Abstract:
A paint applicator for use in spreading paint over a surface. The paint applicator includes a roller assembly, tubing, and a pump assembly. The roller assembly has a handle portion that is suitable for holding by a user, an arm portion extending from the handle portion, and a roller core removably attachable to the arm portion for rotation with respect to the arm portion. The roller core is adapted to receive a paint applicator thereover. The tubing has a central passage extending therethrough. The pump assembly conveys paint through the tubing to the roller assembly. A method and a corner paint applicator are further included.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/225,110, which was filed on Aug. 14, 2000, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/226,960, which was filed on Aug. 22, 2000, which are both incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
     
    
     
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a paint applicator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a paint applicator wherein the paint is propelled mechanically, as distinct from being propelled by air.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    To enhance the ease of painting various painting devices have been developed. Many painting devices typically rely on compressed air to move the paint from a paint storage container to a surface where the paint is to be applied.  
           [0004]    A significant drawback of these types of painting devices is that they require an air compressor to be in close proximity to the surface where the paint is to be applied. Air compressors are typically quite bulky and, as such, do not readily lend themselves to painting relatively small surfaces like are found in most households.  
           [0005]    To overcome these drawbacks mechanical paint applicators have been developed. Mechanical paint applicators typically include a painting head, a purnp and tubing that extends from a paint container to the pump and further to the painting head. Pumps used in mechanical paint applicators typically may have a piston pump, a peristaltic pump or other type of pump. The pumps that have a peristaltic configuration have the advantage of allowing the tubing to extend continuously from the paint reservoir through the pump to the paint head. The pump never comes in direct contact with the paint, thereby minimizing the potential contamination of the pump by the paint.  
           [0006]    When finished painting with a particular color or when the end of a workday approaches, the painting head and the tubing must either be cleaned or discarded. Since these components are not inexpensive, it is often preferable to clean rather than discard the components. While cleaning is an important task, it is time consuming because large amounts of cleaning fluid such as water or other solvents, such as mineral spirits, must be pumped through the mechanical paint applicator in order to fully flush the paint from the applicator.  
           [0007]    What is needed is a paint applicator that is easily carried as a unit along with a paint container during use. It is also needed to produce a paint applicator that is stable during use to minimize paint spills associated with tipping of the paint applicator. It is further needed to produce a paint applicator that promotes even paint application and is easily cleanable after use is completed without the use of an air compressor.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs by providing a paint applicator for use in spreading paint over a surface. The paint applicator includes a roller assembly, tubing, and a pump assembly. The roller assembly includes a handle portion that is suitable for holding by a user, an arm portion extends from the handle portion, and a roller core removably attachable to the arm portion for rotation with respect to the arm portion. The roller core is adapted to receive a paint applicator thereover. The tubing has a central passage extending therethrough. The pump assembly conveys paint through the tubing to the roller assembly.  
           [0009]    The present invention also relates to the operation of a paint applicator. The method includes operably connecting a roller assembly to a pump assembly with tubing. The pump assembly has a feed line extending therefrom. The feed line is operably connecting to a paint source. The pump assembly is activated for a first period of time by depressing a button that is operably connected to the pump assembly. The pump assembly causes paint to be passed through the pump assembly and the tubing to the roller assembly. The pump assembly remains activated when the button is released. The pump assembly is activated for a second period of time by depressing the button in a press and hold mode of operation. The pump assembly deactivates when the button is released. The roller assembly is rolled along a surface to at least partially cover the surface with the paint. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paint applicator of the present invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the roller assembly;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of an arm portion of the roller assembly;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 a  is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the distribution section of the arm portion;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end cap;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is a side view of a roller core of the roller assembly;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 a  is a sectional view of the roller core taken along the section line  5   a - 5   a  of FIG. 5;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 b  is a side elevational view of the roller core coupling portion;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adaptor for use with the roller core;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is a side view of a handle portion of the roller assembly;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the handle portion taken along a line  8 - 8  in FIG. 7;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the handle portion taken along a line  9 - 9  in FIG. 7;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a handle portion connection mechanism;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 10 a  is a side elevational view of the coupling flange;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pump assembly with a top cover removed;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the pump assembly taken along a line  12 - 12  in FIG. 11;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the pump assembly depicting a first side of the end cap and taken along a line  13 - 13  in FIG. 12;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 13 a  is an elevational view of the opposing side as depicted in FIG. 13, side of the end cap that faces the motor;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the pump assembly taken along a line  14 - 14  in FIG. 12;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the pump assembly taken along a line  15 - 15  in FIG. 12;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a control system for the paint applicator;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 17 is a more detailed schematic of the control system of FIG. 16;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the paint applicator of the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 18 a  is a perspective view of the roller cover;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a pump assembly for the paint applicator of FIG. 18;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a corner applicator;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the corner applicator body;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 22 is a top planform view of the corner applicator body;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 23. is a rear perspective of the corner applicator body taken in a plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the holder;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the corner applicator body taken in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the holder;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the corner applicator body taken along the section line A-A of FIG. 24;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 26 is a planform view of applicator pad; and  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 27 is side elevational view of the applicator pad.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0043]    The present invention is a paint applicator for applying paint, as most clearly illustrated at  10  in FIG. 1. The paint applicator  10  generally includes a roller assembly  20  and a pump assembly  22  that are interconnected with tubing  24 .  
