GB2558526A

GB2558526A - Paint tray with removable liner

Info

Publication number: GB2558526A
Application number: GB1613773.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Huck Lennox
Original assignee: Qbis Uk Ltd
Current assignee: Qbis Uk Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-10
Filing date: 2016-08-10
Publication date: 2018-07-18

Abstract

A paint tray 10 having an outwardly facing surface region, an inwardly facing surface region within the recess and a peripheral edge running between the outwardly and inwardly facing surface regions. The paint tray comprises a flexible removable liner 20 comprising a waterproof layer 20A and a textured surface layer 20B, the removable liner covers the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle with the textured surface layer being exposed for receiving paint. The receptacle comprises a handle portion 22 and a brush or roller holding bracket 30 on the paint tray base 12.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Qbis UK Limited

Paats, Wessex House, Eastleigh Business Centre, Eastleigh, SO50 9FD, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2521642 A US 4121798 A US 20160152068 A1 US 20060064843 A2 (58) Field of Search:

JP 2013095056 A US 3757990 A US 20140262840 A1 (72) Inventor(s):

Lennox Mark Huck

INT CL B05C, B44D, B65D

Other: WPI, EPODOC, Patent Fulltext, Internet (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Adamson Jones

BioCity Nottingham, Pennyfoot Street, NOTTINGHAM, Nottinghamshire, NG1 1GF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Paint tray with removable liner Abstract Title: Paint tray with handle and removable liner (57) A paint tray 10 having an outwardly facing surface region, an inwardly facing surface region within the recess and a peripheral edge running between the outwardly and inwardly facing surface regions. The paint tray comprises a flexible removable liner 20 comprising a waterproof layer 20A and a textured surface layer 20B, the removable liner covers the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle with the textured surface layer being exposed for receiving paint. The receptacle comprises a handle portion 22 and a brush or roller holding bracket 30 on the paint tray base 12.

Fig. 2

The claims were filed later than the filing date but within the period prescribed by Rule 22(1) of the Patents Rules 2007. At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Fig. 2

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Fig. 8

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Paint Tray with Removable Liner

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to handheld paint receptacles of the kind used by decorators or artists when painting.

Conventional plastic paint trays take the form of a simple open receptacle with side walls of a depth such that a user’s thumb can pass over an upper edge of the wall, whilst the user’s fingers extend beneath a lower surface of the tray so as to support it in use. Conventional trays for use with rollers may have a ramped shelf such that paint is stored in a deeper portion of the tray, into which a roller or brush can be dipped to pick up paint, whereas excess paint can be wiped onto the shallower shelf.

Although ubiquitous, such conventional paint trays are not particularly ergonomic. The paint tray needs to be maintained generally level in order to avoid paint tipping out in use. The need to grip the tray with a thumb over the side wall means there is a high likelihood that paint will be applied to the user’s hands, either from paint deposits on the side wall, or else by dipping into the pool of paint in the tray. Also, gripping a paint tray in this manner by one of the side walls means that there is very little tactile feedback of the angle of the paint tray. It is very easy for the user to angle the paint tray by 10°- 20° or more away from horizontal without even realising.

Paint spillage is unsightly and difficult to clean out of carpet, upholstery and the like, as well as causing damage or permanent marking of hard floors, such as exposed wood grain.

Paint in certain regions of the paint tray, such as on the side walls or the shelf, can dry out and thus cause flecks or lumps when dislodged into the liquid pool of paint or else can delaminate onto the paint brush/roller, thereby causing an unwanted deposit on a painted surface.

Cleaning of paint trays after use is a laborious process, involving prolonged rinsing with water and mechanical cleaning with brushes, cloths or the like. It is generally undesirable that waste paint enters the sewage system in this manner. Furthermore, the time consuming nature of cleaning out paint trays often results in paint trays being disposed of long before they have incurred any significant level of wear and tear.

