Abstract:
A collapsible paint roller frame includes: an axle and means configured to receive a roller cover; a first link; a second link; a coupler configured to fixedly receive the axle and to receive a first end of the first and second links in a pivotal relation; and a handle configured to receive a second end of the first and second links in a pivotal relation. The handle is movable with respect to the axle, using the first and second links, between collapsed and extended positions. The collapsed position permits easy storage of the roller frame in small spaces, and also an efficient arrangement of multiple roller frames in a shipping carton, reducing packaging/shipping costs. A torsion spring engages one link to bias the handle relative to the axle into the collapsed position. A trigger movable between first and second positions releasably secures the handle in the collapsed and/or extended positions.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/655,081 filed on Jun. 4, 2012, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to improvements in paint roller frames, and more particularly to a roller frame that is specially adapted to be easily collapsed for storage and easily extended for use in applying paints and other liquid or semi-liquid substances over a large surface area. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are many instances today, where either a brush or a roller applicator may serve in applying a liquid or a higher viscosity, semi-liquid substance, to a surface. A roller applicator is very well suited for dispensing the substance onto large surfaces, in a rapid and efficient manner. A conventional “paint roller” has typically consisted of a roller frame that is adapted to receive a cylindrical roller cover/sleeve, where the roller cover is adapted to absorb paint when immersed within a pan, and then evenly disperse the paint from the roller upon the surface to be coated. Thus, the cover is often a cylindrical core with a pile fabric covering. The frame may receive the roller and permit its rotation thereon, while being held at another end using a handle. The size and arrangement of this conventional paint roller is very large and awkwardly shaped for efficient storage within a portable tool box, or even its original shipping carton. 
         [0004]    The first paint roller is credited as having been devised by Norman Breakley of Toronto, in 1940. However, the first U.S. patent was by Richard Adams, an engineer for the Sherwin-Williams Company, who constructed and patented the Roller-Koater® as an alternative to brushes, as they were in short supply during World War II because of the restricted availability of hog bristles. Since that time, there have been numerous improvements made to the paint roller. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,273,192 to Mazzella was for a “Paint Roller Having a Pivotally Adjustable Handle,” in order to permit its use “in locations where it is desirable to have the handle angularly related to the shank.” Similar functionality was taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,902 to Jang for a “Paint Roller Frame with an Adjustable Handle,” and by U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,469 to Irven for “Adjustable Handle for Edging Paint Roller.” However, despite such improvements to assist in applying the paint, there remains an unmet need for a paint roller frame that is specifically adapted to being collapsible, so as to ameliorate its bulkiness, and render it much more susceptible to compact storage within a portable tool box or storage/shipping container. The present invention is adapted to providing a roller frame capable of being collapsed into a compact envelope. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is an object of the invention to provide a roller frame capable of receiving a roller cover, and capable of being held and manipulated for the purpose of applying liquid or a semi-liquid substances onto a surface. 
         [0006]    It is another object of the invention to provide a paint roller frame that is capable of being folded into a collapsed position comprising a compact shape, for easy storage. 
         [0007]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a locking means for locking of the collapsible roller frame while in either or both of the folded and unfolded positions. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the invention to provide a quick release locking means for easy conversion of the roller frame between the collapsed and extended positions. 
         [0009]    It is also an object of the invention to provide a means of biasing the roller frame to be in either of the folded or unfolded positions. 
         [0010]    Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    A paint roller frame disclosed herein, for use in receiving a roller cover capable of collecting and dispersing paint or other substances, may comprise unique geometry and a mechanism that may be locked in a first or a second position. The first position may be an extended position that effectively permits the user to grasp a handle of the frame and manipulate it to cause rotation of a roller cover, during application of the substance. The second position is a collapsed or folded position resulting in a compact envelope that is more suitable for easy storage within a tool box, allowing many such folded roller frames to be compactly and neatly stored therein in a stacked relationship. 
         [0012]    The collapsible paint roller frame may comprise: a mounting member or coupler, for supporting: an axle to slidably receive a roller cover; a first link having a first end and a second end, with its first end being pivotally coupled to a portion of the mounting member, and its second end being pivotally mounted on the handle; a second link having a first end and a second end, with its first end being pivotally coupled to another portion of the mounting member; and a handle that pivotally receives the second end of the first and second links at discrete positions. 
         [0013]    An extension spring or a compression spring (possibly a constant force spring), or a torsion spring may be used to bias one or more of the links. In one embodiment, a torsion spring may be used and may comprise one or more helical windings whose ends may serve to bias the roller frame into either the collapsed or the extended positions, depending upon its installation. In one embodiment, the torsion spring may serve to bias the frame to remain in the extended position, and have a sufficiently high spring constant so as to resist collapse while the user is applying a force to the handle that causes rotation of the roller cover and the paint thereon to be dispersed onto the surface needing to be coated. This would necessitate that the user apply a somewhat greater force in order to intentionally cause collapse of the roller frame, once the user has completed the task, and seeks to store the roller frame. A clip or Velcro strap may thereafter be used to retain the roller frame in the collapsed state. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the collapsible roller frame may utilize a torsion spring with a smaller spring constant, as the frame may further comprise a locking feature for use in positively securing of the biased link(s) in either the collapsed or extended positions. In one embodiment, the locking feature may comprise a cylindrical lock barrel being received over the windings of the torsion spring, with an end of the first link being received through a keyway in an end wall of the cylindrical lock barrel, to thereby interconnect the biased first link with the lock barrel. Other means of interconnecting the first link with the lock barrel are discussed hereinafter. The second end of the first link may be biased by receiving a radial over-center end of the torsion spring, while a tangential second end of the torsion spring contacts the handle. A slidable/pivotable trigger being mounted to the handle may be movable between a first and a second position, with the first position comprising a position in which a portion of the trigger engages the lock barrel to thereby prevent rotational movement of the lock barrel relative to the handle, and the second position comprising a position where the trigger is disengaged from the lock barrel and permits rotational movement of the lock barrel and links. Locking by the trigger may be accomplished by having a bolt portion thereon that may, when in the engaged trigger position, be slid into one of two orifices in the lock cylinder. The trigger may thus be usable to secure the first link relative to the handle, and thereby inhibit movement of the handle, relative to the roller cover, while at either the collapsed position or the extended positions, using the first and second orifices, respectively. 