         [0044]    The pump assembly  22  has a pump housing  25 , a side support  26  and a handle  27 . The pump housing  25  not only provides space for a pump  31  (described in more detail herein) but also has a substantially circular top surface  28  defining a receiver in which a paint container  29  may be placed and supported. The side support  26  extends upwardly from the pump housing  25  adjacent to a side of the paint container  29 .  
         [0045]    The pump assembly  22  is oriented substantially beneath the paint container  29  with the mass of the pump assembly  22  concentrated directly beneath the paint container  29  such that a central axis  33  of the pump assembly  22  about which the pump assembly  22  is balanced is proximate to a central axis of the paint container  29  when the paint container  29  is placed on the top surface  28 . This configuration provides the pump assembly  22  with a high degree of stability whether the paint container  29  is full or empty so that it is unlikely for the pump assembly  22  (and paint container  29 ) to be inadvertently knocked over. Even though the paint container  29  is covered with a lid  33 , paint may still spill from the paint container  29  if the pump assembly  22  were to be knocked over and the highly stable design of the present invention minimizes the chance of this occurring.  
         [0046]    A handle  27  is attached to the upper margin of the side support  26  opposite the pump housing  25 . The handle  27  at least partially extends over the lid of the paint container  29  and is spaced apart from the container  29  and thereby enables the paint applicator  10  and the paint container  29  to be carried as a unit. The handle  27  also preferably has a channel  31  formed therein. The channel  31  is adapted to receive the roller assembly  20  therein, substantially as depicted in FIG. 1, partially enclosing the roller assembly  20  within the channel  31  to further facilitate carrying the components of the paint applicator  10  as a single unit. An operator may grasp the handle  27  and the partially enclosed roller assembly  20  with a single hand to transport the paint applicator  10  and the paint container  29  as a single unit.  
         [0047]    A significant feature of the present invention is that the roller assembly  20  (see FIG. 2) enables the roller core  32  to be easily and quickly separated from the arm portion  30  to readily facilitate changing or cleaning the roller core  32  (and applicator  82 ) by means of a readily releasable locking mechanism  36 , described in more detail below. Changing or cleaning the roller core  32  (and applicator  82 ) is required when changing the color of paint to prevent contamination of the various paint colors and the locking mechanism  36  of the present invention readily accommodates what in other designs is a thoroughly messy and objectionable task.  
         [0048]    Specifically, the roller assembly  20  includes an arm portion  30 , the roller core  32  (supporting an applicator  82 ), and a handle portion  34 , as most clearly illustrated in FIGS.  2 - 10 . The arm portion  30  includes the locking mechanism  36  that seats within a circumferential channel  38  on the roller core  32 . The engagement section  44  of the locking mechanism  30  rides loosely in the channel  38  with a certain amount of play between the spaced apart ridges  38   a  (see FIG. 3) that define the sides of the channel  38 . Accordingly, the locking mechanism  36  retains the roller core  32  on the arm portion  30  while at the same time permitting the roller core  32  to rotate with respect to the arm portion  30 .  
         [0049]    The locking mechanism  36  generally includes a central section or hinge  40 , a top section  42 , an engagement section  44 , and an activation section  46 . The central section  40  is attached to and extends outwardly from the arm portion  30 . The top section  42  is attached substantially orthogonally to the central section  40  generally parallel to the arm portion  30  so that the central section  40  is approximately intermediate the engagement section  44  and the activation section  46 . A lip of the engagement section  44  preferably extends from the top section  42  towards the arm portion  30  so that the engagement section  44  may seat loosely within the channel  38 . The activation section  46  is attached to an end of the top section  42  opposite the engagement section  44 .  
         [0050]    Manual force on the activation section  46  directed generally toward the arm portion  30  causes the top section  42  to pivot so that the engagement section  44  moves away from the arm portion  30  until the engagement section  44  is not seated within the channel  38 . This pivoting movement permits the roller core  32  to then be separated from the arm portion  30  by sliding the roller core  32  away from the arm portion  30 .  
         [0051]    The arm portion  30  also includes a connector section  50 , a main section  52 , and a distribution section  54 , as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The connector section  50 , the main section  52  and the distribution section  54  each have a central passage formed therein to define a continuous passage  56 .  
         [0052]    The arm portion  30  is preferably fabricated from a metallic tube to provide the arm portion  30  with sufficient structural rigidity to resist bending during use. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it is also possible to fabricate the arm portion  30  from alternate materials, such as for example, plastic material.  
         [0053]    The connector section  50  allows the arm portion  30  to be removably attached to the handle portion  34 . The connector section  50  preferably includes a circumferential channel  56  formed therein that is adapted to receive an O-ring  57  to enhance a seal between the arm portion  30  and the handle portion  34 . Proximate an upper end of the connector section  50 , the connector section  50  has a coupling flange  58  extending therefrom. The flange  58  is adapted to receive a locking mechanism as will be described in more detail below. The coupling flange  58  (see also FIG. 10 a ) has four indents  59  and two opposed flat sides and two opposed curved sides  61 .  
         [0054]    The configuration of the connector section  50  provides a stepped diameter such that when the arm portion  30  is being attached to the handle portion  34 , the O-ring engages the handle portion  34  near the end of travel. In this configuration a first bearing surface  66  has a first diameter and a second bearing surface  68  has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. An advantage of this configuration is that it promotes guiding the handle portion  34  into engagement with the arm portion  30  while minimizing the potential for paint to leak from between the components.  
