GB2172872A

GB2172872A - Holders for containers

Info

Publication number: GB2172872A
Application number: GB08607208A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Pass
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-03-29
Filing date: 1986-03-24
Publication date: 1986-10-01
Also published as: GB8607208D0; GB8508314D0

Abstract

A holder for a paint can or container consists of a support assembly 10 which is adapted to receive and support a paint can or container, handle means 30 being formed on the support assembly to enable the holder and the paint can or container to be carried. Preferably a brush support member 34 is mounted on the support assembly for pivotal movement between an out of use position and an in use position where it extends across part of the upper end of the can. The support assembly may comprise a split ring shaped member, the two ends of the ring being adjustably clamped together by a buckle member 18 or a screw threaded member (Figure 5). Alternatively, the support member may comprise an upper circular section connected by webs to a lower section which engages the lower portion of the can, the handle means being pivotably mounted on the upper section (Figure 7). In a further embodiment (Figure 9) the support assembly comprises a first base portion fitting under the can and an upwardly extending second portion at the upper end of which is mounted a clamping means for connecting the holder to the can, the second portion being formed with a fixed handle. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to holders This invention relates to holders and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a holder for a paint can or container.

A conventional paint can or container consists of a hollow cylindrical container permanently closed at one end and provided at the opposite end with a removable lid which is a press fit into the open end of the container. Although such paint cans and containers are adequate for storing paint, when the paint therein is to be utilised, it is found to be inconvenient to use paint direct from this conventional paint can or container in any painting operation where a flat surface on which to rest the paint can or container is not available.

The object of this invention is to provide a holder which makes it more convenient to use paint direct from a conventional paint can or container when carrying out a painting operation.

According to this invention, a holder for a paint can or container comprises a support assembly adapted to receive a can or container and handle means formed on or secured to the support assembly for enabling the holder and the can or container therein to be carried or suspended.

Preferably, a paint brush support member is mounted on the support assembly of the holder.

Preferably, also, the paint brush support member comprises a platform or bar member extending across at least part of the upper end of the can or container which is located in the holder.

The paint brush support member is, preferably, pivotally movable from the in use position in which it extends across at least part of the upper end of the can or container located in the holder, to an out of use position in which it allows insertion or removal of the can or container from the holder.

Preferably, the support assembly comprises an upper circular or substantially circular portion having the handle means mounted thereon, and clamping means for reducing the diameter of the upper portion to clamp the upper portion on the external surface of the can or container located therein.

Preferably, also, the upper portion is divided at a point on its circumference and the clamping means is connected between the free ends of the upper portion to vary the distance therebetween.

The clamping means, preferably, comprises a buckle member having a first section pivotally connected to one free end of the upper portion and having a second section provided with a projection for engaging one of a plurality of teeth formed on the other free end of the upper portion to form an adjustable length connection between the free ends of the upper portion.

Preferably, the first section of the bucket member is additionally securable by means of a snap-fit connection to said one free end of the upper portion to secure the buckle member against pivotal move ment and maintain said member in tension in the adjusted position.

Alternatively, the clamping means may comprise a screw-threaded member extending between the free ends of the upper portion to vary the distance therebetween.

According to another aspect of the invention, the support assembly comprises an upper circular or substantially circular portion adapted to receive the can or container therein; a lower portion connected to the upper portion, spaced-apart therefrom and adapted to engage and support the lower portion of the can or container; and first handle means mounted on the upper portion for enabling the holder and the can or container therein to be carried out suspended.

Preferably, a second handle means is provided on the side of the holder.

Preferably, also, the second handle means extends from the upper portion to the lower portion of the holder.

The upper portion of the holder is, preferably, connected to the lower portion thereof by two or more equi-angularly spaced-apart webs extending therebetween.

According to a further aspect of this invention, the support assembly comprises a first portion on which the base of the can or container rests, an upwardly extending second portion, connecting means mounted on the upper end of the second portion for connecting the holder to the can or container, and handle means for enabling the holder and the can or container connected thereto to be carried.

Preferably, the connecting means comprises a clamp adapted to engage within the open top of the can or container and screw means for moving the clamp to clamp the can or container to the holder.

Preferably, also, the height of the clamp is adjustable.

The handle means is, preferably, formed or mounted on the second portion of the holder.

Preferred embodiments of this invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which Figure 1 is a side elevation of a holder according to a first embodiment of this invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the holder shown in Figure 1 of the drawings; Figure 3 is a side elevation of a holder according to a second embodiment of this invention; Figure 4 is an end elevation of the holder shown in Figure 3 of the drawings; Figure 5 is a plan view of the holder shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings; Figure 6 is a side elevation of a holder according to a third embodiment of this invention; Figure 7 is an end elevation of the holder shown in Figure 6 of the drawings with parts omitted for the sake of clarity;; Figure 8 is a plan view of the holder shown in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings with parts omitted for the sake of clarity; Figure 9 is a side elevation of a holder according to a fourth embodiment of this invention; Figure 70 is an end elevation of the holder shown in Figure 9 of the drawings; and Figure 11 is a plan view of the holder shown in Figures 9 and 10 of the drawings.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, in a first embodiment of this invention, a holder for a paint can or container comprises a circular or substantially circular ring portion 10 which is divided at 12. One free end 14 of the ring portion 10 has a buckle member 16 pivotally connected thereto. The buckle member 16 has a strap portion flexibly connected thereto by means of a section of reduced thickness and the strap portion 18 is provided at its end remote from the buckle member 16with a projection 20 which can be selectively engaged behind one of four teeth 22 formed on the other free end 24 of the ring portion 10.

