WO2018152568A1

WO2018152568A1 - A tray

Info

Publication number: WO2018152568A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050121
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Wilton
Original assignee: John Wilton
Priority date: 2017-02-21
Filing date: 2018-02-15
Publication date: 2018-08-30

Abstract

A tray for attachment to a paint can that has a groove surrounding a paint can opening, the tray including a connection lip portion shaped to be located within or partially within the groove about the paint can opening, a platform portion that extends substantially outwardly from the connection lip portion, and a drip collar portion that extends substantially inwardly from the connection lip portion and is attached to the platform portion, wherein in use, the tray is attachable to the paint can by positioning the connection lip portion within the groove, whereby the drip collar portion extends into the opening of the paint can.

Description

A TRAY

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tray. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for attachment to a paint can. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A paint can is typically cylindrical in shape and has a circular opening with a lid. The lid is attached via a double friction fit within a groove located about an opening in the top of the paint can.

While painting, a person dips the end of the brush in the paint and removes excess paint from the brush by wiping the brush against the can opening. Consequently, the groove surrounding the can opening fills with the removed paint.

Furthermore, a brush is often placed on the rim of the opening between use. In this situation, the paint is able to drip from the brush into the groove about the can opening.

A problem arises if the groove about the can opening fills with paint. If the lid is replaced with paint in the groove, the paint can spill over the sides of the can and onto floors and other unintended surfaces. As well, if the lid is replaced with paint in the groove, the lid can get stuck when the paint dries and bonds the lid to the can.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above problems with paint cans and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a tray for attachment to a paint can that has a groove surrounding a paint can opening, the tray including a connection lip portion shaped to be located within or partially within the groove about the paint can opening; and a platform portion that extends substantially outwardly from the connection lip portion,

wherein in use, the tray is attachable to the paint can by positioning the connection lip portion within the groove.

Preferably the tray further includes a drip collar portion that extends substantially inwardly from the connection lip portion and is attached to the platform portion. Preferably in use, when the tray is attached to the paint can, the drip collar portion extends into the opening of the paint can.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a tray for attachment to a paint can that has a groove surrounding a paint can opening, the tray including

a connection lip portion shaped to be located within or partially within the groove about the paint can opening;

a platform portion that extends substantially outwardly from the connection lip portion; and

a drip collar portion that extends substantially inwardly from the connection lip portion and is attached to the platform portion,

wherein in use, the tray is attachable to the paint can by positioning the connection lip portion within the groove, whereby the drip collar portion extends into the opening of the paint can.

Preferably the platform portion is substantially planar. Preferably the platform portion is angled outwardly and upwardly from the connection lip portion.

The tray preferably has one or more walls extending from the platform portion. Preferably the one or more walls are shaped to inhibit paint from spilling from the tray to outside of the paint can. Preferably the one or more walls extend substantially perpendicular to the platform portion.

Preferably the tray includes one or more handle supports. In use, the handle supports can support a handle of a paintbrush or a paint roller. Preferably the one or more handle supports extend from at least one of the one or more walls.

Preferably the tray includes one or more ridges formed in the platform portion.

In use the one or more ridges are preferably used to assist in distributing paint evenly on a paintbrush or paint roller as the paintbrush or paint roller is wiped or rolled over the one or more ridges. In one embodiment, the ridges are aligned in a substantially lateral direction. In another embodiment, the ridges are aligned in a substantially longitudinal direction.

In one embodiment, the tray includes one or more channels. The one or more channels are preferably formed in the platform portion of the tray. In use the one or more channels are preferably used to assist in distributing paint evenly on a paintbrush or paint roller as the paintbrush or paint roller is wiped or rolled over the one or more ridges, or to direct paint back into the can. The one or more channels preferably extend into the drip collar portion.

The drip collar portion preferably extends parallel to the connection lip portion. Preferably the tray has one or more leverage sections to assist in removing the tray from the paint can. Preferably the one or more leverage sections include one or more of recesses, notches and indentations to enable the tray to be levered off the paint can using a tool such as a screwdriver. Preferably the one or more leverage sections are reinforced.

In one embodiment, the tray includes one or more handle engagement portions. Preferably in use, the one or more handle engagement portions can engage with a handle of the paint can to position the handle such that the paint can can be easily manipulated by a person using the handle.