         [0055]    Referring to FIG. 2, the main section  52  has a first angled region  62  and a second angled region  64  to thereby allow the roller core  32  to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the handle portion  34 . The first angled region  62  preferably has an angle a of between about 80 and 120 degrees and preferably about  98  degrees. The second angled region  64  preferably has the complement of an angle β, the complement being between 150 and 210 degrees and preferably about 172 degrees.  
         [0056]    The distribution section  54  extends through the center of the roller core  32  and has a plurality of apertures  60  formed therein. The distribution section  54  substantially extends the entire length of the applicator  82 . The applicator  82  typically has cylindrical core  83 , usually made of a stiff paper or plastic material, having many holes  85  formed therethrough to transport paint outward to flood the nap  86  for application to a surface. The distribution section  54  thereby provides a bearing surface  87   a,    87   b  supporting the respective ends of the applicator  82  to minimize bending of the distribution section  54 . Such bending, were it to occur, may lead to a condition referred to as coning where the nap  86  becomes unevenly compressed along the length of the applicator  82  and leads to uneven application of paint on a surface.  
         [0057]    The distribution section  54  thereby permits paint to flow from the central passage  56  to the roller core  32  through apertures  60  defined in the distribution section  54  to the applicator  82  To enhance the even distribution of paint on the roller assembly  20 , the apertures  60  in a first embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 preferably increase in size moving along the paint flow path, the greatest size being closest to the distal end of the distribution section  54 . The size and number of the apertures  60  are selected based upon a variety of factors such as the viscosity of the paint and the length of the roller core  32 . In the embodiment of FIG. 3 a,  the two end apertures  60   a  are formed of substantially the same size. The arrangement and sizing of the apertures  60 ,  60   a  of this embodiment have the advantage of more evenly distributing the delivery of relatively more viscous paint.  
         [0058]    A lip seal  66  is disposed at the proximal end of the roller core  32  (see FIG. 3). The lip seal  66  is preferably formed of a resilient rubber or plastic material and has a cylindrical engaging portion  66  that snuggly engages the outer margin of the locking mechanism  36 . A generally cylindrical sealing lip portion  65  extends outward relative to the engaging portion  66  and projects toward the distribution section  54 . In assembly, the outer margin of the lip portion  65  sealingly engages an inner diameter  77  of the core coupling portion  76  (described in greater detail below) to define a fluid-tight seal between the arm portion  30  and the roller core  32 .  
         [0059]    The roller assembly  20  also includes an end cap  70 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 4. The end cap  70  includes a main portion  72  and a cap portion  74 . The main portion  72  is adapted to seat in an end of the distribution section  54  opposite the main section  52  to thereby prevent paint from passing out of the distribution section  64  except through the apertures  60 . The cap portion  74  preferably has a diameter that is approximately equal to a diameter of the distribution section  54 .  
         [0060]    The roller core  32  preferably has a coupling portion  76  and a paint distribution portion  78 , as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5- 5   b.  The roller core  32  includes a central passage  80  through which the distribution section  54  may extend. One of the primary functions of the roller core  32  is to displace volume within the roller assembly  20  to thereby minimize the amount of paint in the roller assembly  20 . Referring to FIG. 5 a,  apertures  84  are preferably elongate slots formed in the roller core  32  between semi-circular passage elements  61  and extending substantially the full length of the roller core  32 . It should be noted that the elements  61  may be formed hollow, having a sealed interior space  63  defined therein to reduce the potential volume that may be filled with paint. By reducing the amount of paint in the roller assembly  20 , the roller core  32  minimizes wasted paint, reduces the weight borne by the user, and facilitates cleaning of the roller assembly  20 . The apertures  84  are disposed in a spaced-apart relationship so that spacing between adjacent apertures  84  is approximately equal.  
         [0061]    The roller core  32  is adapted to receive the paint applicator or roller  82  over an outer surface thereof such that the roller core  32  seats in an annular channel  83  formed in the paint applicator  82 . The paint applicator  82  is removably retained between the coupling portion  76  and the distal end of the paint distribution portion  78 .  
         [0062]    To retain the applicator  82  in a fixed position with respect to the roller core  32 , the roller core  32  also preferably includes a lip  90  defined on an end cap  91  that extends from an outer end thereof. The outside margin  87 b sealingly engages the inside diameter of the paint applicator  82  to prevent paint leakage and support the paint applicator  82 .  
         [0063]    The adaptor  94  (see FIG. 6) releasably cooperates to connect the coupling core portion  76  to the paint distribution portion  78 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 2. The adaptor  94  includes a top flange  100 , a bottom flange  102  and a main body portion  104  that extends between the top flange  100  and the bottom flange  102 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 6.  
         [0064]    The top flange  100  may have a plurality of pins  106  extending therefrom. The pins  106  extend through apertures (not shown) formed in an end  95  of the first core portion  76 . The pins  106  are arranged to correspond with the position of the apertures. Alternatively, the face  105  may be smooth and the adapter  94  may be adhered to the end margins of the semi-circular elements  61 , as by bonding, welding or the like.  