Once cleaned, it is generally desirable to allow a paint tray to dry, thus incurring a delay before re-use or storage.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a paint tray for which one or more of the above-described problems are mitigated or overcome. It may be considered an additional or alternative aim to provide an ergonomic paint tray which is less prone to mess or spills.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a paint tray comprising a rigid receptacle shaped so as to form an open recess for holding paint whilst allowing access thereto, the receptacle having an outwardly facing surface region, an inwardly facing surface region within the recess and a peripheral edge running between the outwardly and inwardly facing surface regions, wherein the paint tray comprises a flexible removable liner comprising a waterproof layer and a textured surface layer arranged such that the removable liner covers the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle with the textured surface layer being exposed for receiving paint thereon in use, and the receptacle comprises a handle portion spaced from the inwardly facing surface region by which the paint tray can be held by a user.

The removable liner may comprise a sheet liner. The waterproof layer may or may not comprise a polymer layer. The waterproof layer may comprise a backing layer, which may lie against the receptacle surface in use.

The removable liner may be releasable held against the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle, e.g. as a releasable/peelable liner. The removable liner may maintain contact with a majority, substantially all, or all of the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle in use.

The removable liner may be releasably held in/on the receptacle by an adhesive, e.g. between the liner and the inwardly facing surface region. The adhesive may be provided on the liner or the inwardly facing surface. The liner may comprise an adhesive layer.

Additionally or alternatively, a backing of the liner or the inwardly facing surface of the receptacle may comprise a friction-enhancing surface texture. The opposing surfaces may cling together on contact. A rubber surface or self-cling vinyl or the like may be used.

In some examples, the liner may comprise a static charge.

The liner may be mechanically held against the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle. A resilient/biasing member may press the liner, e.g. outwardly, onto the inwardly facing surface region. The biasing member may press the liner against opposing upstanding/side wall regions of the receptacle.

The biasing member may comprise an elongate member, such as a wire, band, strip, ribbon or the like.

The receptacle may comprise a base and upstanding wall. The biasing member may be located in a corner region between the base and upstanding wall.

The biasing member may extend around substantially all of the internally facing surface region. The biasing member may be shaped to correspond to the shape/profile of the inwardly facing surface region, e.g. in plan. The biasing member may take the form of an open/closed loop.

The biasing member may take the form of a spring clip.

The liner may extend over the peripheral edge. The liner may be peelable away from the receptacle.

The paint tray may comprise a clip/rim member arranged to be seated over the peripheral edge. The clip/rim may comprise a groove for receiving the peripheral edge. The liner may be trapped between the clip/rim and the peripheral edge.

The clip may be attached over a portion or substantially all of the peripheral edge. The clip may extend along a portion of the peripheral edge, such as a side, or part thereof. The clip may beneficially serve to prevent paint entering between the liner and the receptacle.

The clip may be upstanding from the peripheral edge. The clip may depend inwardly from the peripheral edge. The clip may comprise an obliquely angled wall or lip, for example which terminates at an edge which is disposed within the perimeter of the peripheral edge. The clip may depend radially inwardly of the upstanding wall or peripheral edge. This may provide a useful surface which prevents paint tipping out of the tray and/or against which excess paint can be wiped from a paint brush.

The peripheral edge or clip may comprise a depression or opening for receiving a painting implement, such as a brush, roller or the like. A plurality of depressions/openings may be provided. The opening may comprise a mouth/neck formation, which may open into a cut-out in the upstanding wall or clip. The cut-out may be of greater width than the opening.

The upstanding wall or peripheral edge of the receptacle may comprise a lip formation, e.g. an outwardly depending lip formation. The clip may comprise a trough/shoulder formation arranged to enclose the lip formation. The lip formation and/or shoulder formation may be rolled. The clip may be pivoted onto the lip formation so as to grip onto the receptacle, e.g. with a tight fit.

