that a twisting and lifting motion of mating chamfered edges (<NUM>) of the docking portion relative to the paint palette will cause separation and breaking of a magnetic connection between the first half (<NUM>) and the second half (<NUM>) of the coupling feature.