Paint roller sleeve storage container

Abstract

A storage container for a paint roller sleeve which includes a flexible, resilient tubular housing and a cap which can be snap-fitted thereon for removably storing the sleeve therein. Sealed on one end, the housing defines a reservoir for holding excess paint. Distal from the sealed end, the housing terminates in a built-in funnel for ease of insertion of the sleeve. The sides of the tubular housing include at least one section that is easily collapsible inwardly and can be pressed against the stored sleeve when the user grasps the housing. This collapsible section in the sidewalls of the housing has teeth-like projections, which allow the user to engage and hold the sleeve in such a way that it can be pulled free from the roller without hand contact. When a painter is taking a break or through for the day, he can place the sleeve in the housing and close the cap. He can then come back and finish the work the following hour, day or year without any need to clean the sleeve. A sandblasted area on the exterior wall of the housing can be used to indicate the color and type of paint.

1 . A storage container for paint roller sleeve, comprising:
 (a) a flexible, resilient tubular housing for removably storing the sleeve therewithin;   (b) the tubular housing including a centrally disposed chamber and a sealed end which defines a reservoir for holding excess paint;   distal from the sealed end, the housing terminating in an enlarged funnel-like opening for facilitating insertion of the sleeve into the chamber; and   (c) a sealing cap removably attachable to the housing proximate with the opening.   
     
     
         2 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , wherein the tubular housing further comprises a plastic hinge-type collapsible section which, when grasped, can be bent inwardly in such a way that portions of the section press against the stored sleeve so that the sleeve can be held and pulled off its roller. 
     
     
         3 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , which further comprises a strap, distal ends of the strap being affixed to the cap and to the housing, respectively. 
     
     
         4 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , which further comprises a strap, distal ends of the strap being affixed to the cap and to the housing, respectively; the strap defining a loop with which the storage container can be suspended. 
     
     
         5 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , wherein the tubular housing is further characterized as having a sidewall which includes a sandblasted portion for identification purposes. 
     
     
         6 . A storage container for a paint roller sleeve, comprising:
 (a) a flexible, resilient tubular housing for removably storing the sleeve therewithin;   (b) the tubular housing surrounding a centrally disposed chamber and having a sealed end which defines a reservoir for holding excess paint;   distal from the sealed end, the housing terminating in an enlarged funnel-like opening for facilitating insertion of the sleeve into the chamber; and   (c) the tubular housing further comprising plastic hinge-type collapsible section which when grasped firmly, bends inwardly in such a way that portions of the section press against the stored sleeve, so that the sleeve can be held and pulled off its roller,   (d) a sealing cap removably attachable to the housing proximate with the opening.   
     
     
         7 . A storage container according to  claim 6 , which further comprises means. Including for centering the sleeve within the tubular housing so that the sleeve regardless the thickness of its nap, is prevented from rattling around in the tubular housing. 
     
     
         8 . The storage container according to  claim 7 , wherein the longitudinal rib is further characterized as being rounded off proximate with his opening in the tubular housing, so that the sleeve can be easily guided into the tubular housing.