The buckle member 16 has an aperture formed therein enabling the buckle member 16to be a snap fit on a stud 26 formed on said one free end 16 of the ring portion 10.

Two diametrically opposed projections 28 are formed on the ring portion 10 and a handle 30 is pivotally mounted therebetween. The projections 28 are shaped so that the handle 30 is a snap-fit thereon.

The ring portion 10 has two spaced-apart legs 32 formed thereon to which a brush support bar 34 is pivotally connected. The brush support bar can be moved pivotally through 1 80" from the in use position shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, in which the bar 34 extends across the ring portion 10 to an out of use position in which the bar 34 does not obstruct the central area of the ring portion 10.

In operation, the buckle member 16 is released from the stud 26 and moved pivotally to enable the projection 20 on the strap portion 18 to be disengaged from the teeth 22. The ring portion is located around the upper portion of a paint can or container indicated generally at 36 and the projection 20 on the strap portion 18 is engaged behind an appropriate one of the teeth 22 on the free end 24 of the ring portion 10. The particular tooth 22 which is utilised is dependent upon the size of the pant can or container which is to be connected to the holder.

The buckle member 16 is moved pivotally about its connection to the free end 14 of the ring portion towards the position shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. This pivotal movement of the buckle member 16 tensions the strap portion 18 and draws the free ends 14 and 24 of the ring portion 10 together to securely clamp the paint can or container therein. The buckle member 16 is then pressed onto the stud 26 to secure it in position and maintain tension in the strap portion 18.

The holder and the paint can or container clamped thereon can thus be carried or hung from the handle 30 and the paint brush can be supported when not being used on a brush support bar 34.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 5 of the drawings, in a second embodiment of this invention, a holder for a paint can or container comprises a ring portion 40 which is divided at 42. The free ends of the ring portion 40 extend outwardly and are connected together by a clamping screw 44 which engages in a captive nut46 so that rotation of the screw 44 provides adjustment of the overall diameter of the ring portion 40 to accommodate different sizes of paint cans or containers.

Two diametrically opposed projections 48 are formed on the ring portion 40 and a handle 50 is pivotally mounted therebetween. The projections 48 are shaped so that the handle 50 is a snap-fit thereon. The handle 50 is also provided with a groove or indentation 52 in the centre thereof to form a location point when the holder is suspended from the handle 50.

The ring portion 40 has two spaced-apart lugs 54 formed thereon to which a brush support platform 56 is pivotally connected. The brush support platform 56 is substantially identical to and operates in the same manner as the brush support bar 34 described above in respect of the holder according to the first embodiment of this invention.

In operation, a paint can or container is inserted into the ring portion 40 and the clamping screw 44 is rotated to reduce the effective diameter of the ring portion 40 until the paint can or container is securely clamped therein. The holder and the paint can or container can thus be carried or suspended from the handle 48 and a paint brush can be supported when not being used, on the brush support platform 56.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 8 of the drawings, in a third embodiment of this invention, a holder for a paint can or container comprises an upper circular or substantially circular ring portion 60 which is connected by four equi-angularly spaced-apart downwardly depending webs 62 to a circular base portion 64.

Two projections 66 are formed on diametrically opposed webs 62 adjacent to the ring portion 60. A curved handle 68 is pivotally conected at its ends to the projections 66 and the projections 66 are shaped so that the handle 68 is a snap-fit thereon. A groove or indentation 70 is formed in the centre of the handle 68 to form a location point when the holder is suspended from the handle 68.

A second handle 72 is formed on one web 62 and extends from a point adjacent to the ring member 60 to a point adjacent to the base portion 64 of the holder.

A brush support platform 74 of substantially D-shape in plan view is pivotally mounted on the ring portion 60 and is capable of pivotal movement from an in use position shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, in which the platform 74 extends across the ring portion 60, to an out of use position shown in broken lines in Figure 6 of the drawings, in which the platform 74 does not obstruct the central area of the ring portion 60.

in operation, a paint can or container is inserted into the ring portion 60 of the holder and the base of the paint can or container is supported on the base portion 64 of the holder. During a painting operation, the holder containing the paint can or container can be carried or suspended from the handle 68 in a convenient location, or carried by the second handle 72. The platform 74 is moved to the in use position shown in Figure 8 of the drawings and provides a support for a paint brush.

Referring now to Figures 9 to 11 of the drawings, in a fourth embodiment of this invention, a holder for a paint can or container 80 comprises a base portion 82 on which the base of the paint can or container 80 is supported. A side portion 84 extends upwardly from the portion 82 and a handle 86 is formed thereon.

