PAINT PALETTE FOR PAINTING CEILINGS

Abstract

 A paint palette for painting ceilings while on a ladder or scaffolding wherein a painter or muralist can lay on their back and paint a ceiling or other structure from a paint palette that will retain paint when used upside-down.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a painters tool that allows a painter to paint a ceiling or other structure while lying on their back and incorporates an antigravity paint palette that can be used in an upside down position without spilling paint.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A paint palette is a tool typically used by an artist and is used to provide a hand-held platform to hold paint. The paint palette is typically made of wood or plastic and holds numerous colors of paint upon which an artist dabs their brush to retain paint before being applied to a surface.

[0003] Typically, an artist uses a paint palette when painting upon a canvas. This system works well for an artist painting with acrylics or watercolors when the paint palette is held upright, but if the paint palette were held at an angle or turned upside down, the paint would run off the palette.

[0004] In general, a paint palette is a useful tool, but in some cases, a painter is required to paint a surface above their head such as a ceiling or other high surface. Many painters find it difficult to repeat the action of looking down to apply paint and repeatedly raise the paint brush above their head to apply paint to a surface.

[0005] All prior art regarding painters palette tools are designed for standing or sitting in an upright position. There are no available tools to assist painters that need to paint above their head while standing or while laying on their back on a scaffolding platform.

[0006] Painters have a need for a paint palette that could retain paint while in an upside down position. Such a tool would reduce fatigue and stress due to the current requirement to look down and load the brush and then to look up and apply the paint to the structure above the painters head.

[0007] A paint palette that could be used upside down could also allow a painter to lie comfortably on their back while holding a palette above them while positioned in a more comfortable position.

[0008] Additionally, a painter could lay on a scaffold with access to multiple colors of paint on the improved paint palette and apply more colors much more easily than existing products allow.

[0009] Additionally, the prior art has not shown us a useful means for transporting, storing or viewing paint colors while in storage. The prior art has not provided a truly useful painters tool that allows a painter to truly speed up the painting process in a neat and effective way.

[0010] The term "antigravity" typically means that a substance is not subject to gravity and as such will not drop to the ground. The term "antigravity paint palette" as used in this specification is used to describe the action of the paint on the palette. When paint is loaded onto the paint palette, the paint will not spill on to the ground, even when dropped.

[0011] Of all the available prior art products utilized by a painter today, none will allow a painter to load paint on a palette, tip it upside down and then extend and climb a ladder or scaffolding structure and paint in an upside down or inverted position without fear of paint spilling off the paint palette.

[0012] There are also no current means to use multiple colors in an upside down angle and to paint a ceiling and eliminate the need for paint cans to be lifted to the ceiling area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The paint palette for painting ceilings is a new unique painting tool for commercial painters and muralist who need to paint in an upside down position meaning that painter is looking up and painting above their head. The described invention fills a need for both professional and non-professional painters. The invention provides an improved way to contain paint and move up a ladder or scaffolding without spillage and to paint ceilings or high structures with the palette upside down from normal use.

[0014] The paint palette for painting ceilings allows the painter to focus on painting without worry of accidental spills. A painter will also not have to worry about accidentally knocking over a paint can or having to reload the brush. The paint palette for painting ceilings reduces trips up and down ladders or scaffolds.

[0015] The paint palette for painting ceilings is dripless and mess-free. Even a child could paint a ceiling without spilling paint. In actual testing the paint palette for painting ceilings was loaded with paint and dropped upside down from a roof without any loss of paint or any spillage.

[0016] The paint palette for painting ceilings allows for easy storage and reuse of paint. The complete paint palette tool system can be easily stored for extended periods of time in commercially available seal type plastic bags because of its low profile design.

[0017] The paint palette for painting ceilings allows for a painter to worry less about mess and more about painting. The paint palette for painting ceilings allows for a painter to paint without the use of drop cloth protection. The antigravity paint palette saves the painter clean up time and speeds up painting time.

[0018] A painter can now climb a ladder or scaffold to paint a ceiling, roof or elevated area without handling full cans of paint. A painter can even take multiple colors to remote or high locations without worrying about carrying multiple paint cans to risky locations.

[0019] Several objects and advantages of the disclosed invention are provided, including but not limited to an improved paint tool for painting ceilings wherein a painter can paint a ceiling or high structure more efficiently and faster without having to carry multiple cans of paint up a ladder or scaffolding structure.

[0020] The paint palette for painting ceilings allows a painter to lie upon their back in a comfortable position while painting in an upside down position using multiple colors of paint. No other tool exists that allows a painter to lay upon their back and paint a ceiling with ease.

[0021] Other objects and advantages of the invention include providing a paint containment and dispensing low profile container that is spill proof and easily transported. The paint palette for painting ceilings is easily manageable, carried and allows for easy sealed containment for an extended time, thus reducing clean up and allowing for easy storage.

[0022] When in use, the paint palette for painting ceilings will not drip paint on unprotected surfaces thus eliminating the need for drop cloths and other protective coverings, thus saving time and labor cost.

