Devices for applying a coating material, such as paint, to a surface typically include, but are not limited to, a coating applicator in the form of a brush, pad, roller, wheel, or combinations thereof. Painting devices can be used in a wide range of painting applications such as painting interior walls or ceilings within a building as well as painting exterior building surfaces.
The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In one exemplary embodiment, a paint roller apparatus configured to apply paint to a surface includes a roller arm and a paint roller rotatably mounted on the roller arm about a roller axis. The paint roller has an end and a paint applicator surface. The paint roller apparatus includes a roller guard having at least one painting feature for applying paint to the surface. The roller guard is selectively movable between first and second positions. The first position comprises the painting feature disposed adjacent the end of the roller on a first side of the roller axis and the second position comprises the painting feature disposed adjacent the end of the roller on a second side of the roller axis.
The roller guard can include an arm portion and a head portion having the at least one painting feature. The head portion can be rotatably coupled to the arm portion about a first axis. The first axis can be substantially parallel to the roller axis. The first axis can be substantially perpendicular to the roller axis.
The arm portion can be rotatable about a second axis to move the head portion between a first position in which the head portion is adjacent the end of the roller and a second position in which the head portion is spaced away from the end of the roller.
The paint roller apparatus can include a locking feature configured to selectively lock the head position in either the first position or the second position.
The head portion can include one or more mechanical stops configured to limit rotation of the head portion with respect to the arm portion. The roller guard can include at least one detent features that affects rotation of the head portion.
The at least one painting feature can include a brush disposed along a first edge of the roller guard. A second edge of the roller guard, facing a direction generally opposite the first edge, can be free of brushes.
In one exemplary embodiment, a paint roller shield includes a first portion couplable to a paint roller apparatus and a second portion having at least one painting feature, the second portion being rotatably coupled to the first portion.
The first portion can be rotatably couplable to the paint roller apparatus. The first portion can be pivotable with respect to the paint roller apparatus about a first axis, and the second portion can be pivotable with respect to the first portion about a second, different axis.
The at least one painting feature can include at least one brush disposed along a first edge of the second portion. The at least one painting feature can include a plurality of separate brushes, each having a plurality of bristles extending from the first edge of the second portion. A second, opposite edge of the second portion, can be free of brushes.
The paint roller shield can include one or more mechanical stops configured to limit rotation of the second portion with respect to the first portion. The paint roller shield can include at least one detent features that affects rotation of the second portion with respect to the first portion.
These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background.
The present disclosure generally relates to devices for applying a liquid coating material, such as paint, to a surface and more specifically, but not by limitation, to painting devices suitable for interior painting applications such as painting walls and ceilings inside a building. As used herein, “paint” includes substances composed of coloring matter or pigment suspending in a liquid medium as well as substances that are free of coloring matter or pigment. “Paint” can also include preparatory coatings, such as primers. Some particular examples of paint include, but are not limited to, latex paint, oil-based paint, stain, lacquers, varnish, inks, and the like.
Paint can be applied to a surface as a liquid, and the coating provided can be opaque, transparent, or semi-transparent. Various embodiments described herein include a paint applicator or head having an applicator surface for applying paint in liquid form. Examples of paint applicators include, but are not limited to, rollers, pads, brushes, and the like. It is noted that while some embodiments are illustrated below using a paint roller, other types of paint applicators can be utilized and are within the scope of the concepts described herein.
Device 100 includes a tube 110 having an internal paint reservoir. Tube 110 forms a handle for the user to operate device 100 and can be any suitable length, size, and shape. In one embodiment, the exterior surface of tube 110 has a circular shape. In another embodiment, the exterior surface of tube 110 has a non-circular shape, such as elliptical or oval. Paint from the paint reservoir is internally fed to roller cover 104 through assembly 108. Roller cover 104 is perforated to allow paint to pass from the roller core 106 to the exterior applicator surface of roller cover 104.
