WO2005056424A1

WO2005056424A1 - Container for paint roller assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2005056424A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/036214
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ben Johansen; David J. Merten; Chris Bjork; Michael Potempa; Brian Potempa; Matthew Goulet; Jay Z. Muchin
Original assignee: Newell Operating Company
Priority date: 2003-11-13
Filing date: 2003-11-13
Publication date: 2005-06-23

Abstract

The disclosure generally relates to containers for storing a paint roller assembly, more particularly to containers for storing a wet paint roller, which is connected to a paint roller assembly frame. The disclosure provides a cylindrical container (12) having an inner wall surface (40), an outer wall surface (42), a closed bottom surface (44), and an open top (34), wherein the inner wall surface, the closed bottom surface, and the open top define a cavity configured for releasably receiving a paint roller cover (20) connected to a paint roller frame of a paint roller assembly (10), and means (32) for substantially sealing the open top of the cylindrical container without engaging the paint roller cover.

Description

CONTAINER FOR PAINT ROLLER ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The disclosure is generally related to a container for storing a paint roller assembly, and more particularly to a container for storing a wet paint roller, which is connected to a paint roller assembly frame. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Paint roller assemblies are popular tools for applying paint. However, the paint roller covers must be thoroughly cleaned before they are capable of being successfully reused because dried paint contained in the paint roller cover fabric nap negatively affects the ability of the paint roller covers to apply paint to a surface (e.g. , resulting in a damaged finish, reducing the capacity of the paint roller covers to absorb and apply paint to a surface, etc.). Cleaning a paint roller cover is a messy and time-consuming operation. Typically, the paint roller cover is thoroughly washed with water and/or organic solvents, depending on the type of paint. However, it is difficult to remove all of the paint from the paint roller cover. Consequently, any remaining paint dries out and becomes hardened, thereby causing a damaged finish upon subsequent reuse of the paint roller cover. In addition, cleaning paint roller covers normally requires users to remove the paint roller cover from the paint roller assembly by grasping the paint soaked paint roller cover and pulling it off of the frame of the paint roller assembly. Accordingly, the hands of the user contact paint and also must be thoroughly cleaned. Containers that allow for paint roller covers to be stored without cleaning have been developed. For example, see U.S. Patent Nos. 4,738,358, 4,903,869, and 5,533,617. However, such paint roller containers are less than optimal because they involve the addition of a humidifying liquid such as solvent, paint, or water, the paint roller covers must be removed from the paint roller frame assembly before storing, and/or the containers are manufactured from numerous parts. Moreover, such conventional paint roller cover storage systems typically require a user to place the paint roller cover back onto the bearing member (typically, a cage device) of the paint roller assembly before it can be reused for paint application. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Containers for a paint roller assembly in accordance with the disclosure generally allow consumers to reuse paint roller covers, without the need for cleaning of the paint roller covers before reuse. Additionally, by allowing the consumer to store the paint roller cover when it is still attached to a paint roller frame, consumers can avoid grasping the paint roller cover to remove it from the paint roller assembly (which typically is done before cleaning of the same can be performed). Wet paint roller covers, which have been stored in containers for a paint roller assembly in accordance with the disclosure for up to 48 hours, have been successfully reused, without cleaning of the paint roller covers, and without removing the paint roller covers from the paint roller frame. One embodiment according to the disclosure provides a container for a paint roller assembly comprising a cylindrical container having an inner wall surface, an outer wall surface, a closed bottom surface, and an open top, wherein the inner wall surface, the closed bottom surface, and the open top define a cavity configured for releasably receiving a paint roller cover connected to a paint roller frame of a paint roller assembly, and means for sealing the open top of the cylindrical container without engaging the paint roller cover. An alternative embodiment according to the disclosure provides a container for a paint roller assembly comprising a cylindrical container having an inner wall surface, an outer wall surface, a closed bottom surface, and an open top, wherein the inner wall surface, the closed bottom surface, and the open top define a cavity configured for releasably receiving a paint roller cover connected to a paint roller frame of a paint roller assembly, and a cap for sealing the open top of the cylindrical container, wherein the cap has a single slot defining an aperture for releasably receiving an axle of the paint roller frame. Another embodiment according to the disclosure provides a method for storing a paint roller comprising positioning a paint roller cover, which is connected to a paint roller frame of a paint roller assembly, inside a cylindrical container configured to receive the paint roller cover, said container having an inner wall surface, an outer wall surface, a closed bottom surface, and an open top, providing a cap for sealing the open top of the cylindrical container containing the paint roller cover of the paint roller assembly, said cap having a single slot defining an aperture for receiving an axle of the paint roller frame, aligning the axle with the slot; positioning the axle within the aperture, and sealing the container without engaging the paint roller cover. According to an additional embodiment according to the disclosure, a method for storing a paint roller comprises positioning a paint roller cover, which is connected to a paint roller frame of a paint roller assembly, inside a cylindrical container configured to receive the paint roller cover, said container having an interior, an open top, and a cap for sealing the open top, the cap comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the lower potion is adapted to engage the open top and provides a through opening to the interior, and the upper portion is adapted to engage and is hingedly attached to the lower portion, and sealing the container^' without engaging the paint roller cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Exemplary aspects and features of containers and methods for storing a paint roller assembly in accordance with the disclosure are described and explained in greater detail below with the aid of the drawing figures in which: Figures 1A and IB are perspective views