         [0015]    Collapsing/folding of the paint roller frame of the present invention may result in its handle being proximate to the mounting member and roller cover. In fact, the first and second links may be formed so that the handle may end up parallel to the axle and roller cover, and may even be in contact therewith, when in the collapsed position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a paint roller of the prior art, having an adjustable handle. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged detail view of the prior art paint roller of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the collapsible paint roller frame of the current invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is the collapsible paint roller frame of  FIG. 3 , being used in conjunction with a roller cover to disperse paint in the painting of a wall, and with an extension pole being shown ready to be received within threaded inserts of the handle of the roller frame. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a top view of the collapsible paint roller frame of the current invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  is the top view of  FIG. 5A , but focusing on the handle, and with the trigger being actuated to occupy a disengaged position, and thereby unlock the roller frame mechanism, and permit collapsing of the frame for its storage. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5C  is the top view of the collapsible paint roller frame of  FIG. 5B , but with the frame collapsed and the trigger re-engaged to lock the frame in the collapsed position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5D  is the top view of the collapsible paint roller frame of  FIG. 5C , showing the trigger being actuated to occupy a disengaged position, and thereby unlock the collapsed frame, and permit moving of the frame back into the extended position of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5E  is an alternate embodiment of the collapsible paint roller frame of  FIG. 5C , being without a trigger and lock bolt, and using a C-clip to releasably secure the frame in the collapsed position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5F  is a storage box being used to store one or more collapsible paint roller frames of the current invention, which are compactly stored in the collapsed position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5G  is an end view of the storage box of  FIG. 5F , showing a plurality of collapsible paint roller frames of the present invention neatly and compactly stacked therein. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the parts comprising a first embodiment of the collapsible paint roller frame of the current invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is an exploded side view of the parts comprising the first embodiment of the collapsible paint roller frame of the current invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8A  is the top view of the collapsible paint roller frame of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0030]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of the paint roller frame of  FIG. 8 , showing the trigger, one-half of the handle, and other parts of the roller frame in a partially exploded view. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9A  is the top view of the collapsible paint roller frame of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0032]      FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view through the handle portion of the paint roller frame of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is the perspective view of the collapsible paint roller frame of  FIG. 3 , but enlarged to show only the portion of the frame proximate to the handle. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view showing the first handle half after receiving the second end of the first link in a hole therein. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11A  is the perspective view of  FIG. 10 , but enlarged and with the trigger and the second half of the split handle removed to expose the lock bolt engaged within an orifice in the lock barrel, locking the roller frame in the extended position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11B  is the perspective view of  FIG. 11A , but with the lock bolt translated to be disengaged from the lock barrel to unlock the frame, while being in the extended position. 
           [0037]      FIG. 11C  is the perspective view of  FIG. 11B , but with the frame having been pivoted into the collapsed position, and with the lock bolt remaining disengaged from the lock barrel. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11D  is the perspective view of  FIG. 11C , with the frame in the collapsed position, and the lock bolt translated to re-engage the lock barrel. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12A  is a top view of a second half of the split handle of the collapsible paint roller frame of the current invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of the second handle half of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0041]      FIG. 12C  is a side view of the second handle half of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0042]      FIG. 12D  is a top view of a first half of the split handle of the collapsible paint roller frame of the current invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 12E  is a perspective view of the first handle half of  FIG. 12D . 
           [0044]      FIG. 12F  is a side view of the first handle half of  FIG. 12D . 
           [0045]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the roller cage axle of the collapsible paint roller frame of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the first link of the collapsible paint roller frame of the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the second link of the collapsible paint roller frame of the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of the coupler member used for fixedly securing of the roller axle therein and for pivotal securing of the first and second links of the collapsible paint roller frame of the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 16B  is a reverse perspective view of the coupler member of  FIG. 16A . 
           [0050]      FIG. 16C  is a side view of the coupler member of  FIG. 16A . 
           [0051]      FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of the backing member of the collapsible paint roller frame of the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 17B  is a reverse perspective view of the backing member of  FIG. 17A . 
           [0053]      FIG. 17C  is a side view of the backing member of  FIG. 17A . 
           [0054]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the coupler member of  FIG. 16A  after receiving the first end of the first link, with the E-clip mounted thereon to prevent sliding of the link relative to the mounting member, and with the second link also pivotally mounted therein. 
           [0055]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the torsion spring usable to bias the handle relative to the first link. 
           [0056]      FIG. 20  is an end view of the torsion spring of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 21A  is a perspective view of the lock barrel of the collapsible paint roller frame of the present invention. 
           [0058]      FIG. 21B  is an end view of the lock barrel of  FIG. 21A . 
           [0059]      FIG. 22A  is a side view of the trigger of the collapsible paint roller frame of the present invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 22B  is a rear view of the trigger of  FIG. 22A . 
           [0061]      FIG. 23A  is a perspective view of the lock bolt of the collapsible paint roller frame of the present invention. 
           [0062]      FIG. 23B  is a side view of the lock bolt of  FIG. 23A . 
           [0063]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the lock bolt of  FIG. 23A  positioned within the trigger of  FIG. 22A , 
           [0064]      FIG. 25A  is a perspective view of the first half of the threaded, split insert of the present invention, for receiving a threaded handle extension. 
           [0065]      FIG. 25B  is a front view of the threaded, insert half of  FIG. 25A . 
           [0066]      FIG. 25C  is a perspective view of the second half of the threaded, split insert of the present invention, for receiving a threaded handle extension. 
           [0067]      FIG. 25D  is a front view of the threaded insert half of  FIG. 25A . 
           [0068]      FIG. 26  is the roller cover usable with the collapsible paint roller frame of the present invention. 
           [0069]      FIG. 27  is a top view of the collapsible paint roller frame of the current invention, being in the collapsed position, but illustrating an alternate embodiment for the trigger and lock bolt. 
           [0070]      FIG. 28  is a side of the collapsible paint roller frame with alternate trigger of  FIG. 27 . 
           [0071]      FIG. 29A  is a cross-sectional view through the handle portion and an alternate trigger/lock bolt combination of the collapsible paint roller frame of  FIG. 27 , with the trigger shown prior to being toggled, so that the lock bolt engages the lock cylinder. 
           [0072]      FIG. 29B  is the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 29A , but shown after the trigger has been toggled, so that the lock bolt is disengaged from the lock cylinder. 