Device 100 includes a knob 112 on an end of a shaft or rod of a plunger assembly extending within tube 110. The rod is configured to move a plunger or piston disposed within tube 110. By way of example, pulling knob 112 away from tube 110 moves the plunger within the tube 110 to expand the internal paint reservoir, for example when the user is filling the fluid reservoir.
Device 100 includes a fluid pump assembly 114 for pumping paint from the fluid reservoir. Pump assembly 114 is illustratively a positive displacement pump positioned between tube 110 and roller arm assembly 108. In the embodiment illustrated in
The position of pump assembly 114 allows the user to hold the device 100 in either a left-hand or right-hand orientation and actuate the trigger 118 with either their thumb or fingers. The positioning of pump assembly 114 between tube 110 and the paint applicator 102 allows one-handed operation of device 100. By way of illustration, but not limitation, the user can grasp the device 100 with one hand between tube 110 and applicator 102. The one hand can be used to operate the pump assembly 114, while the proximity of the user's hand to applicator 102 provides enhanced control over the device movement while painting.
Trigger 118 is movable between a first, operating position (illustrated in
In the operating position illustrated in
To move trigger 118 to the pump removal position illustrated in
During a painting operation, the user operates the pump assembly 202 using control 204 which drives the paint pump, thereby pumping paint from tube 208 through a roller arm assembly 218 to a roller (not shown in
Rather than driving paint from the paint reservoir by creating an increase in positive pressure within the paint reservoir (e.g., applying manual force to the plunger assembly, spring loading the plunger assembly, etc.), a painting device having a paint pump, such as a positive displacement pump, draws paint from the paint reservoir by creating a vacuum. “Vacuum” refers to a partial vacuum or region of low pressure (e.g., less than an ambient pressure). Suction is created due to the pressure gradient, which draws paint from the paint reservoir into the paint pump.
In accordance with one embodiment, the plunger assembly is movably positioned on the fill rod allowing the rod to be tucked or pushed back into the tube after filling the reservoir, which reduces the overall length of the painting device during use. Conversely, in a painting device in which the plunger assembly is fixed to the plunger rod, the overall length of the painting device is essentially doubled when the paint reservoir is completely filled. That is, the overall length of the painting device increased by the rod length when the rod is pulled to fill the paint reservoir. This increase in length can make it difficult for a user to operate the painting device, especially in small areas such as hallways of a building.
With respect to the embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, a paint reservoir from which the paint pump draws a supply of paint comprises an on-board reservoir. The on-board paint reservoir is self contained on the portable, handheld painting device, such as the internal reservoirs described above with respect to devices 100, 300, and 350. In another embodiment, the paint reservoir can be external to and/or remotely located from the painting device. For example, a suction or siphon tube having a length of several feet or more can be provided from a remote paint reservoir. Examples of a remote paint reservoir include, but are not limited to, a paint can placed on a floor or carried by the user, such in the user's hand or attached to the user's belt. In one example, a paint container can be formed within a backpack.
Referring again to device 100,
Housing 122 includes a first connector 136 for receiving roller arm assembly 108 and a second connector 138 for receiving a connector 140 of tube 110. Assembly 114 is fluidically coupled to tube 110 and includes a manually actuated plunger 120 movable within a pump housing 122. A portion of plunger 120 is positioned within a bore 124 of housing 122. A collar 126 is threadably engaged within a receptacle 127 of housing 122 and includes a mechanical stop, in the form of an annular lip or ridge 127, configured to engage a corresponding structure 121 of plunger 120 and retain plunger 120 within the bore 124. A washer 128 and seal 130 are also provided.
Components of pump assembly 114 are removable from housing 122 by pivoting the trigger 118 away from pump assembly 114, as illustrated in
Plunger 120 is movable between a first non-actuated position (illustrated in
Connector 140 of tube 110 includes a fill port 142 (illustrated in
Assembly 408 is removably coupled to tube 402 using connectors 426 and 428 on housing 412 and tube 402, respectively. In one embodiment, assembly 408 is removably coupled to tube 402 using a threaded connection. In one embodiment, assembly 408 is removably coupled to tube 402 using a quarter turn bayonet connection. An o-ring 427 is provided to reduce or inhibit paint leakage between connectors 426 and 428.