illustrating the insertion of a conventional paint roller assembly into a container for a paint roller assembly in accordance with the disclosure; Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C are perspective, top, and side views of a container for a paint roller assembly in accordance with the disclosure; Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C are perspective, top, and side views of an alternative embodiment of a container for a paint roller assembly in accordance with the disclosure; Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C are side, enlarged inset, and perspective views of an additional alternative embodiment of a container for a paint roller assembly in accordance with the disclosure; Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are top, cross-sectional, enlarged inset, and perspective views of a cap for sealing a container for a paint roller assembly; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cap for sealing a container for a paint roller assembly; and, Figure 7 is a cross sectional view illustrating the sealing of a container for a paint roller assembly with the cap shown in Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE Figures 1A and IB illustrate the insertion of a conventional paint roller assembly 10 (also known as a paint roller tool) into a container 12 for a paint roller assembly in accordance with the disclosure. Paint roller assembly 10 generally includes a handle 14, a support arm 16, and a bearing member 18 for supporting a paint roller cover 20. The bearing member 18 rotatably supports the paint roller cover 20 about an axis 22. The handle 14 provides a surface about which a painter can grasp paint roller assembly 10. The support arm 16 generally comprises a rod, shaft, or other rigid structure 24 projecting from the handle 14, an angled arm 26 extending therefrom, an extension leg 28 extending from the angled arm 26, and an axle 30 for supporting the bearing member 18. The axle 30 is preferably configured such that roller 20 rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the handle 14. Although preferably formed from metal, the support arm 16 can alternatively be formed from plastic and can have other shapes or configurations. In the exemplary embodiment, the bearing member 18 comprises a conventionally known plastic cage rotatably supported about the axle 30 and adapted to frictionally engage an inside surface of the roller cover 20. Alternatively, the bearing member 18 can comprise a conventionally known wire cage. The paint roller cover 20 generally comprises an elongate cylindrical core (not shown) having an outer circumferential surface configured to be rolled along a surface and to apply (or remove) paint from the adjacent surface. The cylindrical core can be covered by various materials including fabric nap, mohair, natural or synthetic sponge, felt, and the like for the adsorption and application of paint, as is conventionally known. Figures 1 A and IB also show a cap 32 (also referred to as lid). The cap 32 is designed to seal around the axle 30 of the support arm 16 and to engage an opening 34 of the container 12. When so engaged, the cap 32 substantially seals the opening 34 of the cylindrical container 12. Once the container 12 is sealed, the roller cover 20 remains ready for later use and cleanup of the roller cover is practically eliminated. As will be described in further detail herein, the cap 32 is preferably manufactured from a pliable material to facilitate creation of an effective seal. Turning back to Figures 1 A and IB, the cap 32 generally includes slot 36 and aperture 38. The slot 36 and the aperture 38 can be formed, for example, by die cutting a preformed thermoplastic part. Alternatively, the slot 36 and aperture 38 can be formed during the manufacture of cap 32. The slot 36 and the aperture 38 are sized to releasably receive the axle 30 of the paint roller frame 22. Accordingly, when a user inserts a wet paint roller assembly 10 into the container 12 for a paint roller assembly, and seals the container 12 with the cap 32, the user does not need to grasp or contact the paint roller cover 20. Furthermore, the user can use the container 12 to store the paint roller assembly 10 in its entirety, i.e., the user does not need to disassemble the paint roller cover 20 from the paint roller assembly 10 in order to store the paint roller assembly 10 in the container 12. Moreover, as the lid 32 is formed of a pliable material, the slot 36 can expand to allow for passage of the axle 30 therethrough, and then be substantially sealed back together when secured to the container opening 34, thereby decreasing air flow therethrough and prolonging the effective storage duration of the assembly 10. As used herein, the term "substantially sealed" means that container 12 is closed off from the atmosphere sufficiently to enable assembly 10 to be stored within the container 12 for at least 24 hours, without losing efficacy. According to a preferred embodiment, assembly 10 can be stored within the container 12 for at least 48 hours, without losing efficacy. Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate the container 12 in more detail. The container 12 of Figures 2B and 2C depicts a paint roller cover 20 in phantom, thereby illustrating the ability of container 12 to house the paint roller assembly 10. As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, the container 12 is generally cylindrical in shape and typically includes an inner wall surface 40, an outer wall surface 42, a closed bottom surface 44, and the open top 34. The container 12 generally provides a first inset surface 46 for gripping the container 12. In some embodiments, the gripping surface 46 can also provide a second inset surface 48 for digital placement. While the first inset or gripping surface 46 is shown as a symmetrical pattern about the container 12 in FIG. 2B, this pattern is only exemplary. Other shapes and configurations for the first inset surface 46 are also possible. The container 12 depicted in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C is approximately 10.6 inches in height and about 4.0 inches in width. As depicted in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, opening 34 is about 3.4 inches in diameter. However, the dimensions of the containers in accordance with the disclosure are not critical and can be varied as long as the container is configured to receive a paint roller cover of a paint roller assembly. Figures 3 A, 3B, and 3C illustrate a second embodiment of a container 50 in accordance with the disclosure. The container 50 is similar to the container 12, and generally includes an inner wall surface 52, an outer wall surface 54, a closed bottom surface 56, and an open top 58. Figures 3B and 3C show the container 50 housing a paint roller cover 20 in phantom, thereby illustrating the ability of the container 50 to receive the paint roller cover 20 of the paint roller assembly 10. The container 50 also generally provides a first inset surface 60 for gripping the container 50 and a second inset surface 62 for digital placement. The container 50 depicted in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C is approximately

