US20150296973A1

US20150296973A1 - Paint brush cleaning device

Info

Publication number: US20150296973A1
Application number: US14/689,977
Authority: US
Inventors: Terrence B. Leiker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Stoltzman Co LLC
Priority date: 2014-04-17
Filing date: 2015-04-17
Publication date: 2015-10-22

Abstract

A device for cleaning paint brushes that includes a platform attached to a container. The platform includes a fastener such as a magnet for holding a paint brush in place relative to the platform while a user manually cleans the paint brush. The container may be configured to removably and/or pivotally accept the platform. The container may also include protrusions to facilitate cleaning of the paint brush.

Description

This application claims priority to Provisional Appl. Ser. No. 61/980,710, filed Apr. 17, 2014. All extrinsic materials identified in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is paint brush cleaning, and the present invention is generally concerned with painting and paint brushes. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with an apparatus for cleaning paint brushes after use.

BACKGROUND

The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided in this application is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Paint brushes, particularly of the type to paint objects such as walls of a house or office space, are well known. Typically, a paint brush will comprise a handle having a plurality of hairs or bristles forming a brush. Bristles attach to the brush at what is known as the heel of the brush using, for example, an adhesive. Nearly all paint brushes manufactured throughout the world are made with a plated metal ferrule or ring that covers and protects the epoxy that bonds the bristles to the handle of the paint brush.
The bristles of the paint brush are dipped into, for example, paint to be able to impart the paint to the object being painted. This process is repeated until the object is sufficiently painted or the workday is done.
Paint brushes are generally reusable if sufficiently cleaned, so it is important that a paint brush be cleaned thoroughly after each use. If not cleaned thoroughly, paint can accumulate in the heel—the area where the bristles are adjacent to the ferrule—and will result in the gradual shortening of the usable length of the bristles, thus reducing the paint carrying capacity of the brush. Some of the bristles may become stuck together and hardened if not thoroughly cleaned, causing fingering and reduced flexibility of the bristles. When a brush is in this condition, its ability to spread a coating evenly is substantially reduced. The residue in a brush that has not been adequately cleaned may also contaminate the paint or varnish the next time the brush is used. In some cases, if the paint brush is not sufficiently cleaned after use, then the paint brush must be disposed of and a new paint brush used.
Solvents are typically used to clean paint brushes used with, for example, oil-based paints or varnishes. However, water is typically used to clean paint brushes that have been used to apply, for example, water-based latex paint. It is common practice to work the brush vigorously by hand while applying the solvent to the brush. This may be done using a container of water or solvent, or in some cases a garden hose or other water supply is used to provide a steady stream of water. This can require a significant amount of water to clean the paint brushes.
Cleaning can become much more difficult if the paint has started to dry in the brush. This problem frequently occurs when water-based latex paint is used because latex globules will start to coalesce and form a dry film in a matter of fifteen to thirty minutes. This can require soaking the brush in the proper solvent for several minutes and then manually combing the bristles of the brush with a wire brush or brush comb. This combing action is in one direction only, from the heel to the tip of the brush. This combing action loosens and removes the semi-dry paint from the bristles and ferrule of the paint brush, and does not injure the paint brush. The brush is rinsed using the cleaning solvent or water and the process repeated until the paint brush is adequately cleaned.
Aside from requiring a significant amount of water or solvent, the cleaning of paint brushes can be messy and awkward. U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,245 to Anderson discloses a paint brush cleaning stand which attempts to overcome some of these problems. The solution presented in Anderson, however, fails to accommodate paint brushes of varying sizes as it is geared toward only a particular sized paint brush.
Others have tried to implement a bucket- or container-based solution, but have nevertheless failed to contemplate many potential advantages. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,661, U.S. Pat. No. 2,963,727, U.S. Patent Appl. No. 2012/0037634, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,008,856.
Other references describe the use of a magnet, but fail to contemplate using a magnet to hold a paint brush in place for cleaning. Instead, the magnets were used to just hold a brush that is dripping with wet paint. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Appl. No. 2012/0037634, U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,046, U.S. Pat. No. 8,528,776, U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,788, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,087,554.