A valve 414 (illustratively a duckbill valve) is positioned within an inlet 416 of housing 412. A plunger 418 is mounted on a first end of a plunger rod 420. A second end of rod 420 includes a knob 422 for a user to grasp when retracting plunger rod 420. A cap 424 is attached to tube 402 and has a through hole or aperture receiving rod 420. An o-ring 423 can be provided to reduce or inhibit paint leakage past plunger 418.
To fill the paint reservoir within tube 402, a user removes assembly 408, including valve 414, from tube 402. Then, a fill nozzle 430 is attached to tube 402 using connector 428 and a corresponding connector 432 on nozzle 430. Nozzle 430 is placed in a paint container and plunger rod 420 is retracted drawing paint through nozzle 430 into tube 402. Nozzle 430 is removed and applicator assembly 404 is placed back on tube 402. In one embodiment, a two-way valve 425 is provided within tube 402 proximate the end having connector 428. Valve 425 is configured to allow paint flow in either direction, but provides some level of flow resistance to discourage paint from running out of tube 402 during the filling process, for example after nozzle 430 has been removed. Valve 425 can be any suitable type of valve such as, but not limited to, a star valve. Valve 425 is illustratively positioned within a washer 429 and can be retained within tube 402 using any suitable fastening configuration.
Assembly 404 can be separately cleaned, for example by connecting a source of solvent to assembly 404. In one example illustrated in
End 504 of device 500 is illustratively opposite a roller assembly end 506. Fill port assembly 502 has an opening 503 for receiving a flow of paint, such as from a siphon tube, for filling a reservoir 507 formed within a tube 512. Assembly 502 is mounted on a plunger rod or shaft 508 using any suitable connection mechanism(s) and is fluidically coupled to a bore 516 formed through rod 508 and a plunger 510. Plunger 510 is mounted to an end of rod 508 and is movable within tube 512. In other embodiments, fill port assembly 502 can be located at other positions along tube 512.
When painting device 500 is being filled through opening 503, a fluid path is provided from opening 503 to plunger 510, through assembly 502 and bore 516. As plunger 510 is retracted within tube 512 (in a direction represented by arrow 509) using rod 508 to expand the reservoir, paint is drawn from opening 503 through assembly 502 and bore 516.
As illustrated in
The valve of fill port assembly 502 is also configured to discourage or prevent the vacuum or suction within reservoir 502, created by the pump, from inadvertently opening the valve which could result in air being drawn into reservoir 502. By way of example, the valve of device 500 comprises spool valve assembly 520 positioned within body 514 along the fluid flow path through fill port assembly 502. A nut 526 is threadably engaged to body 514 and retains the spool valve assembly 520 within body 514. Nut 526 includes an opening 527 (also shown in
Spool valve assembly 520 including a movable spool member 522 positioned within a housing 524. Member 522 is movable between first and second positions to control paint flow through spool valve assembly 520. Member 522 includes an inlet 528 receiving paint and a paint flow path (generally represented by arrows 537) to one or more outlet openings 536.
In the first, closed position (shown in
By way of example, to fill painting device 500 a fluid siphon tube is inserted through opening 503 and engaged to spool member 522. A manual force is applied by the siphon tube to spool member 522 thereby moving the spool member 522 to the second position, which opens ports 518 as shown in
During operation, pump assembly 530 is used to pump paint from the reservoir 507. Partial vacuum pressure generated by the pump assembly 530 action causes suction of the paint from the reservoir 507. Spring 534 maintains the spool member 522 in the first, closed position preventing the suction from drawing air into the fluid reservoir 507 through the spool valve assembly 520.