Preferably the tray has one or more attachment members extending from the platform portion. The one or more attachment members preferably include one or more of hooks, pegs, loops and the like. Preferably in use, items such as rags are attachable to the one or more attachment members.

In one embodiment, the platform portion is concaved. In use the concave platform portion preferably funnels paint into the paint can.

In one embodiment, the tray includes a support member. In use, the support member preferably abuts a side of the paint can to provide additional stability to the platform portion. The support member is preferably movable between extended position in which it can abut a side of the paint can, and a retracted position in which the support member is located adjacent the platform portion.

Preferably a lock member is located between the support member and the platform portion to releasably hold the support member in the extended position.

The lock member is preferably hinged to the support member and slideably located within a slide channel formed in the platform portion. The lock member is preferably movable between a release position when the support member is in the retracted position and a locked position when the support member is in the extended position.

In an alternate embodiment, the tray includes a support member that in use extends between a ground surface and the platform to provide additional stability.

In one embodiment, the tray has a platform aperture formed in the platform portion. Preferably in use, the platform aperture is substantially coaxial with the opening of the paint can. Preferably the platform aperture is substantially circular. The connection lip portion preferably extends from the platform portion adjacent the aperture. Preferably the drip collar portion defines an inner surface of the platform aperture.

In another embodiment the drip collar portion defines an arcuate side of the tray. Preferably in this embodiment, the drip collar portion extends through an angle of less than 180°. Preferably in use in this embodiment, the connection lip portion only engages with a portion of the paint can groove.

In one embodiment, the tray includes a second connection lip portion shaped to be located within or partially within a larger groove compared to the connection lip.

In one embodiment, the tray includes a handle. Preferably the handle extends from the platform portion. More preferably, in use, the handle extends downwardly from the platform portion. In use a person can preferably manipulate the tray and the paint can attached to the tray by the handle.

In one embodiment, the tray includes a rim recess formed between the connection lip portion and the drip collar portion. The rim recess is preferably adapted to receive an inner rim of the paint can. The inner rim of the paint can preferably partially defines the groove. The tray preferably includes a support brace extending from a lower surface of the platform portion. In use, the support brace abuts an outer surface of the paint can. Preferably in use, when a person lifts the tray by the handle (with the can in an upright position), the support brace abuts an outer surface of the paint can and the rim recess secures the inner rim of the paint can so that the paint can is lifted by the tray.

In one embodiment, the tray is formed as a unitary unit. Preferably the tray is formed by injection moulding.

In another embodiment, the connection lip portion is attached to the platform portion. In this embodiment, the connection lip portion is preferably made from a different material to the platform portion. The connection lip portion is preferably made from a wire that is adapted to at least partially fit into the groove of the paint can. The connection lip portion preferably includes an extension portion which in use extends over the opening of the paint can. Preferably in use, a paint brush or paint roller can be scraped against the extension portion to remove excess paint, or can be supported by the extension portion over the opening of the paint can.

The connection lip portion is preferably at least partially arcuate in shape to fit into the groove of the paint can.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a tray for attachment to a paint can that has a groove surrounding an opening of the paint can, the tray including

a platform portion which in use extends beyond a periphery of the paint can; and

a connection lip portion extending from the platform portion, the connection lip portion attachable to the groove.

Preferably the tray further includes a drip collar portion extending from the platform portion. Preferably in use, the drip collar portion is located at least partially within the opening of the paint can.

In an alternate embodiment, the platform portion includes a connection groove to which a lid of the paint can is attachable. The connection groove preferably has substantially the same depth, width and radius as the groove of the paint can.

Preferably the tray is made from injection moulded plastic. In another embodiment, the tray is made from a silicone material.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a tray for attachment to a paint can that has a paint can opening, the tray including

a connection portion shaped to attach to an upper part of the paint can; and a platform portion that extends substantially outwardly from the connection portion.

Preferably in use, the tray is attachable to the paint can by positioning the connection portion about at least part of the upper part of the paint can.

Preferably the tray further includes a drip collar portion that extends substantially inwardly from the connection portion and is attached to the platform portion. Preferably in use, when the tray is attached to the paint can, the drip collar portion extends into the opening of the paint can.

