Modular paint roller device

Abstract

A modular paint roller device (10) includes a pair of support arms (20). Each support arm (20) has a first end (21) with an edge cap mounting portion (24) and a second end (22) with a support arm coupling portion (25). A T-shaped connection member (30) arranged between the pair of support arms (20) includes a handle connection portion (31) and a support arm connection portion (32). A coupling member (40) removably attaches each of the pair of support arms (20) to the T-shaped connection member (30). An edge cap (50) is attached to the edge cap mounting portion (24) of each of the pair of support arms (20). The core (60) has a central bore (65) for removably attaching the core (60) to each edge cap (50). A cover (70) is removably attached to the core (60) for dispersing the paint. A method of assembling a modular paint roller apparatus (10) is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of paint rollers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular paint roller device for painting various surfaces, such as wall corners, edges, etc. Background Art

[0002] Roller equipment is often used for painting, and the tray is particularly suitable for use with the roller. Conventional rollers have a cylindrical shape, and most trays are designed to accommodate cylindrical rollers.

[0003] There are numerous drawbacks associated with conventional cylindrical rollers. For example, interior corners are created by the intersection of two planar wall surfaces, typically at right angles. Interior corners are typically painted with a brush to ensure adequate paint reaches the corner. For a skilled painter, painting these corners with a conventional cylindrical roller requires at least two passes, but often multiple passes. To save painting time, it is desirable to paint the interior corners of a room with a single pass of the roller, painting both walls near the corner intersection.

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, it is desirable to provide a paint roller device that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of conventional rollers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a modular paint roller device includes a pair of support arms. Each support arm has a first end with a brim cap mounting portion and a second end with a support arm coupling portion. A T-shaped connecting member disposed between the pair of support arms includes a handle connecting portion and a support arm connecting portion. A coupling member removably attaches each support arm of the pair to the T-shaped connecting member. A brim cap is attached to the brim cap mounting portion of each support arm of the pair. A core has a central hole for removably attaching the core to each brim cap. A cap is removably attached to the core for dispensing paint.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a combined modular paint roller device and tray includes a modular paint roller device comprising a pair of support arms. Each support arm has a first end with a brim cap mounting portion and a second end with a support arm coupling portion. A T-shaped connecting member disposed between the pair of support arms includes a handle connecting portion and a support arm connecting portion. A coupling member removably attaches each support arm of the pair of support arms to the T-shaped connecting member. A brim cap is attached to the brim cap mounting portion of each of the pair of support arms. A core has a central hole for removably attaching the core to each brim cap. A cover is removably attached to the core for dispensing paint. The tray includes a reservoir section extending from a first end and a paint grid section extending to a second end to the reservoir section. The reservoir section is substantially rectangular in shape and has a flat bottom surface, and the paint grid section slopes downwardly toward the reservoir section with angled side walls, the angled side walls having a shape complementary to that of the core (60) of the modular paint roller device.

[0007] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a paint roller apparatus comprises the following steps:

[0008] removably attaching a pair of support arms to the T-shaped connecting member using a coupling member;

[0009] attaching a brim cap to each support arm of the pair of support arms; and

[0010] The core and cover are removably attached to the brim cap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown, the specific embodiments shown should not be interpreted as limiting the claims. It is contemplated that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a modular paint roller apparatus when assembled according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 is a front view of a modular paint roller apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure when assembled;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a modular paint roller assembly wherein the core and cover are not assembled to the modular paint roller assembly;

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of a support arm of a modular paint roller assembly;

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Another side perspective view of a support arm of the modular paint roller device;

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A front view of a T-shaped connecting member of a modular paint roller device;

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a T-shaped connecting member of a modular paint roller assembly;

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 a front perspective view of a coupling member of a modular paint roller apparatus;

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Another front perspective view of the coupling member of the modular paint roller apparatus;

[0021] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a brim cap of a modular paint roller assembly;

[0022] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of a brim cap of a modular paint roller assembly;

[0023] Figure 12 is a side perspective view of the same piece of cover;

[0024] Figure 13 is a side perspective view of the same piece of core;

[0025] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a frusto-conical core of a modular paint roller apparatus;

