Modular line applicator

Abstract: A modular line applicator which can apply different line marking media to a surface depending upon the line marking module mounted to the applicator frame. The module line applicator includes a frame having a distal end and a proximal end. A handle is mounted proximate the frame proximal end for grasping by a user. A line marking module is detachably mounted to the frame distal end, and includes a support member having a proximal end detachably mounted to the frame distal end and a media applicator mechanism mounted to the support member. The media applicator mechanism applies the line marking media along a line on a surface.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The field of invention is line applicators, more particularly modular line applicators having modules comprising different line marking media. Line applicators apply a line marking media to a surface to produce a line on the surface. The line marking media can be applied to car park surfaces, warehouse flooring, playgrounds, sports grounds, and the like, to delineate specific surface areas. A known line applicator paints lines on the desired surface, and typically includes a frame with ground engaging wheels at one end and a handle at the other. A detachable spray paint can mounted to the frame sprays paint between the wheels to paint a line on the ground. Other known line applicators apply tape, powder, and the like onto a surface to form the line. The specific line marking media used is often determined by the particular surface on which the media is applied, and dictates the applicator to be used. Moreover, applicators cannot be easily modified to apply other types of media. Therefore, if a user must apply different line marking media, an applicator for each media must be purchased, maintained, and stored. The FR-A-1 502 436 discloses a line applicator of the kind defined by the precharacterizing features of claim 1. This known line applicator has the means containing paint supported in the frame separately from a paintline roller of the applicator mechanism supplied with paint from the containing mechanism via a hose. This known line applicator is not suited to apply different line marking media to a surface but exclusively to apply a paint line to said surface. Similarly the line applicator known from the US-A-4 313 780 is exclusively suited to apply a tape in strips to a surface and comprises a tape roller fixed to a frame separately from a tape spool. Such arrangement, therefore, is not adapted to replace the tape for instance by paint as line marking media. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a line applicator which can apply different line marking media to a surface and to provide for a line marking module with a media applicator mechanism for such line applicator. This object is attained concerning the line applicator by the features of claim 1 and concerning the line marking module with a media applicator mechanism for such line applicator by the features of claims 16 and 24, respectively. The line applicator in accordance with the present invention provides for a line marking module including in combination the containing means containing line marking media and the media applicator mechanism for applying line marking media onto a surface. Such line marking module can be easily replaced to apply different line marking media onto said surface simply be replacing one line marking module by another one, the first one for example allowing for application of paint whereas the second one allows for application of a tape. A line marking module with a media applicator mechanism for the line applicator allowing to apply paint onto a surface is defined in claim 16. A line marking module with a media applicator mechanism for the line applicator allowing to apply tape onto a surface is defined in claim 24. The modular concept in accordance with the invention used in connection with a line applicator and in connection with a respective media applicator mechanism has the advantage that without complete reconstruction one and the same line applicator the line applicator can be used to apply different line marking media to a surface, for instance paint and a tape. Therefore, by the detachable line marking module, different modules can apply different types of media to the surface. The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration a preferred embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front view of a modular line applicator incorporating the present invention with a paint module; Fig. 2 is a side view of the modular line applicator of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a front view of a modular line applicator incorporating the present invention with a tape module Fig. 4 is a side view of the modular line applicator of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a partial exploded assembly view of the modular line applicators of Figs. 1 and 3; Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view along line 6-6 of Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is a detailed cross sectional view along line 7-7 of Fig. 3; Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view along line 8-8 of Fig. 3; Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view along line 9-9 of Fig. 3; Fig. 10 is a detailed cutaway side view of the paint applicator of Fig. 1 in a non- marking position; Fig. 11 is a detailed cutaway side view of the paint applicator of Fig. 1 in a marking position; Fig. 12 is a detailed view of the air vent along line 12-12 of Fig. 2; Fig. 13 is a front view of the reclosable compartment; Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view along line 14-14 of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a detailed cross sectional view along line 15-15 of Fig. 2; Fig. 16 is a detailed view along line 16-16 of Fig. 11; and Fig. 17 is a front view of a modular line applicator having an alternate flowable media container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a modular line applicator 10 has an elongated frame 12 with a handle 14 attached to a proximal end 16 and a detachable line marking module, such as a paint module 18, detachably mounted to a distal end 20. The line marking module applies a line marking media, such as paint, tape, and the like, to a surface to form a line on the surface. Referring to Figs. 5 and 8, the frame 12 is an elongated U-shaped body 22 defining a cavity 24 having an open front 26 and ends 28, 30. Preferably, the U-shaped body 22 is extruded aluminum, and includes an elongated arcuate rear plate 32 having side edges 34. Arms 36 extend from each edge 34 substantially perpendicular to the rear plate 32 to form the U-shape. A hook 38 formed on an end of one of the arms 36 engages an edge 40 of a cover 42 to hingedly connect the cover 42 to the body 22. A ledge 44 extending inwardly from the arm 36 is spaced toward the rear plate 32 from the hook 38 to retain the cover edge 40 in engagement with the hook 38 and prevent the cover 42 from separating from the body 22. An end of the other arm 36 includes a catch 46 which engages the other edge 48 of the cover 42 to latch the cover 42 in a closed position over the cavity 24. An inwardly extending ledge 50 extends from each arm 36 adjacent to the rear plate 32 to define inwardly opening opposed slots 52 along the length of the body 22. The slots 52 engage opposing ends of clamp plates 54 for clamping the handle 14 and paint module 18 thereto. A pair of oppositely opening hooks 56 extending outwardly from a side of each arm 36 engages frame sides 58 to attach the sides 58 to the body 22. The attached frame sides 58 are, preferably, extruded aluminum and define an oval frame cross section. Each side 58 extends longitudinally past the body distal end 20 along a portion of the paint module legs 110 to cover fasteners 60 used in the assembly of the module 18 (shown best in Fig. 9). Advantageously, the sides 58 finish off the body arms to provide an aesthetically pleasing look to the applicator 10 (Shown in Figs. 1 and 2). Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, the cover 42 is hingedly connected to the body 22, and closes over the body cavity 24 to define a reclosable compartment in the cavity 24 for storing line marking tools 60, such as a pencil, string, a trimming tool, knife, and the like. Preferably, a foam insert 62 disposed in the cavity 24 is adhesively attached to body rear plate 32 and has cutouts 64 for receiving each line marking tools 60. As shown in Figs. 1 and 8, the cover 42 is an elongated arcuate plate having opposing longitudinal edges 40, 48. One edge 40 of the cover 42 is hook shaped which engages the hook 38 formed on the end of the arm 36 to hingedly connect the cover 42 to the body 22. The other edge 48 includes a clasp 66 which engages the catch 46 to hold the cover 42 in a closed position. Although a pair of engaged hooks 38, 40 are disclosed to hingedly connect the cover 42 to the body 22, any type of hinge, such as a living hinge, piano hinge, and the like can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Referring now to Figs. 1, 2, and 5, the handle 14 is attached to the frame proximal end 16, and has a pair of grips 68 for grasping by a user. The grips 68 are, preferably, elastomeric moldings slipped over opposing ends 70 of a handle bar 72. The handle bar 72 is a hollow tube which includes two longitudinal slots 74, 76 centrally located between the handle bar ends 70 for receiving a handle mounting plate 78. The slots 74, 76 are aligned in the same plane, and one of the slots 74 is longer than the other slot 76. The handle 14 for use with the paint module 18 includes a mounting plate 78 having a rectangular base 86 and an arcuate tongue 82 extending from one side of the base and a rectangular tongue 84 extending from an opposing side of the base 80. The base 86 slips into the longer handle bar slot 74 with the arcuate tongue 82 extending through the shorter slot 76. The shorter slot 76 is shorter than the width of the rectangular body 80, such that the body 80 abuts an interior surface of the handlebar 72 to prevent the body 80 from passing through the shorter slot 76. Preferably, the mounting plate 78 is fixed to the handle bar 72 using methods known in the art, such as welding, bolting, and the like. A hole 86 formed in the arcuate tongue 82 provides an attachment point for a hook to hang the applicator 10 when the handle 14 is attached to the frame 12. A second hole 88 formed in the body provides an attachment point for pivotally mounting a lever which engages the paint module 18. As shown in Fig. 5, the handle 14 is attached to the frame 12 by slipping the rectangular tongue 84 into the frame proximal end 16 and fixing the tongue 84 to a clamp plate 54 proximal the frame proximal end 16. Preferably, holes 92 are formed in the rectangular tongue 84 for bolting the tongue 84 to the clamp plate 54. A top frame end cap 94 (shown in Fig. 8) is fixed to the handle 14 to close the frame open proximal end 16. The rectangular tongue 84 slips through a slot 96 formed in base 80 of frame end cap 94, and is fixed to the tongue 84 using methods in the art, such as welding. The cap 94 is oval-shaped to conform with the finished frame cross section, and abuts the mounting plate body 22, when the handle 14 is fixed to the frame 12. Preferably, as shown in Fig. 8, a cut out 98 formed in the cap 94 provides access to a top edge of the cover 42, and allows the user to insert a finger in the cut out 98 to disengage the cover latch 66 from the frame catch 46 and gain access to the cavity 24 forming the reclosable storage compartment. The line marking or paint module 18 includes support structure which mounts to the frame and supports the paint applicator mechanism 99. The support structure includes a flat mounting plate 100 having a rectangular base 102 with four sides. Referring to Fig. 5, a rectangular tongue 104 extends from one base side and opposing projections 106 extend from each end of an opposing base side. The module 18 is attached to the frame 12 by slipping the rectangular tongue 104 into the frame distal end 20 and fixing the tongue 104 to the clamp plate 54 mounted to the frame body 22 proximal the frame distal end 20. Preferably, holes 108 are formed in the rectangular tongue 104 for bolting the tongue to the clamp plate 54. Referring to Figs. 5 and 7, legs 110 extend from each end of the mounting plate base opposing side. Each leg 110 (shown in Fig. 7) is formed from a flat plate, and includes a slot 112 having one end open to a proximal end 114 of the leg 110. The mounting plate base 102 slips into the slot such that each leg 110 is substantially perpendicular to the base 102 and adjacent to one of the projections. Each leg 110 is fixed to the adjacent projection 106 using methods known in the art, such as welding. A bottom frame end cap 116 is formed from a flat plate having a slot 118 formed therein. The mounting plate rectangular tongue 104 slips into the slot 118, and the cap 116 abuts each leg 110 and an edge of the mounting plate base 102. The cap 116 is fixed to the mounting plate 100 using methods known in the art, such as welding. A roller fork 120 extends longitudinally from a distal end 122 of each leg 110, and is attached to the leg 110 by inserting a bolt through a countersunk hole 124 formed in the leg 110 and threadably engaging a threaded bore 126 formed in the fork. One end of each fork 120 extends past the respective leg distal end 122, and supports a wheel axle 128. Surface engaging wheels 130 are rotatably mounted to the wheel axle 128 on opposing sides of the roller forks 120. The wheels 130 support the line applicator 10 (shown in Figs. 1 and 2) as the paint is applied to the surface. Referring to Figs. 7, 10 and 11, the paint applicator mechanism 99 is pivotally attached to the legs 110 for slidable movement relative thereto, and applies the paint to the surface. The paint applicator mechanism 99 applies paint to the surface with a roller 132 rotatably mounted on an inner housing 134 which is nested in an outer housing 136. Slidable movement of the inner housing 134 relative to the outer housing 136 controls the flow of paint onto the roller. The cup-shaped inner housing 132 is pivotally connected to the wheel axle 128, and has an arcuate top 138 with front 140 and rear 142 edges which are all joined by substantially parallel sides 144. A roller axle 146 extends through holes formed in the housing sides 144, and pivotally supports the inner housing 134. A clip 150 extends outwardly from the rear edge 142, and snaps onto the wheel axle 128 to pivotally mount the inner housing thereto. A lip 152 extends outwardly from the front edge 140. Referring to Fig. 16, an aperture 154 formed in the inner housing top 138 feeds paint to the roller 132 when aligned with an aperture 156 formed in the outer housing 136. The elongated aperture extends between the inner housing 134 sides to provide an even coat of paint along the entire length of the roller 132. Gasket material 158, such as felt tape, disposed between the inner and outer housings 134, 136, and secured to the inner housing 134 in front of and behind the inner housing aperture 154 prevents the flow of paint between the housings 134, 136. However, if tight tolerances are maintained between the inner and outer housings 134, 136, gasket material 158 may not be required. As best shown in Figs. 10, and 11, the cup-shaped outer housing 138 fits over the top of the inner housing 134, and has an arcuate top 160 with front and rear edges 162, 164 which are all joined by substantially parallel sides 166. Holes 148 formed in each side 166 engage opposing ends of the roller axle 146 to pivotally mount the inner housing 134 in a sliding relation with the outer housing 136. A lip 168 extends outwardly from the outer housing front edge 162 and engages the inner housing lip 152 to prevent the inner housing front edge 140 from sliding rearwardly past the outer housing front edge 162. A fitting 170 formed as an integral part of the outer housing top 160 threadably engages a paint container 172 which is in fluid communication with the aperture 156 formed in the outer housing 136. The fitting 170 includes a bore 174 defined by an internally threaded cylindrical portion 176. A pair of arms 178 extend rearwardly from each side of the fitting 176 which have rearwardly opening slots 180. A reservoir 182 formed in the fitting 170 is in fluid communication with the bore 174, and is open to the aperture 156 in the outer housing 136. When the inner housing aperture 154 is aligned with the outer housing aperture 156, paint flows from inside the container 172 through the bore 174, into the reservoir 182, through the apertures 154, 156, and onto the roller 132. Paint from the paint container 172 collects in the reservoir 182, and ensures an even paint flow onto the roller 132. Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, and 11, a lift member 184 links the paint applicator mechanism 99 to the lever 80 and in a slidable relation to the legs 110. Referring to Fig. 5, the lift member 184 includes a cross bar 186 which extends between the legs 110, and two pivot arms 188. Each pivot arm has one end fixed to an end of the cross bar 186 and an opposing ends pivotally connected to one of the legs 110. The cross bar 186 slips into the outer housing slots 180 and snap into the slot end. Pivoting the lift member 184 relative to the legs 110 moves the outer housing 136 relative to the legs 110. Raising the outer housing 136 pivots the inner housing 134 about the roller axle 146 and wheel axle 128 causing the inner housing 134 to slide relative to the outer housing 136. Sliding the inner housing 134 relative to the outer housing 136 misaligns the housing apertures 154, 156 to cut off the flow of paint onto the roller 132. A first biasing member 133, such as a compressed or tensioned spring, biases the outer housing toward the surface to maintain the roller 132 in engagement with the surface, when the roller is applying paint to the surface. Preferably, the biasing member 133 is a tensioned spring having one end connected to the lift member 184 and a second end connected to the wheel axle 128, such that the biasing member 133 urges the outer housing 136, and thus the roller 132, toward the surface. A triangular link member 190 has a lower portion 192 pivotally connected to the lift member 184 and an upper portion 194 linked to the lever 90. Preferably, a rod 196 (shown in Fig. 7) pivotally connected to the link member upper portion 192 extends through the frame to link the link member 190 to the lever 90. Pivoting the lever 90 toward the grip 68 pulls the link member away toward the grip 68 to pivot the lift member 184 and lift the outer housing 136. Preferably, a pivot support 198 (shown in Fig. 5) connects the upper portion of the link member 190 to the legs 110 to support the upper portion of the link member 190. The pivot support 198 includes a cross bar 200 which extends between the legs 110, and two pivot arms 202. Each pivot arm 202 has one end fixed to an end of the cross bar 200 and an opposing ends pivotally connected to one of the legs 110. The cross bar 200 extends through a hole 204 formed in the link member upper portion. Preferably, a second biasing member 135 having one end connected to the pivot support 198 and a second end connected to one of the legs 110 urges the link member 190 toward the surface to assist the first biasing member 133 in urging the roller 132 toward the surface. Referring to Figs. 1, 2, and 10-12, the paint container 172 is a cylindrical tube having narrowed open ends 206, 208. Each end has external threads with one end 206 threadably engaging the internally threaded fitting portion 176, and the other end 208 threadably engaging a cap 210. The cap 210 includes a closable air inlet 212 which is open when paint flowing out of the one end 206 is desired, and closed when paint flow is not desired. Preferably, the air inlet 212 is fixed relative to the frame, such as by a bracket, and movement of the paint applicator mechanism 99 opens the inlet 212 when paint is being applied to the surface and closes the inlet 212 when paint is not being applied. An alternative, and in certain applications, preferable paint container, shown in Fig. 17, is a collapsible container, such as a plastic bag, surrounded by a cylindrical wall 216 which threadably engages the fitting 176. The collapsible container can collapse as paint exits the container, thus an air inlet may not be required. Referring back to Figs. 10, 11 and 16, the roller is rotatably mounted on the roller axle 146 between the inner housing sides 144, and is in fluid communication with the inner housing aperture 154. Preferably, the cylindrical roller 144 is formed from a foam material. When the roller 132 is rolled along a surface, paint flowing from the container 172 onto the rotating roller 132 is transferred to the surface to form a painted line on the surface. Surface engaging wheels 218 fixed to each end of the roller axle 146 engage the surface when paint is being applied to the surface. Preferably, the wheels 218 have a diameter which is less than the roller diameter, such that the roller 132 is compressed (as shown in Fig. 11) at the interface between the surface and roller 132 when applying paint to the surface. Compressing the roller 132 at the interface provides a solid even coat of paint on the surface. Referring back to Figs. 1, 2, 10, 11, the flow of paint to the roller 132 is stopped by pulling the lever 90 toward the grip 68 into a non-marking position. When the lever 90 is pulled toward the grip 68, the lift member 184 raises the outer housing 136 and causes the inner housing 134 to pivot about the wheel and roller axles 128, 146 and slide relative to the outer housing 136. Slidable movement of the inner housing 134 relative to the outer housing 136 misaligns the housing apertures 154, 156 to cut off the flow of paint from the container 172 to the roller 132. As shown in Figs. 1 and 15, the lever 90 can be locked in the non-marking position with a spring biased tab 220 that extends through slots 222 formed in the handle bar 72. The tab 222 is pivotally connected to the lever 90, and has a bar engaging surface 224 which engages the bar 72 when the lever 90 is pulled toward the non-marking position. A spring 226 biases the tab 220 to engage the bar 72, and the tab 220 can be disengaged from the bar 72 by urging the bar engaging surface 224 away from the bar 72, such that the tab 220 can slip through the slots 222. In the embodiment disclosed above, the lever 90 is linked to the paint applicator mechanism 99, such that pivoting the lever 90 toward the grip 68 raises the roller 132 from the surface and discontinues the flow of paint. However, in certain applications, it may be preferable to link the lever 90 to the paint applicator mechanism 99, such that pivoting the lever 90 toward the grip 68 engages the roller 132 with the surface and opens a pathway between the paint container 172 and the roller 132. As shown in Figs. 3-7, another line marking module is a tape module 240 which forms a line by applying tape 242 to the surface, and is interchangeable with the paint module 18. The tape module 240 includes support structure which supports a spool 244 of tape and a media applicator mechanism 246. As in the paint module 18, the support structure includes a flat mounting plate 100 having legs 110' and an end cap 116 fixed thereto. The legs 110' and cap 116 are fixed to the mounting plate 100 as described above, and the mounting plate 100 is detachably mounted to the frame 12 as described above. Forks 120 extends longitudinally from the distal end of each leg 110', and are attached to the legs 110' as described above for the paint module 18. One end of each fork 120 extends past the distal end of the respective leg 110'. The rearward side of each tape module leg 110' has an arcuate edge 248 with a hook 250 formed therein for rotatably mounting the tape spool 244 on a shaft 252 between the legs 110'. Each end of the shaft 252 is supported by one of the hooks 250, and tape 242 is dispensed between the legs 110' as it unrolls off of the spool 244. The media applicator mechanism 246 is a roller which applies the tape 242 to the surface. The roller 256 is rotatably mounted on an axle 254 having opposing ends mounted to the forks 120. The non-adhesive side of tape 242 dispensed from the spool 244 engages the roller 256 as the roller 256 rolls along the surface. As the roller 256 rotates it presses the adhesive side of the tape 242 against the surface to form a line on the surface. An L-shaped cut plate 258 fixed between the legs 110' has one leg 260 substantially tangential to the tape application roller 256. The cut plate 258 engages the non-adhesive side of the tape 242, and supports the tape 242 between the spool 244 and the application roller 256. Advantageously, the cut plate 258 provides a flat surface extending across the width of the tape 242 for cutting the tape 242, such as with a knife, when application of the tape 242 to the surface is no longer desired. As shown in Figs. 3-5, a tape module handle 14' is substantially similar to the paint module handle 14, except a lever is not required. Therefore, a hanging hole 86' can be provided in the mounting plate base 80', and a tongue extending through the top of the handle bar is not required. Referring to Figs. 1-5, in use, a user slips a module 18, 240 between the frame sides 58, inserts the module mounting plate tongue 104 into the slot, and fixes the tongue 104 to the clamp plate 54. When the paint module 18 is being used, the handle 14 with a lever 90 is fixed to the clamp plate 54 proximate the frame proximal end 16, and the lever 90 is linked to the paint applicator mechanism outer housing 136. The tape module 240 is attached to the frame 12 in the same manner as the paint module 18, except a lever is not required. Looking at Figs. 1, 2, and 10-12, to apply paint to a surface using the paint module 18, such as the ground, the container air inlet 212 is opened to allow air into the container 172, and the lever 90 is pivoted toward the frame distal end 20, such that the paint applicator mechanism 99 is lowered toward the surface to engage the roller 132 with the surface. Lowering the paint applicator mechanism 99 toward the surface pivots the inner housing 134 relative to the wheel and roller axles 128, 146, and slidably moves the inner housing 134 relative to the outer housing 136 to align the housing apertures 154, 156. The aligned apertures 154, 156 provides a path for paint to flow from the container 172 onto the roller 132. As the user urges the applicator 10 along the desired path, the roller 132 rotates about the axle 146, and applies paint to the surface. To cease applying paint to the surface, the lever 90 is pivoted away from the surface to raise the paint applicator mechanism 99, and misalign the housing apertures 154, 156. Looking at Figs. 3 and 4, to apply tape 242 to a surface using the tape module 240, tape 242 is unwound from the spool 244 and threaded over the cut plate 258, such that adhesive on the tape 242 is facing outwardly. The tape non-adhesive side is partially wrapped around the roller 256, and the tape adhesive side is pressed onto the surface. As the user urges the applicator along the desired path, the tape 242 unwinds from the spool 244, passes over the cut plate 258, and is pressed against the surface by the roller 256. To cease applying the tape 242 to the surface, the user stops urging the applicator along the desired path, and cuts the tape 242 by sliding a blade across the cut plate 258 to cut the tape. 242 While there has been shown and described what are at present considered the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. Therefore, various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention. For example, although paint flowing from a container is disclosed for use with the paint applicator module, any flowable media such as a powder, with or without the roller or the like, can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The paint module container can be detached from the outer housing, such as a container carried by the user and in fluid communication with the outer housing aperture by a flexible hose. In addition, a module which supports a can of spray paint and the like can be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention. The subject matter of the present invention can be summarized as follows. A modular line applicator which can apply different line marking media to a surface depending upon the line marking module mounted to the applicator frame. The module line applicator includes a frame having a distal end and a proximal end. A handle is mounted proximate the frame proximal end for grasping by a user. A line marking module is detachably mounted to the frame distal end, and includes a support member having a proximal end detachably mounted to the frame distal end and a media applicator mechanism mounted to the support member. The media applicator mechanism applies the line marking media along a line on a surface.

Claims: A line applicator comprising: a frame (12) having a distal end (20) and a proximal end (16), a handle (14) mounted proximate said proximal frame end (16) for grasping by a user, a containing means (110, 172) containing line marking media, and a media applicator mechanism (99) provided at said frame distal end (16) for applying said line marking media along a line on a surface, characterized in that , said containing means (172) and said media applicator mechanism (99) are combined into a line marking module (18, 240) including a support member (100, 102, 104) having a proximal end (104) detachably mounted to said frame distal end (20). The modular line applicator as in claim 1, in which said frame (12) includes a cavity (24) formed therein, and a cover (42) hingedly connected to said frame (12) covering said cavity (24) to provide a reclosable storage compartment. The modular line applicator as in claim 1, in which two spaced apart surface engaging wheels (130) are rotatably mounted to said support member (100), and line marking media is applied to said surface by said media applicator mechanism (99) within the space defined between said wheels (130). The modular line applicator as in claim 1, in which said media applicator mechanism (99) includes a roller (132) which applies said media to the surface. The modular line applicator as in claim 1, in which said line marking media is flowable. The modular line applicator as in claim 1, in which said line marking media is tape. The modular line applicator as in claim 1, in which said media applicator mechanism (99) includes: an outer housing (136) defining a first cavity and linked to said support member (100), said outer housing (136) having a first aperture formed therein; an inner housing (134) defining a second cavity and pivotally mounted to said support member (100) and said outer housing (136) in said first cavity, and slidably movable relative to said outer housing (136), said inner housing (134) having a second aperture formed therein which is alignable with said first aperture; a roller (132) rotatably mounted to said inner housing (134) in said second cavity, wherein slidable movement of said inner housing (134) relative to said outer housing (136) aligns said first and second apertures and fluid media as line marking media flows through said aligned apertures onto said roller (132) for application onto the surface by said roller (132). The modular line applicator as in claim 7, in which a container (172) containing the line marking media is in fluid communication with said first aperture. The modular line applicator as in claim 8, in which said container (172) is mounted to said outer housing (136). The modular line applicator as in claim 8, in which said container (172) includes a reclosable air vent which allows air into said container (172) as the media exits said container (172) and passes through said first aperture. The modular line applicator as in claim 7, in which said outer housing (136) is linked to said support member (100) by a link arm pivotally linked to said support (100) member and said outer housing (136). The modular line applicator as in claim 7, in which said outer housing (136) is linked to a lever (80) pivotally mounted to said handle (14), wherein pivoting said lever raises said outer housing (136) to move said inner housing (134) relative to said outer housing (136) and misalign said aligned apertures. The modular line applicator as in claim 7, in which at least one biasing member (133) biases said roller (132) toward the surface. The modular line applicator as in claim 1, in which said media applicator mechanism (246) includes: a spool (244) rotatably mounted to said support member (100, 102, 104) for supporting tape (2442) as line marking media; and an applicator roller (256) rotatably mounted to a distal end of said support member (100, 102, 104) for urging tape (242) unwound from said spool (244) against the surface. The modular line applicator as in claim 14, in which tape (242) unwound from said spool (244) passes over a cutting plate (258) mounted to said support member between said spool (244) and said applicator roller (256), wherein a user cuts said tape (242) at said cutting plate (258) when said user desires to cease applying said tape (242) to the surface. A line marking module containing a media applicator mechanism (99), a container (172) and a support member (100, 102, 104) adapted to be detachably mounted to the frame (12) of the applicator of claim 1, the support member comprising a pair of surface engaging wheels (130) rotatably mounted to a distal end of said support member (100, 102, 104), said media applicator mechanism (99) : a) being adapted to be combined with said container (172) containing paint as line marking media into the line marking module (18) for the line applicator (10), said support member (100, 102, 104) having a proximal end (104) detachably mountable to a distal end (20) of said frame (12) having a handle (14) for grasping by a user at a proximal end (16), and b) comprising an outer housing (136) defining a first cavity and linked to said support member (100, 102, 104), said housing (136) having a first aperture formed therein and being in fluid communication with said container (172), an inner housing (134) defining a second cavity and pivotally mounted to said support member (100, 102, 104) and to said outer housing (136) in said first cavity, and slideably movable relative to said outer housing (136), said inner housing (134) having a second aperture (154) formed therein which is alignable with said first aperture (156), and a roller rotatably mounted to said inner housing (134) in said second cavity, wherein slidable movement of said inner housing (134) relative to said outer housing (136) aligns said first and second apertures (156, 154) and line marking media from said container (172) flows through said aligned apertures (156, 154) onto said roller (132) for application onto the surface by said roller (132). The line marker module as in claim 16, in which the container (172) containing fluid media as line marking media is in fluid communication with said first aperture. The line marker module as in claim 17, in which said container (172) is mounted to said outer housing (136). The line marker module as in claim 17, in which said container includes a reclosable air vent which allows air into said container (172) as the fluid media exits said container (172) and passes through said first aperture. The line marker module as in claim 16, in which said outer housing (136) is linked to said support member (100) by a link arm pivotally linked to said support member (100) and said outer housing (136). The line marker module as in claim 16, in which said outer housing (136) is linked to a pivotable lever (80), wherein pivoting said lever (80) raises said outer housing (136) to move said inner housing (134) relative to said outer housing (136) and misalign said aligned apertures. The line marker module as in claim 17, in which said fluid media is paint disposed in said container. The line marker module as in claim 16, in which at least one biasing member (133) biases said roller (132) toward the surface. A line marking module with media applicator mechanism (246), tape holder (240), tape spool (244) and support member (100, 102, 104) adapted to be detachably mounted to the frame (12) of the applicator of claim 1, said media applicator mechanism (246): a) being adapted to be combined with said tape holder (240) holding said tape spool (244) as line marking media into the line marking module (18) for the line applicator (10), said line marking module (18) including said support member (100, 102, 104) having a proximal end (104) detachably mountable to a distal end (20) of said frame (12) having a handle (14') for grasping by a user at a proximal end (16), and b) comprising a roller (256) rotatably mounted to the distal end of said support member (100), wherein a non-adhesive side of the tape (242) from the tape spool (244) engages said roller (256) as it rolls along said surface pressing the adhesive side of said tape (242) against said surface to form a line thereon. The module as in claim 24, in which tape (242) unwound from said spool (244) passes over a cutting plate (258) mounted to said support member between said spool (244) and said applicator roller (256), wherein a user cuts said tape (242) at said cutting plate (258) when said user desires to cease applying said tape (242) to the surface.

Inventors: BOUND KEITH R, BOUND, KEITH R.
Applicants: TRICOR DIRECT INC, TRICOR DIRECT, INC.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: E01C23
IPC codes: E01C23