Preferably the upper part of the paint can is an upper rim of the paint can. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a tray for attachment to a paint can having a paint can opening, the tray including

a connection portion shaped to attach to an upper part of the paint can;

a platform portion that extends substantially outwardly from the connection portion; and

a drip collar portion that extends substantially inwardly from the connection portion and is attached to the platform portion,

wherein in use, the tray is attachable to the paint can by positioning the connection portion about at least part of the upper part of the paint can, whereby the drip collar portion extends into the opening of the paint can.

Preferably the connection portion is arcuate in shape.

Preferably the connection portion is locatable over at least part of an upper rim of the paint can. Preferably the upper rim of the paint can defines the opening of the paint can.

Preferably the connection portion includes a first connection member.

Preferably the first connection member is locatable within the opening of the paint can. The first connection member preferably abuts an upper part of the paint can when attached to the paint can. More preferably the first connection member abuts an upper part of the paint can within the opening when attached to the paint can. Preferably the connection portion includes a second connection member. Preferably the second connection member is substantially parallel to the first connection member. Preferably the second connection member is abuts an external part of the paint can when attached to the paint can. Preferably the first connection member has a detent which is engageable with the paint can. Preferably the second connection member has a detent which is engageable with the paint can. Preferably the detent of the first connection member and the detent of the second connection member enable the tray to be releasably secured to the paint can. Preferably the first connection member is locatable on an inner side of the upper rim of the paint can. Preferably the second connection member is locatable on an outer side of the upper rim of the paint can. The first connection member and the second connection member are preferably resilient, allowing movement relative to each other so that the first connection member and the second connection member can be located over at least a portion of the upper rim of the paint can. In one embodiment, the drip collar and the platform portion extend in substantially the same plane. In another embodiment, the drip collar extends at an angle to the platform portion.

The paint can opening is preferably circular. The paint can is preferably in the size range of 1 L to 15L. In one embodiment, the paint can is a 4L paint can, a 5L paint can, a 6L paint can or a 10L paint can.

The features described with respect to one aspect can also apply to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a top view of a first preferred embodiment of a tray;

Figure 2 is a side view of the tray as shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a detailed view of the tray as shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a top view of a second preferred embodiment of a tray attached to a paint can;

Figure 5 is a side view of the tray of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a bottom view of a third preferred embodiment of a tray;

Figure 7 is a side view of the tray of Figure 6 with a support member in the retracted position;

Figure 8 is a side view of the tray of Figure 6 with a support member in the extended position;

Figure 9 is a side view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a tray;

Figure 10 is a detailed sectioned view of the tray as shown in Figure 9;

Figure 1 1 is a top view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a tray attached to a paint can;

Figure 12 is a side view of the tray of Figure 1 1 ;

Figure 13 is a detailed sectioned view of the tray as shown in Figure 1 1 ;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a tray according to the present invention;

Figure 15 is a front view of the tray of Figure 14; Figure 16 is a side view of the tray of Figure 14;

Figure 17 is a top view of the tray of Figure 14;

Figure 18 is a bottom view of the tray of Figure 14;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the tray of Figure 14 attached to a paint can;

Figure 20 is a section view of the tray of Figure 14 attached to a paint can; Figure 21 is a perspective view of a seventh preferred embodiment of a tray according to the present invention;

Figure 22 is a lower perspective view of the tray of Figure 21 ;

Figure 23 is a front view of the tray of Figure 21 ;

Figure 24 is a side view of the tray of Figure 21 ;

Figure 25 is a top view of the tray of Figure 21 ;

Figure 26 is a bottom view of the tray of Figure 21 ;

Figure 27 is a perspective view of the tray of Figure 21 attached to a paint can;

Figure 28 is a section view of the tray of Figure 21 attached to a paint can; Figure 29 is a perspective view of an eighth preferred embodiment of a tray according to the present invention;

Figure 30 is a front view of the tray of Figure 29;

Figure 31 is a side view of the tray of Figure 29;

Figure 32 is a top view of the tray of Figure 29;

Figure 33 is a bottom view of the tray of Figure 29;

Figure 34 is a perspective view of the tray of Figure 29 attached to a paint can;

Figure 35 is a section view of the tray of Figure 29 attached to a paint can; Figure 36 is a perspective view of a ninth preferred embodiment of a tray according to the present invention;

