Paint Roller Assembly

Abstract

A paint roller assembly (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) is disclosed that allows for the application of sufficient pressure to distribute paint evenly. The paint roller assembly (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) includes a pair of frame members (112, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404, 502, 504, 602, 604). One frame member (112, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604) includes a handle (114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614). A cylindrical core (116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616) is attached to the other end of each frame member (112, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404, 502, 504, 602, 604). In one embodiment, a pair of frame members (302, 304, 402, 404, 502, 504) are connected to each other at a first end by a variety of different connection mechanisms (306, 406, 506, 606). When assembled, the central longitudinal axis (118, 218, 318, 418, 518, 618) of the handle (114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 616) is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis (126, 226, 326, 426, 526, 626) of the cylindrical core (116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616), allowing the user to apply sufficient pressure during use to more evenly distribute paint.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of paint rollers, and more particularly to a paint roller assembly having a handle generally parallel to the roller or paint applicator. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditional roller brushes consist of a wire frame and a handle that points straight at the roller. Traditional roller brushes usually require the hand to bend forward, which puts stress on the wrist and forearm. Additionally, the weak construction of the wire frame means you have to work harder to apply paint in an even pattern. You usually have to press harder on the end of the roller where the frame is not attached. This often leaves a streak of paint on the other side of the roller.

[0003] In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide a paint roller assembly that overcomes the shortcomings of conventional roller brushes discussed above. Summary of the Invention

[0004] When painting a back deck, we came up with a new frame idea that helps eliminate fatigue associated with long periods of painting. In this paint roller assembly, the handle moves parallel to the roller cover or paint applicator, allowing the assembly to be held in a natural and comfortable hand position. In doing so, the present invention helps eliminate wrist and forearm fatigue associated with using conventional paint roller assemblies over long periods of time. The paint roller assembly of the present invention also provides a more uniform finished product because the support or frame members support the roller cover from both sides. The sturdy construction and design of the handle allows the entire arm, and often the entire body, to apply force to the paint roller assembly, particularly the roller cover or paint applicator.

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a paint roller assembly includes a pair of frame members. A handle is attached to a first end of each frame member. A cylindrical core is attached to a second end of each frame member. The cylindrical cores are configured to rotate about a central longitudinal axis, and the central longitudinal axis of the handle is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical core when the paint roller assembly is assembled. The parallel arrangement between the handle and the cylindrical core allows sufficient pressure to be applied to more evenly distribute paint during use of the paint roller assembly.

[0006] In another aspect of the invention, a paint roller assembly includes a first part and a second part coupled together at a first end by a coupling mechanism. The second part includes a handle (having a central longitudinal axis). A cylindrical core is attached to a second end of each of the first and second parts. The cylindrical core is configured to rotate about the central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis of the handle is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical core when the paint roller assembly is assembled. As with the previous aspect of the invention, the parallel arrangement between the handle and the cylindrical core allows sufficient pressure to be applied to more evenly distribute paint during use of the paint roller assembly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] Although various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated, the specific embodiments shown should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. It is anticipated that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a paint roller assembly as assembled according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the paint roller assembly of FIG. 1A when assembled. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the paint roller assembly of FIG. 1A including a frame member having a hinge according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of a paint roller assembly having two parts that are connected together with a threaded connection mechanism and an ergonomic handle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the paint roller assembly of FIG. 3A as assembled. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a paint roller assembly having two parts that are connected together using a twist-lock connection mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a paint roller assembly having two parts that are coupled together with a pinch release coupling mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a paint roller assembly including ergonomic handles that are connected together using a sliding lock connection mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the paint roller assembly of FIG. 3A including an extension kit according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] As used herein, directional terms such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom and derivatives thereof relate to the orientation of elements shown in the drawings and do not limit the scope of the claims unless expressly stated. Identical parts are labeled with the same reference numbers in all drawings.

[0010] Approximate words used throughout this specification and claims can be used to modify any quantitative expressions that can be permissibly changed without causing a change in the basic function associated therewith. Thus, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as "about", "approximately", "approximately", etc. are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, the approximation language can correspond to the precision of the instrument for measuring the value. Throughout this specification and claims, range limitations can be combined and / or exchanged, and such ranges are recognized to include all subranges contained therein, unless otherwise indicated by context or language.