[0026] Figure 15 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a frusto-conical core and cap of a modular paint roller assembly;

[0027] FIG16 is a front perspective view of a bracket according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 17 is a rear perspective view of the bracket of Figure 16;

[0029] Figure 18 is a front perspective view of the bracket, core, and cover when the bracket is used to removably attach the cover to the core;

[0030] Figure 19 is a top perspective view of a tray according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Bottom perspective view of the tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Directional phrases used herein (such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom and their derivatives) refer to the orientation of elements shown in the drawings and are not intended to limit the claims unless expressly stated otherwise. Identical components are provided with identical reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0033] Approximate language used throughout the specification and claims herein can be applied to modify any permissible variation in the quantitative representation without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Therefore, values ​​modified by a term or terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are not limited to the precise values ​​specified. In at least some cases, approximate language can correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. In this article and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations can be combined and / or interchanged, and unless the context or language indicates otherwise, these ranges have been defined and include all subranges contained therein.

[0034] Throughout the text and claims, use of the word "about" in connection with a range of values ​​(e.g., "about 22 to 35 weight percent") is intended to modify the upper and lower values ​​stated and to reflect acceptable variation associated with measurements, significant figures, and interchangeability, all as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0035] For this specification (except in the operating examples), unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing the amounts and ranges of ingredients, process conditions, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and the appended claims are approximate values, which may vary depending on the desired results sought to be obtained by the implementation. At least and without attempting to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents within the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be interpreted in accordance with the numerical value of the reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Further, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "said" are intended to include plural references unless expressly and unambiguously limited to one reference.

[0036] Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to illustrate a wide range are approximate, the numerical values ​​illustrated in the specific examples are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors, which are necessarily caused by the standard deviation that occurs in its corresponding test measurement (including the standard deviation that occurs in the measuring instrument). Moreover, it should be understood that any numerical range referred to in this article is intended to include all subranges contained therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include all subranges between and including the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10, that is, a range with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10. Because the disclosed numerical ranges are continuous, they include every value between the minimum and maximum values. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the various numerical ranges specified in this application are approximate.

[0037] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0038] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

[0039] In the following description and claims, reference is made to a number of terms that have the following meanings.

[0040] As used herein, "angled surfaces" are defined as any two surfaces that are not parallel to each other (ie, form a non-zero relative angle).

[0041] As used herein, a "truncated cone" is a geometric shape formed by cutting a solid object (such as a cone or pyramid) with a plane parallel to the base of the object. The resulting shape is a truncated pyramid or cone with a flat top and a larger base.

[0042] As used herein, "frustoconical" is an adjective used to describe a shape that is a combination of a truncated cone and a cone. This shape, also known as a conical frustum, is formed by cutting the top off a cone at an angle. The resulting shape has a flat top and a larger base, but the sides curve like a cone.

[0043] As used herein, a "paint grid" is used to remove excess paint from a roller cover or brush.

[0044] As used herein, "interlocking components" refers to two or more components having parts that connect or lock together.

[0045] As used herein, a "module" is defined as consisting of individual components that can be joined together to form a larger object.

[0046] like Figure 1-Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a paint roller device 10 for painting various surfaces (such as wall corners, edges, etc.) according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Generally, the paint roller device 10 has a pair of opposing support arms 20. Each support arm is removably attached to a T-shaped connecting member 30 via a coupling member 40. An edge cap 50 is mounted to each support arm 20 using an interference fit, while allowing the edge cap 50 to rotate during use of the paint roller device 10. A core 60 having a cover 70 is removably mounted to each edge cap 50 via an interference fit and is thus rotatably mounted to each support arm 20. Materials used to construct the paint roller device 10 may include, but are not limited to, plastic, wood, metal, etc. Furthermore, the dimensions of all components (including the main frame, handle, cylindrical core, etc.) include, but are not limited to, the proportions shown in the figures.