Figure 37 is a lower perspective view of the tray of Figure 36;

Figure 38 is a front view of the tray of Figure 36;

Figure 39 is a side view of the tray of Figure 36;

Figure 40 is a top view of the tray of Figure 36;

Figure 41 is a bottom view of the tray of Figure 36;

Figure 42 is a perspective view of the tray of Figure 36 attached to a paint can; and Figure 43 is a section view of the tray of Figure 36 attached to a paint can.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a tray 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tray 10 has a platform portion 12, which in use extends beyond a periphery of a paint can 50. A connection lip portion 14 extends from the platform portion 12 (the connection lip portion 14 is only partially shown in figures 2 and 3). The connection lip portion 14 is attachable to a groove (not shown) located about an opening of the paint can 50. The connection lip portion 14 has substantially the same radius as the groove of the paint can 50.

The platform portion 12 has a drip collar portion 16 extending from the platform portion 12. In use, the drip collar portion 16 is located at least partially within the opening (not shown) of the paint can 50. In use, the drip collar portion 16 enables paint to drain from the platform portion 12 into the opening (not shown) of the paint can 50. The drip collar portion 16 can also be used to wipe excess paint off paintbrushes and paint rollers.

A platform aperture 18 is formed in the platform portion 12. When the tray 10 is attached to the paint can 50, the platform aperture 18 is coaxial with the opening (not shown) of the paint can 50. The drip collar portion 16 defines an inner surface of the platform aperture 18.

The tray 10 has an external wall 20 extending from the platform portion 12. The outside wall 20 inhibits paint on the platform portion 12 from spilling from the tray 10.

The tray 10 has handle supports 22. Each of the handle supports 22 can support a handle of a paintbrush or a paint roller.

The platform portion 12 has ridges 24 formed in a surface thereof. In use the ridges 24 assist in distributing paint evenly on a paint roller.

The tray 10 includes handle engagement portions 26. When the tray 10 is connected to the paint can 50, the handle engagement portions 26 can engage with a handle 52 of the paint can 50 such that the handle 52 can be located in an upright position.

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the platform portion 12 has a portion that is angled relative to the connection lip portion 14 and the drip collar portion 16. When the tray 10 is attached to the paint can 50, the angled portion of the platform portion 12 assists in draining paint from the platform portion 12 into the opening of the paint can 50.

With reference to Figures 4 and 5, there is shown a tray 1 10 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tray 1 10 is shown attached to the paint can 50. The tray 1 10 has a platform portion 1 12, which extends beyond a periphery of a paint can 50. A connection lip portion (not shown) extends from the platform portion and is attached to a groove 54 located about an opening 56 of the paint can 50.

The platform portion 1 12 has a drip collar portion 1 16 extending from the platform portion 12 into the opening 56 of the paint can 50. The drip collar portion 1 16 defines an arcuate side of the tray 1 10.

The tray 1 10 has an external wall 120 extending from the platform portion 1 12. The tray 1 10 also has a handle support 122 extending from the external wall 120.

With reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8, there is shown a tray 210 according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The platform portion 212 has attachment members in the form of hooks 230 extending from a lower portion of the platform portion 212. Items such as rags (not shown) can be attached to the hooks 230.

The tray 210 also has leverage sections in the form of reinforced recesses

232. When the tray 210 is attached to a paint can 50, a screwdriver can be inserted between the reinforced recesses 232 and the paint can 50 to aid in removing the tray 210 from the paint can 50.

A support member 234 is rotatably attached to the platform portion 212 by a hinge 240. The support member 234 is movable between a retracted position (as seen in Figures 6 and 7) and an extended position (as seen in Figure 8). In the extended position, the support member 234 abuts a side of the paint can 50 when the tray 210 is attached to the paint can 50. The support member 234 provides extra stability to the tray 210 when the tray 210 is attached to the paint can 50.

The tray 210 has a lock member 236. The lock member 236 is rotatably attached to the support member 234 and slideably located within a slide channel 238 formed in the platform portion 212. The lock member 236 is movable between a release position (as seen in Figure 7) and a locked position (as seen in figure 8). The lock member 236 needs to be manually moved from the lock position towards the release position so that the support member 234 can move from the extended position to the retracted position.