           [0073]      FIG. 29C  is the side view of  FIG. 28 , but shown with several parts removed, and with the frame in the extended position. 
           [0074]      FIG. 29D  is the side view of  FIG. 29C , but with the trigger toggled, so that the lock bolt is disengaged from the lock cylinder. 
           [0075]      FIG. 30A  is the top view of  FIG. 27 , but shown with the first handle half removed to reveal the lock bolt in an engaged position, and with the frame in the extended position. 
           [0076]      FIG. 30B  is the top view of  FIG. 30A , but shown with the lock bolt in a disengaged position. 
           [0077]      FIG. 30C  is the top view of  FIG. 30B , but shown with the frame in the retracted position, while the lock bolt remains in a disengaged position. 
           [0078]      FIG. 30D  is the top view of  FIG. 30C , but shown with the lock bolt re-engaged to secure the frame in the retracted position. 
           [0079]      FIG. 30E  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the collapsible paint roller frame of  FIG. 3 , having a different trigger/lock bolt arrangement, being in the form of an actuating lever and a corresponding mechanism. 
           [0080]      FIG. 30F  is a front view of the paint roller frame of  FIG. 30E , showing one of the handle-halves removed to expose the mechanism, and with the roller shown in the collapsed position and the mechanism locked. 
           [0081]      FIG. 30G  is the view of  FIG. 30F  shown as a perspective view. 
           [0082]      FIG. 30H  is the front view of  FIG. 30F , but with the roller shown in the extended position, and being enlarged to show the mechanism in greater detail. 
           [0083]      FIG. 30I  is the front view of  FIG. 30H , but shown with the actuating lever having been actuated to cause the lock bolt to translate out from the lock cylinder, to unlock the mechanism. 
           [0084]      FIG. 30J  is the front view of  FIG. 30J , but shown with the roller in the collapsed position and the mechanism remaining unlocked. 
           [0085]      FIG. 30K  is the front view of  FIG. 30J , but shown with the actuating lever having been released to cause the lock bolt to translate into a second opening in the lock cylinder, to lock the mechanism. 
           [0086]      FIG. 31A  is an alternate embodiment of the current invention, replacing the trigger and lock bolt combination with a jaw lock mechanism and trigger, with the lock in a closed position, and with the frame shown in the retracted position. 
           [0087]      FIG. 31B  is the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 31A , but with the first jaw lock being in an unlocked position. 
           [0088]      FIG. 31C  is the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 31B , but with the frame pivoted to be in the extended position, and with the second jaw lock shown in the unlocked position. 
           [0089]      FIG. 31D  is the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 31C , but with the second jaw lock shown in the locked position. 
           [0090]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the current invention, replacing the trigger and lock bolt combination with a clutch-brake lock mechanism. 
           [0091]      FIG. 32A  is a side view of the clutch-brake lock mechanism of  FIG. 32 , shown with the clutch engaged. 
           [0092]      FIG. 32B  is a side view of the clutch-brake lock mechanism of  FIG. 32 , shown with the clutch disengaged. 
           [0093]      FIG. 33  shows an alternate embodiment for the handle that incorporates a metal support channel therein to increase its rigidity. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0094]    A prior art paint roller frame is shown within  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which illustrate the corresponding figures of U.S. Pat. No. 3,273,192 to Mazzella. The Mazzella roller frame includes an axle cage comprised of longitudinal rods whose ends are secured in collars that are rotatably received on a central rod or axle, with the roller cage being capable of receiving the roller cover. The rod forming the axle is bent at right angles, and ordinarily, a distal free end of the rod that extends away from the roller cover is equipped with a handle. Mazzella adds an adjustable joint to that arrangement at a central point on the rod portion that extends orthogonally away from the roller cover, to permit adjustment of the handle to be at a desired angular relationship with the roller cover. 
         [0095]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the collapsible paint roller frame  10  of the current invention. The collapsible paint roller frame  10  is shown, within  FIG. 4 , being used to cause rotation of a roller cover upon a wall  201 , to thereon disperse paint or other substances. The frame may therefore be used to have the roller cover apply paint to a surface, or to apply a coat of wallpaper sizing to a wall, or to apply adhesive to the back of wallpaper to be hung on the wall, or to apply a seal coating to a blacktop (asphalt) pavement, or to apply a liquid or any other higher viscosity, semi-liquid substance to a particular surface. The advantageous nature of the present roller frame is found within its unique linkage geometry that permits the frame to be transformed from the extended position shown within  FIG. 5A , into the collapsed position shown within  FIG. 5C  (or the collapsed position of an alternative embodiment seen in  FIG. 5E ). The collapsed position for the roller frame  10  results in a compact and convenient envelope that permits stacking of a plurality of the collapsed roller frames  10  within a storage container or tool box  200 , to therein require a minimal volume, as seen within  FIGS. 5F and 5G . 
         [0096]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective exploded view of the parts comprising the roller frame  10  of  FIG. 3 . Assembly and operation of the roller frame  10  may initially be understood from a discussion of  FIG. 6  and  FIGS. 13-18 . Axle  30  ( FIG. 13 ) may comprise a cylinder  31  having a length  32 . Cylinder  31  may transition into a second cylinder  33  having a slightly smaller diameter than that of cylinder  31 . Cylinder  31  of axle  30  may be usable for slidably receiving cage  170  formed of longitudinal rods with end collars, similar to the cage in the patent to Mazzella, which may in turn receive a roller cover  40  ( FIG. 26 ). The cage  170  may be rotatably secured on the axle using a nut that may be torqued onto the threads  32 T. The smaller diameter of second cylinder  33  may be received within an orifice in the coupler member  20 . 
         [0097]    Coupler  20  ( FIGS. 16A-16C ), as well as the other parts of paint roller frame  10 , may be formed of metal, wood, or plastic, and it may be that certain parts of the frame may be metallic while others are optimally made of plastic. Coupler  20  ( FIGS. 16A-16C ) may comprise a member having features adapted to receive several of the parts of the roller frame  10 . The coupler  20  may have a first side  21  and second side  22 . A lower portion of the coupler  20  may be canted, and thus, first side  21  and second side  22  may transition into first canted side  21 C and second canted side  22 C, respectively. First side  21  of coupler  20  may have an orifice  25 A therein that is usable for receiving the smaller diameter of second cylinder  33  of axle  30 , for mounting of the axle to the coupler. Cylinder  33  may be received therein using a friction fit, or using any suitable adhesive/epoxy, or using mechanical fasteners, including, but not limited to, screws. In addition, cylinder  33  may comprise external threading  33 T, which may be used to engage corresponding internal threading within orifice  25 A. 
