Patent Description:
Containers can be provided for holding a coating material, such as paint. The containers can include a handle for a painter to hold. The container can be smaller than a traditional paint container, such as a paint can, to provide a lighter weight and easier to hold container for the painter. <CIT> describes a handheld vessel having a bottom wall, and sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall.

Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to a container, and more particularly to a container for a coating material.

The invention provides a container that includes a container body having a front, a rear which includes slots proximate the bottom of the rear, a right side, a left side, and a bottom that define a cavity for receiving a coating material, a bail attached to the container body, and a flexible band attached to the rear of the container body, the flexible band having a first end attached to the rear of the container body proximate a top of the rear and a second end attached to the rear of the container body proximate a bottom of the rear, the second end coupled to a pin that is disposed in and movable within the slots, wherein the flexible band is movable between a first position spaced a first distance from the rear, a second position spaced a second distance from the rear less than the first distance to allow the rear of the container body and the bail to be grasped without interference by the flexible band, and a third position spaced a third distance from the rear greater than the first distance to provide space for a user's hand between the rear of the container body and the flexible band.

Although not forming part of the invention, an alternative container for holding a coating material is also described. The container includes a container body having a front, a rear, a right side, a left side, and a bottom that define a cavity for receiving a coating material, the right side and left side each including an inwardly extending portion that extends into the cavity and define with one another a ledge for holding a painting apparatus above a level of the coating material in the cavity, a bail attached to the container body, and a flexible band attached to the rear of the container body, the flexible band having a first end attached to the rear of the container body proximate a top of the rear and a second end attached to the rear of the container body proximate a bottom of the rear.

In still another embodiment, a method for holding the container for a coating material according to the invention is provided. The bail attached to the container body is movable between a first position extending above the cavity, a second position behind the rear, and a third position in front of the front, and the flexible band attached to a rear of the container body is movable between a first position spaced a first distance from the rear, a second position spaced a second distance from the rear less than the first distance, and a third position spaced a third distance from the rear greater than the first distance. The method includes moving the flexible band to the second position adjacent the rear of the container and moving the bail to the second position behind the rear and holding the container body and bail at the rear without interference by the flexible band, or moving the flexible band to the third position and inserting the user's fingers between the flexible band and the rear of the container body.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particular embodiments and further benefits of the provided subject matter are illustrated as described in more detail in the description below.

The invention relates to a container and methods of holding the container. The container includes a container body, a bail attached to the container body, and a flexible band attached to the container body. The flexible band is movable between a first position spaced a first distance from a rear of the container body, a second position spaced a second distance from the rear less than the first distance to allow the rear of the container body and the bail to be grasped without interference by the flexible band, and a third position spaced a third distance from the rear greater than the first distance to provide space for a user's hand between the rear of the container body and the flexible band.

With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a given embodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, an exemplary container is shown at reference numeral <NUM>. The container <NUM> is provided for holding a coating material, such as paint, and can receive/secure suitable painting implements, such as a brush, a roller <NUM>, etc. The container <NUM> includes a container body <NUM>, a bail <NUM> attached to the container body <NUM>, and a flexible band <NUM> attached to the container body <NUM>. The container body <NUM> includes a front <NUM>, a rear <NUM>, a right side <NUM>, a left side <NUM>, and a bottom <NUM> that define a cavity <NUM> for receiving the coating material. The front <NUM>, rear <NUM>, right side <NUM>, and left side <NUM> each include a rim portion extending around tops thereof that is collectively referred to herein as an upper rim <NUM>. The upper rim <NUM> includes a horizontal portion <NUM> and a downwardly projecting portion <NUM> outwardly spaced from the container body. The front, rear, right side, and left side form an irregular hexagon shape at their tops, with the left and right sides each having a substantially parallel portion and an angled portion angling in towards the rear, although it will be appreciated that the container body <NUM> may have any suitable shape.