The receptacle may comprise a retaining formation for a tool or the clip member. The retaining formation may be provided on the outwardly facing surface portion. The retaining formation may comprise a further recess or cavity into which the tool/clip can be inserted, e.g. as a close friction/interference fit.

The textured material may or may not comprise a textile. The textured material may comprise surface formations arranged to promote fluid adherence and/or friction with the textured material.

The textured material may comprise fibres/bristles. The bristles are preferable soft fibres having a free end depending from the liner. The bristles may usefully retain a volume of paint in use, e.g. to resist flow of paint within the tray in use.

The liner may be disposable, e.g. whereas the receptacle may be reusable.

The handle portion may comprise an opening or mouth into which a user may insert a hand. The handle portion may comprise a strap, such as for example a flexible strap. The strap may be adjustable and/or elasticated.

The handle portion may be provided on a base of the receptacle. The receptacle may comprise a pair of spaced loops, eyes, slots or other retaining formations.

The strap may be received in said formations so as to define a length therebetween beneath which a user may insert their hand. The user may support/hold the paint tray by the underside of the receptacle.

The strap may comprise a non-slip or textured material. This may prevent slippage of the paint tray when set down on the strap on a supporting surface.

The invention provides a highly ergonomic tool which feels more like an extension of the wearer’s arm and which is less prone to spillage. The pain tray may be held by the user without effort and may retain paint for extended periods with less susceptibility to drying out. When below a certain volume of paint is within the tray, the tray may beneficially be inverted without spillage. After a period of use, the tray may be inverted onto a support surface or plastic sheet to prevent it drying out. Once finished with, the liner may be peeled/pulled away from the receptacle and disposed of.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Practicable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the underside of a paint tray according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-section through the lip and an enlarged view of the clip/tool of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the paint tray of Fig. 1 in use;

Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the underside of the paint ray of Fig. 1 with the strap removed;

Fig. 5 shows a user’s hand inserted under the strap;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic section view through a side wall of a paint tray according to a further example of the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a close up view of detail of Fig. 6; and,

Fig. 8 shows examples of biasing members used to retain the liner within the paint tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For ease of reference, examples of the invention are described below in relation to a paint tray that is square or rectangular in plan. However it will be appreciated that the invention may be applied to other shapes including, without limitation, circular, oval, oblong, rounded quadrilateral or other polygon.

Depending on the shape of the paint tray, it may have a width, length or diameter dimension of greater than 10 or 20 cm. Said dimension may be less than 40 or 30 cm. In the examples described below, said dimension is between 20 and 30 cm, such as approximately 25 or 26 cm.

Turning to Figs. 1-5, there is shown a paint receptacle 10 taking a general tray-like shape, having a base 12 and upstanding side wall 14 which surrounds the base 10 on all sides. The receptacle is herein referred to as a paint tray, although it will be appreciated that the term ‘paint palette’ may otherwise be suitable.

The side wall 14 has a lip 16 running around its perimeter at the upper edge of the side wall. Thus the wall 14 and lip 16 define a perimeter of an open face/side of the paint tray 10. In this example the side wall 14 is of generally constant depth around the entire perimeter of the tray, although this need not be adhered to in other examples. Similarly, the lip 16 may run around the entire perimeter of the tray but this need not necessarily be the case.

The lip may have a radial dimension, i.e. a depth or overhang dimension, of 210mm, such as for example in the region of 4 or 5mm.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, the side wall 14 meets the base at a rounded corner or fillet 18, suitable to prevent a tight corner. This is so that a liner 20 can be inserted into the open side of the tray 10 such that the liner 20 follows closely the form of the tray interior. Thus the liner can lie flat against the tray interior generally without forming air pockets or space there-between.

The tray 10 comprises a handle portion in the form of a strap 22 shown in Figs. 1 and 5. The strap 22 is attached to the tray 10 at spaced locations. In this example, the tray 10 comprises a pair of spaced brackets 24, 26 to which the strap is attached. Thus the strap extends between the brackets 24, 26 so as to provide an opening between the strap and the tray, into which a user can insert a hand as shown in Fig. 5.

