GB2394933A - Decorating container - Google Patents

Abstract

A decorating container 10 comprises a vessel 12 which, when in a first 'packed' condition, has discrete first and second compartments 34 and 36 and, when in a second 'unpacked' condition, has a single third space 42 for receiving a decorating fluid. The first compartment 34 is a 'dry' compartment for receiving dry or substantially dry decorating implements and materials, and the second compartment 36 is a 'wet' compartment for receiving wet decorating implements and materials. A removable partitioning element 38 for separating the compartments 34, 36 may be ridged to form a roller traction element and a removable implement tray 40 may be located in the 'dry' compartment 34.

Description

DECORATING CONTAINER

This invention relates to a decorating container which has more than one function and which is primarily, but not exclusively, intended as a wallpaper paste S container. A wallpaper paste bucket is well-known in the decorating trade. It is simply a generally cylindrical bucket in which the wallpaper paste is prepared. A decorator then uses a wallpaper paste brush to apply the paste to the back of a sheet of wallpaper 10 pre- laid across a pasting table, before then hanging the paper and using other decorating tools to smooth and finish. Once the application of the paste has been completed, the brush is washed off or wrapped in a flexible material, such as aluminium kitchen foil, if the brush is to be reused in the near future, and the paste bucket is washed out or covered ready for reuse.

Problems occur in that it is troublesome to wrap a brush, for example in a plastics bag, in aluminium foil or with a flexible plastics kitchen film, if it is to be reused, and the brush then has to be stored in a convenient place which is, typically, separate from the paste bucket. Other decorating tools also have to be used and, if 20 placed at separate locations, can easily be mislaid.

Furthermore, applying wall paper paste using only a brush can take a long time.

The present invention seeks to overcome these problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a decorating container comprising a vessel which, when in a first condition, has discrete first and 5 second compartments, the first compartment being a 'dry' compartment for receiving dry or substantially dry decorating implements and the second compartment being a wet' compartment for receiving wet decorating implements, and which, when in a second condition, has a single third space for receiving a decorating fluid.

10 Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 18, inclusive.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a decorating container comprising a vessel for holding a decorating fluid and dimensioned to 15 receive a roller-type applicator device, a closure element by which the vessel can be opened and closed, and means for supporting the roller-type applicator device in the vessel, at least when the vessel is closed by the closure element.

By the provision of the closure element, the roller-type applicator device does 20 not have to be separately covered, for example by wrapping in a plastics bag, or washed if it is to be reused in the near future.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I is a perspective view of one embodiment of a decorating container, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the decorating container with lid 5 removed and showing decorating tools; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the interior of the decorating container when partially unpacked; 10 Figure 4 shows the lid of the decorating container, inverted and supporting decorating tools; Figure 5 is a perspective view from the side showing a roller traction element of the decorating container; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the interior of the decorating container showing the roller traction element in position.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a wallpaper paste decorating 20 container 10 which comprises a closable vessel 12, typically in the form of a bucket, and a closure element 14 or lid which, when removed, provides access to the interior 16 of the vessel 12.

he vessel 12 is intended to be used with, and is therefore dimensioned to

receive, a roller-type applicator device 18. This type of device is commonly available and typically comprises a thin shaped wire shaft 20, a relatively thick handle or grip 22 attached to one end of the wire shaft 20, and a wire frame support 24 rotatably attached to the other end of the wire shaft 20. A material covered tube 26 is 5 removably supported by the wire frame support 24.

The vessel 12 is non-circular and, in this embodiment, has an oval horizontal cross-section when in a normal in use position. The oval crosssection has a major horizontal dimension (length) and a minor horizontal dimension (width) which, at its 10 maximum extent, is less than the maximum major horizontal dimension. The maximum minor horizontal dimension is sufficient to accept a 9" (228.6 millimetre) material covered tube 26, when held on the wire frame support 24 of the roller- type applicator device 18 and inserted into the vessel 12 with the rotational axis of the roller-type applicator device 18 in parallel or substantially in parallel with the minor 15 horizontal dimension.

A 9" (228.6 mm) roller-type applicator device 18 is advantageous because it enables the paste-receiving surface of a standard width of wallpaper (not shown) to be covered in just three successive runs. This is fewer than when using a smaller roller 20 type applicator device 18, and is far quicker than using a brush. In any event, other sizes of roller-type applicator devices can, of course, be used.

The vessel 12 also includes a handle 28 to enable convenient transportation of the decorating container 10. The handle 28, in this case, is pivotably attached at its

ends to the sides of the vessel 12.

The closure element 14 includes a wall or lip 30 which extends around the peripheral edge thereof. The height and shape of the lip 30 is sufficient to enable the 5 closure element 14 to be securely and releasably held on the vessel 12 and to enable the closure element 14, when inverted, to act as a tray on which various decorating implements or other tools can be placed. In the latter case, the lip 30 then functions as an upstanding wall which prevents or inhibits items placed on the inverted closure element 14 from rolling off.