Although some references describe bristles to facilitate paintbrush cleaning, none of those contemplate the advantages of using bristles attached to a container. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,199, U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,444, U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,267, U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,160, U.S. Pat. No. 2,963,727, and U.S. Patent No. 2004/0261819.
All publications identified in this application are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided in this application, the definition of that term provided in this application applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
Thus, there is still a need for an improved paint brush cleaning device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a user is more easily able to clean a bristled paint brush.
As used in the description in this application and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in this application, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
One aspect of the inventive subject matter is a paint brush cleaning device that includes a container with a hingedly attached platform. The container includes first and second reservoirs where at least the first reservoir has brush cleaning features. The platform has an integrated magnet having sufficient magnetism to securely hold a paint brush (e.g., generating sufficient attractive force to hold a paint brush in place on the platform while cleaning).
The platform is used as a space to clean a paint brush, where the brush is held in place by a magnet embedded or attached to the platform. The platform can be flat, curved, or include multiple flat portions joined together. In preferred embodiments, the platform is removably attached to the container. In other embodiments, the platform is non-removably connected to the container, and in still further embodiments, the platform is integrally formed with the container (e.g., cast from the same mold). The platform can be coupled to the container such that it can rotate about a fixed axis, but the platform can also be configured so that it does not rotate relative to the container. In embodiments where the platform is removably connected to the container, the platform can have pins located on opposite sides that fit into receiving portions of the container.
When deployed (i.e., when the platform is in a position to facilitate paintbrush cleaning), the platform is substantially horizontal with a slight slope to encourage drainage of fluid. A lower portion of the platform hangs over the container for dirty fluid (e.g., water or solvent) to drain off into the container. In some embodiments, the platform additionally incorporates features on its top surface that encourage fluid runoff, such as ridges or troughs. The platform can additionally incorporate one or more holes that enables fluid to flow through the platform and into the container. These holes can be disposed on the platform such that they drain directly into the container when a paint brush is being cleaned.
The magnet incorporated into the platform can be located in different areas without departing from the inventive concepts described in this application. In preferred embodiments, the magnet e located near the bottom of the platform so that the bristles of a paint brush hang over the container when the paint brush is held in place by the magnet. The magnet can be incorporated, for example, into the top surface, the bottom surface, or within the surface of the platform.
In embodiments where the platform can rotate relative to the container, the platform can be rotated to a substantially vertical position, or to a position where the top portion of the bucket is rotated to rest over the container. These configurations make storage and transportation easier. When in a deployed configuration (i.e., when the cleaning device is in use) the container can additionally include a means of holding the platform in place relative to the container (e.g., a latch, one or more detents, a buckle, or any other known connecting device).
With regard to the container, the two reservoirs of the container of preferred embodiments are oriented in a side-by-side configuration. A front reservoir collects dirty fluid runoff from the platform while a back reservoir stores a cleaner fluid (e.g., water or solvent). In preferred embodiments, a front reservoir includes features on the bottom (e.g., spikes, bristles, etc.) that facilitate the removal of paint from paint brush bristles.
Along a top edge of preferred embodiments of the container is one or more apertures for paintbrush storage. Storage apertures could also be placed in different locations besides the top edge without departing from the inventive concepts contemplated by the inventor.
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a paintbrush cleaning device.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a paintbrush cleaning device.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a paintbrush cleaning device.

FIG. 4 is a side cutaway view of a paintbrush cleaning device.

FIGS. 5A-5F show possible cross-sectional shapes for bristle cleaning protrusions.