         [0098]    The second side  22  of coupler  20  may have a cylindrical recess  26 C that may have its axis be oriented orthogonally with respect to the axis of orifice  25 A and axle  30 . Cylindrical recess  26 C may be formed between first side  21  and second side  22 , and may begin at one end  23  of the coupler and extend to a certain depth without piercing, the opposite end  24  of the coupler. An overall recess  26  may comprise cylindrical recess  26 C and a second, rectangular recess  26 R that begins at the second side  22  and connects to the cylindrical recess portion  26 C, as seen in  FIG. 16C . In addition, a narrow recess  26 A, being an annular recess that may transition into a slotted portion, may generally be centered upon recess  26 . The second canted side  22 C of coupler  20  may also have a similarly formed recess  27 , which may comprise a cylindrical recess portion  27 C and a rectangular recess portion  27 R, except that recess  27  may not begin at one end of the coupler and may instead, as seen in  FIG. 16A , stop before piercing either of its ends,  23  and  24 . A slotted opening  28  may begin at a bottom of the coupler  20  and pierce all the way from first canted side  21 C through the second canted side  22 C, and may extend upward sufficiently to transect recess  27 . 
         [0099]    A first link  50  ( FIG. 14 ) may comprise a wide “U” shape, with a base member of the “U” being a cylinder  51  of sufficient length, so as to have a transition  51 Ti into a first leg  53  at one end of the “U,” and a transition  51 Tii into a second leg  55  at a distal opposite end of the “U.” Therefore, the first leg  53  and second leg  55  may be parallel to each other, with both legs being orthogonal to the cylindrical base  51 , and with both legs  53  and  55  extending in the same direction away from base  51 . The overall length  52  of base leg  51  may be set to provide a suitable distance between the handle and roller cover (see  FIG. 3 ). First leg  53  may comprise an annular groove  53 G. The second leg  55  may similarly comprise an annular groove  55 G, as well as a transverse hole  57 , and a flat  58  forming a D-shaped “key” configuration (“D-profile”) at the end of the second leg, which is discussed in further detail hereinafter. 
         [0100]    A second link  60  ( FIG. 15 ) may comprise a tall upright “Z” shape, having a cylindrical upright (base) leg  61  of sufficient length, so as to have a transition  61 Ti into a first leg  63  at one end, and a transition  61 Tii into a second leg  65  at a distal opposite end. Therefore, the first leg  63  and second leg  65  may be parallel to each other, with both legs being orthogonal to upright leg  61 , but with both legs  63  and  65  extending in opposite directions away from upright leg  61 . 
         [0101]    The first leg  53  of first link  50  may be pivotally received within recess  26  of the coupler  20  ( FIG. 18 ), with an E-clip  162  secured upon groove  53 G of the first leg being received within the annular recess  26 A. Therefore, the position of the annular groove  54 G relative to the transition  51 Ti on link  50  may correspond to (be slightly greater than) the distance that the annular recess  26 A is positioned along the axial length of the recess  26  from the end  23  of the coupler that it pierces, in order for the first link  50  to pivot relative to the coupler  20 . (Note—rather than using a separate part in the form of an E-clip to retain the first leg  53  of the first link  50  from sliding out of the recess  26  of coupler  20 , an annular lip being integral to the leg may instead be used, or the first leg  50  may instead have an additional bend with a small extension therefrom that may be used to retain the link in the recess). 
         [0102]    The first leg  63  of second link  60  may be pivotally received within recess  27  of the coupler  20 , so that the portion of the upright leg  61  being proximate to the first leg may be aligned to freely pivot through the slotted opening  28 . Note that other geometric shapes may also be used for the first and second links. For example, the second link may alternatively comprise a “U” shape, with its first leg being pivotally received in the recess  27  on the other side of slotted opening  28 . As another example, both the first link  50  and the second link  60  could be just a straight rod or a bar with holes in its ends, and with one end of the rod/bar being pivotally secured to the coupler  20  using a simple pinned connection, and the other end having a pinned connection as well, which would better facilitate the single piece housing discussed hereinafter. 
         [0103]    Small protrusions may be used on second side  22  and on second canted side  22 C of coupler  20  to laterally retain the first link  50  and second link  60  in the respective recesses  26  and  27  ( FIG. 16C ), so that the links may only need to initially be snapped into the recesses, but would thereafter be capable of pivotal movement without being able to slip out therefrom. Alternatively, the first leg  53  and the first leg  63  of the first and second links, respectively, may have a slight machine taper—e.g., a Morse taper—to form a conical shape that is pivotable and also useable for retention of the first leg within the recess, which may have the corresponding conical shape. 
         [0104]    Also, a back support member  70  ( FIG. 17-17C ) may be used in addition to or in lieu of the protrusions or the Morse taper, to maintain the first link  50  and second link  60  in the respective recesses  26  and  27 , or to just simply cover the recesses in the coupler  20 . Holes  75 A,  75 B, and  75 C in the back support member  70  may permit securing of the member to the corresponding holes  25 A,  25 B, and  25 C of coupler  20  using mechanical fasteners, including, but not limited to, screws. A screw being secured through hole  75 A of support member  70  and through hole  25 A of coupler  20  may also be simultaneously used to secure the axle  30  to the coupler. Alternatively, a nut may be nested within back support member  70  to receive the external threading  33 T of cylinder  33  of axle  30 , which may be used to secure both the axle  30  and the back support member  70 . The end of cylinder  31  of axle  30  being opposite to the end that transitions to cylinder  33  may have a recess therein to be able to receive a hex-shaped “Allen” key for torquing of the axle, or for being able to restrain the axle from rotational movement in order to torque the aforementioned nut. The back support member  70  may also have a slot  71  that is positioned to be able to receive the E-clip  162  that is secured upon groove  53 G of first link  50 , which may be protruding out past the second canted side  22  of the coupler  20 . 
         [0105]    The opposite ends of the first link  50  and second link  60  (second leg  55  and second leg  65 ) may be pivotally secured within the handle. The assembly of the lower portion of the collapsible paint roller frame  10  may be seen within the partially exploded view of  FIG. 8B  and the assembled view of  FIG. 9B . However, the pivotal attachment of the second leg  55  and second leg  65  of first and second links  50  and  60  at discrete positions in the handle may be understood from viewing  FIGS. 10A and 11A , as well as by viewing details of the handle, as seen in  FIGS. 12A-12C . 