With reference to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown a tray 310 according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tray 310 has a platform portion 312, which extends beyond a periphery of a paint can 50 when the tray is attached to the paint can 50. A connection portion 314 extends from the platform portion 312 (the connection portion 314 is only partially shown in figures 9 and 10).

The connection portion 314 is attachable to an upper rim 51 located about an opening of the paint can 50.

The platform portion 312 has a drip collar portion 316 extending from the platform portion 312 into the opening (not shown) of the paint can 50 when the tray

410 is attached to the paint can 50.

The platform portion 312 is angled relative to the connection portion 314 and the drip collar portion 316. When the tray 310 is attached to the paint can 50, the angled platform portion 312 assists in draining paint from the platform portion 312 into the opening of the paint can 50.

The tray 310 has handle supports 322. Each of the handle supports 322 can support a handle of a paintbrush or a paint roller.

The connection portion 314 has a first connection member 340 and a second connection member 342. In use, the first connection member 340 is locatable on an inner side of the rim 51 . In use, the second connection member 342 is locatable on an outer side of the rim 51 . The first connection member 340 has a detent 344 and the second connection member 342 has a detent 346. In use, the detents 344,346 engage with the rim 51 of the paint can 50 to releasably secure the tray 310 to the paint can.

With reference to Figures 1 1 , 12 and 13, there is shown a tray 410 according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tray 410 has a platform portion 412, which extends beyond a periphery of a paint can 50 when the tray is attached to the paint can 50. A connection portion 414 extends from the platform portion 412 (the connection portion 414 is only partially shown in figure 13). The connection portion 414 is attachable to an upper rim 51 located about an opening 56 of the paint can 50.

The platform portion 412 has a drip collar portion 416 extending from the platform portion 412 into the opening 56 of the paint can 50 when the tray 410 is attached to the paint can 50. The drip collar portion 416 defines an arcuate side of the tray 410.

The platform portion 412 is angled relative to the connection portion 414 and the drip collar portion 416. When the tray 410 is attached to the paint can 50, the angled platform portion 412 assists in draining paint from the platform portion 412 into the opening of the paint can 50.

The tray 410 has an external wall 420 extending from the platform portion 412. The outside wall 420 inhibits paint on the platform portion 412 from spilling from the tray 410.

The tray 410 has a handle support 422. The handle support 422 can support a handle of a paintbrush or a paint roller.

The connection portion 414 has a first connection member 440 and a second connection member 442. The first connection member 440 is locatable on an inner side of the rim 51 . The second connection member 442 is locatable on an outer side of the rim 51 . The first connection member 440 has a detent 444 and the second connection member 442 has a detent 446. In use, the detents 444,446 engage with the rim 51 of the paint can 50 to releasably secure the tray 410 to the paint can.

Figures 14 to 21 show a tray 610 according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tray 610 has a platform portion 612, which in use extends beyond a periphery of a paint can 50 (best seen in figures 19 and 20). A connection lip portion 614 extends from the platform portion 612. The connection lip portion 614 is attachable to a groove 54 located about an opening 56 of the paint can 50 (best seen in figures 19 and 20). The connection lip portion 614 has substantially the same radius as the groove 54 of the paint can 50.

The tray 610 has a second connection lip portion 615 that extends from the platform portion 612. The second connection lip portion 615 is attachable to a groove of a larger paint can (not shown) in a similar manner to the connection lip portion 614 being attachable to the groove 54 of paint can 50.

The second connection lip portion 615 and the connection lip portion 614 are made from a resilient silicone, so that they can be retained in grooves or corresponding paint cans.

The platform portion 612 has a drip collar portion 616 extending from the platform portion 612. In use, the drip collar portion 616 is located at least partially within the opening 56 of the paint can 50. In use, the drip collar portion 616 enables paint to drain from the platform portion 612 into the opening 56 of the paint can 50. The drip collar portion 616 can also be used to wipe excess paint off paintbrushes and paint rollers. The drip collar portion 616 extends in substantially the same plane as the platform portion 612.

The platform portion 612 and the drip collar portion 616 have a concave shape to inhibit paint from flowing over the sides of the tray 610 in use.

The tray includes an aperture 620. The aperture 620 can be used to hang the tray 610 on a hook or the like (not shown) when the tray is not in use.