The decorating container 10 also comprises means for supporting the roller type applicator device 18 within the vessel 12. The support means takes the form of a slot 32 formed in a peripheral edge of the closure element 14. The slot 32 is dimensioned to enable only the wire shaft 20 of the roller-type applicator device 18 to 15 be received therein. As such, the thicker handle 22 can only abut the upper surface of the closure element 14. With the closure element 14 positioned on the vessel 12 and the roller-type applicator device 18 supported by the support means, the vessel 12 is sufficiently deep to enable the material covered tube 26 of the roller-type applicator device 18 to be spaced from the interior 16 bottom surface of the vessel 12.

In a first 'packed' condition, the interior 16 of the vessel 12 includes discrete first and second compartments 34 and 36. The first compartment 34 is primarily intended as a 'dry' compartment for housing dry or substantially dry decorating implements and materials, such as wallpaper paste powder, putty knives, smoothing

brush and so forth. The second compartment 36 is intended as a 'wet' compartment for housing decorating implements which are still in use or not fully dried after being cleaned. such as brushes and material covered tubes of the roller-type applicator device 18.

s The first and second compartments 34 and 36 are separated by a removable partitioning element 38 located within the interior 16 of the vessel 12.

A removable implement tray 40 is also included as part of the decorating 10 container 10. The implement tray 40 is dimensioned to fit the first compartment 34 of the vessel 12 and is intended to support the dry or substantially dry decorating implements and materials for simple removal from the vessel 12.

To enable wallpaper paste to be mixed in the vessel 12, the closure element 14 15 is removed, the implement tray 40 is lifted out of the interior 16 of the vessel 12, the partitioning element 38 is removed, and the 'wet' decorating implements, including the roller-type applicator device 18 and any other tools, can be placed on the closure element 14 when inverted (Figure 4). The first and second compartments 34 and 36 of the vessel 12 are thus amalgamated to form a larger third space 42 for receiving the 20 wallpaper paste.

The removable partitioning element 38 can function as a roller traction element 38'. To this end, as best seen in Figure 5, the roller traction element 38' has a ridged or patterned front surface 44 to enhance traction and uniform, or substantially

uniform, take-up of paste when the roller-type applicator device 18 is being charged during use; one or more clip elements 46 (in this case, two) formed along one edge; and a buttress member 48 formed on the back surface 50 of the roller traction element 38'. As can be seen in Figure 6, the clip elements 46 enable releasable attachment of 5 the roller traction element 38' to the free-edge of the vessel 12. The roller traction element 38', when in use, extends into the interior 16 of the vessel 12 at an angle, but is spaced from the bottom surface 52 of the vessel 12 to permit drainage of wallpaper paste. The ridged or patterned surface 44 faces upwards, and the buttress member 48 contacts the interior side surface of the vessel 12 to support the roller traction element 10 38' against a downwards urging force applied by the in use roller-type applicator device 18.

When the wallpaper paste has been temporarily finished with, any unused tools, typically on the inverted closure element 14, can be placed on the implement 15 tray 40, the closure element 14 is re-inverted and the in use roller-type applicator device 18 is supported in the slot 32 of the support means. The closure element 14 is then positioned to close the vessel 12 with the material covered tube 26 of the roller type applicator device 18 supported therein.

20 If the wallpaper paste has been completely finished with, the vessel 12 and the roller-type applicator device 18, along with any other decorating implements and materials, are cleaned and then the decorating container 10 is re-assembled. The roller traction element 38' / partitioning element 38 is replaced in the vessel 12 to partition the third space 42 and re-form the first and second compartments 34 and 36, the

implement tray 40 is reinserted in to the first compartment 34, and any wet items are positioned in the second compartment 36. The closure element 14 is re-inverted, and the roller-type applicator device 18, typically with the material covered tube 26 removed, is supported in the slot 32 of the support means. The closure element 14 is 5 then positioned to close the vessel 12.

In a modification to the embodiment, the closure element includes a further wall or lip, in addition to the wall or lip 30. The further wall or lip is formed opposite and contiguously with the wall or lip 30, but projects in the opposite direction. The 10 closure element thus defines an '1' shaped cross-section so that, in the normal and inverted orientations, the closure element forms a tray on which implements or materials can be placed.

Both lips are formed to enable the closure element to be securely and 15 releasably held on the vessel in either the normal or inverted orientation.

The provision of the two lips enables the closure element to act as a tray, and to simultaneously close the vessel. This function can be performed in either the normal orientation of the closure element, or when it is inverted.

The decorating container could be used with any type of applicator device, including a brush. In this case, the support means would be alternatively, or additionally, adapted to engage the neck / handle of the brush.

