Applicator device for paint and surface coatings

Abstract

An applicator device (10) is provided for applying surface coatings (32) such as paint or lacquer to a surface (34). The preferred embodiment is a glove (12) where the palm side (28) of the palm portion (16), the thumb (18) and the fingers (20, 22, 24 and 26) are provided with a layer of painters foam (36). The foam (36) absorbs paint or other coating liquid (32) and retains it until ready to deliver to the surface (34).

Description

[0001] The following claims priority from a U.S. provisional patent application 60 / 538,872, filed 22 Jan. 2004 to the same inventor.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates generally to applicators and more specifically to hand held devices adapted for the application of paint, lacquers and other liquid coatings to a variety of surfaces. BACKGROUND ART [0003] Many different versions of applicators have been devised to apply paint and other coatings to various surfaces. Most commonly used are brushes of various sizes, textures and materials. However, other methods, such as sprayers, rollers and other devices have been utilized in attempts to efficiently and quickly apply paint, stains, lacquers and the like to various types of surface. [0004] Some surfaces, such as wrought iron fences and chair legs, pose particular problems. The irregular surfaces and gaps frustrate most attempts to coat these. Sprays are quick and provide even coverage, but waste the great majority of t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] An advantage of the present invention is that the applicator glove permits rapid and precise application of coatings to irregular surfaces.

[0013] Another advantage of the present invention is that the poly foam material retains the coating liquid without dripping or splattering until applied by hand pressure to the desired surface.

[0014] A further advantage of the invention is that the painters glove retains about twenty times the volume of coating liquid than a typical brush, thus cutting time and effort.

[0015] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the applicator glove is very flexible and can be manipulated precisely to apply painted figures such as straight lines and to quickly coat precise features such as door frames.

[0016] A further advantage of the present invention is that the applicator gloves can be very inexpensively manufactured so that they may be used disposably, thus eliminating clean-up time and effort.

Problems solved by technology

Some surfaces, such as wrought iron fences and chair legs, pose particular problems.

The irregular surfaces and gaps frustrate most attempts to coat these.

Sprays are quick and provide even coverage, but waste the great majority of the paint.

Rollers and brushes are slow and often leave gaps.

Sheepskin mittens are messy and require substantial cleaning.

Nothing available works well for these applications.

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