Small Innovations Can Make a Big Impact
Kristin Johansson, Chief Editor, PCI
I had an interesting conversation recently with a DIY painter and inventor from California regarding his new invention. On December 17, 2024, Jason McLoud was issued Patent No. U.S. 12,168,548 B2 for a new tool called CanPal, a crescent-shaped, ergonomic grip that snaps onto a paint can’s existing wire handle. Additionally, the CanPal can be detached from the wire handle to be used as an ever-ready can opener. By improving control and reducing hand fatigue, the CanPal helps prevent spills at the store counter, in transit and on job sites.
The idea for this tool came to McLoud after his wife accidentally spilled an entire gallon of paint inside a big-box store. While attempting to place the can on a shelf to give her hand a rest and re-position her grip on the wire bale handle (we’ve all been there), she accidentally lost control and created a mess in the aisle. The store’s associate told them, “Don't worry, it happens more than you think ... I'll clean it up.”
McLoud told me, “Retailers already invest heavily in loss prevention, yet paint spills remain an unfortunate cost of doing business. Likewise, manufacturers innovate with low-VOC formulas, better coverage and advanced finishes, but leave one of the biggest customer experience pain points — handling the actual product from store to job site — unaddressed.”
Paint spills can impact the entire value chain. According to McLoud, the costs extend far beyond a single gallon lost:
- Retailers Lose Millions in Wasted Product — At an average of $50 per gallon, spilled paint across thousands of stores adds up to millions in lost revenue annually.
- Operational Downtime Hurts Sales — Cleaning up a spill takes an associate 30 minutes or more, during which aisles may be closed and customers inconvenienced.
- Legal & EH&S Risks are Growing — Wet paint on smooth store floors creates a high-risk slip-and-fall hazard, exposing retailers to lawsuits and rising insurance costs.
- Manufacturers are Affected Too — Paint manufacturing brands take losses on returned, spilled or unusable paint, while also facing brand perception challenges when customers struggle with handling their product.
For retailers, this simple tool offers fewer spills, reduced aisle closures, and lower EH&S and legal risk exposure. Benefits to coatings manufacturers include a better customer handling experience, fewer product returns due to damage and a branding opportunity with retail partners.
I have had a few interesting conversations in recent years regarding new patents. We have even received a suggestion to regularly publish a list of the latest coatings-related patents on our website or in the magazine. I’m curious if this information would be interesting or helpful to our readers. Please message me at the link above with your input, or if you are interested in learning more about Jason McLoud’s patent (I can put you in contact with him). And keep an eye out for the CanPal when you purchase paint in the future!