Turning additionally to <FIG>, the right side <NUM> and left side <NUM> each include an inwardly extending portion <NUM>, <NUM> proximate bottoms thereof that extend into the cavity <NUM> and define a ledge <NUM>, <NUM> in the cavity <NUM> for holding the roller <NUM> above a level of the coating material in the cavity <NUM>. The inwardly extending portions <NUM> and <NUM> also provide an area of reduced width along an outside of the container <NUM> such that a user can grasp in one hand the right side <NUM> and left side <NUM> at the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and <NUM> to hold the container as shown for example in <FIG>. The area of reduced width has a width W1 between the right and left sides proximate the rear <NUM> that is less than a width W2 between the right and left sides proximate the front. Similarly, the cavity <NUM> a width W3 at the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the left and rights sides that is less than a width W4 of the cavity between the left and right sides proximate the front of the container body. A user can hold the container <NUM> by the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and <NUM>, for example by grasping one of the inwardly extending portions <NUM> or <NUM> with the user's fingers and grasping the other of the inwardly extending portion <NUM> or <NUM> with the user's thumb.

The right side <NUM> and left side <NUM> of the container <NUM> additionally include angled fronts where the sides meet the front <NUM> such that tops of the sides have a greater length than bottoms of the sides, bars <NUM> and <NUM> projecting upward from tops of the sides <NUM> and <NUM> that define regions to wipe off coating material on the brush so that the coating material can reenter the cavity <NUM>, and ears <NUM> and <NUM> projecting outward from the sides to which the bail <NUM> is attached. As shown, the bars <NUM> and <NUM> project upward from the rim portions of the right and left sides <NUM> and <NUM> near the angled portions of the sides <NUM> and <NUM> and the ears <NUM> and <NUM> project outward from the rim portions in a direction perpendicular the bars <NUM> and <NUM>.

The front <NUM> of the container <NUM> is angled corresponding to the angle of the front of the left and right sides <NUM> and <NUM>. The front <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> for receiving a ledge of a painting apparatus, such as a handle of the roller <NUM> as shown in <FIG> to hold the roller <NUM> in position when a cover of the roller is disposed in the cavity <NUM> on the ledges <NUM> and <NUM>. As shown, the slot <NUM> is provided in the rim portion of the front <NUM>. An inner surface of the front <NUM> includes a plurality of scraper regions <NUM> projecting therefrom for scraping paint off of a painting apparatus, such as the roller <NUM>.

Turning additionally to <FIG>, the rear <NUM> of the container <NUM> includes a pair of opposed slots <NUM> and <NUM> proximate the bottom <NUM>, a channel <NUM> extending substantially along the rear <NUM> for receiving the flexible band <NUM>, and a projection <NUM> projecting rearwardly from the rear <NUM> that provides a surface for a user's thumb to rest, for example when the container <NUM> is being held with the user's hand between the container body <NUM> and the flexible band <NUM>. The projection <NUM> defines a cavity <NUM> for receiving an end of the flexible band <NUM>, and includes openings <NUM> and <NUM> at opposite ends thereof for attachment of the flexible band <NUM> to the projection <NUM> as will be described in detail below. As shown, the slots <NUM> and <NUM> are in respective projections <NUM> and <NUM> that project from the rear <NUM> proximate the bottom <NUM> and the projection <NUM> projects from the rim portion of the rear <NUM>. The container <NUM> can additionally include a projection <NUM> projecting forwardly from the rear <NUM> into the cavity <NUM>. The projection <NUM> defines a cavity for housing a magnet <NUM> for supporting the brush. The cavity may be sealed at the top preventing removal of the magnet <NUM> or sealed by the magnet.

The bottom <NUM> of the container <NUM> is substantially T-shaped due to the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Projecting downward from the bottom <NUM> may be a plurality of feet <NUM>, such as at corners of the bottom <NUM>, and one or more projecting ribs <NUM> that project from a curved portion <NUM> of the bottom providing a fingertip relief grip area.

