GB2555400A

GB2555400A - Apparatus for cleaning a paint roller cover

Info

Publication number: GB2555400A
Application number: GB1617927.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: O'brien John; O'brien Theresa; Louet Darren
Original assignee: John Obrien; Theresa Obrien
Current assignee: John Obrien; Theresa Obrien
Priority date: 2016-10-24
Filing date: 2016-10-24
Publication date: 2018-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-24
Also published as: GB201617927D0; GB2555400B

Abstract

An apparatus 100 for cleaning a paint roller cover (501 figure 5) comprising a plurality of containers 101, wherein each container is configured to hold a paint roller, is open at a first end, and comprises an internal mounting for attachment of the paint roller 201. The mounting means may comprise an opening 202 for insertion of the spindle of the paint roller. The mounting may be configured to allow the rotation of the cover when attached. At least one of the containers may be provided with a cover that partially covers the container. The containers may be provided with attachment means 102 to allow the connection of a container to at least one other container.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Apparatus for cleaning a paint roller cover Abstract Title: Paint roller cleaning apparatus (57) An apparatus 100 for cleaning a paint roller cover (501 figure 5) comprising a plurality of containers 101, wherein each container is configured to hold a paint roller, is open at a first end, and comprises an internal mounting for attachment of the paint roller 201. The mounting means may comprise an opening 202 for insertion of the spindle of the paint roller. The mounting may be configured to allow the rotation of the cover when attached. At least one of the containers may be provided with a cover that partially covers the container. The containers may be provided with attachment means 102 to allow the connection of a container to at least one other container.

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Apparatus for Cleaning a Paint Roller Cover

Field

The present invention relates to painting and decorating. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning or washing a paint roller cover.

Background Of The Invention

A paint roller is a paint application tool used for painting large flat surfaces rapidly and efficiently. A paint roller typically consists of two parts: a roller frame, and a roller cover or “roller sleeve”. The roller frame usually includes a handle section. The roller cover absorbs the paint and transfers it to the painted surface. The roller cover attaches to the roller frame. A painter holds the roller by the handle section. Both the roller frame and the roller frame are reusable. However, paint must be removed from the roller cover before it dries. Otherwise, the roller cover cannot be used again. In addition, if it is desired to use the same roller cover to apply different colour paints, the roller cover must be cleaned before using the roller to apply the different colour paint.

The roller cover is a cylindrical core with a pile fabric (fibrous material) covering secured to the cylindrical core. Foam rubber rollers are also produced. There are both foam and fabric roller covers that are individually available (without a frame or handle), made to replace worn out roller covers. Once an old roller cover is removed the new roller cover can be fitted onto the roller frame for use.

A common problem encountered by painters who use paint rollers is the difficulty of cleaning a paint roller after use. The paint soaks deep into the fibrous material of the roller cover, which makes it tough to thoroughly clean the roller.

There are a number of techniques used to clean a roller cover, in an attempt to remove as much of the paint as possible, paint rollers are typically scraped along a surface, such as an edge of a paint can. Once the entire outer surface of the paint roller has been scraped, the paint roller is typically scrubbed by hand in a sink or basin to remove as much of the soaked-in paint as possible. The paint roller is then allowed to air dry.

Another technique involves removing as much of the paint as possible by working the roller over a piece of scrap board and/or holding the roller over a sink and sliding your other hand down the roller cover quite tightly to remove excess paint. The roller is then held under a cold water tap/hose for a minute or so and the squeezing process is repeated. A part filled sink can be used to work the roller back and forth in clean cold water. The process must be repeated a couple of times.

However, the known methods are extremely time consuming as well as requiring vast amounts of water and access to a water supply i.e. a garden hose or a tap. These methods can also be quite messy.

There have been a number of efforts to develop apparatuses for cleaning a roller cover. One example involves inserting a roller cover into a tightly fitting tube. One end of the tube is attached to a water supply while the other end is open. As the water is forced past the roller cover in the tube to the open end of the tube, the paint on the paint roller cover is removed. However, such devices take time to set up and also require attachment to a water supply.

Other known apparatuses also rely on a water supply connected thereto. These may involve holding a roller within a cylindrical container with a pressure spray jet system designed to apply a series of liquid jets which impinge along the length of the paint roller. Such cleaning apparatuses use a large amount of water and also require access to a wafer supply and to an outlet such as a sink or drain. The discharge of water mixed with paint can create a mess inside the home area, leave stains on sinks, stains outside drain areas and causes increased water charges within the home. It can also take time to clean the apparatus after it has been used to clean a roller cover(s). Therefore, the time gained by using such an apparatus can be lost.