[0011] Throughout the text and claims, the use of the word "about" in connection with ranges of values ​​(e.g., "about 22-35% by weight") is intended to modify both the upper and lower values ​​stated, all reflecting significant digits, compatibility, and variability associated with measurement, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0012] For purposes of this specification (other than in the working examples), unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, all numerical values ​​expressing amounts and ranges of ingredients, process conditions, and the like, should be understood to be modified in all examples by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired results sought to be obtained by the embodiments. At the very least, no attempt is made to limit the application of the doctrine of equality to the scope of the claims, and each numerical parameter should be construed, at least in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include plural referents unless expressly and clearly limited to one referent.

[0013] Although the numerical ranges and parameters set forth in the broad ranges are approximations, the numerical values ​​set forth in the examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, numerical values ​​inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in each test measurement, including that found in any measuring instrument. It should also be understood that any numerical range referred to herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include the stated minimum value of 1 and the stated maximum value of 10, as well as all subranges therebetween, i.e., ranges having a minimum value of 1 or more and a maximum value of 10 or less. The disclosed numerical ranges are continuous, and therefore include all values ​​between the minimum and maximum values. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the various numerical ranges specified in this application are approximations.

[0014] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0015] 1A and 1B, there is shown a paint roller assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The paint roller assembly 100 has a cylindrical handle 114 and a pair of opposing support arms or frame members 112. The frame members 112 are preferably made of a suitable material such as metal or the like. A cylindrical core 116, including a spring cage 130 and an end cap 128, is mounted or attached to one end of each support arm or frame member 112 that is inserted into a roller cover or paint applicator 132. The spring cage 130 and the end cap 128 are made of a suitable material such as plastic or the like. The opposing ends of each support arm or frame member 112 are inserted into either side of the handle 114 and into the end cap 128, respectively. Once the paint roller assembly 100 is assembled, the central longitudinal axis 118 of the handle 114 is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis 126 of the cylindrical core 116. This parallel configuration allows a user to apply sufficient pressure to the paint roller assembly 100 to distribute paint more evenly during use as compared to conventional paint roller assemblies.

[0016] Located at the top and center of the handle 114 is a threaded hole 120. This threaded hole 120 can be used to support a conventional handle 134 or an extension pole that can be screwed into the hole 120. When not in use, a plug 124 can be used to seal the threaded hole 120 to prevent dirt, paint, etc. from entering the threaded hole 120. Unfortunately, this embodiment of the invention is a fixed design and the roller cover 132 cannot be replaced by the consumer. Materials used to construct the paint roller assembly 100 can include, but are not limited to, plastic, wood, metal, etc. Additionally, the sizes of all parts, including the main frame, handle, cylindrical core, etc., include, but are not limited to, the proportions shown.

[0017] 2, there is shown a paint roller assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to paint roller assembly 100, paint roller assembly 200 includes a handle 214 made of a suitable material, such as wood, and two frame members or support arms 202, 204 made of a suitable material, such as metal. At the end of each support arm 202, 204 is a cylindrical core 216 that is inserted into a roller cover 232. The cylindrical core 216 includes a spring cage 230 and two end caps 228 made of a suitable material, such as plastic. The opposite end of each support arm 202, 204 is permanently attached to each side of the handle 214. Unlike paint roller assembly 100, paint roller assembly 200 includes a hinge 234 on each support arm 202, 204 that allows the arms 202, 204 to be opened to remove or replace the roller cover 232. Once the paint roller assembly 200 is assembled, the central longitudinal axis 218 of the handle 214 is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis 226 of the cylindrical core 216. This parallel configuration allows a user to apply sufficient pressure to the paint roller assembly 200 to distribute paint more evenly during use as compared to conventional paint roller assemblies.