Turning again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> is substantially T-shaped at and below the ledges <NUM> and <NUM> corresponding to the shape of the bottom <NUM>, and has an irregular hexagon shape above the ledges <NUM> and <NUM>. When coating material is poured into the cavity <NUM>, it initially fills the T-shaped area. The user may stop pouring the coating material prior to reaching the ledges <NUM> and <NUM> so that the roller <NUM> can rest on the ledges above the level of coating material, although it will be appreciated that the coating material could be poured above the ledges if more coating material is desired.

Referring now to <FIG> and the flexible band <NUM> in detail, the flexible band <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the rear <NUM> proximate a top of the rear <NUM>, for example at the projection <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the rear <NUM> proximate a bottom of the rear <NUM>, for example at the opposed slots <NUM> and <NUM>. The flexible band <NUM> also includes a substantially planar portion <NUM> disposed between first and second tubular portions <NUM> and <NUM> at the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. The tubular portions <NUM> and <NUM> each include a through passage <NUM>, <NUM> for receiving a suitable fastener. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the through passage <NUM> in the first tubular portion <NUM> is positioned in the cavity <NUM> in the projection <NUM> and aligned with the openings <NUM> and <NUM>. A pin <NUM> is then inserted through the through passage <NUM> to attach the first end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> to the projection <NUM>. Similarly, the through passage <NUM> in the second tubular portion <NUM> is positioned between the slots <NUM> and <NUM> in the projections <NUM> and <NUM> proximate the bottom <NUM> and a pin <NUM> is inserted through the through passage <NUM> to attach the second end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> to the projections <NUM> and <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> will thereby be rotatably attached to the projection <NUM>, while the second end <NUM> of the flexible band will be rotatably attached to the projections <NUM> and <NUM> and movable within the slots <NUM> and <NUM>.

The flexible band <NUM> is movable between a first position spaced a first distance from the rear <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a second position spaced a second distance from the rear <NUM> less than the first distance to allow the rear <NUM> of the container body <NUM> and the bail <NUM> to be grasped without interference by the flexible band <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and a third position spaced a third distance from the rear <NUM> greater than the first distance to provide space for a user's hand between the rear <NUM> of the container body <NUM> and the flexible band <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, when the flexible band <NUM> is in the first position, the second end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> and the pin <NUM> are at a bottom of the slots <NUM> and <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the flexible band <NUM> is in the second position and the third position respectively, the second end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> and the pin <NUM> are at a top of the slots <NUM> and <NUM>. It will be appreciated that although illustrated as being at the top of the slots <NUM> and <NUM>, the second end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> may be at another position, such as at a middle of the slots <NUM> and <NUM>, for example to adjust for the size of the user's hand.

When the flexible band <NUM> is in the second position shown in <FIG> and the bail <NUM> is above or in front of the container body, for example as shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, the user can grasp the container by the inwardly extending potions <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the user can grasp the inwardly extending portion <NUM> with the user's fingers and grasp the inwardly extending portion <NUM> with the user's thumb as shown in <FIG>. When the flexible band <NUM> is in third position shown in <FIG>, the user can place his/her fingers between the flexible band <NUM> and the rear <NUM> of the container body <NUM>, with his/her palm adjacent the rear, and rest his/her thumb on a top of the projection <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG> and the bail <NUM> in detail, the bail <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the ear <NUM>, a second end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the ear <NUM>, and a body <NUM> disposed between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The bail also includes attachment portions <NUM> and <NUM> at the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. The attachment portions <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially circular having respective openings <NUM> and <NUM> through which the ears <NUM> and <NUM> extend. Each attachment portion <NUM>, <NUM> includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM> and <NUM> surrounding the openings <NUM> and <NUM> respectively that are configured to flex to allow the bail <NUM> to pass over flanges <NUM> and <NUM> of the ears <NUM> and <NUM> for attachment/removal of the bail <NUM> to/from the ears <NUM> and <NUM>. The bail <NUM> can additionally include an opening <NUM> in the body <NUM>, as shown proximate a center of the bail <NUM>, which is configured to receive a ladder hook to allow for hanging from a ladder.