10.60 inches in height and about 3.5 inches in width. As depicted, in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, the opening 58 is about 2.9 inches in diameter. As previously set forth, the dimensions of the containers in accordance with the disclosure are not critical and can be varied as long as the container is configured to receive a paint roller cover of a paint roller assembly. Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate another embodiment of a container for a paint roller assembly in accordance with the disclosure. FIG. 4A shows container 64. Container 64 is generally similar to containers 12 and 50, and includes an inner wall surface 66, an outer wall surface 68, a closed bottom surface 70, and an open top 72. Container 64 further includes a beaded rim 74 about opening 72. A groove 76 is provided about the circumference of the container 64. Groove 76 is adjacent or proximate to the open top 72 and rim 74. Container 64 can also include a textured surface 78 (shown in hatched lines), which allows a user to easily grasp the container. Textured surface 78 facilitates the insertion of a wet paint roller 10 into the container 64 by increasing a user's ability to grasp container 64, without contacting paint roller cover 20. Similarly, the textured surface 78 facilitates the removal of a wet paint roller 10 from the container 64 by increasing a user's ability to grasp container 64, without contacting paint roller cover 20. Container 64 can also include inset surfaces 80 near the bottom surface 70. Inset surfaces 80 facilitate a user's ability to grasp container 64, and can also provide visible windows, thereby allowing the user to view the contents of container 64. FIG. 4B is an enlarged inset view of beaded rim 74. Rim 76 can be described with angle of curvature from a top surface 82 and from a bottom surface 84. For example, as shown the angle of curvature from the horizontal axis defined by the top surface 82 is about 12 degrees, and the angle of curvature from the horizontal axis defined by the bottom surface 84 is about 27 degrees. However, the illustrated angles of beaded rim 74 are merely exemplary. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these angles can be adjusted, provided that cap 86 (shown in Figures 5A-5D) seals the opening 72 of the container 64, as described in relation to Figures 5A-5C. Figures 5 A, 5B, 5C, and 5D illustrate one embodiment of a cap 86 (also referred to as a lid) for substantially sealing the container paint roller assembly shown in Figure 4. Cap 86 generally includes slot 88 and aperture 90. Slot 88 and aperture 90 can be formed by die cutting a preformed thermoplastic part.