[0018] Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1A, a threaded hole 220 is located in the center of the top of the handle 214. The hole 220 can be used to support a conventional handle, such as conventional handle 134, or an extension pole (not shown). When not in use, a plug 228 is used to seal the hole 220 to prevent dirt, paint, etc. from entering the opening 220. Materials used to construct the paint roller assembly 200 can include, but are not limited to, plastic, wood, metal, etc. Additionally, all parts, including the main frame, handle, cylindrical core, etc., are sized to the proportions shown in the figures.

[0019] 3A and 3B, there is shown a paint roller assembly 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the paint roller assembly 300 includes two support arms or frame members 302, 304 connected together using a threaded connection mechanism 306. One frame member 304 has an ergonomic handle 314 including an externally threaded end cap 308. At the opposite end is a cylindrical core 316 that is inserted into a roller cover 332. The cylindrical core 316 includes a spring cage 330 and a plastic end cap 328. The spring cage 330 and the end cap 328 are made of a suitable material such as plastic or the like. The other frame member 302 includes an internally threaded connector 310. At the opposite end of the frame member 302 is another cylindrical core 316 that is inserted into a roller cover or paint applicator 332. Once both end caps 328 are inserted into the roller cover 332, the two frame members 302, 304 of the paint roller assembly 300 may be connected using a threaded coupling mechanism 306. To couple the two frame members 302, 304 together, a user inserts the male end cap 308 into the female coupler 310 and rotates or pivots the male end cap 308 until it is securely coupled to the female coupler 310. Once the paint roller assembly 300 is assembled in this manner, the central longitudinal axis 312 of the handle 314 is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis 326 of the cylindrical core 316. This parallel configuration allows a user to apply sufficient pressure to the paint roller assembly 300 to distribute paint more evenly during use as compared to conventional paint roller assemblies.

[0020] Located at the top and center of the handle 314 is a threaded hole 320. This hole 320 can be used to support a conventional handle 334 or an extension pole (not shown). When not in use, the hole 320 is sealed with a plug 324 to prevent dust, paint, etc. from entering the opening. Since the paint roller assembly 300 is constructed in two separate pieces, the roller cover 332 can be removed and replaced at any time. Materials used to construct the paint roller assembly 300 can include, but are not limited to, plastic, wood, metal, etc. Additionally, the sizes of all parts, including the main frame, handle, cylindrical core, etc., include, but are not limited to, the proportions shown.

[0021] 4, there is shown a paint roller assembly 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the paint roller assembly 400 includes two support arms or frame members 402, 404 connected together by a torsion lock connection mechanism 406. One frame member 404 has an ergonomic handle 414 including a male end cap 408 with a single thread. At the opposite end is a cylindrical core 416 that is inserted into a roller cover or paint applicator 432. The cylindrical core 416 includes a spring cage 430 and an end cap 428, preferably made of a suitable material such as plastic. The other frame member 402 includes a female connector 410. At the opposite end of the other frame member 402 is another cylindrical core 416 that is inserted into a roller cover 432. Once both ends are inserted into the roller cover 432, the two frame members 402, 404 of the paint roller assembly 400 can be connected together using the torsion lock connection mechanism 406. To connect the two frame members 402, 404 of the paint roller assembly 400 together, the male end cap 408 is inserted into the female coupler 410. Pressure is applied to both frame members 402, 404, twisting the ends together. The female coupler 410 then rotates a half turn, at which point the ends 402, 404 are locked together. Once the paint roller assembly 400 is assembled, the central longitudinal axis 418 of the handle 414 is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis 426 of the cylindrical core 416. This parallel configuration allows the user to apply sufficient pressure to the paint roller assembly 400 to distribute paint more evenly during use compared to conventional paint roller assemblies.

[0022] Located at the top and center of the handle 414 is a threaded hole 420. The hole 420 is used to accept a conventional handle 434 or extension pole. When not in use, the hole 420 is sealed with a plug 424 to prevent dust, paint, etc. from entering the opening. The paint roller assembly 400 is constructed of two separate frame members 402, 404, so the roller cover 432 can be removed and replaced at any time. Materials used to construct the paint roller assembly can include, but are not limited to, plastic, wood, metal, etc. Additionally, the sizes of all parts, including the main frame, handle, cylindrical core, etc., include, but are not limited to, the proportions shown.

