Paint brush storage and protection device

Abstract

A paint brush storage and protection device includes an open well having an upstanding wall ending in an upper wall, the upper wall being continuous from one side of an opening to another; a top with an open channel extending around the perimeter of the top except at and end of an extension area; a hinge connecting the open well to the top; a seal located in the opening; first and second latching mechanisms associated with the open well and top; and a magnet. A paint brush may be placed within the well and the top closed by deflection of the hinge so the upper wall forms a generally airtight connection with the open channel and the seal closes the opening to secure and protect the paint brush while the magnet holds the paint brush in a fixed position relative to the device.

1 . A paint brush storage and protection device comprising:
 a base having an exterior upstanding wall ending in a shoulder, the exterior wall being discontinuous in an open stem area;   a top surrounded by a U-shaped channel, the U-shaped channel being discontinuous in said open stem area;   a living hinge connecting said base and said top;   a first latching mechanism comprising a cantilevered tab extending from said U-shaped channel of said top, said cantilevered tab including a hook adapted to engage said shoulder of said base when said paint brush storage and protection device is closed;   a second latching mechanism comprising a pair of cantilevered tabs extending from said U-shaped channel of said top, said pair of cantilevered tabs each including a hook adapted to engage said shoulder of said base when said paint brush storage and protection device is closed;   wherein said paint brush storage and protection device may be closed by deflecting said living hinge and fitting said U-shaped channel over said shoulder of said base thereby forming an airtight seal;   said paint brush storage and protection device further comprising a sealing member at said open stem area;   said paint brush storage and protection device further comprising at least one magnet adapted to engage a paint brush stored within the paint brush storage and protection device.   
     
     
         2 . The paint brush storage and protection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said magnet is positioned on said base within said upstanding wall. 
     
     
         3 . The paint brush storage and protection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said magnet is positioned on an exterior surface of said paint brush storage and protection device. 
     
     
         4 . The paint brush storage and protection device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a second magnet adapted to secure said device to a metal object. 
     
     
         5 . A paint brush storage and protection device comprising:
 an open well having an upstanding wall ending in an upper wall, the upstanding wall being continuous from one side of an opening to another;   a top with an open channel, the open channel extending around the perimeter of the top except at and end of an extension area;   a hinge connecting the open well to the top;   a seal located in the opening;   a first latching mechanism associated with the open well and top opposite the hinge;   a second latching mechanism associated with the open well and top in the area of the opening;   and a magnet;   wherein a paint brush having a metal ferrule may be placed within the well and the top may be closed over the well by deflection of the hinge such that the upper wall forms a generally airtight connection with the open channel and the seal closes the opening to secure and protect a paint brush, the first and second latching mechanisms serving to secure the top to the open well, and the magnet serving to secure the metal ferrule of the paintbrush in a fixed position relative to the paint brush storage and protection device.   
     
     
         6 . The paint brush storage and protection device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said magnet is positioned on an interior surface of said paint brush storage and protection device. 
     
     
         7 . The paint brush storage and protection device as claimed in  claim 5 , further comprising a second magnet adapted to secure said paint brush storage and protection device to a metal object. 
     
     
         8 . The paint brush storage and protection device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said second magnet is attached to the exterior of said paint brush storage and protection device. 
     
     
         9 . The paint brush storage and protection device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said device is generally translucent. 
     
     
         10 . The paint brush storage and protection device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said second latching mechanism comprises a pair of cantilevered tabs extending from said open channel of said top, said pair of tabs each including a hook adapted to engage said upstanding wall upper end when said paint brush storage and protection device is closed. 
     
     
         11 . The paint brush storage and protection device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said first latching mechanism comprises a cantilevered tab extending from said open channel of said top, said cantilevered tab including a hook adapted to engage said upstanding wall upper end when said paint brush storage and protection device is closed. 
     
     
         12 . The paint brush storage and protection device of  claim 11 , wherein said seal is open cell foam. 
     
     
         13 . A method of protecting and storing a paint brush with a metal ferrule in a paint brush storage and protection device having a base forming a well; a top; first, second, and third locking mechanisms to secure the top against the base in an airtight manner; an open stem area with a seal; and a magnet, said method comprising:
 placing a paint brush in the well of the base of the paint brush storage and protection device such that the metal ferrule of the paint brush is adjacent to the magnet;   closing the top of the paint brush storage and protection device to enclose at least the bristles of the brush;   securing the first locking mechanism;   securing the second locking mechanism;   securing the third locking mechanism;   whereby said steps of closing and securing deform the seal around the stem of the paint brush.   
     
     
         14 . The method of protecting and storing a paint brush as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the paint brush storage and protection device further comprises a second magnet adapted to secure said paint brush storage and protection device to a metal object.