Retaining assembly for a hollow tubular decorative roll and a decorative roll assembly

Abstract

A holding assembly (10) for a hollow tubular decorative roll (202) and a decorative roll assembly including the holding assembly, the holding assembly including a fixed mounting member (12) that is securable to a roll stand (26) in use. The fixed mounting member (12) includes a first main support structure (16) and a first holding structure (18) extending radially beyond the first main support structure (16). The holding assembly (10) further includes a separable mounting member (14) that is selectively couplable with the fixed mounting member (12). The separable mounting member (14) includes a second main support structure (20) and a second holding structure (22) extending radially beyond the second main support structure (20). The first and second main support structures (16, 20) receive respective end portions (204a, 204b) of the hollow tubular decorative roll (202) in use. The first and second holding structures (18, 22) cooperate with one another while the separable mounting member (14) is coupled with the fixed mounting member (12) to hold the hollow tubular decorative roll (202) therebetween in use.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding assembly for a hollow tubular decorator roller and a decorator roller assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to use a hollow tubular decorator roller to apply paint to a surface, such as a wall. Typically, the hollow tubular decorator roller is rotatably fixed to a roller stand to allow the hollow tubular decorator roller to be used to apply paint. SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a holding assembly for a hollow tubular decorator roller comprising:

[0004] a fixed mounting member which is fixable to a roller stand in use and comprises a first main support formation and a first holding formation extending radially beyond the first main support formation; and

[0005] a separable mounting member which is selectively couplable with the fixed mounting member, the separable mounting member comprising a second main support formation and a second holding formation extending radially beyond the second main support formation,

[0006] the first and second main support formations being received by respective end portions of the hollow tubular decorator roller in use, the first and second holding formations cooperating with one another whilst the separable mounting member is coupled with the fixed mounting member to hold the hollow tubular decorator roller therebetween in use

[0007] wherein each of the first and second main support formations comprises a respective inter-engageable attachment formation, one of the inter-engageable attachment formations being a receivable attachment formation and the other of the inter-engageable attachment formations being an insertable attachment formation, the receivable attachment formation comprising an opening and the insertable attachment formation comprising an insertion portion for insertion into the opening of the receivable attachment formation,

[0008] the insertable attachment formation further comprising a locking member configured to cooperate with the receivable attachment formation when the insertion portion is inserted into the opening to couple the receivable and insertable attachment formations with one another, wherein the locking member comprises first and second locking member portions which protrude from the insertable attachment formation and are spaced apart from one another to position a portion of the receivable attachment formation therebetween.

[0009] The provision of each of the first and second retaining structures extending radially beyond the respective first or second main support structure provides a means of retaining the hollow tubular decorative roll between the separable mounting member and the fixed mounting member. Thus, the risk of the hollow tubular decorative roll disengaging from the fixed mounting member and the separable mounting member during painting is greatly reduced. At the same time, selectively coupling the separable mounting member with the fixed mounting member allows the hollow tubular decorative roll to be easily replaced, for example for maintenance or cleaning purposes.

[0010] The provision of the first and second locking member portions as defined above allows the receivable attachment structure and the insertable attachment structure to be coupled with one another, not only preventing the attachment structures from disengaging from one another, but also preventing vibrational, i.e. bending and / or twisting, movement of the fixed mounting member and the separable mounting member relative to one another when the assembly is in use. Otherwise, such movement can result in the fixed mounting member and the separable mounting member inadvertently disengaging from one another.

[0011] Thus, the retaining assembly is able to retain the hollow tubular decorative roll in a desired position during painting, whilst allowing the hollow tubular decorative roll to be easily removed from the retaining assembly as required.

[0012] Optionally, the first and second locking member portions each take the form of a barb portion, each barb portion having a tapered end and a non-tapered end.

[0013] This arrangement reliably prevents disengagement of the mutually engageable attachment structures. The barb portions are also less likely to dislodge as a result of relative rotational movement of the separable mounting member and the fixed mounting member, for example as can occur when painting, and so the mutually engageable attachment structures are less likely to inadvertently disengage from one another.

