AU768053B2 - A fabricated roller tray cover - Google Patents

Description

Form No. 11

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application No.: Application Date: Priority Date: Applicant: Address for Service: 12 April 2001 (New Zealand Patent Application No. 511102) CLINTON GORDON McCULLOUGH 91 Oxford Street Masterton New Zealand Ernest Robert SCHUCH Patent Attorney PO Box 6411 Baulkham Hills B.C.

NSW 2153 Australia Complete Specification for the invention entitled: A FABRICATED ROLLER TRAY COVER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: A FABRICATED ROLLER TRAY COVER TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to painting accessories. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a cover for use with paint roller trays and the like.

BACKGROUND ART Roller trays can be used to contain liquids such as paint, polyurethane, wallpaper paste and the like, such liquids being transferred from the tray to a roller or brush as required.

A disadvantage with the use of trays is that maintaining a clean tray can be time consuming, particularly when a number of different colours are used and the tray must be thoroughly cleaned of one colour before a different colour is used.

The cleaning of trays with heavy-duty chemicals and solvents required for cleaning oilbased paints is not environmentally friendly when inappropriate chemical discharges are made. Dumping of such chemicals can block drains and kill desirable vegetation.

If trays are not cleaned immediately the contents may dry, making it more difficult to subsequently clean the tray or, at worst, it may be more expedient to use a new tray. In some locations such as in apartment blocks and hotel interiors, it may be difficult to clean trays as cleaning facilities are limited or not accessible. The option of having a plurality of trays for each paint colour can be expensive, and such an option requires a user handling such a number of trays to and from locations.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or which provides the public with a useful choice.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of method of using the tray cover on a tray that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or which provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first broad aspect of the invention there is provided a tray cover for removable placement on the inside tray surface of a tray to prevent liquid from contacting the inside tray surface, the cover including a central portion made of a liquid impervious material of a sufficient size, in use, conforming to the shape of the inside dimensions of the tray, and tray locating or securing means to secure or locate the cover to a said tray substantially about the rim of the tray, in use, to prevent liquid from seeping onto the inside tray surface.

Preferably the cover material is rigid and conforms to the shape of the inner dimensions of the tray, and wherein the tray locating means is a lip portion extending substantially about the outer edge of the cover. Desirably the cover is made from polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, or high density polyethylene.

Alternatively the securing means can be a substantially continuous seam of folded material about the edge of the material defining a passageway, the material being flexible, the passageway retaining a draw means to enable the edge of the material to be retained over the outer rim of the tray during use, and to allow the cover to be released from the tray and the edges of the material to be drawn together to form a liquid barrier.

Preferably the draw means is a material cord, elastic cord or a band of rubber material looped through the passageway with the ends of the cord or band protruding from an opening in the passageway. Desirably an adjustable tensioning means is provided about the exposed ends of the cord or the band.

Alternatively the cover material is flexible, and wherein the securing means is a continuous seam of elastic material attached adjacent the outer edge of the sheet of material in a stretched form such that it gathers edges of the material together when contracted.

Advantageously the securing means is a rim made of a rigid material and snugly fits substantially about the periphery of the rim of the tray, and wherein the central portion of the cover is made of a flexible material.

Desirably the flexible material is a durable and resilient plastics material or waxed paper. Desirably the plastics material is biodegradable. Preferably the plastics material is a high density polyethylene.

Advantageously the central portion includes four panels in the central portion between the securing means, the four panels being defined by seams and confirming to the respective sides and base portion of a roller tray to provide, in use, for a snug fit of the cover over the inner surface of the roller tray.

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According to a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of method of using the tray cover on a tray according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: placing the cover over the inside surface of the tray so that the flexible material spreads over the surface; turning back the cover over the outer rim of the tray and securing the outer edge of the cover to the outer rim of the tray; and after use, removing the cover from the tray.

Preferably the method further comprises step of gathering the edges of the material together to form a liquid barrier for either disposal of the liquid remains in the cover or for later placement over the tray for dispensing of the remains of the liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: illustrates a roller tray cover in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2: illustrates a roller tray cover in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 3: illustrates the cover of figure 2 secured over a roller tray; Figure 4: illustrates a roller tray cover in accordance with a third alternative embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5: illustrates a roller tray cover in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to figure 1, a roller tray cover, generally referred to as 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

A roller tray cover 1 for removable placement on the inside tray surface of a tray (referred to as 12 in figure 3) is considered an advantage as it can prevent liquid, such as paint, polyurethane, wallpaper paste and the like that is applied to a roller or brush, from contacting the inside tray surface.