The bail <NUM> is movable between a first position extending above the cavity <NUM> as shown in <FIG> to allow the container <NUM> to be held by the bail <NUM>, a second position behind the rear <NUM> of the container <NUM> as shown in <FIG> to allow the container to be held by the bottom <NUM> and rear <NUM> and be supported by the bail <NUM>, and a third position in front of the front <NUM> of the container <NUM> as shown in <FIG> to allow the flexible band <NUM> to be utilized without interference by the bail <NUM> or to allow the container to be held by the bottom <NUM> and front <NUM> and be supported by the bail <NUM>.

When the bail <NUM> is in the second position shown in <FIG>, the flexible band <NUM> can be moved to its second position where the pin <NUM> is at the top of the slots <NUM> and <NUM> and the flexible band <NUM> flexed into the channel <NUM> to avoid interference. The user can grasp the container, for example with the user's fingers under the bottom <NUM> of the container and the user's palm against the rear <NUM>, and hook her thumb around the bail <NUM> to hold the container <NUM> against the user's hand as shown in <FIG>. When the bail <NUM> is in the third position shown in <FIG>, the container can be held by the flexible band <NUM> as discussed above, or the container can be grasped by the user. For example, the user can place her fingers under the bottom <NUM> of the container and the user's palm against the front <NUM>, and hook her thumb around the bail <NUM> to hold the container <NUM> against the user's hand as shown in <FIG>.

Turning now to <FIG>, a container, which is not according to the invention, is shown at <NUM>. The container <NUM> is substantially the same as the above-referenced container <NUM>, and consequently the same reference numerals but indexed by <NUM> are used to denote structures corresponding to similar structures in the containers. In addition, the foregoing description of the container <NUM> is equally applicable to the container <NUM> except as noted below.

The container <NUM> includes a container body <NUM>, a bail <NUM> attached to the container body <NUM>, and a flexible band <NUM> attached to the container body <NUM>. The container body <NUM> includes a front <NUM>, a rear <NUM>, a right side <NUM>, a left side <NUM>, and a bottom <NUM> that define a cavity <NUM> for receiving the coating material. The front <NUM>, rear <NUM>, right side <NUM>, and left side <NUM> each include a rim portion extending around tops thereof that is collectively referred to herein as an upper rim <NUM>. The upper rim <NUM> includes a horizontal portion <NUM> and a downwardly projecting portion <NUM> outwardly spaced from the container body.

The right side <NUM> and left side <NUM> of the container <NUM> include angled fronts where the sides meet the front <NUM> such that tops of the sides have a greater length than bottoms of the sides, bars <NUM> and <NUM> projecting upward from tops of the sides <NUM> and <NUM> that define regions to wipe off coating material on the brush, and ears <NUM> and <NUM> projecting outward from the sides to which the bail <NUM> is attached. The front <NUM> of the container <NUM> is angled corresponding to the angle of the front of the left and right sides <NUM> and <NUM>. The front <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> for receiving a ledge of a painting apparatus and an inner surface of the front <NUM> includes a plurality of scraper regions <NUM> projecting therefrom for scraping paint off of a painting apparatus. The rear <NUM> of the container <NUM> includes a projection <NUM> projecting rearwardly from the rear <NUM> that defines a cavity <NUM> and includes openings <NUM> at opposite ends thereof for attachment of the flexible band <NUM> to the projection <NUM> as will be described in detail below.

Referring now to the flexible band <NUM> in detail, the flexible band <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the rear <NUM> proximate a top of the rear <NUM>, for example at the projection <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the rear <NUM> proximate a bottom of the rear <NUM>. The flexible band <NUM> also includes a substantially planar portion <NUM> disposed between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM> can be attached to first and second band extenders <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, in any suitable manner, which can be attached to the container <NUM>.