[0023] Because of the way the paint palette for painting ceilings retains paint and will not spill or drip even when turned upside down or dropped, the paint brush is loaded more efficiently and uses less paint, thus saving paint.

[0024] Because of the improved paint retaining ability of the paint palette for painting ceilings the paint brush or roller is loaded in an improved fashion. The paint tools become easier to use and better disperses the paint.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, a paint palette for painting ceilings comprises an exterior low-profile open-top structure defining an outer shell and an interior low-profile open-top structure defining a removable liner. The removable liner is nested within the outer shell, with the removable liner comprising a paint-retaining bristle fabric for retaining paint when the paint palette is oriented upside-down. The paint palette further comprises an adjustable strap connected to the outer shell that extends across the width of the outer shell. The paint palette also comprises a paint squeegee that is removably attached to the adjustable strap.

[0026] In another embodiment, the outer shell is sized to be used as a lid for a five-gallon paint container.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the paint squeegee comprises a slot for receiving the adjustable strap. The paint squeegee can also act as a support leg for the paint palette.

[0028] In still another embodiment, the adjustable strap comprises one or more openings for attachment of paintbrushes.

[0029] In a further embodiment, a paint palette for painting ceilings comprises a low-profile open-top structure defining an outer shell and a paint-retaining bristle fabric removable affixed to an inner surface of the outer shell for retaining paint when the paint palette is oriented upside-down. The paint palette further comprises an adjustable strap connected to the outer shell that extends across the width of the outer shell. The paint palette also comprises a paint squeegee that is removably attached to the adjustable strap.

[0030] Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. Paint accessories may also be added to the paint palette for painting ceilings and may include tools such as a squeegee, a covering means or add-on attachments for managing a paint brush or other paint tools.

[0031] The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the paint palette for painting ceilings will be more readily understood upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] 

FIG. 1 is a front view of the paint palette according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the paint palette;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the paint palette;

FIG. 4 is another side view of the paint palette, as taken from FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the paint palette;

FIG. 6 is an assembled view of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the squeegee;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken from the portion of FIG. 1 designated by the label "FIG. 8";

FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing another embodiment of the paint palette;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing liner placement of the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing liner placement of the second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing the liner flipped and used as a lid;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing loading of paint; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing loading of a paint brush;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the invention, namely a paint palette 10 for painting ceilings, wherein the main body of the paint palette 10 comprises an exterior open-top structure constructed of a semi-rigid plastic material in a circular configuration and acting as an outer shell 20. In one embodiment, the paint palette 10 comprises an outer shell 20 designed for receiving a removable liner 30, wherein the removable liner 30 nests within the outer shell 20 in a complementary snap-in fashion, as best shown in FIG. 11.

[0034] The removable liner 30 acts as a protective liner and is preferably constructed of a thinner and lighter design than the outer shell 20. The outer shell 20 preferably has a heavier and more solid construction.

[0035] The outer shell 20 preferably comprises a pair of strap connectors 40 on the outer periphery of the bottom surface placed on opposite sides of the circular shape, as shown in FIG 3. The strap connectors 40 are designed for receiving an adjustable strap 50 that preferably extends across the bottom surface of the outer open-top structure, as shown in FIGS. 2,3,4 and 5. A cross-section detail of the strap connectors 40 and the strap 50 is shown in FIG.8.

[0036] The outer shell 20 preferably comprises on the upper open side of the structure and in alignment with strap connectors 40 one or more pairs of sidewall extensions 60 extending out from the circular periphery, as best seen in FIGS. 1,6, and 10. The sidewall extensions 60 aid in the alignment of the removable liner 30 within the outer shell 20.

[0037] The outer shell 20 preferably also comprises a low-profile side wall 70 encompassing the structure and the side wall 70 preferably additionally has a pair of raised wall extensions 80, as best shown in FIG. 2, preferably oriented approximately 90 degrees from the strap connectors 40, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0038] The outer shell 20 is preferably sized so that it can also be used as a lid for a conventional five-gallon paint container.

[0039] The removable liner 30 preferably comprises a paint retaining bristle fabric 90 affixed to the inner cavity, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 9. The bristle fabric 90 may be similar to ones typically used on paint application devices and may be a commercially-available fabric material comprising short bristle filaments that hold and retains paint.

[0040] The paint retaining bristle fabric 90 preferably fits inside the removable liner 30 and may completely cover the bottom surface and liner sidewall 95 of the removable liner 30.

[0041] The paint retaining bristle fabric 90 is preferably fitted and affixed by a commercially-available glue or adhesive applied to the backside of the paint retaining bristle fabric 90 and affixed to the interior bottom surface of removable liner 30 (see FIG. 10).

[0042] The paint retaining bristle fabric 90 is preferably circular in shape and complementary to the shape and size of the removable liner 30 and may have a die-cut design to provide for a simple and centered application, as shown in FIG 5.

