FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to protective covers, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a protective cover configured to be releasably secured over an opening of a paint container during use thereof wherein the present invention inhibits debris from entering the paint container.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In North America approximately one and half billion gallons of paint are sold every year. Painting is a routine task both in new construction and in remodeling pro] ects. As is known in the art paint primarily is comprised of a base liquid, additives, binders and pigment. The most common containers in which paint is provided are one quart, one gallon and five gallon containers. Most often during use the lid for the container is removed so the individual can access the paint during the task of painting a surface. During the task of painting the lid typically remains removed from the container.

[0003] One issue with leaving the lid off of the container of paint is the ability for debris to enter the paint container and as such contaminate the paint. Many times painting is done in environments where other construction activities are being performed. These activities result in airborne particles and debris being introduced into the air and as such have the potential to contaminate the paint. These particles once in the paint can then be transferred to the surface being painted which is undesirable. Another issue with open paint cans is the formation of a skin on the surface of the paint. Depending upon the base liquid of the paint, many types of paint once exposed to air for a period of time will develop a skin across the top of the paint. This skin can be picked up by the brush and be subsequently transferred to the surface being painted which is undesirable. [0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a temporary paint container cover that can be used to cover the opening of a paint container during painting wherein the cover inhibits debris from entering the paint container and further impedes development of a skin on the surface of the paint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is the object of the present invention to provide a paint container cover that is configured to be releasably secured to a paint container wherein the present invention includes a body.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a temporary paint can cover operable to cover the opening of a paint can during use thereof wherein the body of the present invention includes a lower peripheral edge.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a paint container cover that is configured to be releasably secured to a paint container wherein the body of the present invention is manufactured from a plastic.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a temporary paint can cover operable to cover the opening of a paint can during use thereof wherein the body is dome shaped.

[0009] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a paint container cover that is configured to be releasably secured to a paint container wherein the body includes an internal flexible support element.

[0010] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a temporary paint can cover operable to cover the opening of a paint can during use thereof wherein the body is manufactured from a transparent material.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a paint container cover that is configured to be releasably secured to a paint container wherein the present invention is manufactured in alternate sizes so as to be releasably coupled to various sizes of paint containers. [0012] An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a temporary paint can cover operable to cover the opening of a paint can during use thereof wherein the body has an opening at the lower end thereof.

[0013] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the present invention; and

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the present invention secured to an alternate size of paint container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a coating can cover 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0019] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a”, "an” and "the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or” rather than that of a logical "exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] References to "one embodiment”, "an embodiment”, "exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiments] of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic. [0021] Referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the coating can cover 100 is illustrated herein in two embodiments and it should be understood that the embodiments are identically constructed but provided in two sizes so as to be releasably secured to two alternate size coating containers 99. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the coating can cover 100 is provided in a plurality of sizes in order to be releasably secured to commercially available coating containers 99.

[0022] The coating can cover 100 include a body 10. The body 10 includes a lower end 11 and an upper end 12. The body 10 includes a wall 13 wherein the wall 13 in a preferred embodiment is manufactured from a flexible transparent plastic. The lower end 11 of the body 10 has an opening 15. Circumferentially surrounded to the opening 15 proximate the lower end 11 is securing strap member 20. The securing strap member 20 is completely disposed around the lower end 11 of the body 10 and is configured to releasably secure the body 10 to the coating container 99. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that a preferred embodiment of the securing strap member 20 is manufactured from an elastic material that is operable to be stretched to be placed on the opening of the coating container 99 and subsequently bias against the upper end 98 thereof. Those skilled in the art should understand that the securing strap member 20 could be manufactured from various alternate materials and achieve the desired objective discussed herein.

[0023] The body 10 in its preferred embodiment is domed shaped and extends upwards from the coating container 99. The dome shape of the body and the resulting height thereof provides an ability for a user to leave a brush in the coating container 99 and still provide coverage of the opening of the coating container 99. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be provided in alternate heights. The body 10 includes support elements 30 disposed within the wall 13 thereof. The support elements 30 are manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to plastic. The support elements 30 are operable to provide the dome shape of the body 10 and inhibit the body 10 from collapsing subsequent the coating can cover 100 being releasably secured to a coating container 99. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could have various quantities and arrangements of support elements 30 embedded in the wall 13 in order to achieve the desired objective discussed herein.

[0024] It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the coating can cover 100 could be utilized on any type of coating container 99 such as but not limited to paint, stain and polyurethane coatings in order to provide the benefits discussed herein. It should be further understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be provided without the support elements 30 and be manufactured utilizing a molding process that provides a formed shape of the body 10. Additionally, while a dome shape for the body 10 is the preferred embodiment, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be provided in alternate shapes.

[0025] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.