[0023] 5, there is shown a paint roller assembly 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the paint roller assembly 500 includes two support arms or frame members 502, 504 connected together by a pinch release linkage 506. One frame member 504 has an ergonomic handle 514 that includes a female end cap 508. The female end cap 508 has two small rectangular openings 509 on either side of the handle 514. At the opposite end of the frame member 504 is a cylindrical core 516 that is inserted into a roller cover 532. The cylindrical core 516 includes a spring cage 530 and an end cap 528, preferably made of a suitable material such as plastic. The other frame member 502 includes a male end cap 510 with two protruding rectangular tabs 511 on either side. At the opposite end of the other frame member 502 is another cylindrical core 516 that is inserted into a roller cover 534. Once both ends of the frame members 502, 504 are inserted into the roller cover 532, the two frame members 502, 504 of the paint roller assembly 500 will be connected using the pinch release connection 506. To attach the two frame members 502, 504 of the paint roller assembly 500, the male end cap 510 is inserted into the female end cap 508. Pressure is applied to both frame members 502, 504 until the two tabs 511 on the male end cap 510 are aligned with the openings 509 on the female end cap 508. At this point, the two tabs 511 can be released and received within the openings 509 to securely lock the frame members 502, 504 in place. Once the paint roller assembly 500 is assembled, the central longitudinal axis 518 of the handle 514 is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis 526 of the cylindrical core 516. This parallel configuration allows a user to apply sufficient pressure to the paint roller assembly 500 to distribute paint more evenly during use as compared to conventional paint roller assemblies.

[0024] Located at the top and center of the handle 514 is a threaded hole 520. The threaded hole 520 can be used to support a conventional handle 534 or extension pole. When not in use, the hole 520 is sealed with a plug 528 to prevent dust, paint, etc. from entering the opening. The paint roller assembly 400 is constructed of two separate frame members 502, 504, so the roller cover 532 can be removed and replaced at any time. Materials used to construct the paint roller assembly can include, but are not limited to, plastic, wood, metal, etc. Additionally, the sizes of all parts, including the main frame, handle, cylindrical core, etc., include, but are not limited to, the proportions shown.

[0025] 6, there is shown a paint roller assembly 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the paint roller assembly 600 includes an ergonomic handle 614 that utilizes a sliding locking connection mechanism 606 and two frame members or support arms 602, 604, etc., made of a suitable material such as metal. The handle 614 is split down the middle to form two halves, an upper part 614a and a lower part 614b. At the end of each arm 602, 604 is a cylindrical core 616 that is inserted into a roller cover 632. The cylindrical core 616 includes a spring cage 630 and two plastic end caps 628. The opposite end of each metal frame member or support arm 602, 604 is bent to form a circle or eye loop. Once both cylindrical cores 616 are inserted into the roller cover 632, the eye loop on each arm 602, 604 is positioned on the lower half of the handle. Columnar part614c. The upper and lower handles are then placed together in a slightly offset position. They are then slid together into alignment to form the handle of the paint roller assembly. Once the paint roller assembly 600 is assembled, the central longitudinal axis 618 of the handle 614 is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis 626 of the cylindrical core 616. This parallel configuration allows the user to apply sufficient pressure to the paint roller assembly 600 to distribute paint more evenly during use as compared to conventional paint roller assemblies.

[0026] Located at the top and center of the handle is a threaded hole 620. This hole 620 can be used to support a conventional handle 634 or an extension pole. When not in use, a plug 628 is used to seal the hole 620 to prevent dirt, paint, etc. from entering the opening 620. Materials used to construct this paint roller assembly 600 can include, but are not limited to, plastic, wood, metal, etc. Additionally, sizes of all parts, including the main frame, handle, cylindrical core, etc., include, but are not limited to, the proportions shown.