[0047] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each support arm 20 is generally L-shaped and has a first end 21 having a radially extending portion 22 and a second end 23, opposite the first end 21 and having a rim cap mounting portion 24. The radially extending portion 22 has a support arm coupling portion 25 with a flange 26 and a female interlocking member 27 having a predetermined geometric shape (such as a square, rectangle, triangle, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the female interlocking member 27 has a square shape. When the support arm 20 is removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member 30, the flange 26 engages with the coupling member 40. It should be appreciated that the coupling member 40 can be assembled to each support arm 20 before each support arm 20 is removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member 30.

[0048] The brim cap mounting portion 24 of each support arm 20 has a mounting post 28 with a slot 29 to allow the mounting post 28 to compress and provide an interference fit when the brim cap 50 is rotatably mounted thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting post 28 is circular in shape. However, it should be appreciated that the mounting post 28 can have any desired geometry, as long as the brim cap 50 can be interference-fitted onto the mounting post 28 of each support arm 20. Each support arm 20 is preferably made of a suitable material (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.). The support arm coupling portion 25 of each support arm 20 is removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member 30 using a coupling member 40.

[0049] Now refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the connecting member 30 includes a handle connecting portion 31 and a support arm connecting portion 32. A threaded hole 33 is centrally located on the top of the handle connecting portion 31 of the connecting member 30. The threaded hole 33 is used to receive a conventional handle 100 or an extension rod (not shown) that can be screwed into the threaded hole 33. When not in use, a plug (not shown) can be used to seal the threaded hole 33 to prevent dust, paint, etc. from entering the threaded hole 33. The outer surface 34 of the support arm connecting portion of the connecting member 30 has threads 35 for mating with the coupling member 40. The support arm connecting portion 32 of the T-shaped connecting member 30 includes a male interlocking member 36 for interlocking with the female interlocking member 27 of the support arm 20 when the support arm 20 is removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member 30. Therefore, the support arm 20 is non-rotatably attached to the connecting member 30. Similar to the female interlocking member 27, the male interlocking member 36 can have any desired geometric shape (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, etc., as long as the shape is complementary to the shape of the female interlocking member 27), as long as the geometric shape forms an interlock with the female interlocking member 27. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the male interlocking member 36 has a square shape similar to the female interlocking member 27 of the support arm 20. It should be noted that the handle connecting portion 31 has a central axis 37 that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis 38 of the support arm connecting portion 32. In other words, the central axis 37 of the handle connecting portion 31 forms an angle A1 of 90 degrees with respect to the central axis 38 of the support arm connecting portion 32.

[0050] As described above, each support arm 20 is removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member 30 using the coupling member 40. Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the coupling member 40 is generally annular and has an inner surface 41 with threads 42. The threads 42 cooperate with the threads 35 on the outer surface 34 of the T-shaped connecting member 30 to removably attach each support arm 20 to the T-shaped connecting member 30. The outer peripheral surface 43 of the coupling member 40 has a plurality of ribs 44 to allow the user to adequately grip the coupling member 40 while threading the coupling member 40 onto the T-shaped connecting member 40. The coupling member 40 has a flange 45 at one end, which serves as a stop when the coupling member 40 is inserted into the support arm coupling portion 25 of each support arm 20.

[0051] Now refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11The edge cap 50 includes a centrally located mounting post receiving hole 51 extending through the end surface 52. Mounting post receiving hole 51 allows the edge cap 50 to be mounted to the edge cap mounting portion 24 of each support arm 20 by inserting the mounting post receiving hole 51 into the mounting post 28. When the edge cap 50 is rotatably mounted on the mounting post 28, the slot 29 of the mounting post 28 compresses and provides an interference fit. The edge cap 50 has an annular core mounting portion 53 having an outer peripheral surface 54 that may taper as it extends away from the end surface 52. In other words, the diameter of the annular core mounting portion 53 is larger near the end surface 52 and is smallest away from the end surface 52. Alternatively, the outer peripheral surface 54 may extend substantially perpendicular to the end surface 52. The outer peripheral surface 54 of the edge cap 50 has a plurality of gripping ribs 55 for contacting the central hole 65 of the core 60. The edge cap 50 can be made of a suitable material such as plastic.

