Patent Publication Number: US-9409202-B2

Title: Paint roller

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is National Phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2013/062896 filed Jun. 20, 2013, and claims priority from International Application No. PCT/EP2013/054295, filed Mar. 4, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     The present invention relates to a paint roller for applying a paint to a surface, in particular a flat surface, like a wall, a ceiling or the like. 
     A paint roller is disclosed in EP 0 672 463 A1. 
     A further paint roller is described in DE 34 10 468 A1. There the paint roller has a bracket with a handle on its one end. On another end of the bracket which runs perpendicular to the direction of the handle there is held rotatably a paint roll. A bearing for rotatably supporting the paint roll comprises a sleeve which is held rotatably within a tube provided inside the paint roll. The other end of the bracket is inserted in the sleeve and held by frictional forces. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,102,327 discloses a paint roller in which the other end of the bracket or spindle, respectively, is fixed by a retaining cap which is mounted at the free end of the spindle. 
     The known paint rollers have the disadvantage that a disassembly of the bracket and the paint roll is inconvenient. In order to disassemble the paint roll from the bracket it is necessary to hold the paint roll with one hand and to pull the bracket in axial direction with the other hand. Thereby one or both hands are polluted with paint. 
     In order to provide the conventional paint roller with paint the paint roll is moved along a grid to the surface of a paint until it partly dips into the paint. In order to evenly provide the whole surface of the paint roll with more or less the same amount of paint this act is repeated several times. However, when lifting a paint roll just being partly provided with paint from the grid it occurs that the paint roll spontaneously rotates following gravity in a position where the section of the paint roll being provided with the paint faces the floor. This makes it cumbersome to evenly cover the paint roll with paint. 
     It is an object of the present invention to solve the disadvantages in the art. It is in particular an object of the present invention to provide a paint roller which can be easily disassembled. According to a further goal of the invention an even provision of paint to the paint roll should be facilitated. 
     This object is solved by the features of the present invention. Embodiments are described by the features of the present invention. 
     According to the present invention it is proposed that a push-push mechanism is provided by which the bracket and the paint roll can be connected and disconnected. 
     Push-push mechanisms are conventionally known, e. g. in the field of ball-pens. The proposed provision of a push-push mechanism has the advantage that the paint roll can be disconnected from the bracket by simply placing a free top surface of the paint roll on the ground and then pushing the bracket into the direction to the ground, so that the push-push mechanism is unlocked and the bracket can be extracted from the paint roll. —In other words, the push-push mechanism is advantageously embodied such that the connection and the disconnection is achieved by pushing the bracket in a pushing-direction which is parallel to an extension direction of the end portion and which is directed towards a free end of the paint roller, the free end being the end opposite to another end in which the end portion of the bracket is inserted. The extension direction of the end portion usually defines the rotational axis of the paint roll. In accordance with the invention it is therefore not necessary to hold the paint roll with a hand in order to disconnect it from the bracket. The proposed invention allows an easy and convenient change of a paint roll. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided at the end portion a snap element. There may further be provided a counter-snap element, which corresponds to the snap element, at a first end of a paint roll tube of the paint roll, and spring means for producing an elastic force urging the snap element and the counter-snap element apart when moving the snap element in direction of the counter-snap element are provided, wherein the spring means, the snap element and the counter-snap element act together such that the snap element engages with the counter-snap element when pushing the snap element against the elastic force in direction of the counter-snap element, and the snap element disengages from the counter-snap element when subsequently pushing the snap element against the elastic force in direction of the counter-snap element so that the paint roll can be disconnected from the bracket. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment the snap element is supported rotatable on the bracket between a first and a second stop limiting an axial movement of the snap element. 
     According to a further advantageous embodiment the elastic force exerted by the spring means upon the snap element and the counter-snap element holds the snap element in an engaged position with respect to the counter-snap element. However, when pushing the snap element from the engaged position in direction to the counter-snap element disengagement results and the snap element can be axially retracted from the counter-snap element. 
     The snap element and the counter-snap element may be formed such that they cannot be rotated against each other in the engaged state. In order to achieve this, the snap element may be provided at its outer circumference with a radial tongue and the counter-snap element may be provided with a groove which corresponds to the radial tongue. This means that in the engaged state a rotation of the paint roll is transferred to the snap element. I. e. the snap element then rotates relative to the end portion of the bracket as well as relative to the sleeve being fixedly held on the end portion. 
     According to a further advantageous embodiment the sleeve is provided at its surface with several recesses and the snap element is provided with an elastic tongue engaging and disengaging with the recesses when the snap element is rotated around the sleeve. By the interaction of the elastic tongue with the recesses there is provided a friction which acts against a rotation of the paint roll around the end portion of the bracket. By the cooperation of the elastic tongue engaging and disengaging the recesses provided at the sleeve the rotation of the paint roll is hindered intermittently. —It is also possible that a friction acting against a free rotation of the paint roll relative to the bracket is provided by a sealing which seals against the penetration of paint into a space surrounded by the paint roll. Such a sealing may be in particular provided between the end portion of the bracket and the snap element and/or the counter-snap element and/or between the snap element and the counter-snap element. 
     The aforementioned embodiment according to which a free rotation of the pain toll tube with respect to the bracket is hindered by a device providing a frictional force acting against the rotation of the paint roll tube with respect to the bracket is considered to be an independent invention which can be used in connection with any conventional paint roller. According to a preferred embodiment of this idea the frictional force or the like changes dependent on the angle of rotation. 