[0014] The non-tapered ends of each barb portion are preferably facing one another.

[0015] This arrangement means that the high end of each barb portion, for example the end which protrudes the most from the insert portion, forms a side of the gap created by the barb portions being spaced apart from one another. Thus, the portion of the receivable attachment structure which is located between the barb portions is locked between the sides defined by the high ends of the barb portions.

[0016] In preferred embodiments of the application, the first and second locking portions are located either side of the opening of the receivable attachment structure.

[0017] Thus, the existing portion of the receivable attachment structure is used to locate between the locking member portions in order to retain the component in place.

[0018] Optionally, at least one of the mutually engageable attachment structures is or comprises an elastically deformable attachment structure.

[0019] Providing elastically deformable attachment structures allows the mutually engageable attachment structures to be easily attached and detached while maintaining a secure and robust attachment function.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the receivable attachment structure includes first and second slots formed on an outer surface of the corresponding mutually engageable attachment structure, and further includes first and second detent portions formed within the receivable attachment structure, and

[0021] wherein the insertable attachment structure includes first and second elastically deformable attachment legs, each attachment leg having first and second locking member portions spaced apart from one another, the first and second attachment legs being configured to deform toward one another in use to selectively allow the legs to enter and exit the respective slots, and wherein the first and second locking member portions of each first and second attachment leg are configured to position the corresponding detent portions between the first and second locking member portions to resist separation of the mutually engageable attachment structures.

[0022] One of the mutually engageable attachment structures can be elongate so as to extend along a length of the hollow tubular decorative roll in use.

[0023] One of the mutually engageable attachment structures being elongate facilitates attachment of the mutually engageable attachment structures to one another as the mutually engageable attachment structures received by the hollow tubular decorative roll are visible at one end of the roll.

[0024] At least one of the first and second retention structures can include a plurality of discrete protruding portions.

[0025] The plurality of discrete protruding portions provides a means for retaining the hollow tubular decorative roll between the separable mounting member and the fixed mounting member while reducing the weight and material cost of the retention assembly.

[0026] Preferably, at least one of the first retention structure and the second retention structure includes a single protruding portion extending completely around the respective primary support structure.

[0027] This arrangement provides the retention function of the first and / or second retention structures while also simplifying the manufacture of the retention assembly.

[0028] Optionally, the fixed mounting member includes a roll stand fixedly secured thereto.

[0029] The fixed mounting member can be rotatably secured to the roll stand. Further, the separable mounting member can rotatably receive the roll stand such that the separable mounting member is also rotatably secured to the roll stand when the separable mounting member is coupled to the fixed mounting member.

[0030] This arrangement allows the hollow tubular decorative roll to be in rotational motion relative to the roll stand in use.

[0031] The separable mounting member can comprise a guide portion to guide positioning of the roller cage relative to the separable mounting member.

[0032] Inclusion of such a guide portion facilitates positioning of the separable mounting member relative to the roller cage. For example, the guide portion can help to centre a portion of the roller cage within the separable mounting member. This is particularly useful when the separable mounting member has been received by a hollow tubular decorative roller such that the second primary support structure is at least partially obscured from view.

[0033] At least one of the fixed mounting member and the separable mounting member can comprise a secondary support structure to support, in use, the interior of the hollow tubular decorative roller.

[0034] Such a secondary support structure abuts, in use, the inner surface of the hollow tubular decorative roller to help prevent deformation of the hollow tubular decorative roller during use, thereby providing better painting performance.

[0035] The secondary support structure can extend along the length of the hollow tubular decorative roller to prevent deformation along its entire length.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a decorative roller assembly comprising:

[0037] a retaining assembly as described above; and

[0038] a hollow tubular decorative roller receiving, within each of its end portions, a respective first or second primary support structure of the retaining assembly.

[0039] The decorative roller assembly has the advantages described above in relation to the retaining assembly of the first aspect of the present application.

[0040] Optionally, each of the first and second retaining structures extends radially beyond the internal cavity of the hollow tubular decorative roller.