The cover 1 therefore necessarily includes a water or liquid impervious material that is fabricated or made of a resilient and flexible material such as, for example, a plastics material such as a high density polyethylene, or a thin plastic film resilient enough to have its edge adapted to be secured to the outer rim of a tray and be impervious to paint and other chemicals used in the tray.

In this first preferred embodiment a plastics material is provided as a sheet of material 2.

Advantageously the material 2 comprises a biodegradable material and more preferably may be a waxed biodegradable paper. The size of the sheet is dependent on the shape and dimensions of the roller tray into which the sheet will be placed. The roller tray 12, as seen in figure 3, has an outer rim of a parallelogram shape and as such the central portion 2 will be of a sufficient shape to conform to the dimensions of the inner tray surface such as to allow placement of the central portion 2 on the inner tray surface during use.

The cover 1 includes a securing means 3 to releasably secure the cover 1 to the outside rim of a said tray without the need for additional devices such as spring biased clips such as bull dog clips or by using adhesive tape.

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In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a cover 1 including a securing means 3 adjacent or approximate the edge of the material 2 that functions to allow a user to easily and quickly fit the outer portion of the material over the rim or lip of a tray 12.

In the first preferred embodiment of the invention in figure 1, the securing means is in the form of a continuous rim of solid or rigid material 4 attached adjacent the outer edge of the material 2 and extending substantially about the outer rim of the tray. The rim 4 is made of any desirable and resilient material such as, for example, a solid plastics material, soft polystyrene, or rubber-type substance. The rim 4 is desirably adapted to form a shape such as an inverted U to snugly fit over the top rim of the tray 12.

A cover orientation device or directional marker 5 in the form of an arrow is preferably positioned at the top end of the cover 1 to assist a user with placement of the cover 1 over a tray. The arrow 5 is particularly useful when the cover 1 is designed of a specified shape to fit over a tray that has an opening that is not a square shape but rather the shape of a rectangle or parallelogram, and therefore the orientation of the cover 1 relative to the tray is critical to ensure the central portion of the material 2 conforms with the specified inner tray surface dimensions.

In operation, the cover 1 will be positioned over a tray, such as a roller tray as illustrated in figure 3, such that the material 2 spreads over the inside surface of the tray 12. The outer portion of the cover 1 with the rim 4 edge is placed over the outer rim of the tray. The roller tray 12 will then be used by having a liquid substance such as paint poured into the tray and rolled onto a roller. After use, the cover 1 can then be removed from the tray 12 and the edges of the material can be gathered substantially together for disposal or for later re-use.

Referring now to figures 2 and 3, a roller tray cover 10, according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

In this' second preferred embodiment a plastics material is provided as a sheet of material 11. The size of the sheet is dependent on the shape and dimensions of the roller tray into which the sheet will be placed. The roller tray 12 in this embodiment has an outer rim of a parallelogram shape and as such the central portion of the material 11 will be of a sufficient shape to conform to the dimensions of the inner tray surface.

The cover 10 includes a securing means 13 to releasably secure the cover 10 to the outside rim of the roller tray 12. The securing means 13 is in the form of a substantially continuous seam or band of folded material about the edge of the material 11 defining a passageway indicated by 14. The seam 13 retains a draw means 15 to enable the edge of the material 11 to be retained over the outer rim of the tray 12 during use, and after use, to allow the cover 10 to be released from the tray 12 and the edges of the material 11 to be drawn together to form an airtight seal.

The seam 13 is provided about each of the four edges and may terminate adjacent the corners 16 of the material 11.

The draw means 15 is preferably in the form of a material cord or elastic cord or a band of rubber material. Desirably an elastic cord 15 is provided. The elastic cord 15 is looped through the passageways 14 and the ends protrude from an opening between two passageways 14. It is envisaged that alternative embodiments can have at least one corner opening allowing the ends of the elastic cord 15 to protrude.