There is a need for an apparatus for cleaning or washing a paint roller cover that requires minimal time while greatly reducing mess and increasing cleaning efficiency. Such a paint roller washer should be simple and easy to use for both tradesmen in painting and decorating and also by homeowners.

Summary

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for cleaning a paint roller as detailed in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for cleaning a paint roller cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an overhead view of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus of Figure 1 in a different configuration;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a rotation means for use with the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotation means of Figure 4 with a paint roller cover attached; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in use.

Detailed Description Of The Drawings

An exemplary arrangement for an apparatus for cleaning a paint roller cover will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. in particular, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus 100 for cleaning a paint roller cover comprising a plurality of containers 101 Although three containers are shown in the exemplary embodiment, it will be appreciated that any number (plurality) of containers may be used. The inventors have found that three containers provides the optimal level of cleaning. Each container 101 is generally cyiindricaliy shaped. Although the specific shape shown is hexagonal, the present teachings are not limited to this shape and any elongated container suitable for receiving a paint roller may be used. For example, the containers may have a rectangular shape. The containers 101 may be formed from plastic using injection moulding. Alternatively, a lightweight metal may be used.

At least two of the containers 101 are configured to hold a paint roller and a volume of liquid therein. That is, at least two of the containers 101 are closed at a second end (base) and open at a first end (top). As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, a cleaning liquid such as water is poured into at ieast two of the containers 101 and a paint roller is inserted therein for cleaning. Although not shown in Figure 1, each container comprises an internal mounting for attachment of the paint roller. The third container may also be configured to hold a volume of liquid therein or it may include openings or a grid to promote air flow into the container as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

Each container 101 comprises an attachment means 102 for attachment and detachment of the container 101 to at least one other container 101. As will be explained In more detail hereinafter, the attachment means allow the container to be attached to each other for the cleaning/washing of paint rollers. Furthermore, the attachment means 102 allow the containers to be detached for easy stacking/nesting, storage and movement.

At least one of the containers 101 may comprise a container cover 103 that partially covers the at least one container. The cover is used as a paint scraper to remove excess paint from a paint roller cover. That is, a paint roller may be moved in and out of a container while maintaining contact between the container cover 103 and the paint roller cover on the paint roller. In this manner, excess paint can be removed from the paint roller cover. The container cover 103 may have an arcuate shape. That is, the internal periphery of the cover 103 may have an arcuate shape such that it matches the known circular shape of a paint roller. This ensures that more of the container cover 103 is in contact with the roller cover when it is being scraped against the container cover 103. The container cover 103 may include a fastening means to ensure that it attaches firmly to the container 101. The fastening means ensures the container cover 103 will not come loose when contacted by the paint roller cover. The container cover may also be integrally formed with one or more of the containers 101.

Figure 2 is an overhead view of the apparatus of Figure 1, From this view, it can be seen that each container 101 comprises an internal mounting 201 for attachment of a paint roller. The mounting 201 is on a base of the container, the base being at a second end of the container, opposite the first end (or open end).

The mounting 201 can have any number of configurations as long as it is sufficient to hold a paint roller such that the paint roller can be rotated within the container 101 as will be explained in more detail below. The mounting 201 may be a projection from the base of the container and include a circular opening or aperture 202 for insertion of a spindle of a paint roller. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the shaft or spindle of a paint roller is inserted in the opening 202 and the paint roller rotated by a user. Although not shown in the drawings, the mounting 201 may include a guide to more easily direct the paint roller during engagement with the mounting. Specifically, the guide can be funnel shaped to direct a spindle of a paint roller to the mounting or opening 202. Any number of suitable configurations for the guide may be chosen by those skilled in the art.

As will be understood by the person skilled in the art, the mounting 201 is not limited to the configuration shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2. The mounting may be a rotatable cradle, spindle or holder among others. For example, when the mounting 201 is a spindle (or shaft), the paint roller would include a circular opening (similar to the opening 202). The spindle of the container 101 would pass through the opening of the paint roller and the paint roller would be free to rotate within the container 101.

In the exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present teachings, the mounting 201 is centrally placed in the base of the container 101. In this manner, when a paint roller is attached or mounted to the mounting 201, it is held an even distance from each of the walls of the container 101. The same volume of liquid (or air) surrounds the roller on all sides as It is held in the container 101, which ensures an even cleaning,'washing or drying of the paint roller.