With reference to Figures 21 to 28, there is shown a tray 710 according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tray 710 has a platform portion 712, which in use extends beyond a periphery of a paint can 50 (best seen in figures 27 and 28). A connection portion 714 extends from the platform portion 712. The connection portion 714 is attachable to an upper rim 51 located about an opening 56 of the paint can 50. (best seen in figures 27 and 28).

The connection portion 714 has a first connection member 740 and a second connection member 742. In use, the first connection member 740 is locatable on an inner side of the rim 51 . In use, the second connection member 742 is locatable on an outer side of the rim 51 . The first connection member 740 has a detent 744 and the second connection member 742 has a detent 746. In use, the detents 744,746 engage with the rim 51 of the paint can 50 to releasably secure the tray 710 to the paint can.

The connection portion 714 has substantially the same radius as the groove 54 of the paint can 50.

The platform portion 712 has a drip collar portion 716 extending from the platform portion 712. In use, the drip collar portion 716 is located at least partially within the opening 56 of the paint can 50. In use, the drip collar portion 716 enables paint to drain from the platform portion 712 into the opening 56 of the paint can 50. The drip collar portion 716 can also be used to wipe excess paint off paintbrushes and paint rollers. The drip collar portion 716 extends in substantially the same plane as the platform portion 712.

The platform portion 712 and the drip collar portion 716 have a concave shape to inhibit paint from flowing over the sides of the tray 710 in use. The tray 710 has side walls 720 extending from the platform portion 712. The outside walls 720 inhibit paint on the platform portion 712 from spilling from the tray 710.

The tray 710 has a handle 750. The handle 750 allows a person to manipulate the tray 710 and the paint can 50 when attached to the tray 710.

With reference to Figures 29 to 35, there is shown a tray 810 according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tray 810 has a platform portion 812, which in use extends beyond a periphery of a paint can 50 (best seen in figures 34 and 35). A connection lip portion 814 extends from the platform portion 812. The connection lip portion 814 is attachable to a groove 54 located about an opening 56 of the paint can 50 (best seen in figures 34 and 35). The connection lip portion 814 has substantially the same radius as the groove 54 of the paint can 50.

The platform portion 812 has a drip collar portion 816 extending from the platform portion 812. The drip collar portion 816 extends transversely to the platform portion 812. In use, the drip collar portion 816 is located at least partially within the opening 56 of the paint can 50. In use, the drip collar portion 816 enables paint to drain from the platform portion 812 into the opening 56 of the paint can 50. The drip collar portion 816 can also be used to wipe excess paint off paintbrushes and paint rollers.

The platform portion 812 has a concave shape to inhibit paint from flowing over the sides of the tray 810 in use.

The tray 810 has a handle 850. The handle 850 allows a person to manipulate the tray 810 and the paint can 50 when attached to the tray 810.

The tray 810 includes a plurality of channels 852. The channels 852 are formed in the platform portion 812 of the tray 810. In use the channels 852 are used to assist in distributing paint evenly on a paintbrush or paint roller as the paintbrush or paint roller is wiped or rolled over the channels 851 , or to direct paint back into the paint can 50. The channels 852 extend into the drip collar portion 816.

The tray 810 includes a rim recess 854 formed between the connection lip portion 814 and the drip collar portion 816. The rim recess 854 is adapted to receive an inner portion of the upper rim 51 of the paint can 50. The tray 810 includes a support brace 856 extending from a lower surface of the platform portion 812. In use, the support brace 856 abuts an outer surface of the paint can 50. In use, when a person lifts the tray 810 by the handle 850 (with the can 50 in an upright position), the support brace 856 abuts an outer surface of the paint can and the rim recess 854 secures the inner portion of the upper rim 51 of the paint can 50 so that the paint can 50 is lifted by the tray 810.

Figures 36 to 43 show a tray 910 according to a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tray 910 has a platform portion 912, which in use extends beyond a periphery of a paint can 50 (best seen in figures 42 and 43). A connection lip portion in the form of a wire 914 extends from the platform portion 912. The wire 914 is attachable to a groove 54 located about an opening 56 of the paint can 50 (best seen in figures 42 and 43). A portion of the wire 914 has substantially the same radius as the groove 54 of the paint can 50.