         [0065]    Referring to FIG. 5 b,  the coupling portion  78  has a lip  96  extending radially outward. The coupling portion  76  also includes a plurality of resilient snap fingers  98  extending parallel to the flow axis  97  in the direction of flow. A single finger  98  is depicted in FIG. 5 b,  but preferably there are many (8-16 preferably) such arms arranged circumferentially and radially outward of the flow channel  56  defined in the coupling portion  76  The resilient fingers  98  include inward directed barbs  99  that, in operation, ride over and engage the lip  102  of the adaptor  94  to retain the distribution portion  78  in a fixed position with respect to the coupling portion  76 . Grasping the applicator  82  and pulling sharply away from the coupling portion  76  causes the fingers  98  to flex and the barbs  99  to spread radially and ride over the lip  102 , thereby serving to disengage the distribution portion  78  (and the applicator  82 ) from the coupling portion  76 . The resilient snap fingers  98  advantageously eliminate the threaded engagement common in the prior art.  
         [0066]    The handle portion  34  is depicted generally in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIGS.  7 - 10 . The handle portion  34  preferably has an outer margin  110  the rear portion of which is contoured (rounded and tapered) to provide a handle conforming with the shape of a user&#39;s hand, as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The handle portion  34  is preferably molded in a two-part configuration having a top portion  112  and a bottom portion  114  that mate together.  
         [0067]    The handle portion  34  has a connection mechanism  120  proximate an upper end  116  of the handle portion  34  where the handle portion  34  intersects the arm portion  30 , as depicted in FIG. 1. The connection mechanism  120  may be formed separate from the portions  112 ,  114  and seated in a receiving aperture  117  defined in the handle portion  34 . The connection mechanism  120  not only provides a connection between the handle portion  34  and the arm portion  30  but also houses a mechanism for operably controlling the flow of paint from the pump assembly  22  to the roller assembly  20 .  
         [0068]    The connection mechanism  120  includes a locking mechanism  122  that is designed to releasably engage the coupling flange  58  (see also FIG. 10 a ) of the arm portion  30 . The locking mechanism  122  thereby retains the handle portion  34  on the arm portion  30 . As indicated above, the coupling flange has four indents  59  and two opposed flat sides  60  and two opposed curved sides  61 . Two opposed semi-circular ends  123  of the connection mechanism  120  preferably extend over the two opposed curved sides  61  and depending tabs  123 a on either end of the respective semi-circular ends  123  slide into and engage a respective indent  59  to assist in aligning the handle portion  34  with the roller assembly  20 . The semi-circular ends  123  also serve to protect the two locking mechanisms  122  from damage if the handle portion  34  is dropped.  
         [0069]    A quick disconnect locking mechanism  122  is disposed on respective sides of the handle  34  in an opposed arrangement. The locking mechanism  122  is preferably formed integral with the connecting mechanism  120 . The locking mechanism  122  is preferably formed of a plastic material and is molded integral with the connecting mechanism  120 . Each locking mechanism  122  generally includes a central hinge section  124 , a top section  126 , an engagement section  128 , and an activation section  130 , as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 10. The central section  124  is attached and is outwardly directed relative to the connection mechanism  120 , as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10. The top section  126  is attached to the central section  124  opposite the connection to the connection mechanism  120  so that the central section  124  is approximately intermediate the engagement section  128  and the activation section  130 . The engagement section  128  is curved inward so that the engagement section  128  may extend around a respective opposed flat sides  60  of the flange  58  to releasably couple to the flange  58 . The resilient hinge section  124  biases the locking mechanism into engagement with the flange  58 . The activation section  130  is attached to an end of the top section  126  opposite the engagement section  128 .  
         [0070]    Manual, inward directed force on the activation section  130  causes the top section  126  to pivot about the hinge  124  so that the engagement section  128  moves away from the connection mechanism  120  until the engagement section  128  is not extend around the flange  58 . This pivoting movement permits the arm portion  30  to be separated from the handle portion  34  by sliding the arm portion  30  away from the handle portion  34 .  
         [0071]    The connection mechanism  120  also includes a flow control mechanism  132  that controls the flow of paint from the pump assembly  22  to the roller assembly  20 , as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The flow control mechanism  132  used in conjunction with the paint applicator  10  of the present invention is preferably an air-based system that eliminates hazards associated with electrocution that are associated with electrical control systems.  
         [0072]    The flow control mechanism  132  preferably includes an air signal generator  133  in the handle portion  34  and a corresponding air signal receiver  222  in the pump base  22 , which is operably connected to the motor  150 . The air signal generator  133  in the handle portion  34  is vented by a small vent bore  131  to the atmosphere to minimize potentially detrimental effects on the control of the paint applicator  10  caused by changes in barometric pressure and ambient temperature.  
         [0073]    The air signal generator  133  and the pump air signal receiver  222  are operably connected with an air tube  135 . The air tube  135  is in fluid communication with the cylinder  134   b  by means of a small bore  135   a  defined through the base of the cylinder wall. The air tube  135  is preferably integrally molded with the tube  24  through which the paint flows. The diameter of the air tube  135  is substantially smaller than a diameter of the tube  24 . This configuration minimizes the amount of air that must flow through the air tube  135  to activate the air signal receiver  222  to control the motor  150  in the pump base  22 .  
         [0074]    The air signal generator  133  preferably includes a button  134  that is depressed with manual pressure to generate an air pressure signal. The button is preferably the top portion of a piston  134   a  that is translatably disposed in the cylinder  134   b.  A spring  134   c  biases the piston  134   a  against the manual pressure exerted to activate the air signal generator  133 . When the button  134  is depressed, a pulse of air pressure flows through the air tube  135  and activates air signal receiver  222  to control the motor  150  in the pump base  22 . The flow control mechanism  132  thereby commences and terminates paint flow through the connection mechanism  120 .  