The first band extender <NUM> includes a a tubular portion <NUM> with a through passage, a body <NUM> extending from the tubular portion, and ears <NUM> with openings extending from the body. To attach the band extender <NUM> to the container <NUM>, the through passage in the tubular portion <NUM> can be positioned in the cavity <NUM> and aligned with the openings <NUM>, and a pin <NUM> or other suitable fastener can be inserted through the through passage to attach the band extender <NUM> to the projection <NUM>. The band extender <NUM> can then be attached to the flexible band <NUM>, for example by aligning the ears <NUM> with a through passage <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> and inserting a pin <NUM> or other suitable fastener through the openings in the ears <NUM> and the through passage of the flexible band.

The second band extender <NUM> includes a tubular portion <NUM> with a through passage, a body <NUM> extending from the tubular portion, and ears <NUM> with openings extending from the body. To attach the band extender <NUM> to the container <NUM>, the through passage in the tubular portion <NUM> can be aligned with openings <NUM> in the rear or bottom of the container, and a pin <NUM> or other suitable fastener can be inserted through the through passage to attach the band extender <NUM> to the container. The band extender <NUM> can then be attached to the flexible band <NUM>, for example by aligning the ears <NUM> with a through passage <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> and inserting a pin <NUM> or other suitable fastener through the openings in the ears <NUM> and the through passage of the flexible band. The first end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> will thereby be rotatably attached to the projection <NUM>, while the second end <NUM> of the flexible band will be rotatably attached to the container <NUM>.

The flexible band <NUM> is movable between a first position spaced a first distance from the rear <NUM>, a second position spaced a second distance from the rear <NUM> less than the first distance to allow the rear <NUM> of the container body <NUM> and the bail <NUM> to be grasped without interference by the flexible band <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and a third position spaced a third distance from the rear <NUM> greater than the first distance to provide space for a user's hand between the rear <NUM> of the container body <NUM> and the flexible band <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

Referring now to the bail <NUM> in detail, the bail <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the ear <NUM>, a second end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the ear <NUM>, and a body <NUM> disposed between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The bail also includes attachment portions <NUM> and <NUM> at the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. The attachment portions <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially circular having respective openings through which the ears <NUM> and <NUM> extend. Each attachment portion <NUM>, <NUM> includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM> and <NUM> respectively surrounding the openings that are configured to flex to allow the bail <NUM> to be attached to the ears. The bail <NUM> can additionally include an opening <NUM> in the body <NUM>, as shown proximate a center of the bail <NUM>, which is configured to receive a ladder hook to allow for hanging from a ladder.

The bail <NUM> is movable between a first position extending above the cavity <NUM> to allow the container <NUM> to be held by the bail <NUM>, a second position behind the rear <NUM> of the container <NUM> as shown in <FIG> to allow the container to be held by the bottom <NUM> and rear <NUM> and be supported by the bail <NUM>, and a third position in front of the front <NUM> of the container <NUM> as shown in <FIG> to allow the flexible band <NUM> to be utilized without interference by the bail <NUM> or to allow the container to be held by the bottom <NUM> and front <NUM> and be supported by the bail <NUM>.

The right side <NUM> and left side <NUM> each include an inwardly extending portion <NUM>, <NUM> proximate bottoms thereof that extend into the cavity <NUM> and define a ledge <NUM>, <NUM> in the cavity <NUM> for holding the roller above a level of the coating material in the cavity <NUM>. The inwardly extending portions <NUM> and <NUM> also provide an area of reduced width along an outside of the container <NUM> such that a user can grasp in one hand the right side <NUM> and left side <NUM> at the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and <NUM> to hold the container.