[0043] The removable liner 30 is preferably constructed of a flexible semi-rigid plastic or like material comprising a substantially flat bottom base 100 enclosed by the liner sidewall 95. The liner sidewall 95 may be formed in a rounded outwardly inclined shape as seen in FIG. 8.

[0044] The liner sidewall 95 is preferably rigid and may extend no more than two inches in height. The removable liner 30 is preferably configured to be a low-profile design and may generally match the height of the outer shell 20 (as shown is FIG. 8).

[0045] The removable liner 30 preferably comprises a pair of extended tabs 110 to allow the removable liner 30 to snap into the outer shell 20 in a complementary fashion as seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, and further detailed in FIG. 8 in cross-section.

[0046] The adjustable strap 50 preferably extends across the bottom surface of the outer shell 20 and attaches to opposite ends of the outer shell 20, looping through the strap connectors 40. The adjustable strap 50 provides a user handle for the paint palette 10, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0047] The adjustable strap 50 preferably is of a suitable length to be passed through the strap connectors 40 on each end and has some excess length to allow for length adjustments. The adjustable strap 50 may have some form of fasteners (such as VELCRO) securely applied to the adjustable strap 50 for adjustment of length and fit.

[0048] The adjustable strap 50 is preferably constructed of a flexible fabric material and may be made of a durable cloth fabric or like material. The adjustable strap 50 may also comprise openings (not shown) for attaching one or more paintbrushes. The strap connectors 40 may be formed onto the outer shell 20.

[0049] In one embodiment (as shown in FIG. 12), the removable liner 30 may be removed and flipped over to also become a sealable lid to the outer shell 20, thus providing a way to store paint when not in use.

[0050] A hard plastic squeegee 120, shown in FIG.7, may also be supplied and can serve multiple uses. The squeegee 120 may be used to scrape paint on the surface of the paint retaining bristle fabric 90 to a particular area and to better allow the painter to use multiple colors.

[0051] The squeegee 120 preferably comprises a slot 130 in the main body as seen in FIGS. 5 and 7 designed for receiving the adjustable strap 50. By sliding the adjustable strap 50 through the slot 130 in the body of the squeegee 120 and using the squeegee 120 as a support leg, the paint palette 10 angle may be adjusted in height on either end of the paint palette 10, making the paint palette 10 slanted and more suitable for using with a paint roller.

[0052] In use, the paint palette 10 is utilized by pouring paint 150 onto the removable liner 30, shown in FIG. 13, and then sliding the user's hand between the body of the paint palette 10 and the adjustable strap 50. The painter may now turn the invention upside down and no paint will be spilled from the paint palette 10.

[0053] In use, the paint palette 10 may have multiple colors of paint in the container or a single color (as shown in FIG. 14) and a painter may lay upon his or her back on a scaffolding and use a paint brush 160 to paint a ceiling.

[0054] In another embodiment of the paint palette 10 (shown in FIG. 9), the removable liner 30 is eliminated and the paint retaining bristle fabric 90 is removably affixed directly to the interior cavity of the outer shell 20 in a complementary fashion.

[0055] In this embodiment, the bristle fabric 90 is preferably replaceable and comprises a pair of extended tabs 140 on opposite ends of the circular design for ease in application and removal. Once the bristle fabric 90 is worn, the user may pull out the old bristle fabric 90 using the tabs 140 and insert a new bristle fabric 90 insert directly into the outer shell 20.

[0056] Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiment of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.

[0057] From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the described paint palette 10 provides for a novel and improved way for a painter or muralist to paint a ceiling while laying upon their back and whereas the present invention has been described in a particular fashion, it should be understood that other and further modifications apart from those shown or suggested herein may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A paint palette for painting ceilings, comprising:

an exterior low-profile open-top structure defining an outer shell;

an interior low-profile open-top container defining a removable liner nested within the outer shell, the removable liner comprising a paint-retaining bristle fabric for retaining paint when the paint palette is oriented upside-down;

an adjustable strap connected to the outer shell and extending across the width of the outer shell; and

a paint squeegee removably attached to the adjustable strap.

2. The paint palette of claim 1, wherein outer shell is sized to be used as a lid for a five-gallon paint container.

3. The paint palette of claim 1, wherein the paint squeegee comprises a slot for receiving the adjustable strap and wherein the paint squeegee acts as a support leg for the paint palette.

4. The paint palette of claim 1, wherein the adjustable strap comprises one or more openings for attachment of paintbrushes.

5. A paint palette for painting ceilings, comprising:

a low-profile open-top structure defining an outer shell;

a paint-retaining bristle fabric removably affixed to an inner surface of the outer shell for retaining paint when the paint palette is oriented upside-down;

an adjustable strap connected to the outer shell and extending across the width of the outer shell; and

a paint squeegee removably attached to the adjustable strap.

6. The paint palette of claim 5, wherein the outer shell is sized to be used as a lid for a five-gallon paint container.

7. The paint palette of claim 5, wherein the paint squeegee comprises a slot for receiving the adjustable strap and wherein the paint squeegee acts as a support leg for the paint palette.

Drawing