         [0075]    Adjacent the button  134 , the handle portion  34  preferably includes an elevated region  137 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 8. The elevated region  137  extends above the button  134 . The elevated region  137  thereby prevents activation of the switch  133  if the handle  34  is laid on a surface with the switch  133  facing downwardly.  
         [0076]    Proximate a lower end of the connection mechanism  120 , a cylindrical portion  136  extends therefrom. The cylindrical portion  136  preferably has a plurality of ridges (not shown) extending from an outer surface thereof to facilitate connection of the tubing  24  to the cylindrical portion  136 .  
         [0077]    Referring to FIG. 1, the pump assembly housing  25  provides an aesthetically appealing cover for the pump assembly  22  and supports the paint container  39 . The pump assembly housing  25  preferably includes a substantially flat top surface  28  that is preferably  20  shaped to conform to a shape of a one-gallon paint container  39 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 1. The pump assembly housing  25  is designed to accept substantially all commonly available one-gallon paint containers. The pump assembly  22  may also include a strap (not shown) to attach the paint container  29  to the pump assembly housing  25 .  
         [0078]    The pump assembly  22  also includes a side portion  26  that encloses the pump head  152 , as will be described herein. The side portion  26  preferably has a curved inner surface that is shaped to substantially conform to an outer surface of the paint container  39 . The outer surfaces of the pump assembly housing  25  preferably have smooth curved contours to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the pump assembly housing  25 .  
         [0079]    Inside of the pump assembly housing  25  is the pump assembly  22 , including the motor  150 , the transmission  151 , and the pump head  152 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 11. The pump assembly  22  is supported on a housing base  153 , couplable to the housing  25 , preferably by means of screws. The motor  150  and the transmission  151  are positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation such that the motor  150  and transmission  151 , which together are one of the most dense components of the paint applicator  10 , are positioned beneath the paint container to keep the center of gravity of the paint applicator  10  as low as possible and to thereby stabilize the paint applicator  10  and reduce the likelihood that the paint applicator  10  will tip over during use.  
         [0080]    The motor  150  is preferably a permanent magnetic DC motor that is operated by electrical current. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size of the motor  150  is selected based upon the size and type of tubing  24  as well as the desired paint flow rates. Moreover, while a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the concepts of the present invention may be utilized with alternative motor and power source configurations, the mating of a permanent magnet DC motor to a peristaltic pump is believed to be unique to the present invention.  
         [0081]    The motor  150 , transmission  151 , and the pump head  152  and the associated components are oriented in an in-line configuration. The motor  150  does not tolerate axial loading well. Accordingly, a screw  153  (or alternatively a smaller head screw acting on a large washer) is threaded into the axial output shaft and the head bears a portion of the surrounding housing to substantially eliminates axial loading on the motor  150 .  
         [0082]    The components of the pump assembly  22  are preferably integrally mounted within an enclosure  174  to minimize the potential for misalignment of the motor  150 , the transmission  151  and the components in the pump head  152 .  
         [0083]    All of the components in the pump assembly  22  are fabricated with as great a content of light weight plastic as possible, which provides the pump assembly  22  with a relatively light weight. Such a configuration is particularly desirable so that persons using the paint applicator  10  of the present invention may lift the pump assembly  22  and the paint container  29  to be carried as a unitary configuration.  
         [0084]    Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, and  13   a,  an end plate  160  is attached to an end of the motor  150  from which the shaft  162  extends. The end plate  160  has a plurality of slots  164  formed therein. The slots  164  are each adapted to receive a tab  166  extending from a motor cover  168 . The interconnection between the tabs  166  and the slots  164  thereby enable the motor cover  168  to be removably attached to the end plate  160 .  
         [0085]    The end plate  160  also has a plurality of apertures  170  formed therein. The apertures  170  are each adapted to receive a bolt  172 , which also threadably engages a pump head enclosure  174  by extending into an aperture  176  formed therein. The end plate  160  thereby removably attaches the motor  150  to the pump head  152 . Oppositely directed screws  169  pass through bores  171  and are screwed into the housing  161  of the motor  150 , thereby effecting a fixed coupling of the motor  150  to the transmission  151 .  
         [0086]    The cover  168 , referred to above, performs several functions. First, it is formed of a self extinguishing material to minimize any fire hazard from the motor  150 . Further, the cover plays a role in cooling the motor  150 . Cooling the motor  150  is a critical function and a unique cooling flow has been devised. Four converging channels  173  are formed on the surface of the end plate, as depicted in FIG. 13 a.  The channels direct cooling air radially inward as indicated by the four arrows. The air flow then turns substantially ninety degrees to flow out of the paper, as depicted in FIG. 13 a,  and to enter a respective intake aperture  175  defined in the end of the housing  161 , as depicted by the arrow in FIG. 12. The cooling air flows axially through the housing  161 , cooling the various components of the motor  150  and exits through aperture  175   a  defined in the side wall of the housing  161 . A plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures  175   a  may used. The cooling air also picks up any small particles generated though friction in the rotating motor  150 . A circumferential baffle  177 , preferably formed integral with the cover  168 , prevents the expelled (now heated) cooling air and any entrained particles from reversing direction and reentering the housing  161  through the apertures  175 . Accordingly, the exhausted, heated cooling air (and any entrained particles) is discharged through the open end  179  of the cover  168 . Vents  153   a  (see FIG. 11) formed in the base  153  provide for the discharge of heated cooling air and the introduction of relatively cool ambient air for the cooling of the motor  150 . Baffles  153   b  act to further isolate the incoming cool air from the discharged heated air by being positioned intermediate the cooling air inlet (proximate the end plate  160  as indicated above) to the motor  150  and the heated air discharge through the opening  179 .  
