Paint bucket and ergonomic holder

Abstract

The present invention includes a paint bucket preferably formed of a flexible material and having a set of rigid support arms extending opposite each other along the perimeter of the paint bucket. An ergonomic handle is provided for supporting the paint bucket. The ergonomic handle is preferably formed of a semi-circular, or horse shoe base, for surrounding a portion of the perimeter of the paint bucket. Slots are provided on either end of the base for receiving the rigid support arms provided along the outer perimeter of the flexible bucket. The bucket is easily removable and replaceable within the semi-circular base as desired by the user when using several different paint colors or when the bucket is empty. A support member extends outwardly from the base opposite the slots. The support member may include a gripper handle provided for swiveling the bucket into a usable position and maintaining that position by the user. A strap is provided with the support member for securing the support member along the forearm of the user.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An ergonomic brace for supporting a paint bucket comprising: 
 A rigid base member extending about the perimeter of said paint bucket;    A rigid support member fixedly attached to said rigid base member; and    An adjustable band for removably securing said paint bucket to said rigid base member opposite said rigid support member.    
     
     
         2 . The ergonomic brace of  claim 1 , further comprising a strap attachable to said support member for securing said support member to a user.  
     
     
         3 . The ergonomic brace of  claim 1 , wherein said paint bucket is rotatably secured to said support arms by said adjustable band and is able to swivel about said support arms within said rigid base member.  
     
     
         4 . The ergonomic brace of  claim 1 , wherein said adjustable band is removable and replaceable within said rigid base member.  
     
     
         5 . The ergonomic brace of  claim 1 , wherein said paint bucket and said adjustable band are disposable.  
     
     
         6 . The ergonomic brace of  claim 1 , wherein said paint bucket and said adjustable band are made of flexible material.  
     
     
         7 . A handle for use with a bucket, the handle assembly comprising: 
 An adjustable band having a set of opposing rigid support arms about the outer perimeter of said band, said band removably secured to a bucket;    A rigid base member extending from one end of said handle extending around said band and supporting said band by said rigid support arms within said handle;    A support member extending from the opposite end of said handle; and    A strap attachable to said support member for securing said support member to a user.    
     
     
         8 . The handle assembly of  claim 7 , wherein a bucket is removable and replaceable from said adjustable band and said rigid base member.  
     
     
         9 . The handle assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said bucket is rotatably secured to said rigid base member by said band and is able to swivel about said support arms of said band within said rigid base member.  
     
     
         10 . The handle assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said band and bucket are disposable.  
     
     
         11 . The handle of  claim 7 , wherein said support member is removably attachable to a user by said strap and supports said handle assembly ergonomically about a user's arm for hands-free support of a bucket within said rigid base member.