GB2521834A

GB2521834A - A painting aid

Info

Publication number: GB2521834A
Application number: GB1400016.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lynda Lumley; Graham Lumley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-01-02
Filing date: 2014-01-02
Publication date: 2015-07-08
Also published as: GB201400016D0

Abstract

A painters aid 10 or painting mask comprises a board 12 to protect a region of surface from being painted and suction cup means 30 are attached to the board but distanced from it, to hold the board in position on the surface. The suction cups may be actuated by a handle mechanism (32 figure 2). The position of the suction cups may be adjustable along the length of the board and they may be locked in to place. A first and second portions of a board may be provided at an angle to one another and these sections may be hinged together. A straight edge or curved or wavy edge profile board (figure 6b) may be used. The board may have a tapered profile and be, at least in part, formed from a flexible material. The Also claimed is a method of using such a painting mask.

Description

A painting aid

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices to assist painting of a surface and in particular to devices to protect a region of the surface from being painted.

Background

There is a need for means to protect regions of surfaces from being painted, for example to create a defined edge between a first region or colour of paint and another, or to prevent painting over a window pane while painting the window frame.

Preferably such devices are self-supporting, not requiring the painter to hold them in place.

A variety of suction cup supported devices are known in the prior art, but all have disadvantages including they are bulky and have a profile raised significantly above the surface so making it difficult to paint behind them, have inadequate suction capability on surfaces other than smooth surfaces such as window glass, and are not capable of being adapted to paint into small or unusually shaped places. It is an object of the present invention to overcome such disadvantages and to provide a convenient and adaptable suction supported painting aid.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: W08907984 discloses: the invention relates to a protection element which allows a user to protect a surface while having his hands free to paint an adjacent surface.

The element comprises a body configured like a ruler or a square. At least two suction cups are fixed to the side of the lower face of said body to press it elastically against the surface to be protected. Such an element is usable particularly to protect a glass pane when painting a window or door frame.

This device is like a flexible ruler with compression action suction cups (in which air is expelled from under the rim of the cup by pressing down on the centre of the cup) under the device, which makes it bulky, and in order to have it stick to the surface the whole body of the device needs to be depressed, which leads to a difficult tradeoff between suction strength and required degree of rigidity of the device and in particular of the front edge. In general suction will not be strong, and as such the device is likely only to be usable on a window as disclosed.

GB2140714 discloses a paint guard that comprises a dished plate of rectangular planform having a handle on the upper raised surface thereof and whose straight, bevelled edges lie in a common plane. A depending rib is provided on the underside of the guard to maintain the edges clear of but adjacent a surface on which the guard is placed and to which it is held by suction device.

This device comprises a highly raised rigid handle that actuates a selies of small suction cups under the edges of the device. It is unwieldy and the raised handle will impede painting, in particular in tight corners.

US4406246 discloses: A protective mask for protecting a portion of a surface area of a generally non-porous member wherein the portion of the area to be protected is substantially smooth. The mask encloses a housing having a back face and a plurality of enclosing side walls, suction means for attaching the mask to the member, and release means.

Again this device comprises a compression action suction cup underneath the body of the device, which means necessarily that the body of the device is deep and so will impede painting.

Sum mary of the Invention Herein reference will be made to paint and painting, by which is meant the application of any form of fluid, liquid, mist or vapour form coating, for example but not limited to by means of brushes, sprays or rollers.

According to the present invention there is provided a paint device to protect a region of a surface from being painted, the device comprising: an elongated board having an upper face, a lower face, a front edge and a rear edge; at least one suction cup arranged to mount the board on the surface, in which at least one suction cup extends from the rear edge of the board.

The at least one suction cup may be displaced from the rear edge of the board.

In preferred embodiments the device is adapted such that when the suction cup is attached to a surface at least a portion of the front edge contacts the surface and preferably maintains substantially close contact in use.

Preferably therefore any or all of the rear edge, front edge and the rear edge's connection with the at least one suction cup is/are arranged to bias the front edge towards contact with the surface.

In this way the board covers a region of the surface that is not to be painted and may be mounted on the surface by means of the suction cup. The front edge, being in contact with the surface, provides a boundary for the edge of the paint. The suction cups being displaced from the rear edge of the board are conveniently clear of the area to be painted and allow the board to have a low profile above the surface so allowing convenient access to the region to be painted, especially close to corners of a surface such as a wall or a window,.