[0041] Such an arrangement holds the hollow tubular decorative roller in place relative to the retaining assembly, thus reducing the risk of the hollow tubular decorative roller exiting the retaining assembly during painting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] A preferred embodiment of the present application will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0043] Figure 1 a retaining assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0044] Figure 2 a fixed mounting member forming part of the retaining assembly is shown; Figure 1 a separable mounting member forming part of the retaining assembly is shown;

[0045] Figure 3a a decorative roller assembly according to a second embodiment of the present application is shown;Figure 1 Interengageable attachment structure of a portion of the retaining assembly shown in

[0046] Figure 3b A portion of the retaining assembly shown in Figure 1 Separable mounting member of a portion of the retaining assembly shown in

[0047] Figure 4 A portion of the retaining assembly shown in Figure 1 Another view of the retaining assembly shown in

[0048] Figure 5 A second separable mounting member forming a portion of the retaining assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

[0049] Figure 6 A decorative roller assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In Figure 1 A retaining assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in

[0051] The retaining assembly 10 includes a fixed mounting member 12 and a separable mounting member 14.

[0052] The fixed mounting member 12 has a first main support structure 16 and a first retaining structure 18 extending radially beyond the first main support structure 16.

[0053] The separable mounting member 14 is selectively connectable with the fixed mounting member 12, and it has a second main support structure 20 and a second retaining structure 22 extending radially beyond the second main support structure 20.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second retaining structures 18, 22 is a single protruding portion 24 that extends completely around its corresponding main support structure 16, 20. Each single protruding portion 24 is integrally formed with its corresponding main support structure 16, 20. In other embodiments of the invention, the single protruding portion 24 can instead extend only partially around its corresponding main support structure 16, 20. The single protruding portion 24 can also be formed separately from but fixed to its corresponding main support structure 16, 20.

[0055] In other embodiments of the invention (not shown), one or both of the first and second retaining structures 18, 22 can be formed from a plurality of discrete protruding portions. In further embodiments of the invention (not shown), one of the first or second retaining structures 18, 22 can be formed from a plurality of discrete protruding portions, while the other of the first or second retaining structures 18, 22 can be formed from a single protruding portion 24.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1 the fixed mounting member 12 is fixedly secured to the roller frame 26.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the roller frame 26 is formed from a single length of round bar 28. The roller frame 26 includes a mounting portion 30, a handle portion 32, and a connecting portion 34 between the mounting portion 30 and the handle portion 32.

[0058] The mounting portion 30 includes an abutment structure 36 against which the fixed mounting member 12 abuts to prevent the fixed mounting member 12 from moving along the mounting portion 30 of the roller frame 26.

[0059] Figure 2 The abutment structure 36 is shown in more detail. In this embodiment, the abutment structure 36 is a crimp 38 that is inserted through the wire 28 of the roller frame 26. The abutment structure 36 can take another form, such as a welded metal dot. The fixed mounting member 12 abuts the crimp 38 through a washer 40 between the crimp 38 and the fixed mounting member 12. In other embodiments of the present application (not shown), the washer 40 can be omitted so that the fixed mounting member 12 directly abuts the crimp 38.

[0060] The fixed mounting member 12 includes a hole 42 that rotatably receives the rod 28 of the mounting portion 30 of the roller frame 26 so that the fixed mounting member 12 is rotatable relative to the roller frame 26. The separable mounting member 14 also includes a hole 43 to rotatably receive the rod 28 of the mounting portion 30 of the roller frame 26 so that the separable mounting member 14 is similarly rotatable relative to the roller frame 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the hole 43 of the separable mounting member 14 extends completely therethrough. The hole 43 can instead extend through a portion of the mounting member 14 so that a cap (not shown) is formed at one end of the separable mounting member 14. In such another embodiment, the cap can abut an end of the rod 28 received in the hole 43.

[0061] The fixed mounting member 12 and / or the separable mounting member 14 can include a bearing assembly to assist in the rotation of the fixed and / or separable mounting member 12, 14 relative to the roller frame 26.

