US20130062477A1

US20130062477A1 - Brush buddy

Info

Publication number: US20130062477A1
Application number: US13/135,588
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark D. PloescL; Scott E. Hitson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-09-12
Filing date: 2011-09-12
Publication date: 2013-03-14

Abstract

To facilitate any painting task, painters have a variety of sizes of paintbrushes specifically designed for the job at hand. It is essential for painters to maintain several brushes to accommodate any painting job. Unfortunately, properly storing paintbrushes during use can often present a challenge. Many painters simply place their paintbrush directly inside the paint pail, or store the brushes upside down in an empty paint can. Storing the paintbrush in this manner can prove detrimental to the paintbrush bristles, often resulting in dried and matted bristles. Storing a paint brush upside down during use can also result in paint running down the brush and coating the handle in a hard to remove residue. The Brush Buddy's uniquely designed storage receptacle protects expensive paintbrushes and facilitates a clean and efficient working environment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a Brush Buddy and, more particularly, the invention relates to a Brush Buddy for storing a paintbrush directly inside the bucket of paint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-4A are perspective views illustrating a Brush Buddy, constructed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1 is recommended for inclusion on the front page of the patent application publication and patent as the illustration of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 (clean version) and 2A-4A (shown with dimensions), the present invention is a Brush Buddy for storing brushes. Attached hereto is the inventor's disclosure hereby herein incorporated by reference.
The Brush Buddy of the present invention is a specially designed storage receptacle for storing a paintbrush directly inside the bucket of paint. Manufactured primarily of heavy-duty plastic material, the Brush Buddy is rectangular in shape with the top, open end, suspended against the inner lip of the paint can or bucket. Included are the substitute specifications (New Sheets) which are in compliance with 37 CFR 1.52, 1.121(b) (3), and 1.125. The substitute specifications are submitted with markings (FIGS. 2A-4A) and are accompanied by clean versions (FIGS. 1-4 without marking) as set forth in 37 CFR(c) and contain no new matter. FIGS. 1-4 are on illustrated on page one of the diagrams and FIGS. 2A-4A are illustrated on pages two and three of the diagrams. The views depicted in the FIGS. 1-4A are as follows: FIG. 1 is a isometric view of the Brush Buddy; FIG. 2 shows the front view; FIG. 3 shows the right view; FIG. 4 shows the top view; FIG. 2A shows the front view with dimensions; FIG. 3A shows the right side view with dimensions; and FIG. 4A shows the top view with dimensions. The substitute specifications demonstrate that the Brush Buddy is of ample size to accommodate a variety of paintbrush and paint bucket sizes as it measures 7½″ in height (FIGS. 2 and 2A), 4″ in width (FIGS. 4 and 4A), and 1½″ deep (FIGS. 3 and 3A). Horizontally positioned near the top is a 1″ retaining band securable to the top of the paintbrush (FIGS. 1-4A), while a 1″ pocket (FIGS. 3 and 3A) is positioned at the base serving as a reservoir keeping the bristles of the paintbrush saturated. To facilitate easy attachment to an existing paint pail, the Brush Buddy has a curved, low profile hanging hook (illustrated clearly in FIGS. 1, 3, and 3A) resting flush over the lip of the can or bucket. The Brush Buddy can be produced in an array of vibrant colors, or in simple clear plastic material.
Use of the Brush Buddy of the present invention is very simple and straightforward. In a one step application the user secures the Brush Buddy to the existing paint pail via the hook fastener located on the top. Once secured in place within the can, the user places their paintbrush directly within, storing the brush head so that it is angled downwards, while the handle of the brush extends upright. In this manner, any paint on the bristles of the brush naturally flow downward, off the bristles and into the Brush Buddy's convenient paint reservoir, thus keeping the brush saturated.
The Brush Buddy of the present invention offers painters several significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the Brush Buddy provides an efficient means of properly storing a paintbrush during and between uses. The ample storage receptacle of the Brush Buddy, designed to be suspended within a can of paint, keeps the paintbrush saturated, thus preventing the brush head from drying out as well as becoming hardened or stiff with paint. Sparing the user the hassle of storing the brush on the top of the can, in a paint tray, or on the floor, the Brush Buddy enables users to store their paintbrushes in a neat and careful manner. Furthermore, because the Brush Buddy enables users to store their brushes so that the brush heads faced downwards, use of the Brush Buddy ensures that handles remain clean and dry during use. By preventing paint from dripping onto the handle of the brush, use of the Brush Buddy ensures that the painter always has a clean tool for the job at hand. Perhaps most importantly, by providing the best possible storage for one's paintbrush, the Brush Buddy serves to keep bristles straight and strong, effectively preventing fraying or clumping. Portable and lightweight, the Brush Buddy can be easily transported from paint job to paint job. Therefore, the Brush Buddy is an ideal tool for professional painters as well as an invaluable aid for do-it-yourselfers.
The Brush Buddy of the present invention makes painting projects much easier and enjoyable. Providing secure and reliable brush storage, the Brush Buddy also allows users to save time as well as money.
The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being qualified. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.

Claims

1. The Brush Buddy substantially as described and illustrated herein.

2. All inventions described and illustrated herein.