An adjustable tension means 17 is secured about the exposed ends of the elastic cord to achieve a desirable level of tension of the elastic cord 15 when the cover 10 is placed over a roller tray 12 as shown in figure 3. The tension means 17 is desirably a gripping device that is spring biased to grip the cord 15 together. Means to release the spring biasing is provided to allow adjustment of the tension. For adjustment purposes, the looped ends of the cord 15 can be pulled and the tension means 17 adjusted to ensure the edges of the cover 1 are secured about the tray 12 as seen in figure 3.

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The second preferred embodiment is envisaged as being capable of being used on a variety of different sized roller trays as the securing means in this embodiment may allow adjustments of tension about the edge of the cover 1 to fit over such trays.

In operation, and with particular reference to figure 3, the use of the cover 10 of figure 2, is described. The tension means 17 may be at its most released state and the cover is placed over the inside surface of the tray 12 so that the flexible material 11 spreads over the inner tray surface. The cover 10 is then turned back over the outer rim of the tray 12 and the required tension for the elastic cord 15 is achieved by the tension means 17 being adjusted to secure the outer edge of the cover 10 to the outer rim of the tray. The roller tray 12 can then be used as intended with say paint being applied to a roller in the tray without the paint touching or tarnishing the inside tray surface of the tray 12.

After use, the cover 10 is removed from the tray 12. Desirably, the method may include the further step of releasing the tension on the elastic cord 15 on the tension means and gathering the edges of the material 11 together to form an airtight seal.

Once sealed, the cover 10 can then be either disposed of without making a mess or the paint contents may be later re-used by the cover 10 being placed back over a tray 12 and dispensed as required.

Referring to figure 4, a roller tray cover, generally referred to as 20, according to a third alternative embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

A plastics material is provided as a sheet of material 21. The size of the sheet is dependent on the shape and dimensions of the roller tray into which the sheet will be placed. In this embodiment the sheet of material includes panels A, B, C, D defined between seams 22. The panels A,B,C,D conform with the shape and dimensions of the inner surface of a roller tray 12, as shown in figure 3. The roller tray 12 is seen to have an outer rim of a parallelogram shape with three sides and an angled base portion. The three sides correspond with panels A,B,C and the base portion with panel D.

The cover 20 includes a securing means 23 to releasably secure the cover 20 to the outside rim of the roller tray 12. The securing means 23 is in the form of a plurality of passageways 24. The passageways about the periphery of the material 21 are edges of the material 21 folded over and sealed by heat or adhesive or sewn, and are designed to retain a draw means 25 within. The draw means 25 is preferably in the form of an elastic or rubber cord with ends tied or knotted together to form a continuous band.

An advantage with having passageways 24 is that paint and other liquid residue is unlikely to cake the elastic cord or rubber band 25 and cause deterioration. This may allow for repeated use of the cover 20, as required.

It is envisaged that the securing means 23 will be pre-fabricated by the open sheet of material 21 being set on a jig with hooks at each corner. The elastic cord or rubber band 25 will then be stretched over the hooks and the edges of the material 21 folded over the cord and sealed by heat or adhesive or otherwise. The seams of the panels A,B,C,D are formed by any known method of joining panels of flexible plastics material 21.

Referring to figure 5, a roller tray cover, generally referred to as 30, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The tray cover 30 is adapted as an insert to conform to the shape of the inner dimensions of the tray 31. The cover 30 includes a central portion 32 made of a suitable and durable rigid plastics material such as, for example, a polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, or high density polyethylene or the like. The suitable plastics resin may be preferably blow or injection moulded to the desired shape, although any other suitable process to form a rigid plastics product may be used.

The central portion 32 in this embodiment includes a paint cavity 33 having sides 34,35,36 and a shoulder 37, and an angled roller draining portion 38 having a textured pattern that may correspond with the raised or textured pattern 39 of the tray 12, or may be provided with any desirable alternative pattern that allows excess paint or liquid to be removed from the roller in an even manner as required.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the fabricated tray cover 30 will be dependent on the shape and dimensions of the roller tray 31 onto which the cover 30 will be placed.

The tray cover 30 includes a tray locating means 40 to locate and secure the cover 30 to the outside rim of the roller tray 31. The locating means 40 is in the form of a lip or rim that extends substantially about the rim 41 of the tray 31. The lip 40 is preferably of a sufficient thickness and shape to form a barrier to avoid paint and liquid seeping into the inside of the tray 31. Further, the lip 40 is desirably shaped to facilitate ease of removal of the cover 30 from the tray 31.

