During the painting process, the need often arises to alternate utensils, such as, paint rollers or paintbrushes in order to appropriately paint a specified area. Considering that these tools will be alternated a number of times throughout the painting process, a convenient resting location for the utensil that is not in use is very desirable. While a utensil holder may provide a resting location, preferably, the holder is either permanently secured to a paint tray or can be easily releasably secured to the paint tray. It is desirable for the utensil holder to be positioned as to allow excess paint from the utensil not in use, to drain into the paint reservoir of the paint tray. In addition, the location for the utensil holder must allow access to the paint reservoir for the utensil that is in use.

Furthermore, it is also desirable for the utensil holder to position the resting utensil in a convenient orientation to minimize wasted time and motion while alternating utensils.

Several inventions have been disclosed in U. S. Patents that 'have attempted to address the problems associated with holding paint utensils, however, they do not provide solutions that incorporate many of the desirable features. For instance U. S.

Patent No. 4,890, 353 to Shannon, et al. , entitled, "Paint Brush and Paint Roller Holder", discloses a paint brush holder that is cumbersomely bolted to the end wall of a paint tray. While the holder can support a paintbrush, if it is of a length longer than the spaced apart support members, the handle of the paint brush can only rest in one possible orientation (parallel to the end wall of the paint tray). A paint roller placed in the support members will only allow the handle to be positioned outside of the paint tray in an awkward position. Consequently, any paint that may accumulate on the paint roller handle will not be contained or drain within the paint tray.

Another invention in U. S. Patent No. 5,509, 169 to Drucker, entitled,"Paint Tray with Paint Brush Holder", discloses a paint tray that has protrusions or cut outs within the side and end walls which allows a paintbrush to be positioned at an angle supported by the tray walls. While this type of support will hold a paintbrush, the support does not allow excess paint to drain into the paint tray. In addition, a paint roller supported in this manner will have the handle oriented outside the paint tray, with any excess paint draining outside the paint tray.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paint tray assembly comprising a conventional rectangular paint tray and a paint utensil holder.

The paint tray, generally, has two opposing side walls, a front wall, an upright end wall and a base in which a portion of the base inclines from the end wall to the front wall. Adjacent to the upright end wall the rectangular portion of the tray defines a paint reservoir. The paint utensil holder has an elongated platform with first and second legs connected to first and second ends of the elongated platform and the lower ends of the legs are adapted to be secured to the edges of a paint tray.

Located at an intermediate section between the two ends of the elongated platform there is a handle support member. When the attached legs of the elongated platform are secured to the paint tray edges, the elongated platform is suspended above the paint reservoir.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a paint tray assembly having a conventional paint tray and a paint utensil holder. The paint utensil holder includes an elongated platform formed as an open framework with attached legs at each end of the elongated platform. When positioned above the paint reservoir of a paint tray, the open framework of the elongated platform allows the excess paint from a paint roller positioned on the platform to drain into the paint reservoir.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a paint tray assembly having a conventional paint tray and a paint utensil holder. The paint utensil holder includes an elongated platform formed as an open framework with attached legs at each end of the elongated platform. The elongated platform has an arced shaped that is capable of receiving the roller head of a paint roller.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a paint tray assembly having a conventional paint tray and a paint utensil holder. The utensil holder is formed of plastic.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a paint tray assembly having a conventional paint tray and a paint utensil holder. The utensil holder is formed of metal.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a paint tray assembly having a conventional paint tray and a paint utensil holder. The utensil holder is formed of metal.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a paint tray assembly comprising a conventional rectangular paint tray and a paint utensil holder.

The paint utensil holder has an elongated platform with first and second legs connected to first and second ends of the elongated platform and the lower ends of the legs are adapted to be secured to the edges of a paint tray. Located at an intermediate section between the two ends of the elongated platform there is a handle support member. The elongated platform, the platform legs and the handle support member are integrally formed.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paint utensil holder having an elongated platform with first and second legs connected to first and second ends of the elongated platform and the lower ends of the legs are adapted to be secured to the edges of a conventional paint tray. Located at an intermediate section between the two ends of the elongated platform there is a handle support member.