[0052] As described above, the core 60 is removably mounted to each edge cap 50. Referring now to Figure 12-15 The core 60 is constructed from two identically shaped pieces 60a, 60b that are permanently attached to one another at a seam 64. The two identical pieces 60a, 60b can be permanently attached to one another using any suitable means, such as sonic welding. Alternatively, the core 60 can be made of a single construction (i.e., a single piece). Furthermore, the core 60 can be two components locked together using a suitable connector. The core 60 includes frustoconical surfaces 61, 62 for loading paint thereon. The frustoconical surfaces 61, 62 are angled inwardly from the sidewall 63 so that they are oriented at an angle A2 of approximately 90 degrees relative to one another. The core 60 includes a central aperture 65 in the sidewall 63 for receiving the edge cap 50 rotatably mounted on each support arm 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the central aperture 65 extends completely through the core 60. However, it should be appreciated that the central aperture 65 may comprise a blind hole that does not extend completely through the core, but instead only partially extends from the sidewall 63. The core 60 may be made of plastic or other structured material such as cardboard or the like.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the frusto-conical core 60 has a height of approximately 6.5 inches (165.1 mm) and a width of approximately 4.0 inches (101.6 mm). However, it should be appreciated that the modular design of the paint roller device 10 of the present disclosure allows the user to select the size and shape of the core 60 depending on the size of the support arm 20. The larger the size of the support arm 20, the larger the core 60 (and cover 70) that can be used, and vice versa.

[0054] The frustoconical cover 70 has an outer surface with a soft, absorbent fabric exterior or fleece 71 and an opposing interior with adhesive 72. Similar to the core 60, the cover 70 is constructed from two identically shaped pieces 70a, 70b. The fleece 71 can be made of a non-woven synthetic fiber material such as nylon, polyester, or the like. The adhesive 72 can be made of any suitable material capable of removably attaching the cover 70 to the core 60. For example, the adhesive 72 can be a peel and stick adhesive material commercially available from 3M. Alternatively, the cover 70 can be permanently attached to the core 60 using a process in which the fibers of the cover 70 are directly impregnated into the core 60.

[0055] To attach the cover 70 to the core 60, one of the pieces 70a, 70b of the cover 70 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 16 ) is attached to the core 60. Figure 18 The illustrated piece 70a of the cover 70 is placed in a bracket 80. The pieces 70a of the cover 70 are preferably placed around a post 81 centrally located in the bracket 80, with the adhesive 72 of the cover 70 facing outward (i.e., upward) toward the user. The central hole 65 of the core 60 is then inserted into the post 81 of the bracket 80 until the corresponding piece 60a of the core 60 is in press contact with the cover 70. The interior of the bracket 80 has frustoconical sidewalls 82 and a flat bottom surface 83 that is substantially identical in shape to the corresponding piece 60a of the core 60. With this, the cover 70 of one piece 60a of the core 60 is removably attached to the core 60, and the core 60 can now be removed from the bracket 80. The above process is repeated to removably attach the other piece 70b of the cover 70 to the other piece 60b of the core 60. It should be understood that first the piece 70 b of the cover 70 may be removably attached to the corresponding piece 60 b of the core 60 and then the other piece 70 a of the cover 70 may be removably attached to the other piece 60 a of the core 60 .

[0056] Once removably attached to the core 60, both ends of the frusto-conical cap 70 are pointed and at 90 degree angles, which allows it to fit perfectly in most corners ( Figure 2 ). The sides of the cover 70 have holes 73 that extend completely through both sides for receiving the edge caps 50. The sides of the cover 70 may include side walls 74 that align with the side walls 63 of the core 60 when the cover 70 is removably attached to the core 60. Unlike other options currently on the market (including round foam brushes and V-shaped brushes), the cover 70 of the present disclosure has a suitable hardness and does not lose its shape when painting. Unlike V-shaped brushes that simply slide paint down the wall, the cover 70 of the present disclosure allows the painter to roll the cover 70 along the wall (not shown), leaving a better, more consistent paint mark. Once the job is completed, the cover 70 can be removed from the core 60 and cleaned, or alternatively, the entire core 60 and cover 70 can be thrown away.