The strap 22 may be adjustable via either or both of the brackets 24, 26, e.g. by way of a buckle formation that is integrated with the bracket or which is provided on the strap but lies adjacent the bracket so as to limit the length of the strap between the brackets.

The strap 22 may terminate at one of the brackets.

The strap 22 is preferably provided on the base 12 of the tray such that a user can insert a hand flat against the base for use, e.g. with the palm facing the exterior surface of the base 12.

A flexible strap or web is in many ways preferred since it can lie generally flat when it is desirous to lie the tray down on a support surface or the floor. However it is possible that the flexible strap may be replaced by another handle formation, such as a rigid loop or opening into which a user can insert their hand, or else a grip formation, such as for example one or more pedestal which may be gripped or located between the fingers of a user. Additionally or alternatively, a suitably shaped recess may be provided into which a user can place a hand to offer some stability and/or prevent slippage when supporting the tray via the side wall 14 or base 12.

As shown in Fig. 1, the tray comprises a retaining formation 30 for an accessory 32 for use with the paint tray 10. In this example, the retaining formation comprises a recess 30 shaped so as to form a close fit, i.e. a friction or interference fit, with the accessory 32. The accessory can thus be stored and removed from the retaining formation 30 for use as required. After use, the accessory 32 can be replaced such that it is again held by the retaining formation 30.

The accessory 32 in this example comprises a multi-purpose tool. The accessory comprises a bracket or clip member shown more clearly in Figs. 2-4. The accessory 32 has a body portion 34 arranged to be attached to the lip or rim of the upstanding wall 14. The accessory 32 further comprises an upper or tool portion

36. The portion 36 in this example comprises an opening 38 into which a paint brush handle or roller handle can be inserted. The opening 38 thus provides a rest or loose retainer for the paint brush/roller when it is not being handled by the user.

The opening 38 is defined as a cut out or depression in the accessory wall. In this example, a neck opening 40 is provided such that the opening is partially or substantially enclosed. However the neck 40 allows restricted access into the opening for insertion of a brush/roller handle or shaft formation. Thus the brush/roller is less likely to be dislodged accidentally from the opening.

The edge 42 of the accessory 32 may also be used as a pressing tool for moving/spreading paint around the tray 10 in use or else for pressing, scraping or squeezing paint from the liner, e.g. in the manner of a so-called ‘squeegee’. The edge 42 is curved in plan in this example. The edge 42 may be rounded or otherwise provided with a rubber/elastomer material for the purpose of acting as a squeegee. The accessory 32 may thus be used to clean out the tray liner after use. In other examples, the upper edge of the accessory 32 could serve as the edge used for moving paint around the tray.

The thickness of the tool portion 36 may be increased or otherwise strengthened to overcome any weakness introduced by neck 40 or opening 38.

When used as a squeegee, the body portion 34 or upper portion 36 may serve as a grip or handle, depending on which edge is to be used for contact with the paint.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the accessory 32 can be clipped onto the upper edge of the side wall 14 to provide a partial rim or bracket section atop the upstanding wall. The accessory may have a channel or groove shaped to receive the upstanding wall 14 or lip 16 for this purpose.

Turning back to Fig. 2, the sheet liner 20 comprises a waterproof backing sheet or layer 20A and a layer of textured material 20B thereon. The waterproof layer 20A is preferably a complete/continuous layer across the entire area of the liner 20.

The textured layer 20B may also be a substantially continuous layer or else may be discontinuous, e.g. having a discontinuity as shown in Fig. 2 for location in the vicinity of the corner 18 of the tray 10 when inserted therein for use.