When the attached legs of the elongated platform are secured to the paint tray edges, the elongated platform is suspended above the paint reservoir of the paint tray.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paint utensil holder that includes an elongated platform formed as an open framework with attached legs at each end of the elongated platform. When the paint utensil holder is positioned above the paint reservoir of a paint tray, the open framework of the elongated platform allows the excess paint from a paint roller positioned on the platform to drain into the paint reservoir.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paint utensil holder that includes an elongated platform formed as an open framework with attached legs at each end of the elongated platform. The elongated platform has an arced shaped that is capable of receiving the roller head of a paint roller.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paint utensil holder that is formed of plastic.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paint utensil holder. that is formed of metal.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paint utensil holder. The paint utensil holder has an elongated platform with first and second legs connected to first and second ends of the elongated platform and the lower ends of the legs are adapted to be secured to the edges of a paint tray. Located at an intermediate section between the two ends of the elongated platform there is a handle support member. The elongated platform, the platform legs and the handle support member are integrally formed.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention in FIG. 1 with a paint roller shown in phantom.

FIG. 2A is a partial section view in the direction of arrows A-A with the paint roller shown in phantom.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an alternate perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 illustrates generally, a paint tray assembly 10 having a utensil holder 11 and a paint tray 12. Paint tray 12 is of a conventional type, having a front wall 13, an upright end wall 14, two opposing side walls 16 and 18 and a paint reservoir 20 adjacent to end wall 14. Paint reservoir 20 has a base that extends from the upright end wall 14 to the front wall 13. A portion of the base of the paint reservoir 20 inclines as it extends to the front wall. Along the top of the walls of paint tray 12, there is a tray edge 22.

The paint utensil holder 11, includes an elongated platform 24, that is generally positioned between the two side walls 16 and 18 of paint tray 12. The elongated platform 24 has a first platform end 26, a second platform end 28 and an intermediate section 30, located between the first and second platform ends.

Connected to the intermediate section 30 is a utensil handle support member 32. Preferably, a portion of the utensil handle support member is arced, which adequately and conveniently holds the handle of a paint utensil, such as a paint brush or paint roller. The elongated platform 24 also has a first leg 34 connected to the first platform end 26 and a second leg 36 connected to the second platform end 28. The lower ends of the first and second legs 34 and 36 are adapted to engage paint tray edge 22.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, when the first and second legs 34 and 36 are positioned on tray edge 22, the elongated platform 24 is suspended above paint reservoir 20. The elongated platform 24 has an open framework structure. The open framework structure allows excess paint from a paint utensil, such as, a paint roller, paint brush, paint wheel or sponge to drain into the paint reservoir 20, when the utensil is positioned on the elongated platform 24 of paint utensil holder 11. Also shown in FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes is a paint roller 38 having a roller head 40 and a roller handle 42.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of paint tray assembly 10. This drawing includes paint roller 38, shown in phantom, positioned on paint utensil holder 11. As can be seen from the view, the second platform end 28 indicates an arced profile for elongated platform 24. The arced shape of elongated platform 24 is used to stabilize roller head 40 of paint roller 38, when positioned on paint utensil holder 11. When paint roller 38 is properly positioned on paint utensil holder 11, roller handle 42 will rest on utensil handle support member 32. The general orientation of roller handle 42 is at an upward angle towards the direction of front wall 13, providing convenient access by the painter.

FIG. 2A shows a cross sectional view of the paint tray assembly 10 in the direction of arrows A-A. The drawing depicts the lower ends of the first and second legs, 34 and 36, engaging the paint tray edge 22. The legs are releasably secured by interlock around the flanged design of tray edge 22. As shown, the legs of the utensil holder 11, suspend the elongated platform 24 above tray edge 22. The raised elongated platform 24 allows easy access to paint reservoir 20 with the paint roller or other utensils. In a preferred embodiment, the paint utensil holder 11 is formed of a molded plastic. Several suitable plastics include polystyrene, nylons, and polyolefins with a preferred plastic being nylon. In a preferred embodiment, the molded plastic paint utensil holder includes an elongated platform, legs and utensil handle support member all formed of integral construction. This can be accomplished using standard injection molding techniques or by plastics thermoforming.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment, in which the paint utensil holder 100 is integrally molded. The elongated platform 102 is of an open framework allowing excess paint from a resting utensil to drain into a paint reservoir when the paint utensil holder is positioned on a paint tray. Elongated platform 102 has first and second platform ends 104 and 106 and an intermediate section 108 located between the ends. A utensil handle support member 110 is integrally connected to the intermediate section 108. A first leg 112 and a second leg 114 are integrally molded to the first and second platform ends 104 and 106. Utensil handle support member 110 is also of an open framework.

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment, in which the paint utensil holder 200 is formed from a wire framework.