         [0106]    The handle may comprise a single part, however, for ease of assembly and manufacture, the handle may be split into a first handle half  80  and a second handle half  90 . Handle half  80  may generally be hollow and be formed to have an outer wall and exterior surface, having a hub portion  81 , from which may extend a curved, graspable handle portion  82 . Protruding from the outer wall into the hollow interior of the handle half  80  may be several features to permit assembly of the component parts of the roller frame  10 . Protruding into the interior of the handle portion  82  may be a first boss  83   i  and a second boss  83   ii , with each having a thru-hole therein, which may be usable for securing the first handle half  80  to the second handle half  90 , using mechanical fasteners, including, but not limited to, screws, or nuts and bolts. Various internal stiffeners may also be positioned within the interior of handle half  80  to provide rigidity and support as needed. In the interior of the hub portion  81 , may be a cylindrical boss  84 , having a hole  84 H therein. Positioned in proximity to cylindrical boss  84 , and being offset from the axis  80 X of handle portion  82 , may be another cylindrical boss  85 , which may have a hole  85 H therein. A stiffener  86  may also protrude into the handle half  80  and run generally from the boss  84  to the end of the handle portion  82 , and may also be oriented at an angle to the axis  80 X. Upon approaching boss  84 , stiffener  86  may angle into stiffener portion  86 A, which may be oriented to run between boss  84  and boss  85 , and which may have a curved transition  86 T into the outer wall at the hub portion  81 . An elongated protrusion  87  may also protrude from the outer wall into the hollow interior of the handle half  80 , and may preferably protrude beyond the mating plane  88  of handle half  80 , as seen in  FIG. 12F . The elongated protrusion  87  may run along axis  80 X between cylindrical boss  84  and second boss  83   ii , and may, in order to save weight, comprise a lattice of individual stiffeners that combine to form a generally rectangular protrusion. As seen in  FIG. 12F , the outer wall of the handle half  80  on one side of the handle portion  82  (the side with boss  85 ) may not extend up to the mating plane  88 , and may instead stop at plane  89 , thereby exposing a side of the stiffener  86 . 
         [0107]    The second handle half  90  may also be generally hollow and be formed to have an outer wall and exterior surface, with a hub portion  91 , from which may extend a curved, graspable handle portion  92 . Protruding from the outer wall into the hollow interior of the handle half  90  may be several features to permit assembly of the component parts of the roller frame  10 , and mating of handle half  90  with handle half  80 . Protruding into the interior at the handle portion  92  may be a first boss  93   i  and a second boss  93   ii , with each having a thru-hole therein, which may be usable for securing the second handle half  90  to the first and second bosses  83   i  and  83   ii  of handle half  80 . Various internal stiffeners may also be positioned within the interior of handle half  90  to provide rigidity and support as needed. In the interior of the hub portion  91 , may be a shallow depth cylindrical boss  94 , having a hole  94 H therein. An elongated, generally rectangular recess  97 , for receiving protrusion  87  of handle half  80 , may be formed in handle half  90  by a first stiffener  97   i  and a second stiffener  97   ii , both of which may run between boss  94  and boss  93   ii . First stiffener  97   i  and second stiffener  97   ii  may both protrude up to the mating plane  98  ( FIG. 12C ). 
         [0108]    As seen in  FIG. 33 , a metal support channel  95  may be added to the handle to provide for increased rigidity. The metal support channel  95  may be secured to the handle half  90  in proximity to the trigger using mechanical fasteners, including, but not limited to, screws. 
         [0109]    The second leg  55  of the first link  50  and the second leg  65  of second link  60  may each be pivotally mounted within the first handle half  80 . As seen within  FIG. 10A , the second leg  55  of the U-shaped first link  50  may be caused to approach the exterior surface of handle half  80  and be inserted through the hole  84 H in boss  84 , until the annular groove  55 G is exposed beyond the meeting plane  80 X. With the annular groove  55 G therefore being exposed beyond the extent of boss  84 , an E-clip  162  may be inserted into the annular groove to restrain the second leg  55  of the first link  50  from backing out of the hole  84 H, while the second leg nonetheless remains free to pivot therein. The use of the E-clip  162  and the annular groove  54 G are optional, because the first leg  53  of first link  50  may be positively retained within recess  26  of the coupler  20  through the subsequent assembly of other component parts of the paint roller frame  10 , as discussed hereinafter. However, the use of the E-clip and the annular groove  54 G may conveniently serve to facilitate easier assembly of the roller frame. 
         [0110]    As seen within  FIG. 11A , the second leg  65  of the Z-shaped second link  60 , may be inserted into the hole  85 H of boss  85 , being inserted in the opposite direction as the second leg  55  of the U-shaped first link  50  had been inserted into the hole  84 H in boss  84 . No E-clip or other retention means is necessary for retaining the second leg  65  of the Z-shaped second link  60  in the hole  85 H, because it may be retained therein using the second handle half  90 , as seen in  FIG. 10 , whereby the upright portion  61  of the second link  60  is trapped between the outer wall of the handle half  80  stopping at plane  89 , and the outer wall of handle half  90  stopping at plane  98 . (Note that the travel of the second leg  65  of the Z-shaped second link  60  may also be limited by the wall  86  of handle half  80 ). Having the two links, first link  50  and second link  60 , being pivotally attached to the coupler  20  that supports the roller cover, and also being pivotally attached to those discrete positions within the handle halve  80 , renders the roller cover/coupler combination movable with respect to the handle, so as to be freely moveable between the extended position in  FIG. 5A  and the collapsed positions of  FIGS. 5C and 5E . In order to secure the roller cover/coupler combination relative to the handle at the extended position, for use in applying a substance to a surface, one of several different approaches may be utilized. 
         [0111]    One approach may be to utilize a biasing spring, prior to assembly of the second handle half  90 . The spring may be installed to bias one of the links relative to the coupler  20 , or to bias one of the links relative to the handle half  80 / 90 , to thereby bias the mechanical arrangement into the extended position. The spring may be a helical tension spring or compression spring that is aptly positioned, and has one end secured to the chosen link, with the other end of the spring secured to the coupler or to the handle. With the use of the first and second legs of the first and second links  50 / 60  to provide pivotal attachments, biasing by a torsion spring is very efficiently constructed. To be exemplary, an embodiment using a torsion spring is illustrated throughout the figures. Detail views of one possible embodiment of a torsion spring are illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . 