In this example, the textured layer 20B is formed of bristles upstanding from the backing/sheet layer 20A. In other examples, the textured layer may comprise another textile material or porous, sponge-like material of generally known kind. The textured material functions to maintain a layer or volume, e.g. a boundary layer, of liquid against the liner. Other textured layers, could potentially comprise flocking, or another type of fibre/fabric layer.

The textured surface increases friction when in contact with the paint and thus resists flow. This serves to reduce the likelihood of spillage when the tray is tilted, inverted, dropped or otherwise impacted. The liner also facilitates the inverting of the paint tray onto a support surface or waterproof sheet in-between instances of use, e.g. so that any residual paint in the tray does not dry out quickly when the tray is not being used.

The textured layer 20B is also deformable/compressible when it is soaked in paint, such that excess paint can be mechanically squeezed out of the textured material if required. This helps to prevent the volume of wasted paint retained in the textured liner material.

In the example described above it is envisaged that the liner 20 has a peelable adhesive layer on the opposite side to the textured material layer. The adhesive is provided on the reverse of the backing/waterproof layer 20A in this example. The adhesive is typically a conventional weak adhesive layer or coating that leaves minimal or substantially no residue in the tray when removed. Thus the liner 20 can be removed after use and the tray 10 can be reused by applying a new liner on its interior surface. The liner may be disposable after use.

This system thus reduces the cleaning burden after an instance of use and can reduce the volume of paint washed down a drain.

The accessory 32, when clipped onto the tray 10, further helps hold the liner 20 in place. Thus the liner is prevented from coming away from the tray for example due to contact with rollers, paint brush handles, or the like.

The upstanding accessory 32, when clipped onto the tray 10 may provide a projecting surface (i.e. edge 42), which can be used to remove excess paint from a brush or other implement in use. The user may wipe the implement against edge 42 in this manner. Again, contact with the rigid accessory 32, rather than the liner 20 itself may further help to reduce the likelihood of the liner coming away from the tray and/or paint becoming trapped between the liner and tray interior.

In one example, the liner may be applied so that it covers the lip 16 of the tray 10 as shown in Fig. 2. This can also serve to reduce the likelihood of paint being trapped between the liner and tray. In another example, the liner may stop short of the lip 16, for example terminating against the interior of side wall 14.

In further examples of the invention, instead of adhesive, or else in addition to the use of adhesive, further means of securing the liner in place on the tray may be used. In one example the liner backing may cling to the tray surface by virtue of a friction enhancing tray surface or else a slight static charge on the liner such that the liner is attracted to the tray surface.

In some examples, a retaining member may be used to hold the liner in the tray as shown in Figs. 6-8. In such examples, a spring clip member 44 in the bottom of the tray may hold the material in place under tension without the need for adhesive. The spring clip member may be formed of a length of wire or the like shaped to correspond to the internal shape of the tray. Different examples of spring clip 44 are shown in Fig. 8 for square 44A and circular 44B tray forms.

The spring clip may form an incomplete or open circuit such that it can be deformed slightly for insertion over the liner within the tray 10, typically immediately adjacent the tray base. In such examples the radius of curvature of the corner 18 may be reduced so as to provide a corner into which the spring clip can fit.

The spring clip may have opposing turned-in sections as shown in Fig. 8, which can be gripped to deform the spring clip slightly for insertion into the tray. When released, the spring clip may press outwardly against the side wall 14 and thus remain in a slightly deformed condition to grip the side wall and thereby resiliently hold the liner 20 in place.

There may be a slight dome or curvature to the base 12 of the tray to help retain tension in the liner material 20. A corresponding depression may be provided in the outer surface of the tray.

In Figs. 6 and 7, a retaining rim 46 is fitted around at least a portion of the upper edge of the wall 14 and/or lip 16. The rim 46 may be provided instead of the clip aspect of the accessory 32. The retaining rim may completely cover an edge of the tray, opposing edges of the tray, three edges of the tray, or else the entire tray perimeter. In examples in which the rim does not extend around the entire perimeter, the accessory 32 may also be used. Alternatively, the accessory may be adapted to be clipped onto the rim, rather than the upstanding wall 14.