         [0087]    The transmission  151  preferably includes three planetary gear assemblies  180  that reduce the revolutions per minute and amplify the torque provided by the motor  150 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 12. Each of the planetary gear assemblies  180  is preferably located along the horizontal central axis  182 . The components used in each of the planetary gear assemblies  180  are each substantially identical to reduce manufacturing costs. The planetary gear assemblies  180  are each located within an interior housing  184 . The planetary gear assemblies  180  and the housing  184  are both preferably seated within the pump head enclosure  174 .  
         [0088]    A peristaltic pumping mechanism  186  seats within the pump head enclosure  174  opposite the planetary gear assemblies  180 . The pump head  152  also includes a pump head cover  187  that seats against the pump head enclosure  174  to substantially seal the peristaltic pumping mechanism  186  therein. The pump head cover  187  is preferably secured to the pump head enclosure  174  with a plurality of screws  189 . The screws  189  permit the peristaltic pumping mechanism  186  to be accessed to perform maintenance such as replacement of the pump head tube  198 . One situation where it is desirable to change the size of the pump head tube  198  is when it is desired to user a different diameter tube  198  in the pump head  152 . Changing the inner diameter of the pump head tube  198  allows the pumping rate of the pump assembly  22  to be changed without changing any other system components.  
         [0089]    The peristaltic pumping mechanism  186  engages a shaft  188  extending from the last planetary gear assembly  180 , as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14. The shaft  188  preferably has a hexagonal profile such that the shaft  188  can extend into a complementarily shaped aperture  190  in a base portion  192  of the peristaltic pumping mechanism  186 . The mating relationship of the shaft  188  and the base portion  192  thereby permits the base portion  192  to slide along the central axis  182  with respect to the shaft  188 . This configuration thereby minimizes the thrust of the peristaltic pump head  186  on the associated gear assembly and the motor  150 . However, the shaft  188  is not a bearing surface, which minimizes detrimental effects on the shaft  188  such as degradation caused by wearing down on the surfaces of the shaft  188 .  
         [0090]    The peristaltic pumping mechanism  186  also includes a pair of rollers  194  that are rotatably attached to the base portion  192 , as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14. Each of the rollers  194  is rotatable about an axis that is parallel to but offset from the central axis  182 .  
         [0091]    The peristaltic pumping mechanism  186  includes a pathway  196  that is adapted to receive the pump head tube  198  through which the paint is to be pumped, as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 15. The pump head tube  198  is fabricated from a resilient material that permits the pump head tube  198  to collapse when contacted by the rollers  194  but that also substantially returns to its initial round configuration when not contacted by the rollers  194 .  
         [0092]    Opposite ends  198   a,    198   b  of the pump head tube  198  are secured to the pump manifold (H-shaped fitting)  199  with clamps  200 . The manifold  199  is affixed to the peristaltic pumping mechanism  186  by means of a screw  203  passing through a bore defined in the manifold  199  and thence into an upward directed flange  201  formed integral with the he peristaltic pumping mechanism  186  The tubing  24  extending from the paint container  29  and to the roller assembly  20  is attached to the pump head enclosure  174  with clamps  202  so that the tubing  24  is in fluid communication with the pump head tube  198 . Especially where the tubing  24  is formed of a vinyl or a vinyl-like material, a lip  204  over which the tubing  24  must be expanded in cooperation with an O-ring seal  205  disposed in a groove  206  and thence clamped with the clamps  202  may be advantageously used to effect a long term, leak-free coupling.  
         [0093]    The aforementioned configuration permits any of the tubing sections  198  to be replaced independently of the other. The inside diameter of the tubing  198  may be varied to affect the output of the pump  152  without changing any other components of the entire system. In this manner, the same motor  150 , transmission  151 , and pump  152  can be used in a variety of varying output devices, minimizing the changes necessary to produce a range of pump assemblies  22  of varying paint output. This configuration also permits the pump head tube  198  to be fabricated from a more durable material than the other tubing  24  such that the pump head tube  198  can withstand the repeated collapsing and expanding caused by the peristaltic pumping head  186 .  
         [0094]    The pump assembly  22  also includes a control system such as is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. The control system  210  receives power via a common plug and cord  211  from an alternating power source, such as a common electric outlet . Delivery of the power to the control system  210  is controlled by a main power switch  212 . The main power switch  212  is connected to the motor  150  with a motor switch  216 . The main power switch  212  is also operably connected to a power supply  214 , which is operably connected to a micro controller  220 . The micro controller  220  receives input from an air switch (the air signal receiver)  222  and a speed control  224 . Based on this input, the micro controller  220  controls the operation of the motor  150  by the motor switch  216 .  
         [0095]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to the control mechanism  210  for operating the paint applicator  10 . The control mechanism has two modes of operation. Depressing the activation button  134  for at least a selected short period of time, preferably .6 second, activates the first mode. In the first mode, the paint applicator  10  remains activated until the activation button  134  is released. The first mode is preferably used when applying paint. A desired amount of paint is continually fed through the device and then the paint is spread over the surface as long as the activation button  134  is depressed. This is a press and hold mode of operation. Paint flow ceases when the activation button  134  is released. When more paint is needed, the process is repeated.  