[0057] Now refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 The paint roller assembly 10 can be used in combination with a tray 90. Tray 90 has a first end 91 and a second end 92. A reservoir section 93 extends from first end 91, and a paint grid section 94 extends from second end 92 to reservoir section 93. In the illustrated embodiment, reservoir section 93 has a length L1 that is slightly greater than the length L2 of paint grid section 94. Reservoir section 93 is substantially rectangular in shape and has a flat bottom surface 95, while paint grid section 94 slopes downward toward reservoir section 93 with angled sidewalls 96 that are shaped to complement the core 60 of the paint roller assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the angled sidewalls 96 form an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other. Tray 90 can be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, etc.

[0058] The method of assembling the paint roller device 10 will now be described. First, the first support arm 20 is removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member 30 using the first coupling member 40. This can be achieved by inserting the first coupling member 40 into the support arm coupling portion 25 of the first support arm 20, inserting the male interlocking member 36 of the T-shaped connecting member 30 into the female interlocking member 27 of the first support arm 20, and then threading the first coupling member 40 onto the T-shaped connecting member 30. In this regard, during the assembly process, the first support arm 20 is removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member 30.

[0059] Next, the first edge cap 50 can be attached to the first support arm 20 by inserting the mounting posts 28 of the edge cap mounting portion 24 of the first support arm 20 into the mounting post receiving holes 51 of the first edge cap 50. It should be noted that the first edge cap 50 can be attached to the first support arm 20 before the first support arm 20 is removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member 30.

[0060] To this end, during assembly, the paint roller assembly 10 can receive a core 60 and cap 70 having the desired shape. This is accomplished by inserting the first edge cap 50 of the first support arm 20 into the central hole 65 on one side of the core 60. Next, the second edge cap 50 of the second support arm 20 (which is not yet removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member 30) is inserted into the central hole 65 on the opposite side of the core 60. The second support arm is then coupled to the T-shaped connecting member 30 in a manner similar to that of the first support arm 20, namely, by inserting the second coupling member 40 onto the support arm coupling portion 25 of the second support arm 20, inserting the male interlocking member 36 of the T-shaped connecting member 30 into the female interlocking member 27 of the support arm coupling portion 25 of the second support arm 20, and then threading the second coupling member 40 onto the T-shaped connecting member 30.

[0061] Finally, the handle 100 is removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member 30. It should be noted that the handle 100 can be connected to the T-shaped connecting member 30 at any time during the assembly process.

[0062] As described above, the paint roller device 10 of the present disclosure has a modular design, which allows the user to easily replace the core 60 and cover 70 with cores and covers of the same or different shapes. For example, the frusto-conical core 60 and cover 70 can be replaced with generally cylindrical cores and covers for painting the edges of decorative components (e.g., around doors, windows, ceilings, floors, etc.). Furthermore, the support arm 20 can be easily replaced with a different support arm of the same or different length. Furthermore, the T-shaped connecting member 30 can be easily replaced.

[0063] It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

Claims

1. A paint roller device (10), comprising: a pair of support arms (20), each support arm (20) having a first end (21) with a brim cap mounting portion (24) and a second end (22) with a support arm connecting portion (25); a T-shaped connecting member (30) disposed between the pair of support arms (20), the T-shaped connecting member (30) comprising a handle connecting portion (31) and a support arm connecting portion (32); a coupling member (40) for removably attaching each of the pair of support arms (20) to the T-shaped connecting member (30); an edge cap (50) attached to the edge cap mounting portion (24) of each of the pair of support arms (20); a core (60) having a central hole (65) for removably attaching the core (60) to each of the edge caps (50); and A cap (70) is removably attached to the core (60) for dispensing paint.

2. The paint roller device (10) according to claim 1, wherein Each support arm of the pair of support arms (20) is generally L-shaped and has a first end (21) having a radially extending portion (22) and a second end (23) opposite the first end (21) and having an edge cap mounting portion (24).

3. The paint roller device (10) according to claim 2, wherein: The radially extending portion (22) has a support arm coupling portion (25) with threads (26) and a female interlocking member (27) having a predetermined geometry.

4. The paint roller device (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The edge cap mounting portion (24) of each support arm in the pair of support arms (20) has a mounting post (28), wherein the edge cap (50) has a centrally located mounting post receiving hole (51), and wherein the edge cap (50) is removably attached to each support arm in the pair of support arms (20) by inserting the centrally located mounting post receiving hole (51) of the edge cap (50) into the mounting post (28) of each support arm in the pair of support arms (20).