The vessel may have more than two discrete compartments, when in the first packed' condition. For example, the removable implement tray may itself be partitioned to provide for a 'completely dry' sub-compartment for a first set of decorating tools and materials and a 'substantially dry' or 'damp' sub-compartment S for a second set of decorating tools or materials.

The vessel may also include a wall element (not shown) formed on, and extending across, the interior bottom surface of the vessel. The wall element prevents seepage of liquid from the second 'wet' compartment to the first 'dry' compartment, 10 when the decorating container is in the first 'packed' condition.

The wall element is of sufficient height not to inhibit the charging of the applicator device when the vessel is in use in the second 'unpacked' condition.

15 Two lug members (not shown) may also be formed on opposite interior wall surfaces of the vessel in, or substantially in, the same vertical plane as the wall element. The removable partitioning element 38 can thus abut the lug members and wall element to prevent or inhibit shifting, when the decorating container is in the first packed' condition.

Although the slot of the support means is formed in the closure element, the support means could be formed in the vessel. This would enable the applicator device to be supported when the closure clement was removed. To this end, the support means can include a support bracket tastenable to the vessel and projecting into the

interior of the vessel. The support bracket may comprise two suitably spaced prong elements between which only the shaft or neck I handle of a decorating implement, such as the applicator device, can be received.

5 Alternatively, the support bracket may comprise a peg adapted to enable a decorating implement, such as the applicator device, to be hooked thereon.

One or more of the aforementioned support brackets could be utilised on the vessel, and the or each support bracket could be repositionable around the vessel.

One or more of the support brackets could also project outwardly of the vessel to enable decorating implements or other tools to be externally supported around the vessel. 15 The support means does not have to be in the form of a slot, and may take any suitable form. Furthermore, the support means may be adapted to support more than one applicator device.

Although the decorating container is intended for use with wallpaper paste, it 20 could be used with any type of decorating fluid, such as paint.

The closure element could be hingably attached to the vessel.

It is therefore possible to provide a decorating container which enables

decorating implements and materials to be kept at hand in a convenient location, and which prevents the need for an applicator device or devices to be wrapped or cleaned if to be shortly reused. The decorating container is also multi-use, allowing storage of wet and dry decorating implements and materials in a single vessel when in a first 5 condition, and then enabling mixing and use of decorating fluid when in a second condition. The embodiment described above is given by way of example only, and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the 10 scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the vessel could be circular providing the dimensions are suitable for receiving the roller-type applicator device.

Claims (20)

1. A decorating container comprising a vessel which, when in a first condition' has discrete first and second compartments, the first compartment being a 'dry' compartment tor receiving dry or substantially dry decorating implements and the 5 second compartment being a 'wet' compartment for receiving wet decorating implements, and which, when in a second condition, has a single third space Thor receiving a decorating fluid.

2. A decorating container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second 10 compartments are separated by a removable partitioning element.

3. A decorating container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the removable partitioning element can be releasably attached to the vessel to act as a roller traction element.

4. A decorating container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second compartments can be amalgamated to form the third space.

5. A decorating container as claimed in any one of claims I to 4, wherein the 20 vessel has more than two discrete compartments when in the first 'packed' condition.

6. A decorating container as claimed in any one of claims I to 5, further comprising a removable implement tray dimensioned to fit in the first compartment of the vessel.

7. A decorating container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the removable implement tray includes two discrete sub-compartments.

8. A decorating container as claimed in any one of claims I to 7, further -S comprising a closure element by which the vessel can be opened and closed.

9. A decorating container as claimed in any one of claim I to 8, further comprising means for supporting an applicator device in the vessel.

10 10. A decorating container as claimed in claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the support means is in the form of a slot formed in the closure element.

11. A decorating container as claimed in claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the support means is in the form of a slot formed in the vessel.

12. A decorating container as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the support means includes one or more support brackets.

13. A decorating container as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, in combination 20 with an applicator device.

14. A decorating container as claimed in claim 13, wherein the applicator device is a roller-type applicator device.

15. A decorating device as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the vessel has a depth sufficient to enable the applicator device to be spaced from the bottom of the vessel when supported by the support means.

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16. A decorating container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the closure element has a first wall or lip which extends around the peripheral edge of the closure element so that, when the closure element is inverted, the closure element can act as a tray for placement thereon of various decorating implements and materials.

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17. A decorating container as claimed in claim 16, wherein the closure element includes a second wall or lip which projects in the opposite direction to the first wall or lip so that the closure element can act as a tray and simultaneously close the vessel.

18. A decorating container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the 15 container is a wallpaper paste container and the decorating fluid is wallpaper paste.

19. A decorating container comprising a vessel for holding a decorating fluid and dimensioned to receive a roller-type applicator device, a closure element by which the vessel can be opened and closed, and means for supporting the roller-type applicator 20 device in the vessel, at least when the vessel is closed by the closure element.

20. A decorating container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.