As can be seen in Fig. 7, the retaining rim 46 may comprise a first wall section 48 that extends along the interior of the upstanding wall 14, e.g. covering an upper section of the wall.

The retaining rim 46 may clip fit around the top edge or lip 16 of the tray. In the example of Figs. 6 and 7 the lip 16 may or may not be curled. The retaining rim may comprise a corresponding groove or elongate recess, which may correspond to the shape of the rim 16 so as to fit closely over the rim when attached to the tray.

The retaining rim may comprise a further wall portion 50, which may be obliquely angled relative to the first wall section 48 and/or clip portion. The further wall portion can provide an edge/surface against which a user can wipe excess paint off a brush, roller or other tool in use. The oblique nature of the wall can serve to prevent spillage and is particularly useful when using a roller, i.e. such that paint dislodged by the roller does not spill over the edge of the wall.

The retaining rim fits over the edge of the tray and the liner in use and thus can help to retain the liner in place with a firm mechanical fitment in addition to, or instead of the other liner securing means described herein. This can further prevent paint from going over the edge of the liner/tray, and/or between the liner material and tray surface.

In other examples, the upstanding wall 14 itself may comprise one or two, or possibly more, cut-out, depression or notch, e.g. which may be of the same or different size to accommodate the resting of tools, e.g. roller or brush handles, on the wall. Such formation(s) may be provided in the lip 16. Additionally or alternatively, such formation(s) could be provided in the wall portion 50 of the rim attachment.

The invention has been described herein as comprising a paint tray and was developed specifically in relation to the problems experienced when handling paint. However it will be appreciated that its use is not so limited and the invention may otherwise be defined as a tray suitable for paint or else a handheld fluid receptacle having the structural and/or functional features defined herein. For example the tray may be used for other viscous or semi-viscous fluids, such as paste or glue, amongst other potential uses. The receptacle may find other applications where open access is required to a portable fluid reservoir.

Claims

Claims: 1. A paint tray comprising a rigid receptacle shaped so as to form an open recess for holding paint, the receptacle having an outwardly facing surface region, 5 an inwardly facing surface region within the recess and a peripheral edge running between the outwardly and inwardly facing surface regions, wherein the paint tray comprises a flexible removable liner comprising a waterproof layer and a textured surface layer arranged such that the removable liner covers the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle with the textured 10 surface layer being exposed for receiving paint thereon in use, and the receptacle comprises a handle portion spaced from the inwardly facing surface region by which the paint tray can be held by a user. 2. A paint tray according to claim 1, wherein the removable liner comprises a 15 sheet liner, the waterproof layer comprising a backing layer, which lies against the receptacle surface in use. CO CM 3. A paint tray according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the removable liner is releasable held against the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle by an 20 adhesive or friction-enhancing material so as to be peelable from the surface region. 4. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the liner is mechanically held against the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle by a 25 retaining member. 5. A paint tray according to claim 4, wherein the retaining member comprises a resilient/biasing member. 30 6. A paint tray according to claim 5, wherein the resilient member presses the liner outwardly onto the inwardly facing surface region. 7. A paint tray according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the retaining member comprises a rigid wire or band shaped to correspond to the shape/profile of the inwardly facing surface region. 5 8. A paint tray according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the receptacle comprises a base and upstanding peripheral wall, the biasing member being located in a corner region between the base and upstanding wall. 9. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the liner is shaped 10 so as to extend over the peripheral edge whilst covering the inwardly facing surface region. CO co CM 10. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the paint tray comprises a clip member arranged to be seated over the peripheral edge. 11. A paint tray according to claim 10, wherein clip member comprises a groove for receiving the peripheral edge and the liner is trapped between the clip member and the peripheral edge. 20 12. A paint tray according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the clip member is upstanding from the peripheral edge and depends obliquely inwardly from the peripheral edge, terminating at an edge which is disposed within the perimeter of the peripheral edge so as to provide a formation on which excess paint can be wiped from a paint brush. 13. A paint tray according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the peripheral edge or clip comprises an opening for receiving a painting implement, such as a brush, roller or the like. 30 14. A paint tray according to claim 13, wherein the opening comprises a neck formation, which opens into a recess of greater width than the neck. 23 11 16 15. A paint tray according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the peripheral edge of the receptacle comprises a lip formation, and the clip comprises a trough formation arranged to enclose the lip formation, the clip being pivoted onto the lip formation so as to grip onto the receptacle. 16. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle comprises a retaining formation, such as a recess, on the outwardly facing surface portion for a tool. 10 17. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the textured material comprises soft fibres having a free end depending from the liner to increase paint retention on the liner. 18. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the liner is 15 disposable and the receptacle is reusable by replacement of the liner. 19. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion comprises an adjustable and/or elastic strap. 20 20. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion is provided on a base of the receptacle. Amendment to the claims have been filed as follows 29 03 18 Claims:

