Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Implements – Scrapers
Reexamination Certificate
2003-02-05
2004-12-14
Stinson, Frankie L. (Department: 1746)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Implements
Scrapers
C015S230110, C029S280000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06829803
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The invention generally relates to the field of painting using roller paint brush covers and more specifically relates to the field of removing roller paint brush covers still containing wet paint from the handle framework and removing paint from and cleaning these roller paint brush covers. The invention further relates to methods and systems for handling roller paint brush covers containing wet paint, methods and systems for removing wet paint from roller paint brush covers, and methods and systems for cleaning wet paint from roller paint brush covers. The invention further relates to a devices and combinations of devices that can be used to stir and mix paint, remove roller paint brush covers from the handle framework, remove paint from and clean roller paint brush covers, and methods and systems for accomplishing these actions.
2. Prior Art
Likely the most well-known method of dealing with roller paint brush covers is to grasp the wet roller paint brush cover, pull it off of the handle framework, throw it away, and go out and purchase a new roller paint brush cover for the next painting job. Those that are more adventurous will wash the roller paint brush cover in the appropriate cleaning solution (such as water or soapy water for water-based paints, and suitable other solvents for water-insoluble paints), air dry it, and reuse it for the next painting job. Either way, removing the roller paint brush cover when wet from the handle framework can be a messy adventure, and cleaning the roller paint brush cover for reuse even more so.
Similarly, likely the most well-known method of stirring or mixing paint is either by using a stirring stick, which can be messy, or by vigorously shaking the paint can, which can be difficult to do properly unless you happen to have a can shaker, which can be expensive. Stirrers are known, including powered stirrers and stirrers attached to power drills. However, these stirrers do not have a protective cage surrounding the impellers to prevent damage and injury and to allow stirring proximal to the side of the container.
The economically and/or ecologically minded prefer washing and reusing the roller paint brush cover. For them, several different devices are available. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,436,264 to Allen discloses an apparatus for cleaning paint roller covers. The Allen '264 device comprises an expandable spindle for inserting into and holding the roller paint brush cover. The spindle is mounted on a power drill and the roller paint brush cover is rotated within a bag or other disposable device to remove the paint by centrifugal force. However, the Allen '264 device uses an expandable spindle, which adds to the complexity of the device, and does not comprise a device for removing the roller paint brush cover from the handle framework or the spindle, and therefore does not prevent the messes associated with such an operation.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,395 to Kolb discloses a paint roller apparatus with inherent cleaning capability. The Kolb '395 device is a unitary device that can be used for roller brush painting and, when the painting is finished, cleaning the roller brush. Specifically, the Kolb '395 device comprises a handle and a roller on which a roller paint brush cover is mounted. The roller comprises means for attaching to a power drill such that after painting, the roller can be spun clean. However, the Kolb '395 device is a unitary device, and does not appear to be suitable for the common roller painting apparatus. Further, the Kolb '395 device also does not have a device for removing the roller paint brush cover from the handle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,055 to Permar and U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,948 to McCauley disclose simple devices that can be inserted into the center of a roller paint brush cover and mounted on a power drill for spin cleaning. U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,255 to Walter, U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,158 to Gratopp, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,311,158 disclose stand alone devices for spinning and cleaning roller paint brush covers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,933 to Mallalieu discloses a hand-operated spin cleaning device for roller paint brush covers. However, none of these devices combine the spin cleaning device with a device for removing the roller paint brush cover from the handle framework.
Thus it can be seen that there is a need for a simple and economical device, method and system for cleaning roller paint brush covers and for handling the roller paint brush covers during the cleaning process. It can also be seen that there is a need for an improved device for stirring and/or mixing paints, stains and other coatings and liquids. It is to these needs and other related needs that the present invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention briefly described is a device, method and system for cleaning paint from paint roller brushes. The invention comprises a gripping device for removing a paint roller brush from the handle framework, a holding device for holding the paint roller brush during the paint removing and cleaning process, and a mounting device for connecting the holding device with the paint roller brush to a motor or other motion imparting means. The invention further comprises a device attached to the holding device for stirring and mixing paint.
The gripping device comprises a generally cylindrical tube mounted on a handle. The generally cylindrical tube comprises open ends and can comprise a solid cylindrical wall or a cylindrical wall having an open slot along its length. The open slot can extend along the entire length of the generally cylindrical tube to provide a passageway for a support rod of the handle framework to pass as the roller paint brush cover and the gripping device are moved to remove the roller paint brush cover from the handle framework. The inner diameter of the generally cylindrical tube should be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the roller paint brush cover. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the generally cylindrical tube can be relatively large so as to be able to accommodate different roller paint brush covers having a wide variety of diameters.
One end, the insertion end, of the gripping device preferably is completely open so as to allow the insertion of the roller paint brush cover. The other end, the tail end, can also be completely open, but optionally can be closed, partially closed, or comprise a tab for contacting and pushing the roller paint brush cover off of the handle framework. The handle is attached to the generally cylindrical tube along the cylindrical wall in such location allowing the user to hold the generally cylindrical tube but not interfering with the open ends of the generally cylindrical tube. Grippers of various diameters can be made for paint roller brushes of various diameters, or a single gripper having a relatively large, or having a variable, diameter can be made for use with several different diameters of roller paint brush covers.
The holding device comprises a cage-like frame similar or identical to the known cage-like frames on which paint roller brushes are mounted for use. The cage-like frame generally is cylindrical in shape, the cylindrical shape being formed by a plurality of wires or rods extending the length of the cylindrical shape. End caps, rings or other devices can be used to hold the plurality of wires or rods together in the generally cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the holding device preferably is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the paint roller brush such that the paint roller brush can be mounted and held securely on the holding device. Optionally, the holding device can have an outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the paint roller brush, or can be a flexible or spring-like construction, to increase the holding power.
The mounting device comprises a shaft or rod that is attached securely to and extends axially from the holding device. The mounting device can extend a
Perrin Joseph L.
Stinson Frankie L.
Technoprop Colton LLC
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