FIGS. 6A-6C show possible bristle cleaning protrusion length configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application describes embodiments of a paint brush cleaning device, for use with, for example, bristled paint brushes. However, the device can be used with any style of paintbrush. Preferred embodiments of the device overcome the drawbacks of known devices and processes for cleaning paint brushes, and provides an effective and convenient way of cleaning paint brushes. Preferred embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, include a number of key features: a bucket having at least one reservoir, bristle cleaning protrusions 116, and a cleaning platform 104.
The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
As used in this application, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.
In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth in this application should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.
The recitation of ranges of values in this application is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated in this application, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited in this application. All methods described in this application can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated in this application or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments in this application is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed in this application are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found in this application. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is in this application deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts in this application. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
FIGS. 1-4 shows a preferred embodiment of the paint brush cleaning device 100. It includes a container 102 formed as a bucket, and a platform 104. Both the container 102 and the platform 104 have additional features to add to the usefulness or inventiveness of the paint brush cleaning device 100. The container 102 may also include a handle 106 to facilitate moving the device from one location to another.
Embodiments of paint brush cleaning device 100 include a container 102 capable of holding a fluid such as water or a solvent. In preferred embodiments, the container 102 includes two separated reservoirs 108 and 110 (seen best in FIG. 4). The container 102 may comprise existing and known containers and buckets. The inventor contemplates different volumes for the container 102, such as approximately: one half-gallon, three-quarter gallon, one-gallon, two-gallon, and so forth. Different capacities can be advantageous for different sized brushes or different scale jobs (e.g., a smaller job could take advantage of a smaller brush cleaner).
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the container 102 has a number of different features that facilitate paint brush cleaning. The container 102 can be split into two reservoirs: a front reservoir 108 and a back reservoir 110. The front reservoir 108 typically collects dirty water or solvent (e.g., water or solvent that has been used to rinse off a paint brush), while the back reservoir 110 typically holds clean water or solvent. For embodiments having only a single reservoir, any description detailing a front reservoir 108 and back reservoir 110 may be interpreted as similarly describing only a single reservoir where only the front reservoir 108 exists without the back reservoir 110.
The container 102 can optionally include a handle 106 for easy carrying and transport of the device. In preferred embodiments, the handle 106 is attached to the container 102 on opposite points on the container 102 and is capable of rotating about those connection points. In other embodiments, the container 102 can integrate handles one or both sides, or even slots to enable a user to easily grip the container 102.
The container 102 can also include a cut-out, sculpted, or scoop-like open area. This forms a projecting lip portion or backstop at the rear portion thereof, which will serve to collect paint debris and water or solvent as it is removed from the paint brush during the cleaning process. To achieve this benefit, a front portion of the container 102 is of a shorter height than a back portion of the container 102.
The front reservoir 108 and back reservoir 110 can be formed as one integral component (e.g., cast from the same mold), or they can be created separately. In some embodiments, the front reservoir 108 and the back reservoir 110 are separable, which enables one or the other reservoir to be emptied and/or cleaned separately from the other. In preferred embodiments, the front reservoir 108 and the back reservoir 110 are at least as wide as a paint brush (e.g., 2-4 inches, 4-6 inches, 6-8 inches, 8-10 inches, 10-12 inches, 12-14 inches, 14-16 inches, and larger). Regardless of separability, the front reservoir 108 and the back reservoir 110 must be formed such that fluid does not flow freely between the two. This can be accomplished using a divider as shown in FIG. 1.
Both the front reservoir 108 and back reservoir 110 can include bottom surface 114 that is textured, smooth, or some combination of the two. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the bottom surface 114 of each reservoir is textured to provide a dimpled surface to make picking objects up off the bottom easier. In other embodiments, the bottom surface 114 of each reservoir is smooth to make cleaning easier. In still other embodiments, the bottom surface 114 includes smooth dimples or textures. The inventor also contemplates that the bottom (or side) surfaces of the front reservoir 108 and back reservoir 110 could also be rough. By providing a rough bottom surface 114 that a paint brush can be stroked against, paint or other materials could be agitated to facilitate removal from the bristles.