[0062] In other embodiments of the present application (not shown), the first and second retaining structures 18, 22 can be fixed to the mounting portion 30 of the roller frame 26, and the first and second main support structures 16, 20 can be rotatable relative to the respective first or second retaining structures 18, 22.

[0063] Returning to Figure 1 , the handle portion 32 of the roller frame 26 extends substantially perpendicular to the mounting portion 30 of the roller frame 26 and is spaced from the mounting portion 30 by the connecting portion 34.

[0064] Furthermore, the handle portion 32 extends substantially opposite from the midpoint of the mounting portion 30. In other embodiments of the present application (not shown), the handle portion 32 can instead extend opposite from a point offset from the midpoint of the mounting portion 30.

[0065] The handle portion 32 includes a handle 44 secured thereto. The handle 44 can be secured to the handle portion 32 by, for example, a friction fit and / or by an adhesive. In this embodiment, the handle 44 includes an aperture 46 to receive an extension pole or other accessory in use.

[0066] Each of the first and second main support structures 16, 20 includes a respective inter-engageable attachment structure 48, 50. As Figure 3a shown, the first main support structure 16 includes a receivable attachment structure 48 that receives an insertable attachment structure 50 of the second main support structure 20.

[0067] Furthermore, when the receivable attachment structure 48 receives the insertable attachment structure 50, the insertable attachment structure 50 is entirely located within the first main support structure 16. In this way, the insertable attachment structure 50 does not protrude beyond the extent of the first main support structure 16 when the fixed and separable mounting members 12, 14 are coupled to one another.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present application shown in Figure 3a the receivable attachment structure 48 includes first and second slots 52a, 52b formed within a face 54 of the first main support structure 16. The slots 52a, 52b are parallel to one another on opposite sides of the aperture 42 of the mounting portion 30 that accommodates the roller stand 26.

[0069] The receivable attachment structure 48 further includes first and second stop portions 56a, 56b. The first and second stop portions 56a, 56b are formed by respective interior corners of each of the first and second slots 52a, 52b.

[0070] Meanwhile, the insertable attachment structure 50 includes an attachment body 58 and first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b extending laterally from the attachment body 58.

[0071] As Figure 3b shown, each of the first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b is elastically deformable and each includes a respective pair of barb portions 62a, 62b spaced apart from one another to form a gap 63 therebetween. When the receivable attachment structure 48 fully receives the insertable attachment structure, the first and second pairs of barb portions 62a, 62b cooperate with the corresponding first or second stop portions 56a, 56b to resist separation of the insertable attachment structure 50 from the receivable attachment structure 48.

[0072] In particular, the first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b are deformed toward one another to allow each of the legs 60a, 60b to enter one of the slots 52a, 52b, and to allow the stop portions 56a, 56b to be positioned in the gap 63 formed between the respective pair of barb portions 62a, 62b.

[0073] In other embodiments of the application, it can be a portion of the receivable attachment structure 48 other than the stop portions 56a, 56b that is positioned between the barb portions 62a, 62b. For example, there can be another protruding portion formed on the inner surface of the receivable attachment structure 48 that is positioned in the gap 63 formed between the pair of barb portions 62a, 62b.

[0074] In Figure 3b An example of the insertable attachment structure 50 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. Each barb portion 62a, 62b includes a tapered end 65a and a non-tapered end 65b. The non-tapered end 65b is the end that extends the most from the attachment body 58, i.e., the highest portion of the barb portion 62a, 62b. The non-tapered end 65b slopes downwardly toward the tapered end 65a. The barb portions 62a, 62b are positioned such that the non-tapered ends 65b face one another. Thus, a gap 63 is created between the non-tapered ends 65a, 65b, with the non-tapered ends 65a, 65b defining the walls of the gap 63.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the non-tapered end 65b of each barb portion 62a, 62b extends vertically from the attachment body 58 to form a straight edge (and thus the walls of the gap 63 have straight edges). In other embodiments, the non-tapered end 65b can extend at an angle to form an angled edge.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the barb portions in each pair of barb portions 62a, 62b are not identical. In particular, the tapered portion 65a of the barb portion 62a, 62b closest to the leg 60a, 60b of the insertable attachment member 50 is longer than the tapered portion 65a of the opposing barb portion 62a, 62b. In other embodiments, the barb portions 62a, 62b in each pair can be identical.