         [0112]    Torsion spring  100  may comprise wire or rod formed into a series of helical windings  103 A,  103 B, . . . ,  103 X that may begin (or terminate) with a first end  101  extending tangentially and having a tip  101 T. The series of helical windings of torsion spring  100  may have a second end  102  that may comprise a radial over-center leg, having a tip  102 T that terminates before extending beyond the inner radius Ri of the coils  103 , as seen in  FIG. 20 . The helical windings  103  of torsion spring  100  may be received over the second leg  55  of the U-shaped first link  50  that is exposed beyond the meeting plane  80 X of handle half  80 , as seen in the partially exploded view of  FIG. 8B , with the tip  101 T of first end  101  being restrained by either the first handle half  80 , or by the second handle half  90 , before/after they are joined. The tip  102 T of the radial over-center second end  102  of torsion spring  100  may be received through orifice  57  of the second leg  55  of the U-shaped first link  50  ( FIGS. 9B and 11D ) to thereby cause biasing of the of the roller frame  10  into either the collapsed or the extended positions, depending upon the radial positioning of the orifice and the relative positioning of the ends  101  and  102  of the torsion spring  100 , which may create preloading to cause clockwise biasing or alternatively create preloading to cause counterclockwise biasing. (Note—as an alternative to interconnecting the spring  100  with the first link  50  by receiving the second end  102  of the spring through the orifice in the leg  55 , the two members may be suitably joined using mechanical fasteners, including, but not limited to using a screw, or they may be joined through the use of a welding process. 
         [0113]    In this embodiment, the positioning and preloading may be set so that the torsion spring  100  may serve to bias the frame to remain in the extended position. With this arrangement, a torsion spring  100  may preferably be used that has a sufficiently high spring constant, so as to bias the roller frame  10  into the extended position, and thereat resist collapse while the user is applying a force to the handle that causes rotation of the roller cover, with the substance thereon being dispersed onto the surface needing to be coated ( FIG. 4 ). This would necessitate that the user apply a somewhat larger force in order to deliberately cause collapse of the roller frame, once the user has completed the task and seeks to store the roller frame  10  in box  200 . After deliberately causing collapse of the roller frame  10  to appear as in  FIG. 5E , a strap with Velcro thereon, or an elongated C-shaped clip  201  may be used to retain the roller frame in the collapsed state. A suitable force for collapse may be selected, based on the age/strength of the expected user(s). The corresponding spring constant (K) may be determined using the actual geometry of the frame  10  and the torsion spring relation K=(P)(M)/θ, where P is the load, M is the moment arm, and θ is the angle of deflection from the rest position. 
         [0114]    Another approach may be used, in order to secure the roller cover/coupler combination at the extended or collapsed positions relative to the handle, and includes use of a trigger release. A trigger release may be slidably attached to the handle half  90 , and be slidable so as to have a portion that is disposed within the handle half  90 , within recess  97 , so as to engage another orifice in the second leg  55  of the U-shaped first link  50 , to thereby inhibit motion of the first link relative to the handle, and therefore inhibit unintentional extension or collapse of the roller frame  10 . While it may be advantageous to make the graspable portion of the trigger release from a plastic material, and while the engagement of the portion of the trigger release within the orifice of the first link  50  may more preferably be made from a metallic material, the trigger release may, but need not be, constructed using two parts rather than a single integral part. In addition, because the diameter of the second leg  55  of the U-shaped first link  50  may preferably be relatively small, which may not ideally accommodate a sufficiently sized trigger portion for engagement in the hole of the link leg, based on the loads experienced by such engagement, a separate, larger diameter lock barrel overlaying the torsion spring  100  may instead be engaged to inhibit pivotal motion. 
         [0115]      FIGS. 22A and 22B  illustrate a separate trigger  120 , while  FIGS. 23A and 23B  illustrate a separate lock bolt  130  that may be mated with the trigger  120 . The trigger  120 , which may have an undulating exterior surface  121  to aid in being gripped by a user for sliding of the trigger, may have a pair of posts  122 A and  122 B on the interior surface. The lock bolt  130  may be generally cylindrical, having a first end  131 , and a second end  132 , which may be curved. The lock bolt  130  may also have a pair of orifices  132 A and  13213  that may respectively receive the pair of posts  122 A and  122 B that are on the interior surface of the trigger  120 , and may be retained therein by using a friction fit, or by using adhesive/epoxy, or by having the ends of metallic posts protrude out from the lock bolt orifices and be upset in the same manner as a bucked rivet. Alternatively, the lock bolt may have posts protruding therefrom, which may be received by corresponding orifices in a portion of the trigger. 
         [0116]    The protrusion  87  of handle half  80  may only protrude slightly beyond the mating plane  88  so that the rectangular recess  97  of handle half  90  may also therein receive the lock bolt  130  in a slidable relation, with its posts protruding out an opening  97 P in the outer wall ( FIG. 12A ). The posts of lock bolt  130  may then be joined to the trigger  120 . A helical compression spring may also be positioned within the recess  97  to bias the lock bolt  130  towards the hub portion  91 . 
         [0117]    To accommodate installation of the lock bolt  130  and the helical biasing spring, as well as the lock bolt&#39;s subsequent joining to the trigger  120 , stiffener  97   i  and second stiffener  97   ii  may be adapted to protrude inward from the outer wall to a plane being offset from, and slightly less than that of mating plane  98 , so that a small, flat, rectangular plate can be fastened to the second handle half  90  using the stiffeners  97   i  and  97   ii , to thereby retain the lock bolt  130  and spring therein. A series of small threaded pins may be used to fasten the flat plate within handle half  90 , after the lock bolt  130  and spring have been inserted. This may also permit the connection between the posts of the lock bolt  130  and the orifices of the trigger  120  to be a clearance fit, as the trigger may be slidably received upon a track on the outside of the handle half ( FIG. 6 ), and its sliding motion could be transmitted to the nested and slidable lock bolt, without having a firm connection therebetween. 