A suction cup is a suction device adapted to stick to a surface as known in the art. In some embodiments a suction cup comprises an actuator handle to lift a flexible suction pad forming part of the suction cup to create a partial vacuum underneath the suction pad so causing the pad to stick to a surface, the handle having a first position in which the suction pad is undistorted and a second position in which the pad is distorted upwards by the handle.

In some embodiments the suction cup is removably connected to the board.

In some embodiments the suction cup is connected to the rear edge of the board.

In some embodiments the suction cup is connected to the board at a connection feature provided on the board.

In some embodiments the board comprises a plurality of connection features such that the connection point of the suction cup to the board is adjustable.

In some embodiments the suction cup comprises locking means to engage with a connection feature on the board to retain the suction cup connected to the connection feature.

In some embodiments the connection feature comprises a groove. The position of the suction cup along the groove may be adjustable advantageously in order that obstacles on the surface may be navigated and different surfaces accommodated. In some embodiments the angle and/or plane between the suction cup and connection feature or suction cup and board may be capable of variation in use so as to accommodate a greater range of suifaces, for example comprising an articulation.

In some embodiments the locking means is adapted to engage with the groove to retain the suction cup at a position along the groove.

In some embodiments the locking means comprises a spring loaded mechanism to retain the connection means at a position within the groove and operable to allow the connection means to move along the groove.

In some embodiments the device comprises a first and a second suction cups connected to the board. More suction cups may be added as required.

In some embodiments the suction cup comprises a suction pad and a frame supported by or supporting the suction pad, the frame comprising a projecting connection means to connect to the board. In some embodiments the connection means comprises the locking means.

In this way the device provides a board that may be mounted on a surface and held in place by one or more suction cups attached to the board. The position of the board may be changed relative to the position of the suction cups by moving the board relative to the connection point(s) to the suction cups. In some embodiments the suction cups engage with a groove provided on the board and comprise a locking means to hold them in place within the groove. The suction cup or cups may be moved along the groove to position them optimally with respect to the surface and the board.

Ideally the groove and connection biases the board towards the front edge.

In some embodiments the device comprises a set of boards usable with one or more suction cups. The board may be attached removably to one or more suction cups.

In some embodiments the front edge of a board has a curved profile, for example having a single radius of curvature or a complex curve with multiple radii of curvature, or a wavy profile.

In some embodiments the front edge has an angled profile, for example comprising a first straight edge portion and a second straight edge portion at an angle to the first, for example a right angle. In this way the board may set a precise angle between the edges of the painted portions of the surface.

In some embodiments the board may be hinged in at least one location. In other embodiments the board may include end connectors, allowing multiple boards to be used in conjunction.

In some embodiments the board comprises a first section and a second section hinged to the first. In this way the first section may be supported by one or more suction cups and the second section may then be positioned at an angle to the first, allowing a painted region to have an angle between the profile determined by the front edge of the first section and that determined by the front edge of the second section. Such hinges may work in more than one plane allowing inner or outer corners to be painted, In some embodiments the board may comprise an articulated segmented sectional length. In other embodiments the board may be provided in use, and according to requirements.

For example in some embodiments the board may comprise a first part, in use permanently, and a second part, capable of independent provision, for example comprising a part cut to shape by the user.

In some embodiments the board has a tapering profile such that the front edge is shallower than the rear edge. In some embodiments the front edge is chamfered to provide convenient access while painting close to the front edge.

In some embodiments the board comprises a compliant material and the device is adapted such that when mounted on a surface the board moves from a relaxed to a flexed configuration in which at least a portion of the front edge contacts the surface.

In this way the front edge is held in contact with the surface by means of the spring action of the compliant material.

In some embodiments the board comprises a region of compliant material provided raised from the lower face adjacent to or at the front edge. In some embodiments the region of compliant material is in the form of a strip of compliant material parallel to the front edge. In this way the compliant material acts in use as a seal in contact with the surface to hinder paint from passing underneath the board.

In some other embodiments the front edge comprises a region of compliant or resiliently deformable material.

According to the embodiment the board may have a length in the range 2 to 20 times its width from the front edge to the back and in some embodiments in the range 4 to times. The board may have a length of more than 1.5m, between 1.0 and 1.5m, 0.75m and 1.25m, 0.25m and im. For example boards may have lengths of around 1.5m, im or around 30cm.

According to a further aspect the invention provides a method of masking a protected region from being painted using a device as described herein comprising the steps of: Connecting one or more suction cups to a board, Positioning the board on a region of a surface to be protected, Actuating the suction cups to attach the board to the surface, and Painting the region adjacent to the front edge of the board.