[0077] In other embodiments, the barb portions 62a, 62b positioned distally from the legs 60a, 60b can not include a tapered portion at all.

[0078] The insertable attachment structure 50 includes an elongate connector 64. As Figure 4 shown, the elongate connector 64 connects the second primary support structure 20 to the attachment body 58, and it includes a cavity 66 to rotatably receive the mounting portion 30 of the roller stand 26. The elongate connector 64 may, for example, house a bearing assembly within its aforementioned cavity 66 to facilitate rotation of the separable mounting member 14 relative to the mounting portion 30 of the roller stand 26.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the second primary support structure 20, the elongate connector 64, the attachment body 58, and the first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b are integrally formed with one another. In other embodiments of the present application (not shown), one or more of the above-mentioned features can be formed separately from the others.

[0080] In the foregoing manner, the first primary support structure 16 includes a receivable attachment structure 48 (i.e., the first and second slots 52a, 52b and the corresponding detent portions 56a, 56b), and the second primary support structure 20 includes an insertable attachment structure 50 (i.e., the first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b and the corresponding barb portions 62a, 62b), the receivable attachment structure 48 selectively receiving the insertable attachment structure 50 to selectively secure the attachment structures 48, 50 to one another.

[0081] In other embodiments of the present application (not shown), the first primary support structure 16 can instead include the first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b, and the second primary support structure 20 can include the first and second slots 52a, 52b formed on the second primary support structure 20. In yet other embodiments of the present application (not shown), the first primary support structure 16 can include the elongate connector 64 from which the first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b extend.

[0082] As Figure 4 shown, the elongate connector 64 includes two guide portions 68. Each guide portion 68 extends from the cavity 66 at an angle less than 90° relative to the cavity 66. In this embodiment, the guide portions 68 are staggered along the length of the elongate connector 64. In other embodiments of the present application (not shown), the elongate connector 64 can include fewer or more guide portions 68.

[0083] Figure 5 A second separable mounting member 114 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown. The second separable mounting member 114 includes features similar to the first separable mounting member 14 shown in Figure 1 , Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 4 , and like features share like reference numerals. The second separable mounting member 114 differs from the first in that it additionally includes a secondary support structure 116.

[0084] The secondary support structure 116 extends laterally from the second primary support structure 20 and is positioned between the second primary support structure 20 and the attachment body 58 to form an elongate insertable attachment structure 118.

[0085] The secondary support structure 116 includes a plurality of secondary support structure portions 120 that define a secondary support cage 122. The secondary support cage 122 includes two structural support structures 124 that each connect the plurality of secondary support structure portions 120 to one another. The structural support structures 124 are also staggered along the length of the secondary support cage 122. The secondary support cage 122 can include fewer or more than two structural support structures 124.

[0086] The fixed and separable mounting members 12, 14 are made of plastic, such as polypropylene. Meanwhile, the roller stand 26 is made of galvanized steel. The roller stand 26 can alternatively be made of stainless steel or aluminum (e.g., grade 6061). Meanwhile, the grommet 40 is made of nylon. However, other materials can be used for these elements.

[0087] A third embodiment of a decorative roller assembly according to the present application is generally indicated by reference numeral 200 and is shown in Figure 6 FIG. 3.

[0088] The decorative roller assembly 200 includes the retaining assembly 10 described above and shown in Figures 1 to 5 FIG. 1. The decorative roller assembly 200 also includes a hollow tubular decorative roller 202 having first and second ends 204a, 204b. The first end 204a receives the first primary support structure 16, while the second end 204b receives the second primary support structure 20.

[0089] The hollow tubular decorative roller 202 includes a decorative sleeve 206 that extends around a roller barrel 208. The decorative sleeve 206 is made of knitted polyester, although other materials can be possible, such as woven acrylic.