         [0096]    Depressing and releasing the activation button  134  such that the activation button  134  is depressed for less than the selected short period of time, preferably about one second, activates the second mode. More preferably, the selected short period of time is between 500 msecs and 1.0 sec in duration, and is most preferably substantially 600 msecs in duration. In the second mode, the paint applicator  10  remains activated until the activation button  134  is depressed a second time for any selected relatively short time period. This is a press to activate, press to deactivate mode of operation. The second mode is primarily used when cleaning the paint applicator  10  as the second mode allows water or other solvent to be fed through the paint applicator  10  when the paint applicator  10  is in a self-cleaning mode of operation. The operator should observe the self-cleaning operation and, once the cleaning process is completed, the activation button  134  is depressed to turn off the paint applicator  10 .  
         [0097]    As an initial step the pump assembly  22  is connected to an electrical power source and the main power switch  12  is turned on. Next, the air signal generator  133  of the flow control mechanism  132  is depressed to cause air to be forced through air tube  135  to engage the air signal receiver  222  in the pump base  22 . Activation of the air signal receiver  222  thereby causes the motor to run and pump paint from the paint container to the roller assembly  20 .  
         [0098]    The air signal generator  133  of the flow control mechanism  132  is depressed which causes the pump assembly  22  to pump a desired amount of paint from the paint container to the roller assembly  20 . After passing through the handle portion  34  and the arm portion  30 , the paint flows through the apertures  60  and into the roller core  32 . The paint then flows through the elongated apertures  86  in the roller core  32  and into the paint applicator  82 .  
         [0099]    The roller assembly  20  is moved with respect to a surface so that the paint applicator  82  rolls along the surface. Rolling of the paint applicator  82  along the surface thereby causes paint to be applied to the surface. Continuing to roll the paint applicator  82  over the surface causes the paint to be distributed over the surface until a desired thickness of the paint covers a desired portion of the surface.  
         [0100]    Occasionally, it is necessary to depress the flow control mechanism  132  so that additional paint flows to the paint applicator  82 . The process is repeated until the desired portion of the surface is painted or until the end of the workday. Thereafter, it is necessary to clean substantially all of the paint from the paint applicator  10 . Cleaning of the paint applicator  10  prevents fouling of the components by paint accumulating therein. Cleaning of the paint applicator  10  also permits different colors of paint to be used in the paint applicator  10  without contamination associated with mixing of the different paint colors.  
         [0101]    To facilitate cleaning of the paint applicator  10 , the feed line  26  is removed from the paint container and then placed in a container that contains cleaning solution. The particular cleaning solution is selected based upon the type of paint used in the paint applicator. For water based type paints, the cleaning solution is preferably water used alone or with an additional cleaning agent that is mixed with the water. The pump assembly  22  is operated to pump the cleaning solution through the components of the paint applicator for a sufficient time such that substantially all of the paint is removed from the paint applicator  10 .  
         [0102]    An alternative embodiment of the paint applicator  310  includes a roller assembly  320  and a pump assembly  322 , as illustrated in FIGS. 18, 18a, and  19 . The roller assembly  320  used in conjunction with this embodiment is preferably substantially the same of the roller assembly  20  used in conjunction with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.  
         [0103]    The pump assembly  322  includes a pump housing  325  and a side support  326  that extends from the pump housing  325 . The pump housing  325  includes a substantially circular top surface  328  that is adapted to receive a paint container  329 .  
         [0104]    Extending around the top surface  328  is a strap  342  that maintains the paint container  329  in a fixed position with respect to the pump assembly  322 . Side portions  343  of the strap  342  are preferably fixedly attached to the pump assembly  322  with screws. A back portion  344  of the strap  342  includes a tab  345  that at least partially extends into the pump assembly  322 . Attachment of the back portion  344  to the pump assembly  322  with the tab  345  allows the strap  342  to constrict to fasten the strap  342  around the paint container. The back portion  344  is spaced a distance above the flat top surface  340  to provide a back channel  347  into which a bottom lip of the paint container  329  can seat.  
         [0105]    A front portion  349  of the strap  342  includes a buckle  351  that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The buckle  351  preferably has an over center configuration. The buckle  351  is preferably spring loaded such that the buckle  351  permits expansion to accommodate different sizes of paint containers to be used with the paint applicator  310  of the present invention.  
         [0106]    The front portion  349  is spaced a distance above the flat top surface  340  to provide a front channel  353  into which a bottom lip of the paint container  329  can seat. Seating of the bottom lip of the paint container in the back channel  347  and the front channel  353  and then moving the buckle to the closed position fastens the paint container on the pump assembly  322  and thereby enables the pump assembly  322  to be lifted as a unit with the paint container using the handle on the paint container  329 .  