A substantially L-shaped clamp 88 is mounted in a slot 90 in the upper end of the side portion 84 and is adapted to engage the internal surface of the can or container 80. The mounting of the clamp 88 in the slot 90 provides for vertical adjustment of the position of the clamp 88 to accommodate different sizes of cans or containers 80. The clamp 88 has a screw-threaded portion and a knurled nut 92 is screwed thereon to clamp the can or container 80 to the holder.

A paint brush support platform 94 is pivotally mounted in holes formed in the sides of the clamp 88 and operates in a similar manner to the paint brush support bar 34 and platforms 56 and 74 described with reference to the first, second and third embodiments of this invention.

In operation, once the top has been removed from the paint can or container 80, it is positioned on the base portion 82 and the clamp 88 is engaged on the internal surface of the can or container 80. The nut 92 is screwed to move the clamp 88 to securely clamp the can or container 80 to the holder. The holder with the can or container 80 positioned therein can then be carried by means of the handle 86 and a paint brush when not in use can be supported on the paint brush support platform 94.

All of the holders described in the embodiments of this invention are particularly suitable for construction from a plastics material by conventional injecting moulding techniques but it will of course be appreciated that the entire holders or components thereof, such as the brush support bars or platforms can be formed from other materials such as steel wire, without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A holder for a paint can or container comprising a support assembly adapted to receive a can or container and handle means formed on or secured to the support assembly for enabling the holder and the can or container therein to be carried or suspended.

2. A holder according to Claim 1, wherein a paint brush support member is mounted on the support assembly of the holder.

3. A holder according to Claim 2, wherein the paint brush support member comprises a platform or bar member extending across at least part of the upper end of the can or container which is located in the holder.

4. A holder according to Claim 3, wherein the paint brush support member is pivotally movable from the in use position in which it extends across at least part of the upper end of the can or container located in the holder, to an out of use position in which it allows insertion or removal of the can or container from the holder.

5. A holder according to any one of the preced ing claims, wherein the support assembly comprises an upper circular or substantially circular portion having the handle means mounted thereon, and clamping means for reducing the diameter of the upper portion to clamp the upper portion on the external surface of the can or container located therein.

6. A holder according to Claim 5, wherein the upper portion is divided at a point on its circumference and the clamping means is connected between the free ends of the upper portion to vary the distance therebetween.

7. A holder according to Claim 6, wherein the clamping means comprises a buckle member having a first section pivotally connected to one free end of the upper portion and having a second section provided with a projection for engaging one of a plurality of teeth formed on the other free end of the upper portion to form an adjustable length connection between the free ends of the upper portion.

8. A holder according to Claim 7, wherein the first section of the buckle member is additionally securable by means of a snap-fit connection to said one free end of the upper portion to secure the buckle member against pivotal movement and maintain said member in tension in the adjusted position.

9. A holder according to Claim 6, wherein the clamping means comprises a screw-threaded member extending between the free ends of the upper portion to vary the distance therebetween.

10. A holder according to Claim 9, wherein the second handle means extend from the upper portion to the lower portion of the holder.

10. A holder according to Claim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises an upper circular or substantially circular portion adapted to receive the can or container therein; a lower portion connected to the upper portion, spaced-apart therefrom and adapted to engage and support the lower portion of the can or container; and first handle means mounted on the upper portion for enabling the holder and the can or container therein to be carried or suspended.

11. A holder according to Claim 10, wherein a second handle means is provided on the side of the holder.

12. A holder according to Claim 11, wherein the second handle means extends on the upper portion to the lower portion of the holder.

13. A holder according to any one of Claims 11 to 12, wherein the upper portion of the holder is connected to the lower portion thereof by two or more equi-angularly spaced-apart webs extending therebetween.

14. A holder according to Claim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises a first portion on which the base of the can or container rests, an upwardly extending second portion, connecting means mounted on the upper end of the second portion for connecting the holder to the can or container, and handle means for enabling the holder and the can or container connected thereto to be carried.

15. A holder according to Claim 14, wherein the connecting means comprises a clamp adapted to engage within the open top of the can or container and screw means for moving the clamp to clamp the can or container to the holder.

16. A holder according to Claim 15, wherein the height of the clamp is adjustable.

17. A holder according to any one of Claims 14to 16, wherein the handle means is formed or mounted on the second portion of the holder.

18. A holder for a paint can or container constructed, arranged and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by, the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed, and have the following effect: *(a) Claims 1-4, 12,14-17 above have been deleted or textually amended.

*(b) New or textually amended claims have been filed as follows: *(c) Claims 5-11, 13 and 18 above have been re-numbered as 3-9, 11 and 12 and their appendancies corrected.

1. A holder for a paint can or container comprising a support assembly adapted to receive a can or container and extending completely around a portion of the external curved peripheral surface of the can or container, handle means formed on or secured to the support assembly for enabling the holder and the can or container therein to be carried or suspended, and a paint brush support member mounted on the support assembly which is pivotally movable from an in use position in which it extends across at least part of the upper end of the can or container located in the holder, to an outof use position in which it allows insertion or removal of the can or container from the holder.

2. A holder according to Claim 1, wherein the paint brush support member comprises a platform or bar member.