[0090] The roller barrel 208 has an internal cavity 210 within which the first and second primary support structures 16, 20 are received. The first and second retaining structures 18, 22 extend radially beyond the internal cavity 210.

[0091] It should be appreciated that the hollow tubular decorative roller 202 is a standard component. Typically, the hollow tubular decorative roller 202, and more particularly its roller barrel 208, is made in one of three possible diameters, namely 1.5" (approximately 38 mm), 1.75" (approximately 44 mm), and 2.25" (approximately 57 mm). However, other diameters are possible. The hollow tubular decorative roller 202 is also typically 4" (approximately 100 mm) or 9" (approximately 220 mm) long. However, other lengths of the hollow tubular decorative roller 202 are possible, such as 2" (approximately 50 mm), 7" (approximately 180 mm), 10" (approximately 250 mm), or 12" (approximately 305 mm).

[0092] Prior to using the holding assembly 10 of the present application for decorative purposes, the handle portion 32 of the roller mount 26 is inserted into the grommet 40 and the aperture 42 of the fixed mounting member 12. The grommet 40 and the fixed mounting member 12 are then slid along the handle and connecting portions 32, 34 of the roller mount 26 and towards the mounting portion 30 of the roller mount 26.

[0093] The grommet 40 abuts the press 38 and is positioned between the press 38 and the face 54 of the first main support structure 16. The fixed mounting member 12 is positioned between the press 38 and the junction where the connecting portion 34 meets the mounting portion 30 of the roller mount 26.

[0094] The handle portion 32 of the roller mount 26 is then inserted into the aperture 46 of the handle 44 in order to secure the handle 44 to the roller mount 26. An additional step of applying adhesive to the handle 44 can be taken.

[0095] The above steps are typically performed during the manufacture of the holding assembly 10, but they can be performed by a user of the holding assembly 10.

[0096] In preparation for using the holding assembly 10 for decorative purposes, the separable mounting member 14 is separated from the fixed mounting member 12 and inserted into the barrel 208 of the hollow tubular decorative roller 202 such that the second main support structure 20 is defined by the second end 204b of the hollow tubular decorative roller 202. At the same time, the first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b of the insertable attachment structure 50 are positioned within the first end 204a of the hollow tubular decorative roller 202.

[0097] The insertable attachment structure 50 extends along the length of the hollow tubular decorative roller 202. If the second separable mounting member 114 is used instead (i.e. as shown in Figure 5

[0098] The separable mounting member 14 is then secured to the fixed mounting member 12 by the insertable and attachable attachment structures 48, 50 in order to hold the hollow tubular decorative roller 202 between the fixed and separable mounting members 12, 14.

[0099] More particularly, the mounting portion 30 of the roller mount 26 is inserted into the cavity 66 of the elongate connector 64 and the separable mounting member 14 is slid along the mounting portion 30 of the roller mount 26 towards the fixed mounting member 12.

[0100] The guide portion 68 is used to guide the mounting portion 30 along the length of the elongate connector 64 as the separable mounting member 14 is slid along the mounting portion 30 of the roller mount 26, thereby centring the mounting portion 30 of the roller mount 26 within the elongate connector 64.

[0101] ​The first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b are then deformed towards each other so that they enter the corresponding first or second slot 52a, 52b of the receivable attachment structure 48. Once entered, the separable mounting member 14 is further pushed towards the fixed mounting member 12 so that the stop portions 56a, 56b are located in the gap 63 formed between each pair of barb portions 62a, 62b, thereby allowing the first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b to return to their un-deformed, i.e. relaxed, state. In the relaxed state, the non-tapered end portions 65b of each pair of barb portions 62a, 62b abut either side of the respective stop portion 56a, 56b, thereby securing the separable mounting member 14 to the fixed mounting member 12.

[0102] The user is then able to load the decorative sleeve 206 with paint and apply the paint to a surface, such as a wall, by rolling the hollow tubular roller 202 over the surface without removing the hollow tubular roller 202 from the roller stand 26.