In some embodiments the method comprises the further steps of: Using the locking means to lock the position of the suction cups relative to the board In a method of use, steps may comprise: (i) the board is positioned on the surface, (ii) the position of the suction cups is adjusted, for example to achieve a good adhesion position, (iU) the suction cups are actuated to stick them to the surface and (iv) the suction cups connection position is locked using the locking means.

According to the method, steps (i) to (iii) may be carried out in a different order.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross section through the embodiment shown in figure 1, showing the connection between the suction cup and the board.

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a suction cup forming part of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 3.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in figure 3.

Figure 6 shows three different embodiments of a board forming part of an embodiment of the device.

Figure 7 shows cross sections through three embodiments of a board forming part of an embodiment of the device.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 7, an embodiment 10 of a device according to invention comprises: a substantially planar board 12 having an upper face 14, a lower face 16, a front edge 18 and a rear edge 20 and a thickness less than its width and length, and a suction cup 30 to mount the board on a surface, wherein the suction cup 30 is connected to the board and displaced from the rear edge of the board.

In this embodiment the device comprises a first and a second suction cups connected to the board.

In this embodiment the suction cup 30 comprises an actuator handle 32 to compress a flexible suction pad 34 forming part of the suction cup to expel air from underneath the suction pad so causing the pad to stick to a surface, the handle having a first position in which the handle is upright as shown in figures ito 5 and the suction pad is uncompressed and a second position in which the handle lies close to the body 36 of the suction cup in which the pad is held compressed by the handle. In this embodiment the device is adapted such that when the suction cup is attached to a surface at least a portion of the front edge contacts the surface. In particular, the device is dimensioned such that when the suction cup is sealed to the surface, the front edge of the device is level with the rim 38 of a suction pad forming part of the suction cup adhering to the surface.

In this embodiment the suction cup is removably connected to a connection feature in the form of a groove 40 provided on the rear edge of the board, the position of the suction cup along the groove being adjustable, and the suction cup comprises locking means 42 to engage with the groove to retain the suction cup at a position along the groove. The locking means comprises a spring loaded mechanism to retain the connection means at a position within the groove and operable to allow the connection means to move along the groove.

The suction cup 30 comprises a suction pad 32 and a frame 36 supported by the suction pad, the frame comprising a projecting connection means 44 to connect to the board having a bar 46 adapted to fit within the groove. The projecting connection means comprises the locking means, which here comprises a spring-loaded grip pad 48 mounted on the bar 46 and also adapted to fit within the groove and to engage under action of a spring means with the upper inner face 50 of the groove. The spring means comprises a spring mounted on the bar 46 and bearing on the grip pad to urge it against the upper face of the groove to form a locking mechanism to retain the suction cup against sliding along the groove. The locking means comprises an operating mechanism to release it, comprising a sprung button 52 that acts to relieve the spring action on the grip pad. Referring to figure 5, the grip pad 48 is mounted in a recess 54 formed within the bar 46, and is connected to the sprung button 52 by means of connecting tongue 56. The connecting means 44 comprises an internal space 58 to accommodate the tongue 56, and which is sized such that tongue 56 may move vertically within it when the button 52 is pressed. Spring means, such as one or more compression springs (not shown) are provided bearing on the lower inner face 60 of the recess 54 and a lower face of the grip pad 48 -for example, the grip pad 48 may comprise a recess on its lower face (not shown) to receive the spring(s). The recess 54 here comprises a lip 62 and the side of the grip pad 48 comprises a rim or projection 64, such that the grip pad is retained within the groove.

The suction cup 30 is assembled into a frame 36, here shown as being formed in two portions 36a, 36b, each supporting a portion of the bar, 46a, 46b. The suction pad 34 comprises an upward projection 66 at its central point, having a horizontal through hole 68 adapted to receive a metal spindle 70. The handle 32 comprises a pair of projections 72 each having an aperture 74 to receive the spindle, and one or more cams 76 projecting from the handle and adapted to bear on the upper face 78 of the frame when the handle is moved towards the frame. The housing portions may be assembled together to contain and retain the grip pad 48, the button 52 and tongue 56 by means of screws as shown.

In this way, when the button 52 is pressed, the tongue 56 and the grip pad 48 move downwards against the springs and the suction cup may move along the groove.

The grip pad 48 projects above a lip 80 on the groove, the two together retaining the grip pad within the groove. When the button 52 is released, the spring forces the grip pad against the inside upper surface 50 of the groove, so locking the suction cup in place. When the handle 32 is moved down towards the frame 36, the cam 76 bears down on the surface 78 so pulling the projection 66 upwards relative to the frame to create a partial vacuum under the suction pad 34. When the handle 32 is close to the frame the cam acts to retain the handle in place, so maintaining the vacuum and holding the suction cup against the surface. When the suction cup is to be removed, lifting the handle moves the projection 66 downwards, allowing the air under the suction pad to expand.

