GB2348115A

GB2348115A - Device for removing paint from paint rollers

Info

Publication number: GB2348115A
Application number: GB9906778A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Xenios Georgiou
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-03-25
Filing date: 1999-03-25
Publication date: 2000-09-27
Also published as: GB9906778D0

Abstract

A device for removing paint from paint rollers comprises an annular member 1 which is sized to fit around the roller and has a circumferential channel 6 into which for example the index finger and thumb of a user can be located so as to propel the device along the roller, squeezing out the paint. Preferably the device is flexible and in the form of a split ring which can be 'C' shaped, so that it can be compressed against the roller. Alternatively it can be slightly less in diameter than the roller, so that it inherently presses against it. The channel can be 'C', 'U', or 'V' shaped in cross section.

Description

PAINT REMOVAL DEVICE The present invention relates to a paint removal device and, in particular, to a device for removing paint or the like from a decorating roller or paint roller.

Various devices for removing paint from a roller have been proposed.

However, in general, these tend to be relatively complicated mechanical devices which are not easy to use or are not fully effective at removing the paint.

The present invention has been made in order to provide a simple and convenient device for enabling effective removal of paint or the like from a paint roller.

According to the invention there is provided a device for removing paint or the like from a decorating roller comprising an annular member adapted to be located circumferentially on a roller, said member having a circumferential channel into which one or more fingers may be located in use.

Preferably, the annular member is in the form of a C or open ring.

Preferably, the annular member is adapted to extend more than half way around the circumference of a roller.

The member may be substantially C or U or V-shaped in cross-section.

Preferably, the channel has a substantially C or U-or V-shaped cross-section.

Alternatively, a closed channel may be used such as with a tubular or circular cross-section so that the fingers are located in the channel by insertion through the open ends of the annular member, rather than through the open side of a channel.

A circumferential extension member or flap may extend from one side of the channel, typically from the edge of the side wall facing the direction of use. Such a flap would provide additional protection from the paint to the user's hand in use.

Typically, the flap would extend in substantially the direction of use.

Typically, the cross-sectional shape will be chosen to fit comfortably around the index finger and thumb of one hand.

Preferably, the internal diameter of the annular member substantially corresponds to the diameter of a roller to be cleaned. The internal diameter may be larger or smaller than the roller diameter.

Preferably, the device comprises a plastics material. Preferably, the device comprises a substantially flexible or pliant material. Preferably, the device is slightly deformable under moderate manual pressure. The device may comprise a thin film material. Preferably, the material is resilient such that the device can be flattened, or assume any other shape, for example for package or storage, and reverts to its normal shape for use.

Preferably, the channel extends across substantially the full depth of the member. Preferably, the base of the channel defines an internal diameter of the member. Preferably, the side walls of the channel extend radially outwardly from the base. Preferably, the peripheral edges of the side walls define an external diameter of the member. A ridge may be provided on the internal surface of the annular member or on the internal side of the base of the channel. Preferably, such a ridge would extend around the internal wall of the member. Such a ridge would facilitate effective paint removal.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device of the invention located on a roller; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a device of the invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of the device of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a side elevation of the device of Figure 2; and Figure 5 is a front elevation of the device of Figure 2.

Referring to the drawings, the device of the invention comprises an annular member 1 which can be located around a paint roller 2. The member 1 is generally in the form of a"C"having an opening 4 to facilitate location on the roller 2. The member has a curved cross-sectional profile which defines a circumferential channel 6 having a base wall 8 which defines the internal diameter of the annulus. The outwardly extending side walls 9 of the channel have peripheral edges 10 which define the external diameter of the annulus.

In use, the device is used to clean paint rollers by locating the index finger and thumb of one hand in the channel 6, the ends of the thumb and finger extending from opposite sides towards the opening 4. While thus holding the device, it is positioned around the roller and pressed, as necessary, until it has a light grip of the roller. If the internal diameter of the device is less than the diameter of the roller, the device exerts its own pressure on the roller. If the internal diameter is greater, the user applies pressure to squeeze the paint roller gently. The device is then dragged slowly down the roller as indicated by arrow A in Figure 1. This produces a squeezing action which causes most of the paint in the fibres of the roller to be expelled. The paint which is liberated can then be reused, and the roller is then easier to clean.

The device can also be used in cleaning the roller. If the roller is placed under running water, the device can squeeze water combined with paint from the roller fibres.

Typically, the device is shaped to fit like a glove around the user's index finger and thumb.

It will be seen that the device of the invention has many advantages.

It is easy to use and clean after use. The device can be held in one hand during use thereby allowing freedom of the other hand for manoeuvring the roller. The device is easy and cost effective to manufacture and the ability to pack it completely flat or in any desired shape allows it to be sold in multipacks and as a disposable item, if desired.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which is described by way of example only.

Claims

CLAIMS : 1. A device for removing paint or the like from a decorating roller comprising an annular member adapted to be located circumferentially on a roller, said member having a circumferential channel into which one or more fingers may be located in use.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the annular member is in the form of a C or open ring.
3. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the annular member is adapted to extend more than half way around the circumference of a roller.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the member is substantially C or U or V-shaped in cross-section.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel has a substantially C or U-or V-shaped cross-section.
6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel has a substantially circular cross-section.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein a circumferential extension member extends from one side of the channel.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the internal diameter of the annular member substantially corresponds to the diameter of a roller to be cleaned.
9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a plastics material.
10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a substantially flexible material.
11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a thin film material.
12. A device according to any preceding claim, comprising a resilient material.
13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel extends across substantially the full depth of the member.
14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base of the channel defines an internal diameter of the member.
15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the side walls of the channel extend radially outwardly from the base.
16. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral edges of the side walls of the channel define an external diameter of the member.
17. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein a ridge is provided on an internal surface of the annular member.
18. A device for removing paint or the like from a decorating roller substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.