The wire 914 includes an extension portion 952 which in use extends over the opening 56 of the paint can 50. In use, a paint brush or paint roller can be scraped against the extension portion 952 to remove excess paint, or can be supported by the extension portion 952 over the opening 56 of the paint can 50.

The tray 910 has a drip collar portion 916 extending from the platform portion

912. In use, the drip collar portion 916 is located at least partially within the opening 56 of the paint can 50. In use, the drip collar portion 916 enables paint to drain from the platform portion 912 into the opening 56 of the paint can 50. The drip collar portion 916 can also be used to wipe excess paint off paintbrushes and paint rollers.

The drip collar portion 916 includes an attachment portion 954 which can engage with an inner portion of the upper rim 51 of the paint can 50 to releasably secure the tray 910 to the paint can 50.

The platform portion 912 and the drip collar portion 916 have a concave shape to inhibit paint from flowing over the sides of the tray 910 in use.

The tray 910 has a handle 950. The handle 950 allows a person to manipulate the tray 910 and the paint can 50 when attached to the tray 910.

The platform portion 912 includes a ridge 920. In use the ridge 920 assists in distributing paint evenly on a paint roller or a paint brush. ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the tray includes preventing paint from a paintbrush or paint roller from entering the groove of a paint can. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the tray includes providing a place to rest a paintbrush or a paint roller. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the tray includes providing a drip collar portion against which a paintbrush or paint roller can be scrapped to remove excess paint. A further advantage of a preferred embodiment of the tray includes the ability to fit to paint cans of different sizes.

VARIATIONS

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1 . A tray for attachment to a paint can that has a groove surrounding a paint can opening, the tray including

a connection lip portion shaped to be located within or partially within the groove about the paint can opening; and

a platform portion that extends substantially outwardly from the connection lip portion,

2. A tray as claimed in claim 1 , further including a drip collar portion that extends substantially inwardly from the connection lip portion and is attached to the platform portion.

3. A tray as claimed in claim 2, wherein in use, when the tray is attached to the paint can, the drip collar portion extends into the opening of the paint can.

4. A tray as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including one or more walls extending from the platform portion.

5. A tray as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a second connection lip portion shaped to be located within or partially within a larger groove compared to the connection lip portion.

6. A tray as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection lip portion is arcuate in shape to be located within or partially within the groove which is substantially circular.

7. A tray as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including one or more ridges formed in the platform portion.

8. A tray as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including one or more channels are formed in the platform portion of the tray.

9. A tray as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including one or more handle supports adapted to support a handle of a paintbrush or a paint roller.

10. A tray as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a handle extending from the platform portion.

1 1 . A tray as claimed in claim 2, further including a rim recess formed between the connection lip portion and the drip collar portion, wherein the rim recess is adapted to receive an inner rim of the paint can, the inner rim of the paint can partially defining the groove.

12. A tray as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a support brace extending from a lower surface of the platform portion, the support brace adapted to abut an outer surface of the paint can.

13. A tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connection lip portion is a wire that is adapted to at least partially fit into the groove of the paint can.

14. A tray as claimed in claim 13, wherein the connection lip portion includes an extension portion which in use extends over the opening of the paint can.

15. A tray for attachment to a paint can that has a paint can opening, the tray including

a connection portion shaped to attach to an upper part of the paint can; and a platform portion that extends substantially outwardly from the connection portion,

wherein in use, the tray is attachable to the paint can by positioning the connection portion about at least part of the upper part of the paint can.

16. A tray as claimed in claim 15, further including a drip collar portion that extends substantially inwardly from the connection portion and is attached to the platform portion, wherein in use, when the tray is attached to the paint can, the drip collar portion extends into the opening of the paint can.

17. A tray as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the upper part of the paint can is an upper rim of the paint can defining the paint can opening.

18. A tray as claimed in claim 17, wherein the connection portion includes a first connection member locatable on an inner side of the upper rim of the paint can, and a second connection member locatable on an outer side of the upper rim of the paint can.

19. A tray as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first connection member and the second connection member are substantially parallel to each other.

20. A tray as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein first connection member and the second connection member are resilient, allowing movement relative to each other so that the first connection member and the second connection member can be located over at least a portion of the upper rim of the paint can.