The right side <NUM> and left side <NUM> of the container <NUM> additionally include angled fronts where the sides meet the front <NUM> such that tops of the sides have a greater length than bottoms of the sides, bars <NUM> and <NUM> projecting upward from tops of the sides <NUM> and <NUM> that define regions to wipe off coating material, and ears <NUM> and <NUM> projecting outward from the sides to which the bail <NUM> is attached.

The front <NUM> of the container <NUM> is angled corresponding to the angle of the front of the left and right sides <NUM> and <NUM>. The front <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> for receiving a ledge of a painting apparatus. The rear <NUM> of the container <NUM> includes a pair of slots <NUM> and <NUM> at the top of the rear and a slot at a bottom of the rear for attachment of the flexible band <NUM> as will be described in detail below. The bottom <NUM> of the container <NUM> is substantially T-shaped due to the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is substantially T-shaped at and below the ledges <NUM> and <NUM> corresponding to the shape of the bottom <NUM>, and has an irregular hexagon shape above the ledges <NUM> and <NUM>.

Referring now to the flexible band <NUM> in detail, the flexible band <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> configured to be attached to the rear <NUM> proximate a top of the rear <NUM>, a second end <NUM> configured to be attached to the rear <NUM> at a bottom of the rear <NUM>, and a substantially planar portion <NUM> disposed between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The second end can be fixedly attached to the rear <NUM> at the bottom in a suitable manner, such as by looping the second end through the slot and attaching the second end to the planar portion <NUM> proximate the second end, by forming the second end to be larger than the slot, etc. The first end <NUM> can be adjustably attached to the rear <NUM> at the top in any suitable manner, such as by looping the first end through the slots <NUM> and <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> may be attached in any suitable manner, such as described above.

The flexible band <NUM> is movable between a first position spaced a first distance from the rear <NUM>, a second position spaced a second distance from the rear <NUM> less than the first distance to allow the rear <NUM> of the container body <NUM> and the bail <NUM> to be grasped without interference by the flexible band <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and a third position spaced a third distance from the rear <NUM> greater than the first distance to provide space for a user's hand between the rear <NUM> of the container body <NUM> and the flexible band <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the flexible band may be movable to a number of positions to adjust the space between the flexible band and the rear by tightening or loosening the flexible band, for example to adjust for the size of the user's hand.

Referring now to the bail <NUM> in detail, the bail <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the ear <NUM>, a second end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the ear <NUM>, and a body <NUM> disposed between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The bail also includes attachment portions <NUM> and <NUM> at the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. The attachment portions <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially circular having respective openings through which the ears <NUM> and <NUM> extend. The bail <NUM> can include a slot extending from each opening respectively allowing the opening to be fitted over the ears, or can include tabs as discussed above. The bail <NUM> can additionally include an opening <NUM> in the body <NUM>, as shown proximate a center of the bail <NUM>, which is configured to receive a ladder hook to allow for hanging from a ladder.

Turning now to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of the container is shown at <NUM>. The container <NUM> is substantially the same as the above-referenced container <NUM>, and consequently the same reference numerals but indexed by <NUM> are used to denote structures corresponding to similar structures in the containers. In addition, the foregoing description of the container <NUM> is equally applicable to the container <NUM> except as noted below.

The container <NUM> includes a container body <NUM>, a bail (not shown) attached to the container body <NUM>, and a flexible band <NUM> attached to the container body <NUM>. The container body <NUM> includes a front <NUM>, a rear <NUM>, a right side <NUM>, a left side <NUM>, and a bottom <NUM> that define a cavity <NUM> for receiving the coating material. The front <NUM>, rear <NUM>, right side <NUM>, and left side <NUM> each include a rim portion extending around tops thereof that is collectively referred to herein as an upper rim <NUM>. The upper rim <NUM> includes a horizontal portion <NUM> and a downwardly projecting portion <NUM> outwardly spaced from the container body.