The front reservoir 108 includes protrusions 116 to aid in paint brush cleaning. In some embodiments, the back reservoir 110 can also include a set of secondary protrusions 118. Discussion related to the protrusions 116 disposed in the front reservoir 108 applies equally to secondary protrusions 118 located in the back reservoir 110. protrusions 116 can stick up (e.g., vertically or at an angle between 0 and 45 degrees from vertical) from the bottom of the front reservoir 108 to be used to pull, scrape, and generally dislodge excess paint from the bristles of a brush. In other embodiments, the protrusions 116 stick out from a side of the container 102 (e.g., horizontally or at an angle between 0 and 45 degrees from horizontal). The protrusions 116 can be molded to the container 102, or coupled to the container 102 by a latch or connector (e.g., a clip, a snap-in component, a metallic latch, a sliding latch, etc.). By providing a latch or connector to couple the protrusions 116 to a surface of the front reservoir 108, different protrusions 116 can be used for different paint brushes (e.g., protrusions 116 having different cross-sectional shapes or different cross-sectional areas). Moreover, in embodiments where the protrusions 116 are removable, if a set of protrusions 116 becomes damaged, they can easily be replaced without requiring replacement of the entire container 102. The protrusions 116 can range in length, for example ranging from: 1-2 inches, 2-3 inches, 3-4 inches, 4-5 inches, 5-6 inches, and so forth.
The protrusions 116 are stiff bristles that comb through the bristles of a paint brush. But the protrusions 116 can also be curved and/or pliable. Spacing between the protrusions 116 can vary based on the cleaning requirements for a particular paint brush. Larger brushes, for example, may require wider spaced, stiffer bristles. The protrusions 116 can also have different cross sectional shapes that can improve paint removal from brush bristles. FIGS. 5A-5F show six possible cross-sectional shapes that improve paint removal when a brush's bristles are pulled past the protrusion.
As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the protrusions 116 have different lengths. FIGS. 6A-6C show even more possible lengths and configurations for protrusions 602 a-c. FIG. 6A shows protrusions 602 a having the same length. FIG. 6B shows protrusions 602 b where the ends of the protrusions 602 b form a sloped surface. For example, protrusions 602 b can reach up 4 inches on one side and 6 inches on the other side. FIG. 6C shows protrusions 602 c where the ends of the protrusions 602 c lie within a parabolic curve. The protrusions 602 a-c can also be fixed to a mounting surface 604, and that mounting surface 604 can then couple to a container that doesn't already have protrusions 602 (e.g., by fastening via adhesive, removable connectors, straps, detents, or any other fastener known in the art).
Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the protrusions 116 can cause paint to be scraped off of the bristles of a paint brush, or even just agitate the bristles to release the paint. Depending on the cross-sectional shape employed with the protrusions 116, either of those effects can be amplified. In some embodiments, multiple different cross-sectional shapes are employed simultaneously to encourage both scraping and agitating.
Although the protrusions 116 are preferably located in the front reservoir 108, the container 102 can also be configured to have the protrusions 116 located within the back reservoir 110. In embodiments where the protrusions 116 are within the back reservoir 110, all the same sizes, shapes, and orientations as described with respect to the front reservoir 108 also apply.
The back reservoir 110 is positioned adjacent to the front reservoir 108, and provides a volume of space to hold cleaning fluid (e.g., water or solvent). Although the fluid in the back reservoir 110 may become dirty during use, unlike the front reservoir 108, dirty cleaning fluid is not intended to run off into the back reservoir 110. In some embodiments, the back reservoir 110 can include one or more spigots. A spigot can be included to allow fluid to flow from the back reservoir 110 into the front reservoir 108, and/or a spigot can be included to allow the back reservoir 110 to empty into a sink or into another appropriate receptacle/area.
In some embodiments, the back reservoir 110 has a bottom surface 114 that is at a higher level than the bottom of the front reservoir 108, and vice versa. When the back reservoir 110 has a bottom that is higher than the bottom of the front reservoir 108, it can be easier to set a cleaning tool in the back reservoir 110 without it becoming fully submerged in a fluid.
In addition to the container 102, the paintbrush cleaning device also requires a platform 104. The platform 104 provides a surface on which to clean a paintbrush. To maximize its effectiveness for its intended purpose, the platform 104 can have a number of different features.
First, the platform 104 must couple to the container 102. This can either be accomplished by any combination of direct, indirect, permanent, or non-permanent coupling. For example, the platform 104 can include pins 120 sticking out from either side of the platform 104 that fit into receiving slots 122 located on the container 102. In these embodiments, the pins 120 provide a fixed axis for the platform 104 to rotate about. The pins 120 can fit into the slots in such a way that they cannot be removed, but they can also be fit into the receiving slots 122 so that the platform 104 can be decoupled from the container 102. When the platform 104 is in use it should be angled such that fluid easily flows into the container 102 (e.g., having an angle from horizontal that is 10-15 degrees, 15-20 degrees, 20-25 degrees, 25-30 degrees, 30-35 degrees).
In some embodiments, the platform 104 is formed integrally with the container 102. This can be accomplished by casing the platform 104 and container 102 from the same mold such that the two pieces are made from one solid piece of plastic or metal. The platform 104 itself can be created from a variety of different materials (e.g., plastic, metal, natural material, recycled material). Most importantly, the platform 104 must be stiff enough that it can withstand the pressure of a person scrubbing a paintbrush on its surface (e.g., it should withstand pressure in a 3 point bend situation without undergoing plastic deformation). In some embodiments the platform 104 is clear, while in others it is translucent, and in still others it is opaque.
Second, the platform 104 can be flat, rounded, or segmented, and it can include different surface features 124. For example, the platform 104 can have ridges and/or troughs (or any combination of the two) on its top surface (e.g., cleaning surface) that assist in channeling the flow of fluid toward the container 102. In some embodiments, the platform 104 flares up on its sides to prevent fluid from running off in a direction other than toward the container 102. In other embodiments, the platform 104 flares up on both sides and on the top portion, again so that fluid is encouraged to flow toward the container 102 to help prevent unwanted spilling off other edges of the platform 104.