In other embodiments, spool valve assembly 520 can be positioned at other positions along the reservoir. For example, but not by limitation, with respect to device 350 illustrated in
Referring again to
Alternatively, or in addition, to use of a fluid pump, a drive mechanism can be utilized to apply forward force on the plunger assembly to create positive pressure within the paint reservoir and drive paint to the paint application. In accordance with one embodiment illustrated in
Mechanism 601 includes a constant-force spring assembly 606 that is mounted at a second end of rod 604, and is configured to exert a substantially constant force on rod 604 in direction 607 over a range of motion of plunger assembly 602. Spring assembly 606 illustratively comprises a power or clock spring, and includes a rolled ribbon of material 616 such as a spiral strip or ribbon of spring steel or other suitable material. A first end of material 616 is attached to an anchor 618 at a lock ring 622 and a second end of material 616 is on a spool 607 within a spool housing 609. Spool 607 can be rotatably mounted within housing 609 or can be fixedly attached to housing 609. The second end of material 616 can be freely positioned on spool 607 or can be secured to spool 607 using a second anchor 611. Housing 609 is attached to an end 613 of rod 604.
In one embodiment, material 616 has a substantially flat cross section. In another embodiment, material 616 can have a slightly concave shape and, when rolled up on spool 607, is deformed to a substantially flat cross-section.
As material 616 is unrolled from spool 607, the spiral ribbon on the spool 607 is contracted deforming the material to some extent. A restoring force urges the ribbon on spool 607 to return to an expanded spiral shape. This restoring force urges the unrolled portion of material back onto the spool 607 and is substantially constant as the material is unrolled. By substantially constant, it is understood that the resultant restoring force may not be exactly constant, but can include some small variation accounting for material or design tolerances, for example.
In one embodiment, assembly 606 is configured to apply a force that is within a small percent of deviation (i.e., less than 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, etc.) from a target force. In one particular example, assembly 606 applies a force to rod 604 between 14 and 16 pounds. In another particular example, assembly 606 applies a force to rod 604 between 14.5 and 15.5 pounds. In another particular example, assembly 606 applies a force to rod 604 between 14.8 and 15.2 pounds.
By way of illustration, use of non-constant force mechanisms, such as compression coil springs, to apply force on a plunger assembly can result in uneven paint flow to the painting applicator as the amount of force applied to the plunger assembly varies based on the plunger assembly position. The force exerted by a compression spring increases the further the spring is compressed. Thus, when the plunger assembly is fully retracted (i.e., the compression spring is fully compressed) the compression spring exerts a greater force on the plunger assembly than when the plunger assembly is less retracted (i.e., the compression spring is less compressed). In contrast to use of mechanisms such as a compression coil spring where the force exerted by the spring is proportional to its change in length, the amount of force exerted on rod 604 by constant-force spring assembly 606 is substantially the same regardless of the position of plunger assembly 602 within tube 608. In this manner, the flow of paint to the paint applicator is substantially constant providing for even application of paint to the surface.
Roller cover 702 is internally fed through roller arm assembly 704 and is perforated to allow the paint to pass from the roller core 703 to an applicator surface 705. Device 700 includes a drive mechanism 720 that is selectively activated to supply paint from reservoir 706 through roller arm assembly 704. Drive mechanism 720 includes a plunger assembly 726 that is movable within tube 708 at least partially between a first end 728 and a second end 730 of tube 708. Plunger assembly 726 is moved in a first direction 722 to drive paint in reservoir 706 through roller arm assembly 704 during a painting operation, and in a second direction 724 when filling reservoir 706 through port 710.
Plunger assembly 726 is movably mounted on a threaded shaft 732 extending within tube 708 between ends 728 and 730. Shaft 732 is configured to rotate about an axis to move plunger assembly 726 in either direction 722 or 724. Surfaces 733 of body 727 that engage shaft 732 include corresponding threads. As shaft 732 rotates in either direction, the interaction between the threads causes movement of plunger assembly 726 within tube 708.