5. The paint roller device (10) according to claim 4, wherein The mounting post (28) of each of the pair of support arms (20) includes a slot (29) to enable the mounting post (28) to compress when the central hole (51) of the edge cap (50) is inserted over the mounting post (28), thereby creating an interference fit between each of the pair of support arms (20) and the edge cap (50).

6. The paint roller device (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The support arm connecting portion (32) of the T-shaped connecting member (30) includes a male interlocking member (36) having a predetermined geometry for interlocking with the female interlocking member (27) of each of the pair of support arms (20), thereby preventing each of the pair of support arms (20) from rotating when each of the pair of support arms (20) is removably attached to the T-shaped connecting member (30).

7. The paint roller device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a handle (100), the handle (100) being screwed into the handle connecting portion (31) of the T-shaped connecting member (30).

8. The paint roller device (10) according to claim 1, wherein The handle connection portion (31) has a central axis (37), wherein the support arm connection portion (32) has a central axis (38), and wherein the central axis (37) of the handle connection portion (31) is perpendicular to the central axis (38) of the support arm connection portion (32).

9. The paint roller device according to claim 1, wherein: The paint roller device (10) has a modular design that enables the core (60) and the cover (70) having a first shape to be removed from the paint roller device (10) and to be replaced with a core (60) and the cover (70) having a second shape that is different from the first shape.

10. The paint roller device (10) according to claim 1, wherein The core (60) is a truncated cone having frustoconical surfaces (61, 62) extending to side walls (63).

11. A combined modular paint roller device and tray comprising: A modular paint roller assembly comprising: a pair of support arms (20), each support arm (20) having a first end (21) with a brim cap mounting portion (24) and a second end (22) with a support arm coupling portion (25); a T-shaped connecting member (30) disposed between the pair of support arms (20), the T-shaped connecting member (30) comprising a handle connecting portion (31) and a support arm connecting portion (32); a coupling member (40) for removably attaching each of the pair of support arms (20) to the T-shaped connecting member (30); an edge cap (50) attached to the edge cap mounting portion (24) of each of the pair of support arms (20); a core (60) having a central hole (65) for removably attaching the core (60) to each of the edge caps (50); and a cap (70) removably attached to the core (60) for dispensing paint; and A tray (90) comprising: a reservoir section (93) extending from the first end (91); and a paint grid section (94) extending from said second end (92) to said reservoir section (93), wherein the reservoir section (93) is substantially rectangular in shape and has a flat bottom surface (95), and wherein the paint grid section (94) slopes downwardly toward the reservoir section (93), the reservoir section (93) having angled side walls (96) having a shape complementary to the core (60) of the modular paint roller device (10).

12. A method of assembling a paint roller device (10), the method comprising the following steps: removably attaching a pair of support arms (20) to a T-shaped connecting member (30) using a coupling member (40); attaching a brim cap (50) to each of the pair of support arms (20); and A core (60) and a cover (70) are removably attached to the brim cap (50).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The edge cap is removably attached to each of the pair of support arms by inserting the mounting post receiving hole (51) of the edge cap (50) into the mounting post (28) of each of the pair of support arms (20).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The mounting post (28) of each support arm in the pair of support arms (20) includes a narrow slot (29) to enable the mounting post (28) to be compressed when the mounting post receiving hole (51) of the edge cap (50) is inserted into the mounting post (28), thereby creating an interference fit between each support arm in the pair of support arms (20) and the edge cap (50).

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Each support arm of the pair of support arms (20) is connected to the T-shaped connecting member (30) by using interlocking members (27, 36).

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The cover (70) is removably attached to the core (60) using the following steps: (a) For one half of the core (60), insert the cover (70) around the post (81) of the bracket (80); (b) inserting the central hole (65) of the core (60) into the post (81) of the bracket (80) until the core (60) is in press contact with the cover (70); (c) removing the core (60) from the bracket (80); and (d) Repeat steps (a)-(c) for the other half of the core (60).

Images