Alternatively, slot 88 and aperture 90 can be formed during the manufacture of cap 86, e.g., during an injection molding process. Generally, slot 88 and aperture 90 are sized to releasably receive the axle 30 of a paint roller frame 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Cap 86 further includes skirt 92 and detent or detent surface 94. When cap 86 is positioned to seal container 64, skirt 92 provides detent surface 94 for engaging groove 76, thereby effectively sealing the open top 72 of container 64. Cap 86 generally includes inset surfaces 96, which increase a user's ability to grasp, seal, and remove cap 86 from container 64. Inset surfaces 96 can also provide visible windows, thereby allowing the user to view the contents of container 64. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of cap 86 along line 5B-5B of Figure 5 A. Figure 5B illustrates that cap 86 can include stop flanges 98, which extend inwardly, and are provided to facilitate the engagement and sealing of cap 86 and container 64. For example, when cap 86 is positioned to substantially seal container 64, beaded rim 74 contacts stop flanges 98 and detent surface 94 engages groove 76. Accordingly, when a user inserts a wet paint roller assembly 10 into the container 64 for a paint roller assembly, and seals the container 64 with the cap 86, the user does not need to grasp or contact the paint roller cover 20. Furthermore, the user can use the container 64 to store the paint roller assembly 10 in its entirety, i.e., the user does not need to disassemble the paint roller cover 20 from the paint roller assembly 10 in order to store the paint roller assembly 10 in the container 64. Figure 5C is an enlarged inset view illustrating skirt 92, detent surface 94, and stop flanges 98 in greater detail. Figure 5D is a perspective view illustrating cap 86. Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cap 100 for substantially sealing container 64. Figure 7 is a cross sectional view illustrating the insertion of a paint roller assembly 10 into container 64, and the sealing of container 64 with cap 100. Cap 100 typically includes a lower portion 102, which engages container 64, and an upper portion 104, which engages lower portion 102 of cap 100, thereby substantially sealing container 64. Upper portion 104 of cap 100 can be operatively connected to lower portion 102 of cap 100 by a connector 106, shown and exemplified as a conventionally known living hinge 106. Lower portion 102 of cap 100 includes a skirt 108 which provides a detent surface 110 for engaging groove 76 of container 64. Cap 100 is releasably attached to container 64 by the engagement of detent surface 110 and groove 76.

Lower portion 102 of cap 100 also includes a beaded rim 112 proximate or adjacent to opening 114 of cap 100. Opening 114 of lower portion 102 therefore provides a through opening to the interior of container 64. A groove 116 is typically provided about the opening 114. Groove 116 is preferably adjacent to the rim 112. Upper portion 104 of cap 100 also includes a detent surface 118 for engaging groove 116 on lower portion 102 to substantially seal container 64, e.g., after insertion of paint roller assembly 10 into container 64. As best shown in Figure 6, lower portion 102 and upper portion 104 of cap 100 include cup shaped receptacles 120A, 120B. When upper portion 104 engages lower portion 102 of cap 100, cup shaped receptacles 120A, 120B form an aperture (not shown) for receiving the axle 30 of paint roller frame 22. Upper portion 104 of cap also includes tabs 122A, 122B, which allow a user to easily open container 64, without engaging the paint roller cover assembly 10. Accordingly, when a user inserts a wet paint roller assembly 10 into the container 64, and seals the container 64 with the cap 100, the user does not need to grasp or contact the paint roller cover 20. Furthermore, the user can use the container 64 to store the paint roller assembly 10 in its entirety, i.e., the user does not need to disassemble the paint roller cover 20 from the paint roller assembly 10 in order to store the paint roller assembly 10 in the container 64. Generally, the thickness of the container 12, 50, 64 walls is substantially uniform throughout the container wall. Typically, the container wall thickness is between about 0.01 inches and about 0.05 inches. More preferably, the container wall thickness is between about 0.01 inches and about 0.03 inches. Most preferably, the container wall thickness is between about .01 inches and 0.02 inches. In the embodiments having inset surfaces, the internal diameter of the container is varied, i. e., the internal diameter of the container is decreased to provide one or more inset surfaces 46, 48, 60, and 62. Containers and caps for a paint roller assembly according to the disclosure can be manufactured through a variety of methods including, without limitation, injection molding, injection stretch blow molding, thermo forming, extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, insert molding, co-injection molding, rotational molding, and other methods known in the art. Injection blow molding is the preferred method for manufacturing of containers in accordance with the disclosure. Injection molding is the preferred method for manufacturing caps in accordance with the disclosure. The containers in accordance with the disclosure are generally flexible enough to allow a consumer to squeeze a paint roller cover housed therein. A variety of thermoplastic resins can be used to manufacture containers and caps in accordance with the disclosure, including polyethylenes (e.g., high density polyethylene or linear low density polyethylene), polypropylenes (including structural foam comprising polypropylene), polyethylene terephthalates, polyvinyl chlorides, polycarbonates, etc. High density polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate are preferred materials for cap and container construction, respectively. Various thermoplastic elastomers, such as Santoprene® products (Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P., Akron, Ohio), can be used to provide rubbery gripping surfaces on the exterior of containers in accordance with the disclosure. Although the foregoing text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments of a container for a paint roller assembly, it should be understood that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of a container for a paint roller assembly.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A container for a paint roller assembly comprising: a cylindrical container having an inner wall surface, an outer wall surface, a closed bottom surface, and an open top, wherein the inner wall surface, the closed bottom surface, and the open top define a cavity configured for releasably receiving a paint roller cover connected to a paint roller frame of a paint roller assembly; and, means for substantially sealing the open top of the cylindrical container without engaging the paint roller cover.

2. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a groove about the circumference of the container, the groove being proximate to the open top.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein the means for substantially sealing includes a detent surface for engaging the groove.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the means for substantially sealing comprises a cap or lid.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein the cap comprises a pliable thermoplastic material.

6. The container according to claim 4, wherein the cap has a single slot defining an aperture for releasably receiving an axle of the paint roller frame.

7. The container according to claim 4, wherein the cap comprises a lower portion and an upper portion, and the lower potion is adapted to engage the open top and the upper portion is adapted to engage the lower portion.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the upper portion is hingedly attached to the lower portion.

9. The container according to claim 7, wherein the lower portion includes a detent surface for engaging a groove disposed about the circumference of the container, the groove being proximate to the open top.

10. The container according to claim 7, wherein the lower portion and the upper portion include cup shaped receptacles, which form an aperture for receiving an axle of the paint roller frame when the upper portion engages the lower portion.

11. A container for a paint roller assembly comprising: a cylindrical container having an inner wall surface, an outer wall surface, a closed bottom surface, and an open top, wherein the inner wall surface, the closed bottom surface, and the open top define a cavity configured for releasably receiving a paint roller cover connected to a paint roller frame of a paint roller assembly; and, a cap for sealing the open top of the cylindrical container, wherein the cap has a single slot defining an aperture for releasably receiving an axle of the paint roller frame.

12. The container according to claim 11, further comprising a groove about the circumference of the container, the groove being proximate to the open top.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the cap includes a skirt, the skirt having a detent surface for engaging the groove and sealing the open top.

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein the cap further includes at least one stop flange.

15. The container according to claim 11, wherein the cap comprises a pliable thermoplastic material.

16. The container according to claim 11, further comprising a textured surface disposed on the outer wall surface for grasping the container.

17. A method for storing a paint roller comprising: positioning a paint roller cover, which is connected to a paint roller frame of a paint roller assembly, inside a cylindrical container configured to receive the paint roller cover, said container having an inner wall surface, an outer wall surface, a closed bottom surface, and an open top; providing a cap for sealing the open top of the cylindrical container containing the paint roller cover of the paint roller assembly, said cap having a single slot defining an aperture for receiving an axle of the paint roller frame; aligning the axle with the slot; positioning the axle within the aperture; and sealing the container without engaging the paint roller cover.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the container includes a groove about the circumference of the container, the groove being proximate to the open top, and the cap includes a skirt, the skirt having a detent, and the sealing comprises engaging the groove with the detent.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the cap includes at least one stop flange, the container provides a beaded rim, and the sealing further comprises contacting engagement of the at least one stop flange and the beaded rim.

20. A method for storing a paint roller comprising: positioning a paint roller cover, which is connected to a paint roller frame of a paint roller assembly, inside a cylindrical container configured to receive the paint roller cover, said container having an interior, an open top, and a cap for sealing the open top, the cap comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the lower potion is adapted to engage the open top and provides a through opening to the interior, and the upper portion is adapted to engage and is hingedly attached to the lo er portion; and sealing the container without engaging the paint roller cover.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the sealing comprises engaging the lower portion with the upper portion.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the upper portion includes a detent surface for engaging a groove disposed on the lower portion, the groove being proximate to a rim defining an opening into the container.