In other embodiments, instead of having flared edges, the platform 104 can instead be rounded into a bowl-like shape such that the edge closest to the container 102 (e.g., the bottom edge) allows for fluid to run off into the container 102. Implementing a bowl-like shape can help prevent unwanted fluid spillage.
The platform 104 can additionally include holes or apertures 126 that are configured to hold a paint brush or other tools by their handles. For example, holding a paint brush upright by placing the handle 106 into an aperture 126 on the platform 104 will allow the bristles to dry after cleaning without getting dirty. Alternatively, a dirty paint brush can be temporarily stored in an aperture 126 so that its paint laden bristles do not come into contact with any surface where paint would be unwelcome.
In still further embodiments, the platform 104 can additionally incorporate one or more drainage holes 130 that enable fluid to flow through the platform 104 and into the container 102. The drainage holes 130 can be disposed on the platform 104 such that they drain directly into the container 102 when a paint brush is being cleaned.
Finally, the platform 104 should include a fastener 128 to hold a paintbrush in place. In preferred embodiments, the fastener 128 is a magnet or electro-magnet disposed on or in the platform 104. But in other embodiments paint brushes can be held in place for cleaning by, for example, a strap and latch system or by any common fastening means known in the art.
In the case of the fastener 128 being a magnet, the magnet must be sufficiently strong to hold a paintbrush in place by its ferrule (i.e., the metallic band surrounding the base of the bristles of the paint brush). The magnet should also be sufficiently strong that it firmly holds the paint brush in place on the platform 104 during cleaning, such that the user can aggressively scrub the bristles of the brush with a tool such as a bristle scrubber without dislodging or significantly displacing the paint brush. Preferably, the paint brush would not move at all throughout the cleaning process. On the other hand, the magnet must not be so strong as to prevent a user from being able to remove the paint brush from the platform 104 by hand. Appropriate magnets may be made from any permanent magnetic material known in the art (e.g., neodymium, samarium-cobalt) or even from an electro-magnet.
In versions of the device implementing a fastener 128 that is an electro-magnet, the magnet is activated by a switch (e.g., a push button, a toggle, a foot-activated switch, or any manner of switches) that causes current to pass through a coil to create a magnetic field. In preferred embodiments, the switch automatically only closes a circuit when pressure is being actively applied so that when pressure is released the electro-magnet is turned off. These embodiments allow a user to hold the magnet in place by a very high attractive force (e.g., a force so high as to prevent a user from being able to move or remove the paint brush from the platform 104) when desired, but to easily release the paint brush when cleaning is complete. Although use of an electro-magnet includes many advantages over the use of permanent magnets, it does require a power supply (e.g., batteries or a plug).
The fastener 128 can preferably be positioned on or within the platform 104 so that a portion of the ferrule and the brush head are positioned over drainage holes 130 and even extending into/over the container 102. In different embodiments, the fastener 128 can be incorporated, for example, into the top surface, the bottom surface 114, or within the platform 104. In some embodiments the fastener 128 is coupled to the platform 104 near the bottom of the platform 104 so that the bristles of a paint brush hang over the container 102 when the paint brush is held in place by the fastener 128.
In a real-world setting, the paint brush cleaning device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 and described in this application can be used as outlined below. After partially filling the container 102 (e.g., the front reservoir 108 and back reservoir 110) with water or other solvent, a paint brush is dipped into the water or solvent to remove a portion of the paint and debris thereon. This may include moving the brush head in relation to the protrusions 116 within the front reservoir 108 to remove as much paint as possible before a more thorough cleaning (e.g., pulling the bristles of the brush through the protrusions 116 to scrape or dislodge paint). A significant amount of paint can be removed from the brush by this initial cleaning. However, the paint brush, and in particular the ferrule and brush head, is generally not completely clean at this point. The metallic ferrule is held in place by the fastener 128 (e.g., a magnet or electromagnet) disposed on or in the platform 104. While the paint brush is held in place, a hand-held bristle comb or brush is then used to scrub the ferrule and brush head. The hand-held scrubbing device may be offered as part of the invention, as a system or kit, or may be sold separately.
This process is repeated until the ferrule and bristles of the brush head are sufficiently clean. Excess solvent and/or water should be manually squeezed from the bristles of the brush head, and the paint brush should be allowed to dry before future use. Those skilled in the art will understand the brush head of the paint brush may also be rinsed in clean solvent or water as a final step before drying.
After the paint brush has been sufficiently cleaned, in embodiments where the platform 104 is removably attached to the container 102, the platform 104 can be removed so as to more easily dispose of the dirty solvent or water and waste. The container 102 may then be rinsed with water or solvent to remove any remaining waste, water, and/or debris. The platform 104 can then be reattached to the container 102 and pivoted upward into a storage position. In this position, the edges of the platform 104 are adjacent to the outer edge of the container 102. Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A paint brush cleaning device comprising:

a container comprising a first and second reservoir;

wherein at least the first reservoir contains brush cleaning features;

a platform having a top portion and a bottom portion and hingedly coupled to the container;

a magnet coupled to the platform, wherein the magnet is configured to securely hold a paint brush.

2. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform has at least a first and second outwardly extending pin.

3. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second pins are configured to removably couple to a first and second receiving slot, respectively, of the container.

4. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a usage configuration, wherein, when in the usage configuration, the bottom portion of the platform extends into the container.

5. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a usage configuration, wherein, when in the usage configuration, the top portion is above the bottom portion of the platform.

6. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one drainage aperture in the bottom portion of the platform.

7. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising drainage features on an upper surface of the platform, configured to facilitate drainage into the container.

8. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one storage aperture in the top portion of the platform configured to receive a paintbrush for storage.

9. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnet is recessed into the upper surface of the platform.

10. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnet is coupled to a lower surface of the platform.

11. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a latching mechanism configured to hold the platform in place relative to the container.

12. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a storage configuration, wherein, when in the storage configuration, the platform is substantially perpendicular with respect to the bottom surface of the first and second reservoirs.

13. A paint brush cleaning device:

a container including,

a first and second reservoir, each having a textured bottom surface;

wherein at least the first reservoir contains brush cleaning features;

a platform having a top portion and a bottom portion and removably coupled to the container;

14. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 13, further comprising at least one drainage aperture in the bottom portion of the platform.

15. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 13, further comprising drainage features on the upper surface of the platform, configured to facilitate drainage into the container.

16. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 13, further comprising at least one storage aperture in the top portion of the platform configured to receive a paintbrush for storage.

17. A paint brush cleaning device:

a container including,

a first and second reservoir, each having a textured bottom surface;

wherein at least the first reservoir contains brush cleaning features;

a platform having a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the platform is fixedly coupled to the container;

18. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 17, further comprising at least one drainage aperture in the bottom portion of the platform.

19. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 17, further comprising drainage features on the upper surface of the platform, configured to facilitate drainage into the container.

20. The paint brush cleaning apparatus of claim 17, further comprising at least one storage aperture in the top portion of the platform configured to receive a paintbrush for storage.