It is envisaged that multiple tray covers 30 can be used in circumstances where a plurality of paint colours are being applied, and disposable tray covers 30 are seen as a convenient way of avoiding cleaning a tray 31 between colour changes, and avoiding having to use a tray 31 for each colour. The disposable covers 30 offer a solution to the problem of painting jobs in places where no cleaning facilities are available, and whereby using a disposable liner or tray cover 1, 20, 30 avoids having to find a place to clean trays 12, 31 and slow down the time required to complete a painting job, particular when more than one colour is required for application by a roller.

It will be appreciated that the use of the draw means 15 and adjustable tension means 17 as described with reference to figure 2 may be used with the cover 20 as described with reference to figure 4. Other combinations of features from the various embodiments may be used within the scope of the invention.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated.

Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A tray cover for removable placement on the inside tray surface of a tray to prevent liquid from contacting the inside tray surface, the cover including a central portion made of a liquid impervious material conforming to the shape of the inside dimensions of the base of the tray, the central portion of the cover being rigid in form, and tray locating or securing means to secure or locate the cover to a said tray substantially about the rim of the tray, in use, to prevent liquid from seeping onto the inside tray surface.

2. A cover according to claim 1 wherein the cover material is rigid and conforms to the shape of the inner dimensions of the tray, and wherein the tray locating means is a lip portion extending substantially about the outer edge of the cover.

3. A cover according to claim 2 wherein the cover is made from polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, or high density polyethylene.

4. A cover according to claim 1 wherein the securing means is a substantially 20 continuous seam of folded material about the edge of the material defining a passageway, the material being flexible, the passageway retaining a draw S* means to enable the edge of the material to be retained over the outer rim of the tray during use, and to allow the cover to be released from the tray and the edges of the material to be drawn together to form a liquid barrier.

5. A cover according to claim 4 wherein the draw means is a material cord, o .elastic cord or a band of rubber material looped through the passageway with the ends of the cord or band protruding from an opening in the passageway. 30

6. A cover according to claim 4 wherein an adjustable tensioning means is provided about the exposed ends of the cord or the band. 12

7. A cover according to claim 1 wherein the outer area of the cover is made of a flexible material, and wherein the securing means is a continuous seam of elastic material attached adjacent the outer edge of the sheet of material in a stretched form such that it gathers edges of the material together when contracted.

8. A tray cover for removable placement on the inside tray surface of a tray to prevent liquid from contacting the inside tray surface, the cover including a central portion made of a liquid impervious flexible material conforming to the shape of the inside dimensions of the base of the tray, the cover having a rim made of a rigid material and extending substantially about the periphery of the tray, and tray locating or securing means to secure or locate the outer rim of the cover to a said tray substantially about the rim of the tray, in use, to prevent liquid from seeping onto the inside tray surface.

9. A cover according to claim 8 wherein the flexible material is a durable and resilient plastics material or waxed paper. 20

10. A cover according to claim 8 wherein the central portion of the cover is a high *density polyethylene.

11. A cover according to claim 8 wherein the plastics material is biodegradable.

12. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the central portion includes four panels in the central portion between the securing means, the four panels being defined by seams and confirming to the respective sides and base portion of a roller tray to provide, in use, for a snug fit of the cover over the inner surface of the roller tray. 14/10/2003 10:033 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 04/06

13. A method of using the tray cover on a tray according to any one of claims 8 to 11, the method comprising the steps of: placing the cover over the inside surface of the tray so that the flexible material spreads over the surface; fitting the cover over the outer rim of the tray and securing the outer edge of the cover to the outer rim of the tray; and after use, removing the cover from the tray.

14. A method of claim 13 comprising the further step of gathering the edges of the material together to form a liquid barrier for either disposal of the liquid remains in the cover or for later placement over the tray for dispensing of the remains of the liquid.

15. A method according to claim 13 substantially as herein described.

16. A tray cover substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the drawings. Dated: this 14th day of October 2003. CLINTON GORDON McCULLOUGH 25 By his Attorneys SCHUCH COMPANY 14 COMS ID No: SMBI-00451400 Received by IP Australia: Time 08:01 Date 2003-10-14