In Figure 2, the attachment means 102 for connecting the plurality of containers 101 together can be seen more clearly. It will be appreciated that in the exemplary embodiment, one of the plurality of containers 101 comprises two male connectors while each of the other two containers comprise a female connector. The attachment means 102 includes the male and female connectors. A container may container both male and female connectors.

Turning to Figure 3, a perspective view of an apparatus of Figure 1 is shown in a different configuration. Specifically, the attachment means 102 has been used to detach each container from each other. In addition, it can be observed that the three containers 101 are of different sizes such that they may adopt a nested configuration. In particular, the diameter of each container is marginally different, in this manner, one of the containers 101 can slot into another of the containers, which in turn can slot into the largest container. The smallest container sits Inside the middle sized container and then both sit inside the largest container. This configuration provides excellent space management and allows the apparatus 100 to be easily transported.

In Figure 3, the aforementioned male connector 301 of the attachment means 102 can be seen in more detail. Specifically, it can be seen that the largest container 101 comprises two male connectors 301 on the external surface of the container 101. it will be appreciated that any number of male (and/or female) connectors 301 may be provided on the largest container 101. In the exemplary embodiment in accordance with Figure 3, two male connectors 301 are provided but if the apparatus 100 comprises more than three containers 101, a connector 301 for each container may be provided on the largest container.

The other two containers i.e., the smallest size container and the middle sized container each comprise a female connector 302. The male connectors 301 on the largest container are configured to slide into the female connectors 301 on the other two containers for connection of the three containers 101 together. That is, the male 301 and female 302 connectors are cooperatively engageable. In particular, the male connector 301 is configured as a T-shaped rail in accordance with one embodiment of the present teachings. The female connectors 302 are configured as corresponding T-shaped channels in the same embodiment of the present teachings. To attach or connect the containers 101 together, the T-shaped rail 301 enters the T-shaped channel 302 and slides therein. A stop may be provided at one end (for example, the end closest to the base) of each of the female connectors/T-shaped channels 302. The stop prevents the male connector 301 from sliding out of the female connector when the apparatus 100 is lifted.

As will be understood by the skilled person, the use of a T-shaped rail and channel is merely exemplary and any attachment means that allows the plurality of containers to be connected together may be used. These can included hooks, pins, wedges etc.

Turning to Figure 4, a perspective view of a rotation means 400 for use with the apparatus 100 for cleaning a paint roller is shown. The rotation means 400 is configured to convert vertical linear displacement into unidirectional rotation for cleaning/washing a paint roller held in a container 101. The rotation means comprises a lower pipe 401 and an upper pipe 402 with a grip section 403 there between. The lower pipe section 401 is coupled to a paint roller 404. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment in accordance with Figure 4, the paint roller 404 includes a spindle or shaft 405 that engages with the mounting 201 of a container 101. However, as previously mentioned, the roller 404 may use any type of engagement means to engage/connect with the mounting means of the container 101. For example, the paint roller may be provided with an opening/aperture that engages with a spindie/shaft on the mounting 201.

Such rotation means 400 as shown in Figure 4 are known to those skilled in the art albeit for different uses. Therefore, the internal workings thereof will not be described in detail here. In use, a user holds the upper pipe section 402 and moves it up and down with respect to the lower pipe section 401. This vertical linear movement is converted to unidirectional rotation of the paint roller section 404.

With reference to Figure 5, a perspective view of the rotation means 400 of Figure 4 with a paint roller cover 501 attached is shown. As is known to those skilled in the art, paint roller covers/sleeves 501 are reusable and detachable from a paint roller. In accordance with the present teachings, a paint roller cover 501 may be detached from a conventional paint roller having a handle after the paint roller cover is used to apply paint. The paint roller cover 501 may then be attached to the rotation means 400. As is known to those skilled in the art, this involves sliding the cover 501 over the paint roller section 404. Although not visible in Figure 5, the shaft/spindie 405 still protrudes from the paint roller section 404 or paint roller cover.

