Apparatus for covering a paint tray

Abstract

An apparatus for a paint tray cover according to various aspects of the present invention comprise a covering surface that is configured to be positioned over a paint tray to reduce the rate at which any paint contained within a paint tray reservoir dehydrates. The paint tray cover may be configured with one or more conforming sections adapted to receive an object such as a paint application device located within the paint tray.

1 . A cover for a paint tray having a paint well, an inclined surface adjacent to the paint well, and four side walls, comprising:
 a substantially flat covering surface configured to engage an upper surface of the four side walls;   a conforming section extending upwardly from a top side of the covering surface, wherein the conforming section is configured to accommodate a paint roller sleeve positioned on the inclined surface of the paint tray when the covering surface is engaging the upper surface of the four side walls; and   a notch disposed along an end portion of the covering surface proximate to the conforming section, wherein the notch is configured to allow a portion of a paint roller frame member to pass through the covering surface and allow a handle portion of the paint roller to extend outward from the covering surface when the covering surface is engaging the upper surface of the four side walls.   
     
     
         2 . A paint tray cover according to  claim 1 , wherein the conforming section is oriented substantially perpendicular to a centerline ext riding between the inclined surface and the paint well of the paint tray. 
     
     
         3 . A paint tray cover according to  claim 1 , wherein the conforming section comprises a substantially concave protrusion extending outward from the top side of the covering surface. 
     
     
         4 . A paint tray cover according to  claim 1 , further comprising a securing element disposed along the end portion of the covering surface, wherein the securing element is configured to extend below the upper surface of at least one of the four side walls. 
     
     
         5 . A paint tray cover according to  claim 4 , wherein the securing element extends downward from a bottom side of the covering surface. 
     
     
         6 . A paint tray cover according to  claim 4 , wherein the securing element comprises at least a portion of the notch. 
     
     
         7 . A paint tray cover according to  claim 1 , wherein the notch is configured to prevent the handle portion of the paint roller from passing through when the covering surface is engaging the upper surface of the four side walls and the frame member is positioned within the notch.