[0027] 7, a paint roller assembly extension kit 722 according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. The extension kit 722 can be used with any of the previous embodiments of the paint roller assembly described above. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the paint roller assembly 300 having the threaded connection mechanism 306 is shown. The extension kit 722 can be configured to allow the paint roller assembly to be widened. The extension kit 722 can be purchased separately to widen the size (i.e., width) of the roller cover or paint applicator 732. In one aspect, the extension kit 722 can easily double the size (i.e., width) of a traditional 9 inch roller cover or paint applicator to at least 18 inches or more. Unfortunately, the extension kit 722 can only be used with a conventional handle 734, since a rod 724 made of a suitable material, such as plastic, is inserted and supported by the frame members 302, 304. The conventional handle 734 is permanently attached to an extension piece 726 that becomes the center of the new handle once it is connected to the paint roller assembly 300. Depending on the actual handle embodiment, the extension would be similar to how it is attached to the paint roller assembly 300. Also, the end of the conventional handle 734 would have an extension pole threaded onto it as in all previous embodiments to provide greater reach for hard to reach areas such as ceilings, floors, etc.

[0028] From the foregoing, it should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention, and reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims which recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A paint roller assembly comprising: A pair of frame members; a connecting mechanism for connecting the pair of frame members to each other; an ergonomic handle attached to a first end of one of the frame members, the ergonomic handle having a central longitudinal axis; and a cylindrical core attached to a second end of each of the frame members, the cylindrical core configured to rotate about a central longitudinal axis; Equipped with a paint roller assembly, wherein the central longitudinal axis of the ergonomic handle is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical core when the paint roller assembly is assembled, thereby allowing a user to grasp the ergonomic handle and apply sufficient pressure to the paint roller assembly during use to evenly distribute paint.

2. 10. The paint roller assembly of claim 1 further comprising a roller cover removably attached to each cylindrical core for collecting and distributing paint.

3. 2. The paint roller assembly of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism comprises a screw-on connection mechanism including an externally threaded end cap on one frame member of the pair of frame members that is received within an internally threaded connector on the other frame member of the pair of frame members.

4. 2. The paint roller assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a twist-n-lock coupling mechanism and includes a male end cap on one frame member of the pair of frame members that is received within a female connector on the other frame member of the pair of frame members.

5. 2. The paint roller assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a pinch-n-release coupling mechanism and includes a female end cap on one frame member of the pair of frame members that receives a male end cap on the other frame member of the pair of frame members.

6. 2. The paint roller assembly of claim 1, wherein the linkage comprises a slide-n-lock linkage and includes two halves with a post received within an eye loop of each frame member of the pair of frame members.

7. The paint roller assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one frame member includes a hinge for opening said at least one frame member to allow removal or replacement of the roller cover.

8. 2. The paint roller assembly of claim 1, wherein the ergonomic handle includes a threaded hole and is configured to allow connection of a second handle having a central longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical core when the paint roller assembly is assembled.

9. The paint roller assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical core includes a spring cage and an end cap.

10. 1. A paint roller assembly comprising: a pair of frame members, the pair comprising a first frame member and a second frame member connected to one another by a linkage, the second frame member including an ergonomic handle having a central longitudinal axis; and a cylindrical core attached to a second end of each of the first frame member and the second frame member, the cylindrical core configured to rotate about a central longitudinal axis; Equipped with a paint roller assembly, wherein the central longitudinal axis of the handle is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical core when the paint roller assembly is assembled, thereby allowing a user to grip the ergonomic handle during use and apply sufficient pressure to the paint roller assembly to evenly distribute paint.

11. 11. The paint roller assembly of claim 10, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a threaded coupling mechanism and includes an externally threaded end cap on one frame member of the pair of frame members that is received within an internally threaded connector on the other frame member of the pair of frame members.

12. 11. The paint roller assembly of claim 10, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a twist-lock coupling mechanism and includes a male end cap on one frame member of the pair of frame members that is received within a female connector on the other frame member of the pair of frame members.

13. 11. The paint roller assembly of claim 10, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a pinch release mechanism and a female end cap on one of the pair of frame members that receives a male end cap on the other of the pair of frame members.

14. The paint roller assembly of claim 10, further comprising an extension kit for enabling the paint roller assembly to be widened.

15. 11. The paint roller assembly of claim 10, further comprising a roller cover removably attached to each cylindrical core for collecting and distributing paint.

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