[0103] To remove the hollow tubular roller 202 from the roller stand 26, the first and second attachment legs 60a, 60b are again deformed towards each other in order to release the barb portions 62a, 62b from the respective stop portions 56a, 56b. The separable mounting member 14 can then be pulled away from the fixed mounting member 12 along the mounting portion 30 of the roller stand 26.

[0104] The hollow tubular roller 202 can then be removed from the separable mounting member 14 by sliding the hollow tubular roller 202 along the elongate connecting body 64 and away from the second main support structure 20. The hollow tubular roller 202 can then be replaced or cleaned as required.

Claims

1. A retaining assembly for a hollow tubular decorative roller, the retaining assembly comprising: A fixed mounting component, which can be fixed to the roller frame during use, and includes a first main support structure and a first retaining structure extending radially beyond the first main support structure; and A detachable mounting member, selectively connectable to a fixed mounting member, includes a second main support structure and a second retaining structure extending radially beyond the second main support structure. The first and second main support structures are received by corresponding ends of a hollow tubular decorative roller during use. The first and second retaining structures cooperate with each other. Simultaneously, the detachable mounting member is connected to the fixed mounting member to retain the hollow tubular decorative roller between the detachable mounting member and the fixed mounting member during use. Each of the first main support structure and the second main support structure includes a respective interoperable attachment structure, one of which is a receptive attachment structure and the other is an insertable attachment structure. The receptive attachment structure includes an opening, and the insertable attachment structure includes an insertion portion for insertion into the opening of the receptive attachment structure. The insertable attachment structure further includes a locking member configured to cooperate with the receivable attachment structure to connect the receivable attachment structure and the insertable attachment structure to each other when the insertable portion is inserted into the opening. The locking member includes a first locking member portion and a second locking member portion, which protrude from the insertable attachment structure and are spaced apart from each other to position a portion of the receivable attachment structure between the first locking member portion and the second locking member portion. Both the first and second locking member portions are in the form of barbed portions, each barbed portion having a tapered end and a non-tapered end, with the non-tapered ends of each barbed portion facing each other. The first and second barbed portions are located on either side of the opening of the receivable attachment structure.

2. The retaining component according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the said interlocking attachment structures is an elastically deformable attachment structure.

3. The retaining component according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the said interlocking attachment structures includes an elastically deformable attachment structure.

4. The retaining component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, One of the interlocking attachment structures is elongated so that it extends along the length of the hollow tubular decorative roller during use.

5. The retaining component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The receptive attachment structure includes a first groove and a second groove formed on the outer surfaces of the corresponding interlocking attachment structures, and further includes a first stop portion and a second stop portion formed within the receptive attachment structure. The insertable attachment structure includes a resiliently deformable first attachment leg and a second attachment leg, each having a first locking member portion and a second locking member portion spaced apart from each other. The first attachment leg and the second attachment leg are configured to deform toward each other in use to selectively allow the first attachment leg and the second attachment leg to enter and exit corresponding slots. The first locking member portion and the second locking member portion of each of the first attachment leg and the second attachment leg are configured to position corresponding stop portions between the first locking member portion and the second locking member portion to resist separation of the interengageable attachment structure.

6. The retaining component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure includes a plurality of discrete protrusions.

7. The retaining component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure includes a single protruding portion that extends completely around the respective main support structure.

8. The retaining assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixed mounting member includes a roller frame fixedly attached to the fixed mounting member.

9. The retaining assembly of claim 8, wherein the detachable mounting member includes a guide portion to guide the positioning of the roller frame relative to the detachable mounting member.

10. The retaining assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the fixed mounting member and the detachable mounting member includes a secondary support structure to support the interior of the hollow tubular decorative roller in use.

11. A decorative roller assembly, wherein, The decorative roller assembly includes: The retaining component according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and A hollow tubular decorative roller, wherein each end of the hollow tubular decorative roller receives a corresponding first main support structure or a second main support structure of the retaining assembly.

12. The decorative roller assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure extends radially beyond the inner cavity of the hollow tubular decorative roller.

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