It should be understood that any rotation means may be used in place of the rotation means 400 of the exemplary embodiment. Such a rotation means 400 requires an engagement means for engaging with or attaching to the mounting of the container 101. The rotation means may be electrically powered e.g., an electric drill attached to the heretofore described roller section 404. Any manuai/electrical rotation means can be used as long as It can function to rotate a paint roller within a container 101. The rotation means must work in conjunction with the apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

With reference to Figure 6, the method of using the apparatus 100 for cleaning paint roller covers is now described. As previously explained, when it is desired to wash/clean a paint roller cover/sleeve, it is detached from the paint roller used to apply paint. The roller cover is then attached to the rotation means 400. Specifically, the paint roller cover 501 is slid over the paint roller section 404, The rotation means 400 is then placed in any one of the containers 101, which contains a cleaning liquid. It is often desirable to first scrape the paint roller cover on the container cover 103 to remove any excess paint on the surface of the paint roller cover 501. The spindle 405 of the paint roller section 404 is engaged with the mounting 201 of the container when inserted therein. In the exemplary embodiment, two of the containers 101 contain liquid (e.g., water) prior to insertion of the rotation means 400 with paint roller cover 501 attached. The liquid is filled to a height at least as high as the top of the paint roller cover 501. If is advisable to not completely fill the containers with liquid to ensure the liquid does not splash out during operation of the apparatus. The paint roller cover 501 is rotated using the rotation means 400 while beneath the surface of the liquid in the container. It will be appreciated that forces created by rotation of the paint roller cover and agitation of the liquid causes the paint to become separated from the paint roller cover 501.

if necessary, the rotation means 400 may be removed from the container for inspection of the roller cover and reinserted for further rotation if further cleaning is needed, if further cleaning or washing is needed, the paint roller cover 501 may be reinserted into the same container or into another container containing the same or different liquid. For example, the first container may be used to remove the majority of the paint while the liquid In the second container is kept relatively clean as it is only used to remove the minority of the paint from the paint roller cover 501. As previously mentioned, more than three containers may be used as part of the apparatus 100 such that the paint roller cover 501 is washed or cleaned in three or four etc. containers of liquid before moving to the final container for drying. Each of the container may also be provided with a container cover 103 for scraping excess liquid and paint from the painter roller cover.

When it is determined by a user that the paint roller cover has been sufficiently washed or cleaned, it is then dried. The rotation means 400 with the painter roller cover 501 attached is inserted in a container 101 that does not contain any liquid. This container (a drying container) may be configure differently to the other containers in that it may include a grid or openings to stimulate air flow through the container. In general the same procedure is used to dry the roller cover as used in the other containers 101 to wash the container.

However, liquid is not used for drying. The painter roller cover is rotated by a user via the rotation means in an empty container 101 such that the forces generated by the rotation expels any excess water from the cover 501 and speeds up the drying process.

Once the paint roller cover 501 is sufficiently dry, it is removed from the container. The cover may then be removed from the rotation means and can be used again for applying paint or stored for later use. Another paint soaked roller cover 501 may be then attached to the rotation means 400 for washing/cleaning using the same procedure as outlined above. More than one rotation means 400 could be used at the same time. For example, one user could wash a paint roller cover while another user simultaneously dries a different paint roller cover. This would be easier where more than three containers are used as more room could be provided for users to work side by side.

It will be appreciated that one of the main advantages of the invention in accordance with the present teachings is that it allows for numerous rollers covers to be cleaned and dried much more quickly than using the prior art techniques/apparatuses. Furthermore, the apparatus in accordance with the present teachings requires minimal water usage. A water supply such as a tap is not necessary - a user simply needs enough water for the containers 101 and does not need a constant supply. Furthermore, it is very easy to wash the apparatus 100 after use. It simply needs to be rinsed with water. It can then be dismantled as previously mentioned using the attachment means 102 and nested for easy transport and storage.

The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning a paint roller cover comprising:

a plurality of containers, wherein each container: is configured to hold a paint roller; is open at a first end; and comprises an internal mounting for attachment of the paint roller.

2. The apparatus of ciaim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises three containers and at least two of the containers are configured to hold a volume of liquid therein.

3. The apparatus of ciaim 1 or 2 wherein the mounting is on a base of the container, the base being at a second end of the container, opposite the first end.

4. The apparatus of ciaim 3 wherein the mounting is a projection from the base of the container and includes a circular opening for insertion of a spindle.

5. The apparatus of ciaim 3 or 4 wherein the mounting is configured to allow the paint roller to rotate while being held therein

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the mounting is centrally placed in the base of the container.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein at least one of the containers comprises a cover that partially covers the at least one container.

8. The apparatus of ciaim 7 wherein the cover has an arcuate shape.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein each container comprising an attachment means for attachment and detachment of the container to at least one other container.

10. The apparatus of ciaim 9 wherein the attachment means comprises male and female connectors.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the mail connector comprises a T-shaped rail and the female connector comprise a T-shaped channel.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the containers are cylindrical, hexagonal or rectangular in shape.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein at least one of the one of the containers includes openings to stimulate air flow through the container.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched: