Brush cover and method

Abstract

A brush cover is provided with a retention mechanism for releasably securing a brush having a bristle portion on a distal end and an interconnected elongate handle proximal to the bristle portion. The brush cover includes an elongate sleeve having an outer surface, an inner surface, an open proximal end and an open distal end for receiving and withdrawing the brush relative to the elongated sleeve. The elongate sleeve of the brush cover also includes a retention mechanism. The retention mechanism is attached to the inner surface of the elongate sleeve and positioned within the elongate sleeve to intermittently contact an area of the elongate handle. The intermittent contact between the handle of the brush and the retention mechanism allows for the brush to be releasably secured within the elongate sleeve. The bristle portion of the brush is covered by the distal end of the elongate sleeve.

1 . A brush cover for use with a brush, said brush including a bristle portion on a distal end of the brush and an elongate handle proximal to said bristle portion, said brush cover comprising:
 an elongate sleeve defined by an inner and outer surface, an open proximal end and an open distal end;   the open distal end being sized and configured to receive the elongate handle of the brush within the elongate sleeve; and   a retention mechanism attached to the inner surface of the elongate sleeve to intermittently contact an area of the elongate handle of the brush to releasably secure the brush within the sleeve at a position within the sleeve wherein the bristle portion is received within the distal end of the sleeve, and wherein at least a portion of the elongate handle extends through the open proximal end of said sleeve.   
   
   
       2 . The brush cover of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate sleeve is formed of a rigid material. 
   
   
       3 . The brush cover of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate sleeve has a circular cross-section. 
   
   
       4 . The brush cover of  claim 3 , wherein said sleeve has a distal region having a continuous circular cross section; 
   
   
       5 . The brush cover of  claim 3 , wherein said sleeve has a tapered proximal region having a decreasing circular cross section from said distal region to said proximal end. 
   
   
       6 . The brush cover of  claim 5  wherein said retention mechanism is positioned within said tapered proximal region. 
   
   
       7 . The brush cover of  claim 1  wherein the retention mechanism comprises at least one flexible member positioned against said sleeve inner surface. 
   
   
       8 . The brush cover of  claim 1  wherein the retention mechanism generates friction with the elongate handle of the brush at a plurality of non-continuous contact points. 
   
   
       9 . The brush cover of  claim 1  wherein the retention mechanism comprises at least two flexible members positioned axially against the sleeve inner surface to frictionally engage the brush handle when inserted into said sleeve. 
   
   
       10 . the brush cover of  claim 9  wherein the retention mechanism is positioned within the tapered proximal region. 
   
   
       11 . A method for covering a brush with a brush cover, said brush including a bristle portion on a distal end of the brush and an elongate handle proximal to said bristle portion, said method comprising:
 inserting the elongate handle of said brush into an open distal end of an elongate sleeve, said elongate sleeve defined by an inner and outer surface, an open proximal end and an open distal end;   passing the proximal end of the elongate handle through the open proximal end of said sleeve;   frictionally retaining the brush handle with a retention mechanism attached to the inner surface of the elongate sleeve at a position within the sleeve wherein the bristle portion is received within the distal end of the sleeve, and wherein at least a portion of the elongate handle extends through the open proximal end of said sleeve.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the retention mechanism is attached to the inner surface of the elongate sleeve at a tapered portion of said sleeve.