Figure 6 shows a set of boards usable with one or more suction cups, the boards being adapted to be attached removably to one or more suction cups. As shown in figure 6(a) the front edge of a board may be straight and the board may have a length in the range 2 to 20 times its width from the front edge to the back and in some embodiments in the range 4 to 10 times. In this embodiment for example the board may have a length of around 1.5m, and shorter boards may have lengths of around im or around 30cm.

As shown in figure 6(b) the board may have a front edge with a curved profile, here for example a wavy profile. As shown in figure 6(c) the board 12 comprises a first section 12a and a second section 12b hinged to the first at a hinge 82. In this way the first section may be supported by one or more suction cups and the second section may then be positioned at an angle to the first, allowing a painted region to have an angle between the profile determined by the front edge of the first section and that determined by the front edge of the second section.

As shown in figure 7 in this embodiment the board has a tapering profile such that the front edge is shallower than the rear edge, the front edge being chamfered to provide convenient access while painting close to the front edge. As shown in figure 7(a) the upper face of the groove may be have a recess 82 shaped to receive the grip pad 48. As shown in figure 7 (a) to (c) the board may have a range of widths between the front and rear edges and a range of profiles. As shown in (c) the board may comprise a layer of compliant material provided on the lower face adjacent to the front edge, here in the form of a covering layer 84 around the front edge.

The device may be formed from a range of materials. For example the board may be formed from extruded polycarbonate and may be made in a range of profiles and colours. The handle and frame may be made from injection moulded polypropylene and may comprise a vinyl co-moulded region for decoration. The grip pad may be formed from TPE over-moulded onto a polypropylene part. The suction pad may be formed from TPE, which offers a balance between the flexibility needed for effective vacuum sealing and the strength to resist the force from the handle and cam.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A paint device to protect a region of a surface from being painted, the device comprising: an elongated board having an upper face, a lower face, a front edge and a rear edge; at least one suction cup arranged to mount the board on the surface, which at least one suction cup extendsfrom the rear edge of the board.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the suction cup comprises an actuator handle to lift a flexible suction pad forming part of the suction cup to create a partial vacuum underneath the suction pad so causing the pad to stick to a surface.
3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the suction cup is removably connected to the board.
4. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a first and a second suction cups connected to the board.
5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the suction cup is connected to the rear edge of the board.
6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the suction cup is connected to the board at a connection feature provided on the board.
7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the board comprises a plurality of connection features such that the connection point of the suction cup to the board is adjustable.
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the connection feature comprises a groove, the position of the suction cup along the groove beingadjustable.
9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the suction cup comprises locking means to engage with a connection feature on the board to retain the suction cup in position with respect to the connection feature.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the locking means is adapted to engage with the groove to retain the suction cup at a position along the groove.
11. A device according to claims 9 or 10 wherein the locking means comprises a spring loaded mechanism to retain the connection means at a position within the groove and operable to allow the connection means to move along the groove.
12. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a set of boards usable with one or more suction cups, the board to be used being attached removably to one or more suction cups.
13. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the front edge of a board has a curved profile or a wavy profile.
14. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the front edge has an angled profile comprising a first straight edge portion and a second straight edge portion at an angle to the first.
15. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the board comprises a first section and a second section hinged to the first.
16. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the board has a tapering profile such that the front edge is shallower than the rear edge.
17. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the board comprises a compliant material and the device is adapted such that when mounted on a surface the board moves from a relaxed to a flexed configuration in which at least a portion of the front edge contacts the surface.
18. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the board comprises a region of compliant material provided raised from the lower surface adjacent to the front edge.
19. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the board has a length in the range 0.3 to 1.5m.
20. A method of masking a protected region from being painted using a device as described herein comprising the steps of: Connecting one or more suction cups to a board, Positioning the board on a region of a surface to be protected, Actuating the suction cups to attach the board to the surface, and Painting the region adjacent to the front edge of the board.
21. A method according to claim 20 comprising the further step of using the locking means to lock the position of the suction cups relative to the board
22. A method according to claim 20 or claim 21 comprising the steps of: positioning the board is positioned on the surface, adjusting the position of the one or more suction cups relative to the length of the board actuating the one or more suction cups to stick them to the surface and locking the position of the suction cups relative to the length of the board using the locking means.