1. A paint tray comprising a rigid receptacle shaped so as to form an open recess for holding paint, the receptacle having an outwardly facing surface region,

5 an inwardly facing surface region within the recess and a peripheral edge running between the outwardly and inwardly facing surface regions, wherein the paint tray comprises a flexible removable sheet liner comprising a waterproof layer and a textured surface layer arranged such that the removable sheet liner covers the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle with the

10 textured surface layer being exposed for receiving paint thereon in use, the receptacle comprising a handle portion spaced from the inwardly facing surface region by which the paint tray can be held by a user, and the paint tray comprises an opening for receiving a painting implement such as a brush, roller or the like, the opening having a neck formation which opens into 15 a recess of greater width than the neck, the opening being provided in the peripheral edge or in a clip member arranged to be seated over the peripheral edge.

2. A paint tray according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof layer comprises a 20 backing layer, which lies against the receptacle surface in use.

3. A paint tray according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the removable sheet liner is releasable held against the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle by an adhesive or friction-enhancing material so as to be peelable from the surface

25 region.

4. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet liner is mechanically held against the inwardly facing surface region of the receptacle by a retaining member.

5. A paint tray according to claim 4, wherein the retaining member comprises a resilient/biasing member.

29 03 18

6. A paint tray according to claim 5, wherein the resilient member presses the sheet liner outwardly onto the inwardly facing surface region.

7. A paint tray according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the retaining

5 member comprises a rigid wire or band shaped to correspond to the shape/profile of the inwardly facing surface region.

8. A paint tray according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the receptacle comprises a base and upstanding peripheral wall, the biasing member being

10 located in a corner region between the base and upstanding wall.

9. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet liner is shaped so as to extend over the peripheral edge whilst covering the inwardly facing surface region.

10. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein clip member comprises a groove for receiving the peripheral edge and the sheet liner is trapped between the clip member and the peripheral edge.

20

11. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the clip member is upstanding from the peripheral edge and depends obliquely inwardly from the peripheral edge, terminating at an edge which is disposed within the perimeter of the peripheral edge so as to provide a formation on which excess paint can be wiped from a paint brush.

12. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral edge of the receptacle comprises a lip formation, and the clip comprises a trough formation arranged to enclose the lip formation, the clip being pivoted onto the lip formation so as to grip onto the receptacle.

13. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle comprises a retaining formation, such as a recess, on the outwardly facing surface portion for a tool.

29 03 18

14. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the textured material comprises soft fibres having a free end depending from the sheet liner to increase paint retention on the sheet liner.

15. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet liner is disposable and the receptacle is reusable by replacement of the sheet liner.

16. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion 10 comprises an adjustable and/or elastic strap.

17. A paint tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion is provided on a base of the receptacle.

Intellectual

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Application No: Claims searched: