Abstract:
The invention disclosed herein provides a system, apparatus and method for removing a paint roller cover from a paint roller frame. The paint roller frame includes a handle having a movable button, a hollow support shaft, a roller support pivotally attached to the hollow support shaft, a spring mechanism and a cable that is connected to the button and the roller support. The paint roller cover is released from the paint roller frame by pressing the button. When the button is pressed the cable is pulled towards proximally. As the cable is pulled proximally, the roller support is moved towards the spring mechanism. The movement of the roller support towards the spring mechanism causes the spring mechanism to transform into a position to release the paint roller cover.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a system, apparatus and method that permit a user to engage and displace a paint roller cover onto and from a paint roller frame quickly, cleanly and efficiently. In particular, the invention relates to a system, apparatus and method that use a remotely actuated star spring to permit the user to easily and quickly remove the paint roller cover from the paint frame without having to touch the wet paint roller cover. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Paint roller dispensers are generally known in the art and can range from very complex devices to those of extreme simplicity. Often after a user is done painting, he has to grasp the paint roller cover, full of paint, with his hand or around the edge of a bucket and physically remove the roller from the dispenser. This process is fairly inefficient, and messy as the user becomes covered in paint because he had to touch the paint filled roller to remove the roller from the dispenser. 
   Several solutions have been proposed in order to alleviate this problem. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,447,184 to McGinley discloses a paint roller frame that facilitates removal of a paint roller sleeve. The paint roller frame comprises an inner end cap and an outer end cap for rotatably supporting the roller on the frame, a gripper means on the axle of the frame for preventing axial movement of the sleeve relative to the frame and a means for removal of the sleeve. The sleeve is removed from the frame by manually moving the inner end cap towards the outer end cap. The means for removal of the sleeve is not remotely actuated by use of a cable. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,751,748 to Roe discloses a roller frame that includes an expandable core on the roller frame shaft. The expandable core has a plurality of expandable fingers. The fingers are forced radially outward during axial movement of the expandable core in one direction relative to an axially stationary cam hub on the shaft. Thus, the fingers frictionally engage the inner diameter of the paint roller cover. The paint roller cover is removed by the application of thumb pressure to the inboard end of the expandable core. When the inboard end is pressed, the expandable fingers are moved radially inward. When the expandable fingers are moved radially inward, this removes the locking tension of the cam hub by forcing the expandable core in the opposite direction. The expandable core is not spring loaded nor does it include a star spring that is remotely actuated by use of a cable. 
   PCT Application WO00/37184 to Babkowski discloses a paint roller frame that includes an end cap assembly. The end cap assembly comprises a push button and a cam member having a plurality of angularly spaced apart fingers. The fingers on the cam member are normally biased radially outward causing the tips of the fingers to engage the inner surface of the paint roller cover. To remove the paint roller cover from the frame, the button on the end cap is manually pressed. When the push button is pressed, the fingers move radially inward causing the tips to disengage from the inner surface of the paint roller cover. Babkowski does not disclose a use of a star spring or use of a cable to remotely actuate the fingers. 
   The inventions disclosed in McGinley, Roe and Babkowski all contained a removal mechanism that is attached to or near where the paint roller cover attaches to the roller frame. Since the removal mechanism is attached to or near where the paint roller cover attaches to the roller frame, the removal mechanism will get covered in paint during use of the paint roller. Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a paint roller apparatus that allows a user to remotely engage and disengage a paint roller cover from a paint roller frame quickly, cleanly and efficiently. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention disclosed herein provides a system, apparatus and method for removing a paint roller cover from a paint roller frame. The invention comprises a flexible cable threaded from a button in the handle through an engagement means, through a frame to an end cap. The spring mechanism comprises a star spring, a collar and a roller pivot. When the button is pressed, the flexible cable pulls the roller towards the engagement means. When the roller is pulled towards the engagement means, the star spring is warped as a result of the roller exerting a force on the star spring&#39;s center. As the star spring is warped, the springs&#39; prongs are retracted. With the prongs retracted, the paint roller cover can easily be placed onto the frame or removed from the frame. 
   In another embodiment of this invention, the invention also comprises a flexible cable threaded from a button in the handle, through an spring mechanism through a frame to an end cap. The spring mechanism comprises a star spring and a roller pivot. When the button is pressed, the flexible cable pulls the frame towards the engagements means. The offset in cylindrical diameters between the base of the frame and the star spring cause the base of the frame to be brought over the diameter of the star spring. As the base of the frame is moved towards the roller pivot, it exerts a force on the outside circumference of the star spring. This force warps the star spring, thereby retracting the star springs&#39; prongs. With the prongs retracted, the paint roller cover can easily be removed from the frame. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of various parts of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1   a  is an isometric view of a portion of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the button member of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of the end cap of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross section view of the end cap. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of portion of one embodiment of the present invention in an unextended position. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of portion of one embodiment of the present invention in an extended position. 
       FIG. 7  is perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in an unbiased position. 
       FIG. 8   a  is a side elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8   b  is a down elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8   c  is an elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8   d  is an elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8   e  is a plan view of a portion of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is an end elevation view of  FIG. 7  as seen from the plane across line D-D. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention in a biased position. 
       FIG. 11  is an end elevation view of  FIG. 10  as seen from the plane across line E-E. 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention in an unbiased position. 
       FIG. 14  is an end elevation view of  FIG. 13  as seen from the plane across line G-G. 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention in a biased position. 
       FIG. 16  is an end elevation view of  FIG. 15  as seen from the plane across line H-H. 
       FIG. 17   a  is a cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of the handle of the invention. 
       FIG. 17   b  is an isometric view of the operation of an alternate embodiment of the handle of the invention. 
       FIG. 18  is view of an alternate embodiment of the handle of the invention. 
       FIG. 19   a  is a view of an alternate embodiment of the handle of the invention. 
       FIG. 19   b  is a view of an alternate embodiment of the handle of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the paint roller frame  1  is shown. Handle sections  10   a  and  10   b  are molded plastic halves that form a complete handle when assembled. They are composed of plastic such as polypropylene. However, in other embodiments, other materials such as metal or rubber will suffice. Handle section  10   a  is connected to handle section  10   b  by screw  13  and screw  14 . Screw  13  extends through screw hole  11   a  into threaded stanchion  11   b  and screw  14  extends through screw hole  12   a  into threaded stanchion  12   b , thereby securing handle section  10   a  to handle section  10   b . The present invention is not limited to using screws to secure the handle sections together, as other types of fasteners well known in the art, such as tabs, adhesives or welds may be used with equal success. Handle section  10   a  includes semicircular cutout  21   a . Handle section  10   b  includes semicircular cutout  21   b . Together the semicircular cutouts  21   a  and  21   b  form a button hole into the interior of the handle. 
   Handle sections  10   a  and  10   b  include square channels  24   a  and  24   b , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 1A , square channel  24   b  is formed by shelf supports  22   b  and  23   b . Square channel  24   a  is formed by shelf supports  22   a  and  23   a . Square channels  24   a  and  24   b  include semicircular openings  25   a  and  25   b . When the handle is assembled, square washer  205  fits in square channels  24   a  and  24   b  and semicircular openings  25   a  and  25   b  form a hole for passage of hollow support shaft  200 . 
   Hollow support shaft  200  is a hollow aluminum tube. However, in other embodiments, the hollow support shaft may be composed of different materials such as plastic or steel alloy. Hollow support shaft  200  includes horizontal support section  201 , lug  202 , curved support section  203 , vertical support section  204  or square washer  205 . Horizontal support section  201 , curved support section  203  and vertical support section  204  are a single integrated piece. In the preferred embodiment, lug  202  and square washer  205  are secured to hollow support shaft via welding. Other means of rigid attachment will suffice. In the preferred embodiment, lug  202  is a circular washer with an outer diameter of ¾″. Square washer  205  is approximately ¾ths square inches. 
   When the handle is assembled, square channels  24   a  and  24   b  prevent square washer  205  from moving, thereby preventing hollow support shaft  200  from rotating about its axis or moving axially within the handle during use. Other shapes may be used for square washer  205  so long as these shapes prevent hollow support shaft from rotating within the handle sections during use. Further, other means to prevent rotation of the hollow shaft may also be apparent to those of skill in the art, such as an adhesive or inductive heat welding. 
   When the handle is assembled, button member  15  is pivotally fixed between handle section  10   a  and handle section  10   b .  FIG. 2  shows a more detailed view of button member  15 . Button member  15  comprises contact surface  16 , curved wire support  18   a , wire support hook  18   b , pivot pin  19   a  and pivot pin  20   a . In the preferred embodiment, button member  15  is composed of polyethylene plastic and is an assembled integral piece. Other materials well known in the art, such as metal, will work equally well. Pivot pin  19   a  fits in pivot hole  19   b  on handle section  10   b . Pivot pin  20   a  fits in pivot hole  20   b  on handle section  10   a . The pivot pins allow rotation of the button member within the handle. Contact surface  16  protrudes through the button hole formed by semicircular cutouts  17   a  and  17   b  in handle sections  10   a  and  10   b , respectively. 
   Proximal end  101  of activator cable  100  is secured to wire support hook  18   b  and is threaded around curved wire support  18   a . A channel is provided in the curved wire support to facilitate passage of the cable. In the preferred embodiment, proximal end  101  attaches to wire support hook  18   b  by a loop in the cable. However in other embodiments, activator cable  100  may be secured to wire support hook  18   b  through other means well known in the art, such as a clip, adhesive or welding. 
   Activator cable  100  further extends from curved wire support  18   a  through the length of hollow support shaft  200 . At its distal end  102 , activator cable  100  is attached to end cap  30  by an adhesive. In other embodiments, a mechanical attachment such as a hook and loop can also be employed. In the preferred embodiment, activator cable  100  is a flexible wire cable that is approximately 24″ long and formed of steel strands. However the invention is not limited in this regard, and the activator cable can be a chain, rope, string, flexible cable or other similar products known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , end cap  30  includes centering cylinder  31  and receiving cylinder  32 . Centering cylinder  31  is a generally cylindrical body which includes tab  34 , centering hole  35 , hole  33  and helical extension face  36 . Receiving cylinder  32  is a generally cylindrical body which includes receiving hole  37 , helical extension face  38  and notch  39 . Helical extension faces  36  and  38  have serrated teeth  41  and  43 , respectively. When assembled, receiving cylinder  32  resides inside centering hole  35  and helical extension face  36  is brought into contact with helical extension face  38 . The serrated teeth on the helical extension faces engage to changeably fix the rotational and axial positions of centering cylinder  31  and receiving cylinder  32  with respect to each other. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  7  end cap  30 , when assembled, resides in roller support  50 . Roller support  50  comprises end cover  47 , distal frustroconical section  52 , cylinder section  53 , proximal frustroconical section  54  and plunger  55 . In the preferred embodiment, roller support  50  is composed on plastic such as polypropylene; however other materials such as metal alloys may be used with equal success. Distal frustroconical section  52  includes a cylindrical support surface  72  which is sized to fit within and support the distal end of the paint roller cover. In the preferred embodiment, end cover  47  “snaps” into distal frustroconical section  52  by means of receiving notches  48  and  49 . However end cover  47  may be secured to the distal frustroconical section by other means such as by an adhesive. 
   Cylindrical section  53  forms a hollow cylindrical tube that connects distal frustroconical section  52  at its distal end and proximal frustroconical section  54  at its proximal end. Cylindrical section  53  includes locking tab  56  and shoulder  57  at its distal end. Centering cylinder of end cap  30  is prevented from rotating in distal frustroconical section  52  by the combination of receiving notch  39  with locking tab  56 . In the preferred embodiment, an adhesive is used to secure receiving notch  39  with locking tab  56 ; however this is not required. Shoulder  57  is a cylindrical roller bushing that extends from the inside walls of cylindrical section  53  to support the distal end of the hollow support shaft and allow for its steady rotation. In the preferred embodiment, the receiving cylinder is fixed to the shoulder with an adhesive. Hole  726  is formed by shoulder  57 . Hole  726  has a diameter of approximately 7/16″. The diameter of hole  726  is slightly larger than the diameter of hollow support shaft  200  in order to allow roller support  50  to rotate about hollow support shaft  200 . 
   Proximal frustroconical section  54  extends outwardly from cylindrical section  53  to support surface  73 . Support surface  73  is sized to fit within and partially support the proximal end of the paint roller cover. Attached to proximal frustroconcial section  54  is plunger  55 . Plunger  55  includes body  58  and end  59 . Body  58  is a hollow cylinder that includes hole  727 . The diameter of hole  727  is 7/16″. The outside diameter of body  58  is ⅜″. Body  58  travels through hole  706  on collar  61 . End  59  engages star spring  62 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a tolerance of 1/16″ between hole  726 , hole  727  and hollow support shaft  200  will allow for rotation. 
   End cap  30  is used to adjust the position of roller support  50  with respect to the spring mechanism. By rotating centering cylinder  31  with respect to receiving cylinder  32 , the length of the end cap may be varied.  FIG. 5  shows end cap in its shortest length. If roller support  50  needs to be moved distally away from spring mechanism  60 , centering cylinder  31  is rotated clockwise with respect to receiving cylinder  32 . As centering cylinder  31  is rotated clockwise, the distance between the top of centering cylinder  31  and the bottom of receiving cylinder  32  is increased. For example, when centering cylinder  31  and receiving cylinder  32  are in the position as shown in  FIG. 6 , the distance C as shown in  FIG. 6  is greater than distance B as shown in  FIG. 5 . The increase in distance forces the roller support in a proximal direction along the hollow support shaft toward the spring mechanism because the position of tab  34  is fixed relative to the cable by the connection to the distal end of the cable. If roller support  50  needs to be moved proximally toward spring mechanism  60 , centering cylinder  31  is rotated counterclockwise. Adjustment of the end cap may also be used to control the extent that plunger  55  biases star spring  62 . 
     FIG. 7  shows the assembled positions of the roller support and the spring mechanism  60  on hollow support shaft  200  in an unretracted position.  FIG. 9  shows a portion of spring mechanism  60  in an unretracted position. Spring mechanism  60  comprises collar  61 , star spring  62 , roller  64 , coil spring  66  and retaining ring  69 . Star spring  62  is shown in an unretracted position. 
   Collar  61  in the preferred embodiment, is a flat disk having hole  706  and threaded holes  67   d  and  70   d . The diameter of hole  706  is greater than the outside diameter of plunger  55 . In the preferred embodiment the diameter is approximately ⅜″. A tolerance of approximately 1/16″ between the diameter of hole  706  and the outside diameter of plunger  55  is provided. In the preferred embodiment, collar  61  has an outer diameter of approximately of approximately 1⅜″ and the collar is composed of plastic such as polypropylene; however other materials may be used with equal success. 
   Star spring  62  is adjacent collar  61 .  FIG. 8   e  shows a plan view of star spring  62 . Star spring  62  is composed of a thin flexible spring steel. In the preferred embodiment the star spring is a high carbon low alloy steel approximately 1/32″ thick. In the preferred embodiment star spring  62  has eight prongs,  63 , that extend to a diameter of approximately 1½″. In other embodiments, the star spring can have a different number of prongs. Star spring  62  also includes hole  722 . The diameter of hole  722  is greater than hollow support shaft  200 . A tolerance of 1/16″ is provided between the diameter of hole  722  and hollow support shaft  200  to allow rotation. In the preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the prongs is about 10% larger than the outer diameter of the collar and the roller body. It is preferred to have the diameter of the prongs between 5% and 25% larger than the internal diameter of the paint roller cover. 
   Returning to  FIG. 7 , roller  64  is adjacent star spring  62 . Roller  64  comprises roller body  74  and lip  65 . Roller  64  is composed of plastic such as polypropylene; however other materials may be used with equal success. Roller body  74  has an outer diameter of approximately 1⅜″ and an inner diameter of approximately ⅜″. 
     FIG. 8   b  shows a plan view of roller body  74 . Roller body  74  comprises concave radial slots  710 , triangular stanchions  75 , holes  67   b  and  70   b , hollow stanchions  67   c  and  70   c , hole  720  and spring retaining cavity  704 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 8   b ,  8   c  and  8   d , the interior of the roller body includes several inward facing triangular stanchions. In the preferred embodiment there are six. The triangular stanchions extend out of the roller body. On the exterior of each triangular stanchion within the roller body is a concave guide shelf  76 . The guide shelves on the opposing faces of the triangular stanchions form concave radial slots  710 . 
   Concave radial slots  710  are openings where star spring prongs  63  rest. Concave radial slots  710  retain and restrict star spring prongs  63  within roller  64 . Concave radial slots  710  also guide the star spring&#39;s movement during use. Each concave radial slot forms a slide to direct a single prong of the star spring. Those skilled in the art will recognize that when the star spring is placed in the roller body and its center depressed, the concave radial slots cradle the prongs. When released, the prongs of the star spring are guided by the slots to their original positions without jamming. 
   Spring retaining cavity  704  is a cylindrical cavity within roller body  74  that has a diameter of about ¾″. Spring retaining cavity  704  retains coil spring  66  within roller  64 . Coil spring  66  is a helical compression spring with a free length of ½″. 
   The diameter of hole  720  is greater than the diameter of hollow support shaft  200 . A tolerance of 1/16″ between the diameter of hole  720  and the diameter of hollow support shaft  200  in order to allow rotation. 
   Lip  65  is connected to roller body  74 . Lip  65  includes cavity  702 . Lug  202  fits into cavity  702  and prevents spring mechanism from moving axially with respect to hollow support shaft  200 . The outer diameter of lip  65  is approximately 1⅝″. The diameter of lip  65  may vary as long as it is sufficiently large enough to form an abutment for the paint roller cover. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 10 , retaining ring  69  is a flat disk having a hole  700  and a cavity  51  through holes  67   a  and  70   a . The diameter of hole  700  is greater than hollow support shaft  200 . A tolerance of 1/16″ between the diameter of hole  700  and hollow support shaft  200  is provided to allow rotation. In the preferred embodiment, retaining ring  69  has an outside diameter of approximately 1⅜″ and an inner diameter of approximately ½″. In the preferred embodiment, retaining ring  69  is formed with plastic such as polypropylene but machined cast light metals or plastics will work equally well. Lug  202  fits into cavity  51  and prevents spring mechanism  60  from moving axially with respect to the hollow support shaft. 
   When the spring mechanism is assembled, coil spring  66  is located in spring retaining cavity  704  around hollow support shaft  200 . Star spring  62  fits in concave radial slots  710  in roller body  74  as shown in  FIG. 8   a . Star spring  62  is in contact with coil spring  66 . Star spring  62  is held within concave radial slots  710  by collar  61 . Retaining ring  69 , roller  64  and collar  61  are held together by screw  68  and screw  71 . Screw  68  passes through holes  67   a  and  67   b  and hollow stanchion  67   c  and threads into threaded hole  67   d . Screw  71  passes through holes  70   a  and  70   b  and hollow stanchion  70   c  and threads into threaded hole  70   d.    
   In operation, to remove a paint roller cover from paint roller frame  1  or to attach a paint roller cover to paint roller support  50 , star spring  62  must be in a retracted position. To retract star spring  62 , contact surface  16  is pressed. When contact surface  16  is pressed, pivot pin  19   a  and pivot pin  20   a  rotates and in pivot holes  19   b  and  20   b , respectively. As pivot pin  19   a  and pivot pin  20   a  rotate, activator cable  100  is pulled in a proximal direction by the rotation of curved wire support  18   a . Activator cable  100  in turn moves end cap  30 . Roller support  50  is pushed towards spring mechanism  60  by pressure exerted on its distal end by end cap  30 . As roller support  50  moves towards spring mechanism  60 , plunger  55  pushes the center of star spring  62  and coil spring  66  toward the proximal end of the hollow support shaft. As shown in  FIG. 10 , when the center of star spring  62  is pressed, it bends and star spring prongs  63  are retracted within the spring mechanism.  FIGS. 10 and 11  show star spring  62  in a retracted position. When spring star  62  is in a retracted position the paint roller cover can easily be slid onto or off of paint roller frame  1 . 
   To secure the paint roller cover onto paint roller frame  1 , the pressure on contact surface  16  is released. As the pressure on contact surface  16  is released, plunger  55  is pushed in a distal direction by the recoil of the coil spring. Roller support  50  is moved in a distal direction. The recoil of coil spring  66  also pushes star spring  62  back into its unretracted position, allowing its prongs to be extended outside the spring mechanism. The extended prongs of the star spring contact the inside of the paint roller cover thereby preventing the paint roller cover from sliding relative to paint roller frame  1 . 
     FIGS. 12 through 16  show another embodiment of this invention.  FIG. 12  shows roller support  300 . Roller support  300  comprises end cover  301 , distal frustroconical section  306 , cylindrical section  304  and proximal frustroconical section  305 . In the alternate embodiment, roller support  300  is composed of plastic such as polypropylene; however other materials such as metal may be used with equal success. In the preferred embodiment, end cover  301  “snaps” into distal frustroconical section  306  by means of receiving notches  307   a  and  307   b . However end cover  301  may be secured to the distal frustroconical section by other means generally known in the art such as by an adhesive. 
   Cylindrical section  304  includes locking tab  302  and shoulder  303 . An end cap, similar to end cap  30  as described above, attaches to locking tab  302 . Shoulder  303  is a cylindrical roller bushing that extends from the inside walls of cylindrical section  304  to support the distal end of the hollow support shaft. In this alternate embodiment, the receiving cylinder is fixed to the shoulder with an adhesive. Hole  311  is formed by shoulder  303 . The diameter of hole  311  is slightly larger than the diameter of hollow support shaft  200  thereby allow roller support  300  to rotate about hollow support shaft  200 . 
   Proximal frustroconical section  305  is connected to cylindrical section  304 . The outside diameter of proximal frustroconcial section is 1½″. Proximal frustroconical section  305  includes cylindrical support  312 . Cylindrical support  312  is sized to support the inside of the paint roller cover. The cylindrical support includes edge  308  and is adjacent star spring  404 . 
     FIG. 13  shows spring mechanism  400  with the star spring in an unretracted position.  FIG. 14  is an end elevation view of the spring mechanism with the star spring in an unretracted position.  FIG. 15  shows spring mechanism  400  with the star spring in a retracted position. Spring mechanism  400  comprises coil spring  402 , washer  403 , star spring  404 , roller  405  and lug  406 . 
   Coil spring  402  is a helical compression spring with a free length of approximately 1½″. Coil spring  402  resides on hollow support shaft  200  within hole  310  of proximal frustroconical section  305 . Coil spring  402  abuts against shoulder  303 . 
   Washer  403  is adjacent to coil spring  402 . Washer  403  biases star spring  404  against roller  405 . 
   Star spring  404  is adjacent to washer  403 . Star spring  404  is composed of a thin flexible spring steel. Star spring  404  also includes hole  401   b . The dimensions and materials of the star spring are the same as in prior embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the prongs is larger than the outer diameter of the collar and the roller body. 
   Roller  405  is adjacent to and in contact with star spring  404 . Roller  405  comprises frustroconical section  409 , roller body  407  and lip  408 . Frustroconical section  409  supports star spring  404  as it bends from an unretracted position to a retracted position. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of end  410   a  is approximately ⅜″ and the diameter at point  410   b  is 1⅜″. Roller body  407  has an outer diameter of approximately 1⅜″. Lip  408  is adjacent roller body  407 . Lip  408  has an outer diameter of approximately 1⅝″. The diameter of lip  408  may vary as long as it is sufficiently large enough to form an abutment for the paint roller cover. Roller  405  is pivotally attached to hollow support shaft  200  through hole  411 . The diameter of hole  411  is greater than the outside diameter of the hollow support shaft. A tolerance of 1/16″ is provided between the diameter of hole  411  and the hollow support shaft. In the preferred embodiment, roller  405  is one single piece and is composed of plastic such as polypropylene; however more than one piece or other materials may be used with equal success. 
   Lug  406  is adjacent roller  405 . Lug  406  is a circular washer with an outer diameter of ¾″. Lug  406  is welded to hollow support shaft  200 . Lug  406  forms a thrust surface to prevent roller  405  from moving axially. 
   When spring mechanism  400  is assembled, coil spring  402  is located within proximal frustroconcial section  305  around hollow support shaft  200 . Washer  403  is adjacent coil spring  402 . Star spring  404  is adjacent washer  403 . Roller  405  is adjacent star spring  404 . Lug  406  is adjacent roller  405 . 
   In operation, to remove the paint roller cover from roller support  300 , contact surface  16  is pressed. When contact surface  16  on the button is pressed, pivot pin  19   a  pivots and pivot pin  20   a  rotate in pivot holes  19   b  and  20   b , respectively. As pivot pins  19   a  and  20   a  rotate, activator cable  100  is pulled in a proximal direction by the rotation of curved wire support  18   a . In turn, activator cable  100  moves end cap  30 . Roller support  300  is pushed towards spring mechanism  400  by pressure exerted on its distal end by end cap  30 . As roller support  300  moves towards spring mechanism  400 , edge  308  bends star spring  404  proximally along slant  412  on frustroconical section  309 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , when star spring  404  bends along slant  412  on frustroconical section  309 , star spring prongs  401   a  are retracted.  FIG. 16  shows an end view across line H-H with star spring  404  in the retracted position. When spring star  404  is retracted, the paint roller cover can be easily removed from the paint roller frame. 
   The arrangement of spring mechanism  400  allows the paint roller cover to be slid onto and secured to the paint roller frame without any remote actuation. In this embodiment, the prongs of the star spring can be biased by the interior of the paint roller cover, but once biased, the prongs must be retracted for the paint roller cover to be removed. 
   The dimensions of proximal frustroconical section  305 , edge  308 , coil spring  402 , washer  403 , star spring  404 , roller  405  and lug  406  may vary depending on the dimensions of hollow support shaft  200 , roller support  300  and the paint roller cover. However, in order for this embodiment of the invention to function properly, the outside diameter of star spring  404  must be greater than the outside diameter of proximal frustroconical section  305  and roller  405 . Additionally, the difference in diameters of frustroconical section  409  and roller body  407  must be large enough to allow star spring  404  to bend into a retracted position by curving star spring  404  over frustroconical section  409 . 
   There are several preferred embodiments of the handle of the invention. For example,  FIG. 17   a  shows the alternate embodiment of the handle as handle  1700 . The handle section is a generally rectangular hollow member having a downwardly sloping face  1720 . Handle  1700  has an upper handle half  1702  and  1704 . When assembled, upper handle half  1702  and  1704  form the upper handle section of the invention. The upper handle section has a cylindrical shaft recess  1719  for receiving the hollow support shaft. The hollow support shaft is rigidly affixed in cylindrical shaft recess  1719  by inductive welding. Cylindrical shaft recess  1719  includes hole  1724 . The upper handle section includes sloping face  1720 . Sloping face  1720  includes receiving cylinder  1710 . Receiving cylinder  1710  is a cylindrical member generally aligned with cylindrical shaft recess  1719 . It is integrally formed with upper handle half  1702  and upper handle half  1704  and therefore rigidly affixed thereto. 
   Handle  1700  also includes lower handle section  1706 . Lower handle section  1706  is a generally rectangular hollow member having a downward sloping face  1718 . Lower handle section  1706  includes receiving cylinder  1710  which is a generally cylindrical member integrally formed with lower handle section  1706  and axially aligned with aligning cylinder  1708  and cylindrical shaft recess  1719 . 
   Aligning cylinder  1708  is adapted to fit within and extend below receiving cylinder  1710 . Aligning cylinder  1708  is also adapted to be connected with and rotate within receiving cylinder  1710 . Aligning cylinder  1708  is also adapted to slide axially within receiving cylinder  1710 . 
   Aligning cylinder  1708  includes a retaining washer  1726 , which is rigidly affixed to aligning cylinder  1708  through inductive welding. Spring  1716  is resident on aligning cylinder  1708  and retained in an abutment position with receiving cylinder  1710  by retaining washer  1726 . Spring  1716  in the preferred embodiment is a coil spring, however, those skilled in the art will recognize that other spring configurations are possible. 
   Bottom  1712  is rigidly affixed to lower handle section  1706 . Bottom  1712  includes a cable tie  1714 . Cable  100  is operably disposed through the interior of the hollow support shaft, through hole  1724 , aligning cylinder  1708  and attached to cable tie  1714 . 
   In operation, handle  1700  operates to place tension on cable  100  as shown best in  FIG. 17   b .  FIG. 17   b  shows that upper handle section  1722  is capable of rotating about its axis with respect to lower handle section  1706 . As aligning cylinder  1708  rotates within receiving cylinder  1710 . As upper handle section  1722  is rotated about its axis with respect to lower handle section  1706 , it is moved away from bottom  1712  by the interaction of sloping face  1718  and sloping face  1720 . In response, cable  100 , attached to cable tie  1714 , is placed in tension and drawn downward with respect to hollow support shaft  204 , thereby actuating the functions of the invention. 
   Another example of a preferred embodiment of the handle is shown in  FIG. 18  as handle  1800 . Handle  1800  includes hollow handle section  1802 . Hollow handle section  1802  is a generally hollow rectangular box including a top  1808  and a bottom,  1810 . Hollow handle section  1802  includes a cylindrical mounting recess  1804  for receiving hollow support shaft  204 . Cylindrical mounting recess  1804  also includes concentric hole  1814 . Hollow support shaft  204  is rigidly attached to and held in cylindrical mounting recess  1804  by inductive welding. 
   Handle  1800  includes a hole  1812  in bottom  1810 . Handle  1800  also includes knob  1806 . Knob  1806  is rigidly attached to cable  100  which proceeds through concentric hole  1814  to the interior of hollow support shaft  204 . 
   In operation, handle  1800  is utilized by holding hollow handle section  1802  in one hand and pulling knob  1806  with the other. Knob  1806  applies a tension force to cable  100  for operation of the invention. 
   Yet another embodiment of the handle of the invention is shown in  FIG. 19  as handle  1900 . Handle  1900  includes hollow handle section  1902 . Hollow handle section  1902  is a generally rectangular handle including a top  1908  and a bottom,  1910 . Hollow handle section  1902  includes a cylindrical mounting recess  1904  for receiving hollow support shaft  204 . Cylindrical mounting recess  1904  also includes concentric hole  1914 . Hollow support shaft  204  is rigidly attached to and held in cylindrical mounting recess  1904  by inductive welding. 
   Handle  1900  also includes handle cutouts  1920  and  1922 . Handle cutouts  1920  and  1922  in the preferred embodiment are located in opposing faces of handle  1900 . Exposed bladder sections  1924  and  1926  protrude through handle cutouts  1920  and  1922  respectively.  FIG. 19   b  shows an alternate view of handle  1900  and exposed bladder section  1924 . Exposed bladder section  1924  and exposed bladder section  1926  are integrally formed with bladder  1928 . Bladder  1928  is a sealed natural rubber membrane capable of expanding and contracting based on pressure exerted on the bladder sections. Other resilient membrane material will also suffice. In the preferred embodiment the bladder is filled with a non-toxic incompressible gel to facilitate maximum response to any compressive movement. The bladder may also simply be filled with air. Bladder  1928  includes rigid axial cylinder  1930  which traverses from the top of the bladder to the bottom, forming a passage therethrough. Bladder  1928  is rigidly affixed to the bottom of rigid axial cylinder  1930 . Retaining collar  1932  is rigidly affixed to the bottom of bladder  1928  directly adjacent to rigid axial cylinder  1930 . Retaining collar  1932  is attached to bladder  1928  in a manner which allows retaining collar  1932  to move as bladder  1928  expands. Cable  100  traverses the interior of hollow support shaft  204  through concentric hole  1914  and rigid axial cylinder  1930  and is rigidly affixed to retaining collar  1932 . 
   In operation, exposed bladder sections  1924  and  1926  are squeezed, whereby the bottom of the bladder expands and retaining collar  1932  is displaced downwardly, applying tension to cable  100  for operation of the invention. 
   This invention is susceptible to considerable variation in its practice. Accordingly, this invention is not limited to the specific exemplifications set forth herein above. Rather, this invention is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, including the equivalents thereof available as a matter of law. 
   The patentees do not intend to dedicate any disclosed embodiments to the public, and to the extent any disclosed modifications or alterations may not literally fall within the scope of the claims, they are considered to be part of the invention under the doctrine of equivalents.