Suitable materials for the framework include plastic coated wire or hardware cloth, as well as, perforated metal sheeting. The paint utensil holder 200 has an elongated platform 202.

Elongated platform 202 has first and second platform ends 204 and 206 and an intermediate section 208 located between the ends. A utensil handle support member 210 is integrally connected to the intermediate section 208. A first leg 212, a second leg 214 and a third leg 216 are integrally connected to the first platform end 204. A fourth leg 218, a fifth leg 220 and a sixth leg 222 are integrally connected to the second platform end 206. Utensil handle support member 210 is also of an open framework preferably formed from the same material as the elongated platform 202. As can be appreciated, the number of legs extending from the elongated platform can vary as needed, based on the number of wires used in the platform. All of the legs for utensil holder 200 have a lower portion that is adapted to engage the tray edge of a paint tray and support the elongated platform 202 above a paint reservoir.

FIG. 5 illustrates still another embodiment, in which the paint utensil holder 300 is integrally molded. The paint utensil holder 300 has an elongated platform 302. Elongated platform 302 has a first end section 304, a second end section 306 and an intermediate section 308 located between the first and second end sections. A utensil handle support member 310 is integrally connected to the intermediate section 308. Connected to the edge of elongated platform 302, opposing the utensil handle support member 310 are first, second and third legs 312,314, and 316.

The first end section 304 and the second end section 306 have ends that are adapted to rest on the tray edges of the side walls of a paint tray. The distance between the first end section 304 and the second end section 306 is roughly about the width of the paint tray. The first, second and third legs 312, 314 and 316 have a lower portion that is adapted to engage the flanged tray edge of an upright end wall of a paint tray.

FIG. 6 illustrates generally, a paint tray assembly 400 hav, ing a paint utensil holder 402 and a paint tray 404. Paint tray 404 is of a conventional type, having a front wall 406, an upright end wall 408, two opposing side walls 410 and 412 and a paint reservoir 414 adjacent to end wall 408. Paint reservoir 414 has a base member 416 that extends from the upright end wall 408 to the front wall 406. A portion of the base member 416 of the paint reservoir 414 inclines as it extends to the front wall 406. Along the top of the walls of paint tray 404, there is a tray edge 418.

The paint utensil holder 402, includes an elongated platform 420, that is generally positioned between the two side walls 410 and 412 of paint tray 404. The elongated platform 420 has a first platform end 422, a second platform end 424 and an intermediate section 426, located between the first and second platform ends. Connected to the intermediate section 426 is a utensil handle support member 428. Preferably, a portion of the utensil handle support member is arced, which adequately and conveniently holds the handle of a paint utensil, such as a paint brush or paint roller. The elongated platform 420 also has a first leg 430 connected to the first platform end 422 and a second leg 432 connected to the second platform end 424. The lower ends of the first and second legs 430 and 432 are adapted to engage paint tray edge 418.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, when the first and second legs 430 and 432 are positioned on tray edge 418, the elongated platform 420 is suspended above paint reservoir 414. The elongated platform 420 has an open framework structure. The open framework structure allows excess paint from a paint utensil, such as, a paint roller, paint brush, paint wheel or sponge to drain into the paint reservoir 414, when the utensil is positioned on the elongated platform 420 of paint utensil holder 402.

Fig. 7 illustrates the paint tray assembly 400 in an alternate view. The paint utensil holder 402 is positioned on paint tray 404. The paint utensil holder 402 may be releasably secured to the paint tray using conventional fasteners such as nuts and bolts placed through the lower ends of the legs and attaching to the edges of the paint tray. The paint tray holder 402 may also be permanently secured to the paint tray 404 by gluing, welding or integrally molding the lower ends of the legs to the walls of the paint tray. As can be seen, the paint reservoir 414 is easily accessible using a paint roller or paint brush.

Fig. 8 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of paint utensil holder 402. First and second utensil receptacles 434 and 436 are connected to each side of the utensil handle support member 428. As shown, the first and second utensil receptacles 434 and 436 are preferably integrally molded to the utensil handle support member 428 and the intermediate section 426 of elongated platform member 420. The utensil receptacles may take many different forms such as wire mesh, metal or plastic grating and may be shaped to accommodate a desired utensil. Preferably the utensil receptacles are fashioned with holes or apertures that allow the excess paint from a paint utensil placed in the utensil receptacle to drain into the paint reservoir of a paint tray.

The foregoing is a description of several practical embodiments of the present invention. Numerous changes and variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.