         [0118]    The lock barrel  110  is illustrated in  FIGS. 21A and 21B , and may comprise a hollow cylinder having an interior surface  111 , and exterior surface  112 , and an end wall  113  at one end of the cylinder. The end wall  113  may have a central opening comprising a D-shaped keyway formed by a part-circular opening  114  that terminates upon a flat portion  115 . The open end of the lock barrel  110  may be received over the series of helical windings  103  of torsion spring  100 , as seen in  FIGS. 8B and 9B , with the lock barrel&#39;s D-shaped “keyway” formed by circular opening  114  and flat portion  115  receiving the D-shaped “key” formed by the flat  58  on the end of the cylindrical second leg  55  of first link  50  ( FIG. 11A ). In place of the “D” shape, other corresponding cross-sectional shapes could be used for the “key,” including, but not limited to a rectangular cross-section. Moreover, in place of using the “key” and “keyway” on the end of the first link and on the end wall of the lock barrel, those parts may be joined together using mechanical fasteners, including, but not limited to, a screw, and they may alternatively be joined through the use of a welding process. 
         [0119]    The holes  116  and  117  in lock barrel  110  may be clocked radially about the cylinder, so that upon advancement of the trigger  120 , in  FIG. 9B , the curved second end  132  of lock bolt  130  may engage one of the holes, when the collapsible paint roller frame  10  is in the extended position, and engage the other hole when the collapsible paint roller frame  10  is in the collapsed position. Note that rather than using a lock “barrel,” a flat washer having first and second notches therein may alternatively be engaged by the lock bolt, with the washer fitting over the “key” in the end of the cylindrical second leg  55  of first link  50 , after the torsion spring  100  has been secured therein, and with it being retained upon (keyed with) the link by the joining of the two housing halves  80  and  90 . 
         [0120]      FIG. 11A  shows the lock bolt  130  being in the engaged position, and with the collapsible paint roller frame  10  being at the extended position, while  FIG. 1113  shows the lock bolt having been translated by its connection to the trigger (not shown in the view), to be disengaged from orifice  116  of lock bolt  110 .  FIG. 11C  shows the paint roller frame having thereafter been folded to occupy the collapsed position, while  FIG. 11D  shows the lock bolt having been advanced to engage the lock barrel, which is removed from the figure to show that the curvature at the second end  132  of the lock bolt  130  is formed to provide clearance with the curved outer radius Ro of the windings of the torsion spring  100 . 
         [0121]    By using the trigger  120  to secure the collapsible roller frame  10  in either or both of the extended and collapsed positions, a torsion spring with a smaller spring constant may be utilized, as it may be locked while being used to apply paint by the user. With this arrangement, the torsion spring may more preferably be set up to bias the collapsible roller frame  10  to be in the collapsed position. Alternatively, the torsion spring can be completely eliminated as the frame can be manually moved by the user between the two positions without any biasing. 
         [0122]    Collapsing of the paint roller frame  10  of the present invention may result in its handle being proximate to the roller cover  40 . In fact, the first and second links may be formed and pivotally retained so that the handle may end up parallel to the axle  30  and roller cover  40 , and may even be in contact therewith, when in the collapsed position ( FIG. 5E ). However, for an embodiment that uses the trigger and lock bolt, biasing by the torsion spring may also thereby put a load on the lock bolt, as a result of its engagement with the hole in the lock barrel, which may make it somewhat more difficult to actuate the trigger. To reduce this pre-load on the trigger before actuating it, the user may use one hand to grasp the roller cover seen in  FIG. 5D , and with the other hand the user may apply a small compressive force to slightly close the gap seen between the handle and the roller cover. This would relieve the pre-load on the trigger, and may also serve to cause the user to more carefully deploy the paint roller frame, rather than simply having it spring open rapidly into the extended position. 
         [0123]    An alternate embodiment of the collapsible paint roller frame of  FIG. 3 , with its trigger  120  and lock bolt  130  arrangement for locking of the lock barrel  110 , is shown within  FIGS. 30E-30K .  FIG. 30E  shows a perspective view of the alternate embodiment-collapsible paint roller frame  300 , which may include an actuating lever  320  extending out from between the handle half  380  and handle half  390 , and which may be used for actuating the mechanism therein. The paint roller frame  300  is shown in  FIG. 30F  with the roller and the first and second links in the collapsed position, and with handle half  390  having been removed to expose the mechanism therein that is used for actuating the lock bolt  315 . The mechanism is also seen in the enlarged perspective view of  FIG. 30G , and within the series of views in  FIGS. 30H ,  30 I,  30 J, and  30 K, which show the various mechanism positions for locking and unlocking of the lock barrel, to permit positioning of the roller at either the collapsed or the extended positions. 
         [0124]    The actuating link or lever  320  of the mechanism may operate analogously to the trigger in paint roller frame  10  for causing locking and unlocking of the lock cylinder, and may include a first arm portion  320 F that may transition into a second arm portion  321 . The actuating lever  320  may be pivotally secured, at point  320 P on second arm portion  321 , to the handle half  380 , or may instead be pivotally secured to a plate member  381  that is fixedly secured to the handle half  380 . A distal end of second arm portion  321  may be pivotally connected to an end of a cross-link member  325 . A second link  322  may have a first end that may also be pivotally connected to the plate member  381 , but on the opposite side of handle half  380 , and the second end of link  322  may be pivotally connected to the opposite end of cross-link member  325 . A portion of cross-link member  325 , at a mid-point between the pivotal connections of second arm portion  321  and second link  322 , may itself have a pivotal connection  325 P with a portion of lock bolt  330 . 
         [0125]    A third link  323  may have a first end that may have a pivotal connection  323 P with the plate member  381 , on the same side of the handle half  380  as the arm portion  321 , and the second end of the third link may be pivotally connected to an end of a cross-link member  327 . A fourth link  324  may have a first end that may have a pivotal connection  324 P with the plate member  381 , but on the same side of handle half  380  as the similar pivotal connection for link  322 , and the second end of link  324  may be pivotally connected to the opposite end of cross-link member  327 . A portion of cross-link member  37 , being at a mid-point between the pivotal connections of third link  323  and fourth link  324 , may itself have a pivotal connection  327 P with a portion of lock bolt  330 . 