Device 700 includes one or more features that prevent shaft 732 from merely spinning the plunger assembly 726 within tube 708, which would otherwise hinder movement of plunger assembly 726 in either direction 722 or 724. In one embodiment, plunger assembly 726 and tube 708 have corresponding non-circular shapes. For example, tube 708 has an oval shape, such as an ellipse, that can be ergonomically appealing to a user, as well as effective in preventing rotation of plunger assembly 726 within tube 708. The oval shape of tube 708 advantageously provides comfortable gripping surfaces for various hand sizes and provides leverage when pressing the roller cover 702 against a painting surface. For example, in one embodiment tube 708 is oriented such that an axis (generally represented in
Alternatively, plunger assembly 726 and/or tube 708 can have other non-circular shapes and can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. For example, but not by limitation, plunger assembly 726 and/or tube 708 can be in the shape of a square, rectangle, triangle, or other polygon.
Further, it is noted that the non-circular shape described with respect to
In one embodiment, the exterior geometry of device 700 can be different than the interior surface 709 of tube 708. For example, the inner and outer surfaces of tube 708 can have different shapes. In another example, tube 708 can be positioned within a second, outer tube having a different size and/or shape.
Alternatively, or in addition, one or more guide shafts or rods 738 extending within tube 708 can be received within an aperture formed in plunger assembly 726, as illustrated in the embodiment of
A powered actuator mechanism is provided to impart rotation on shaft 732. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator mechanism comprises a battery powered tool 740, illustratively in the form of a screwdriver or other similar apparatus. A receptacle 742 formed at end 728 is sized to receive the actuator mechanism 740. For instance, the drive mechanism 720 can be keyed to receive the actuator mechanism 740. A bit 744 or other suitable connector is configured to engage a corresponding connector (generally represented by dashed lines 746) formed at an end of shaft 732.
One or more features are provided to prevent the actuator mechanism 740 from rotating with respect to tube 708. In the illustrative embodiment, a protrusion or tab 748 on actuator mechanism 740 is received within a corresponding recess 750 formed on receptacle 742. Actuator mechanism 740 is secured within receptacle 742 using any suitable attachment mechanisms to prevent inadvertent removal of actuator mechanism 740 from the receptacle 742. Actuator mechanism 740 includes a control, such as a three-position switch, to selectively rotate shaft 732 (i.e., either clockwise or counterclockwise) to move plunger assembly 726 in a desired direction 722 or 724.
Actuator mechanism 740 can be configured for interchangeable use with other painting devices having suitable receptacles for operably receiving actuator mechanism 740. For example, other painting devices can include paint applicators such as, but not limited to, brushes and/or pads.
As shown in
A roller cover 858 is positioned on a roller core that is rotatably mounted on a roller arm assembly 853. A fill port 852 is provided on a portion of the roller arm assembly 853. A quick release 854 is provided for detaching the roller cover 858 and/or roller core from the roller arm assembly 853. In one embodiment, a round rotating edge disk 856 is provided proximate an end of the roller cover 858.
A plunger assembly within tube 908 is operable to drive paint in the paint reservoir through assembly 904. In one embodiment, the plunger assembly is spring loaded using a compression spring, for example. A handle 912 is provided on an end of a rod or shaft 913 and is utilized to retract the plunger assembly when filling device 900 from a fluid container. Retracting the plunger assembly compresses an internal spring (not shown) and expands the paint reservoir which draws paint from the paint container through an inlet port 910. Inlet port 910 is fluidically coupled to the fluid container by a tube, for example.
The plunger assembly is held in the retracted position until a lever 914 is selectively actuated (i.e., depressed) by a user. In one embodiment, lever 914 is operably coupled to a valve mechanism that opens when lever 914 is depressed to allow paint to flow from the paint reservoir. In another embodiment, the lever 914 can be mechanically coupled to the plunger assembly 914.
A collar 1116 is attached to the first end 1112 of tube portion 1104 and is sized to retain the plunger assembly 1108 within tube portion 1104. For example, collar 1116 includes an inner circumferential edge that is smaller than plunger assembly 1108 preventing plunger assembly 1108 from being removed from tube portion 1104. Collar 1116 has an outer edge 1118 that is larger than tube portion 1102. In the illustrated embodiment, collar 1116 is configured to engage a collar 1120 attached to a first end 1122 of tube portion 1102 such that the second end 1114 of tube portion 1104 is movable from the first end 1122 to the second end 1124 of tube portion 1102. The second end 1114 of tube portion 1104 includes a radially extending flange portion 1126. Collar 1120 includes an inner circumferential edge that is smaller than flange portion 1126 to prevent tube portion 1104 from being removed from tube portion 1102.
Alternatively, the second tube portion 1104 can have a larger diameter than the first tube portion 1102 such that the first tube portion 1102 is received within the second tube portion 1104.
Mechanism 1402 includes lever 1412 pivotable about a pivot point 1414. An end 1416 of lever 1412 is configured to mechanically contact roller cover 1404 and disengage the locking mechanism. Illustratively, lever 1412 includes a portion 1418 extending toward roller cover 1404 to tab 1410 and eject the roller cover 1404 from core 1406.
In accordance with one embodiment, a roller edge guard or shield is provided at an axial end of a roller to prevent the axial end of the roller from contacting an adjacent surface. For instance, in one application a user may desire to paint a top portion of a wall adjacent a ceiling. The edge guard or shield aids the user when painting the wall along the ceiling by preventing the roller from contacting the ceiling.
The shield 1500 can also include one or more brushes 1508 comprising a plurality of bristles, for example, extending from edges of shield 1500. The brushes 1508 are configured to contact a portion of the surface to be painted in very close proximity to the adjacent surface. While an exemplary brush is illustrated herein as including bristles, it is understood that other suitable tools or implements can be utilized. For example, a brush can include a substantially flat pad or disc formed of suitable material such as, but not limited to, foam, fabric, etc.
In the example illustrated in
When a pair of edge guard brushes are utilized, it may be the case that the brush that is not be used to paint the surface (i.e., the brush facing way from the surface to be painted) can inadvertently contact the adjacent surface leaving undesirable paint marks and/or imperfections in paint applied to the adjacent surface. In accordance with one embodiment, an edge guard or shield is provided having a movable or rotatable brush feature.
Guard 1600 has a first arm portion 1602 that is configured to attach to a painting device using a screw fastener 1603 and be rotated about a pivot point, such as pivot point 1556 illustrated in
A second head portion 1604 extends from arm portion 1602 and rotatably supports a brush assembly 1606. Brush assembly 1606 includes at least one brush 1610 comprising a plurality of bristles, for example, attached to a plate 1612 and extending beyond and edge 1614 of plate 1612.
In the illustrated embodiment, brush assembly 1606 is rotatably coupled to head portion 1604 using a screw 1608. Plate 1612 has a recessed portion 1616 that is received by a pair of guides 1618. Guides 1618 are positioned to act as rotational limiters or stops for plate 1612. That is, a first raised portion 1620 of plate 1612 contacts one of the guides 1618 at a first rotational limit and a second raised portion 1620 of plate 1612 contacts one of the guides 1618 at a second rotational limit. Alternatively, or in addition, detent features 1617 can be provided to aid in the rotational positioning of plate 1612 and discourage inadvertent movement of plate 1612 during operation. Also, one or more protrusions and/or indentations 1619 can be provided along an edge of plate 1619 to aid the user in gripping plate 1612 for rotation.
Brush assembly 1606 is rotatable with respect to arm portion 1602 about an axis 1624. In one embodiment, when guard 1600 is positioned proximate the axial end of the roller, axis 1624 is substantially parallel to the roller axis.
Spherical ball 1758 is partially retained within and protrudes through a circular opening formed in the axial end 1755 of roller cover 1750. In one embodiment, ball 1758 and axial end 1755 comprise a ball and socket in which ball 1758 is configured to rotate independently of roller cover 1750 about any of a number of different axes having a common center or intersection point. Ball 1758 engages the adjacent surface causing rotation of ball 1758 in a first direction (illustrated by double arrow 1761) as roller cover 1750 rotates in a second direction (illustrated by double arrow 1760).
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/482,407, filed May 4, 2011, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/482,405, filed May 4, 2011, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/514,348, filed Aug. 2, 2011, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/514,370, filed Aug. 2, 2011, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
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