The right side <NUM> and left side <NUM> of the container <NUM> additionally include angled fronts where the sides meet the front <NUM> such that tops of the sides have a greater length than bottoms of the sides, bars <NUM> and <NUM> projecting upward from tops of the sides <NUM> and <NUM> that define regions to wipe off coating material, and ears <NUM> and <NUM> projecting outward from the sides to which the bail is attached.

The front <NUM> of the container <NUM> is angled corresponding to the angle of the front of the left and right sides <NUM> and <NUM>. The front <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> for receiving a ledge of a painting apparatus.

The rear <NUM> of the container <NUM> includes a pair of opposed slots <NUM> and <NUM> proximate the bottom <NUM>, a channel <NUM> extending substantially along the rear <NUM> for receiving the flexible band <NUM>, and a projection <NUM> projecting rearwardly from the rear <NUM> that provides a surface for a user's thumb to rest. The projection <NUM> defines a cavity <NUM> for receiving an end of the flexible band <NUM>, and includes openings at opposite ends thereof for attachment of the flexible band <NUM> to the projection <NUM>. As shown, the slots <NUM> and <NUM> are in respective projections <NUM> and <NUM> that project from the rear <NUM> proximate the bottom <NUM> and the projection <NUM> projects from the rim portion of the rear <NUM>. The container <NUM> can additionally include a projection <NUM> projecting forwardly from the rear <NUM> into the cavity <NUM>. The projection <NUM> defines a cavity for housing a magnet for supporting the brush. The cavity may be sealed at the top by a cover or the like preventing removal of the magnet or sealed by the magnet.

The flexible band <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the rear <NUM> proximate a top of the rear <NUM>, for example at the projection <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> configured to be rotatably attached to the rear <NUM> proximate a bottom of the rear <NUM>, for example at the opposed slots <NUM> and <NUM>. The flexible band <NUM> also includes a substantially planar portion <NUM> disposed between first and second tubular portions at the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. A pin <NUM> is then inserted through the tubular portion at the first end <NUM> to attach the first end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> to the projection <NUM>. Similarly the tubular portion at the second end <NUM> is positioned between the slots <NUM> and <NUM> in the projections <NUM> and <NUM> proximate the bottom <NUM> and a pin <NUM> is inserted through the through passage to attach the second end <NUM> of the flexible band <NUM> to the projections <NUM> and <NUM>.

The aforementioned elements (e.g., container, bail, band, among others), and the like have been described with respect to interaction between several components and/or elements. It should be appreciated that such elements can include those elements or sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and/or additional elements. Further yet, one or more elements and/or sub-elements may be combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality. The elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.

In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as "about" is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms "first," "second," etc., do not denote an order or importance, but rather the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of "may" and "may be" indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur - this distinction is captured by the terms "may" and "may be.

Claim 1:
A container (<NUM>) comprising:
a container body (<NUM>) having a front (<NUM>), a rear (<NUM>) which includes slots proximate the bottom of the rear (<NUM>), a right side (<NUM>), a left side (<NUM>), and a bottom (<NUM>) that define a cavity for receiving a coating material;
a bail (<NUM>) attached to the container body (<NUM>); and
a flexible band (<NUM>) attached to the rear (<NUM>) of the container body (<NUM>), the flexible band (<NUM>) having a first end attached to the rear (<NUM>) of the container body (<NUM>) proximate a top of the rear and a second end attached to the rear (<NUM>) of the container body (<NUM>) proximate a bottom of the rear, the second end coupled to a pin that is disposed in and movable within the slots,
wherein the flexible band (<NUM>) is movable between a first position spaced a first distance from the rear (<NUM>), a second position spaced a second distance from the rear (<NUM>) less than the first distance to allow the container body (<NUM>) and the bail (<NUM>) to be grasped at the rear (<NUM>) without interference by the flexible band (<NUM>), and a third position spaced a third distance from the rear (<NUM>) greater than the first distance to provide space for a user's hand between the rear (<NUM>) of the container body and the flexible band (<NUM>).