         [0126]    The axis for each of the two pivotal connections at the first and second ends of the second arm portion  321  may form a plane, which may generally be parallel to the plane formed by the axis at each of the pivotal connections of the second link  322 , as seen in  FIG. 30H . Similarly, the axis for each of the two pivotal connections at the first and second ends of the third link  323  may form a plane, which may generally be parallel to the plane formed by the axis at each of the pivotal connections of the fourth link  324 . These planes formed by the axes at the pivotal connections of the arm portion  321 , the second link  322 , the third link  323 , and the fourth link  324 , may generally be orthogonal to an axis  330 A of the lock bolt  330 , when it is in the locked position seen in  FIG. 30G . 
         [0127]    Actuation of the first arm portion  320 F of the actuating lever  320  using this arrangement, as seen in  FIGS. 30H and 30I , may cause the lock bolt  330  to translate, to accommodate disengagement of its end  330 E from the recesses,  310 X and  310 C, of the lock cylinder  310 . The lock bolt  330  may be spring biased into contact with the lock cylinder, so that removal of the actuating force from the actuating lever  320  may automatically cause engagement of the end  330 E of the lock bolt  330  within either of the recesses in the lock cylinder  310 , when properly aligned therewith. The end of the lock bolt  330  may also have trapezoidal shape, and the recesses  310 X and  310 C may also have a corresponding trapezoidal shape that is configured to provide a small amount of clearance with the engagement end  330 E of the lock bolt  330 . This trapezoidal shape permits the engagement end  330 E of the lock bolt  330  to initially engage either of the recesses ( 310 X and  310 C), even when they may be slightly misaligned with respect to the lock bolt (e.g., when the roller and associated links have not been fully rotated), because the width of the tip of the engagement end  330 E of the lock bolt  330  is smaller than the peripheral portion of the recess of the lock cylinder that would initially be contacted. Such contact therebetween may also serve to drive the final portion of rotation of the lock cylinder to be in its proper position for the roller to be either fully collapsed or fully extended. 
         [0128]    It may be seen by a comparison of  FIGS. 30H and 30I  that the throw required for engagement/disengagement of the engagement end  330 E of the lock bolt  330  with/from the recesses ( 310 X and  310 C) of the lock barrel  310  may be set to be relatively small, which therefore only requires the lock bolt to generally travel in a straight line for a short amount of travel. Each of the above described pairs of links ( 321 / 322  and  323 / 324 ) and the corresponding cross-link members ( 325  and  327 ) supporting it resembles a Watts linkage (or parallel linkage), and in combination forms a dual Watts linkage arrangement. With a Watts linkage, the center points of the cross-link members ( 325  and  327 ) are each constrained to move in an approximation of a straight line, for a small amount of travel. With the lock bolt  330  moving from the engaged position in  FIG. 30H  to the disengaged position in  FIG. 30I , the links  321 / 322  and the links  323 / 324  will no longer be parallel with each other, because they will each be pivoting about their respective hinge points, and will cause rotation of the cross-link members  325  and  327  with relatively little or no displacement of the respective hinge points of those cross-link members, hence, the lock bolt will generally be driven to translate along its axis  330 A for the amount of throw needed for disengagement and re-engagement. 
         [0129]    To provide greater stability for the movement of the lock bolt  330 , symmetry of its actuation by the dual watts linkages formed by supporting/driving links  321 / 322  and  323 / 324 , and the corresponding cross-link members  325  and  327 , may be achieved by using a mirrored copy of those links on the opposite side of the lock bolt (e.g., additionally using supporting/driving links  321 A/ 322 A and  323 A/ 324 A, and cross-link members  325 A and  327 A), as seen in  FIG. 30G . 
         [0130]    An alternate embodiment of the roller frame  10  may also be constructed by replacing the “Z” shaped second link  60  with another, more simpler part that may also serve the same primary function. Although the second link  60  may secondarily serve in providing additional stability between the handle halves  80 / 90  and the coupler  20 , above what is provided only by the first link  50 , it primarily serves to maintain the proper orientation of the coupler  20  and axle  30 , the cage  170 , and roller cover  40  thereon, with respect to the handle. Therefore, as seen in  FIG. 5A , the second link  60  could be replaced by a simple tension member, including, but not limited to an elastic bungee, or a cable with a spring. The tension member could be sized and positioned so that when the roller frame is in the collapsed position of  FIG. 5C , is may not exert a force between the handle and the coupler, but when the trigger is actuated to move the roller frame into the extended position of  FIG. 5A , the tension member becomes elongated beyond its rest position and applies a tension force therebetween, causing the coupler to pivot. The pivotal travel of the first link relative to the coupler being caused by the elongated tension member may be limited by one or more stops contacting the first link  50 , so that the full extent of the coupler&#39;s travel relative to the first link may be as shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         [0131]    An alternate embodiment of the trigger release is shown within  FIGS. 27 ,  28 ,  29 A, and  29 B, which show a pivotal trigger  120 P that may pivot about a hinged attachment  120 H with the handle, to drive the lock bolt from being engaged ( FIG. 29C ) to being disengaged ( FIG. 29D ). 
         [0132]    An alternate embodiment for controlling the motion of the collapsible roller frame of the present invention is shown by the jaw-lock mechanism within  FIGS. 31A-31D , and by the clutch-brake lock mechanism of  FIGS. 32 ,  32 A, and  32 B. 
         [0133]    As seen in  FIG. 4 , any of the embodiments of the collapsible roller frame of the present invention may comprise threading in a bottom of the handle, which may be usable to receive a handle extension  205  to permit the user of the roller frame to reach distant areas on a high wall or ceiling that would otherwise be inaccessible without using a ladder. The present invention may utilize threaded insert halves  140  and  150 , which are shown in detail in  FIGS. 25A-25D . The insert halves  140  and  150  may be pushed together and inserted into the bottom opening of the handle halves  80  and  90 . The insert halves may be retained therein by having the lowermost mechanical fastener  165 L, which is otherwise only used for securing the handle halves together, also passing through an orifice  141 / 151  in a protrusion  142 / 152  of each insert half. A quick release fastener may be utilized so that the inserts may be quickly removed by the user, and be replaced by a different set of inserts, whereby the first set of inserts may comprise English threading for a handle extension having corresponding external English threading, and the second set of inserts may comprise metric threading. 
         [0134]    The examples and descriptions provided merely illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art and having the benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that further embodiments may be implemented with various changes within the scope of the present invention. Other modifications, substitutions, omissions and changes may be made in the design, size, materials used or proportions, operating conditions, assembly sequence, or arrangement or positioning of elements and members of the preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit of this invention.