         [0107]    A roller cover  360  includes a semi-circular cover portion  362  and ends  364 ,  366 . The cover  360  is preferably formed of a resilient plastic material. The cover  360  is designed to be a quick release type so that the cover  360  can be quickly engaged to and disengaged from the roller assembly  320 . Accordingly, the end  366  includes an inwardly directed post  368 . The post is designed to be received within the aperture  370  (see FIG. 2). The end  364  includes an arm  372  having slightly tapered ramps  374  with a semi-circular receive  376  defined at the inward terminus of the ramps  374 . The radius of the receiver  376  is slightly greater than the circumferential groove  378 , depicted in FIG. 2. In assembly, the post is inserted in the aperture  370  and the ramps are forced onto the groove  378 . This latter action acts to spread the ramps  374  slightly, thereby admitting the receiver  376  into engagement with the groove  378 . After the groove  378  passes through the ramps  374 , the resilient nature of the material forming the cover  360  acts to cause the ramps  374  to close slightly, thereby trapping the groove  378  in the receiver  376 . Once so engaged, the cover  360  is coupled to the roller assembly  320 . To disengage the cover  360  from the roller assembly  320 , the opposite action is applied. Pulling on the cover  320  will again slightly spread the ramps  374  to allow the groove  378  to disengage from the receiver  376  and pass outward through the ramps  374 .  
         [0108]    The components of this embodiment of the paint applicator  310  that are not indicated as being different from the embodiment of the paint applicator  10  illustrated in FIG. 1 are preferably substantially the same as the paint applicator  10  illustrated in FIG. 1.  
         [0109]    The paint applicator  310  of this embodiment is preferably operated in a manner that is substantially similar to the manner in which the paint applicator  10  illustrated in FIG. 1 is operated.  
         [0110]    A limitation of paint spreaders such as depicted in FIG. 1 is that it is very difficult to apply in the corner at the juncture of two walls. To solve this problem, a corner paint applicator  400  is disclosed. While the corner applicator  400  is described with reference to the paint applicator of the present invention, it should be noted that the use of the corner applicator  400  is not confined to the paint applicator of the present invention and may find wide use with other paint applicators of various types. Specifically, the paint applicator may be used with a handle that does not supply a flow of paint. In this instance, the corner paint applicator  400  may be immersed in paint to renew the paint on the corner paint applicator  400  for application to a surface.  
         [0111]    The corner applicator  400  may be used with a truncated arm portion  30  as depicted in FIG. 2. To effect the truncated arm portion  30 , a cut  406  is made in the tube. The truncated arm portion  30  may then be straightened by increasing the angle alpha to substantially 180°. Making the cut  406  exposes an open end in the main section  52 . The opened end of the truncated arm portion  30  may then be inserted into the holder  408  of the paint applicator body  402  for supplying a flow of paint to the paint applicator  400 .  
         [0112]    The holder  408  has a generally cylindrical outside diameter having a constant radius along the longitudinal axis  410 . As depicted in FIG. 25, the longitudinal axis  410  of the holder  408  intersects the plane of the pad support surface  424  at an angle between 20 and 70° and most preferably at an angle of 40°, as depicted in FIG. 25.  
         [0113]    The holder  408  has a first inside diameter  412  that is only slighter greater than the outside diameter of the main section  52  of the truncated arm portion  30  in order to establish friction fit when the main section  52  is inserted into the first inside diameter  412 . The second inside diameter  414  is significantly less than the first inside diameter  412  and provides a paint passageway to a nozzle  416 . The nozzle  416  is in fluid communication with a pair of outwardly directed paint channels  418 . The paint channels  418  are formed by channel walls  420  that project rearward from the rear margin  421  of the paid support surface  424  as depicted in FIGS. 20, 23, and  24 . In this manner, a recessed channel  422  (see FIGS. 21 and 25) is formed intersecting the pad support surface  424 . The pad support surface  424  has two joined wings  426 ,  428 . As depicted in FIG. 22, the wings  426 ,  428  are joined at an angle that is slightly less than 90° and may be between 75 and 90° and is most preferably 88°.  
         [0114]    The paid support surface  424  further includes an upper point  430  extending upward from the juncture of the wings  426 ,  428  and an oppositely directed lower point  432  extending downward from the juncture of the wings  426 ,  428 . Each of the points  430 ,  432  has two smaller triangular wings, the smaller wings of the respective points  430 ,  432  being disposed relative to each other at the same interior angle as the wings  426 ,  428 . The points  430 ,  432  are useful, for example, in painting in small crevasses and the like.  
         [0115]    The paint applicator pad  404  is depicted in FIGS. 20, 26, and  27 . The pad  404  has an adhesive side  440 , as depicted in FIG. 27. The pad  404  is designed to be replaceable on the body  402 . Accordingly, when a user first receives a paid  404 , a release liner  442  overlies the adhesive on the adhesive side  440 . The release liner  442  may be peeled away from the adhesive and the pad  404  pressed into engagement with the pad support surface  424 , the adhesive side  440  being brought into contact with the pad support surface  424 .  
         [0116]    The adhesive is applied to a first side of an open cell foam layer  444 . The opposing side of the open cell foam layer  444  supports a plurality of bristles  446 .  
         [0117]    The paint applicator pad  404  is cut to mirror the pad support surface  424 . Accordingly, the pad  404  has wings  448 ,  450  joined at a juncture, as well as an upper point  452  and a lower point  454 . A plurality of paint apertures  456  extend in a line along a transverse axis of the pad  404 .  
         [0118]    In operation, when the paid  404  is adhered to the body  402 , the paint apertures  456  overlie and are in registry with the two paint channels  418 . Paint flowing to the paint applicator  400  passes through the second inside diameter  414  of the holder  408  and out through the nozzle  416  to flood the paint channels  418 . The paint is then distributed by means of the paint apertures  456  to the entire layer of bristles  446  for application to two wall surfaces joined at a corner substantially simultaneously.  
         [0119]    It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well as those described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.