     The counter-snap element may be part of a first end piece being inserted into a first end of the paint roll tube. 
     The first stop may be formed as radial protrusion at the bracket. In particular there may be formed two opposite radial protrusions extending radially from the bracket. The second stop may be made of a sleeve being fixed on the bracket. Such a sleeve may be made of plastic material. It may be held in frictional engagement on the bracket. 
     According to a further advantageous embodiment the spring means is supported at the bracket. The spring means may in particular be held at the snap element. By the proposed embodiment most parts of the push-push mechanism are held at the bracket. Consequently, the paint roll forming a working part can be manufactured simply and at low cost. 
     According to a further embodiment of the invention the push-push mechanism may be constructed alternatively. In accordance with an alternative push-push mechanism at the end portion there is provided a snap arrangement comprising a first and a second cam tube being supported rotatable on the bracket, the first cam tube having at its first end face a plurality of first cams, the first cam tube being supported on the bracket between two stops limiting an axial movement thereof, the second cam tube being rotatable engaged with the first cam tube and having at a second end face a plurality of second cams which engageable with the first cams and which can be rotated with respect to the first cams in a lock position and in an unlock position, wherein in the unlock position there are formed axial grooves running between the cams, said grooves corresponding to axially running tongues being provided at an inner surface at the paint roll tube so that the snap arrangement being in the unlock position can be inserted into the paint roll tube, wherein at the paint roll tube there is provided a third stop, and wherein spring means for producing an elastic force urging the second cams against the first cams are provided, when moving the snap arrangement against the third stop. 
     The further push-push mechanism is embodied such that the snap arrangement being held on the end portion of the bracket can adopt two different states, namely a locked state and a unlocked state. In the unlocked state it is possible to insert or retract the bracket holding the snap arrangement from the paint roll tube. The snap arrangement is switched from the unlocked state into the locked state when pushing it against the third stop. In the locked stage the snap arrangement is held by the tongues within the paint roll tube. Upon exerting a pressure on the snap arrangement it switches in the unlocked state in which groove sections provided at the first and the second cam tubes come into alignment so that the snap arrangement can be retracted along the tongues from the paint roll tube. 
     According to an embodiment the first cams have first slanted faces and the second cams have corresponding second slanted faces so that the second cam tube rotates into the lock position when the second cam tube is urged by the spring against the first cam tube and when the second cam tube is out of engagement with the tongues. —This allows for an automatic switching into the locked state when the snap arrangement is pushed into the paint roll tube. 
     According to a further embodiment the inner surface, the tongues and the third stop are part of a third end piece being inserted into a first end of the paint roll tube. 
     A second end piece may be inserted into a second end of the paint roll tube. The second end piece may have a further recess for rotatably holding the end portion of the bracket. The further recess may be embodied as a through hole being concentric with the paint roll tube. According to an advantageous embodiment an end cap closing or sealing, respectively, the through hole may be provide at the second end piece. 
     The first or the third and the second end piece may be constructed identically. They may be made from plastic material by injection molding. 
     According to a further embodiment of the invention there is proposed a further alternative push-push mechanism comprising a further snap element being provided at the end portion, a further counter-snap element being in engagement with the further snap element such that upon pushing the bracket in the pushing direction the further snap element is moved relative to the further counter-snap element in an axial direction from a first axial position into a second axial position or vice-versa, and a clamping device having a clamping element being actuated by the further snap element such that it changes its radius in dependency of the position of the clamping element. —In the proposed embodiment all elements regarding the push-push mechanism are provided at the bracket. Consequently, the paint roll can be embodied in a simple manner just comprising a paint roll tube having at its outer surface a material being adapted to hold paint. By the push-push mechanism there is actuated a clamping element which changes its radius and can therefore be set in a state in which the paint roll tube surrounding the clamping element is clamped or in a state in which the clamping element has changed its radius such that it can be retracted from the paint roll tube. 
     According to an embodiment the further snap element is held rotatably upon the end portion. It is held such that an axial movement thereof is limited, i. e. such that a rotation is possible but an axial disengagement is hindered. As the further counter-snap element is in engagement with the further snap element also the further counter-snap element is held rotatably with respect to the end portion of the bracket. 
     The further counter-snap element comprises advantageously an end cap, and a compression spring may be provided between the end cap and an actuating element being provided at a free end of the snap element. The further snap element has in general a tubular shape extending along the end portion of the bracket. The further counter-snap element has a further tubular shape being embodied such that it surrounds the further snap element. An actuating element is provided nearby an end cap which is connected with the further counter snap element. The actuating element can be moved in axial direction relative to the end cap by the push-push mechanism from a first axial position into a second axial position or vice-versa. By changing the position it is possible to actuate the clamping device such that it is set from a clamping state into a released state or vice-versa. 
     According to an embodiment the clamping element is a flexible hose extending from the end cap and surrounding the actuating element. In such case the actuating element has a conical shape such that a radius of the hose is changed in dependency of the position of the actuating element. Under the term “conical shape” there is understood in general that an outer diameter of the actuating element decreases in the direction of the end cap. The actuating element may be formed that such just a portion thereof has a conical shape. 
     A first outer radius of the clamping element corresponding to the first position of the actuating element is advantageously smaller than an inner radius of a paint roll tube, and wherein a second outer radius of the clamping element corresponding to the second position of the actuating element is larger than the inner radius of the paint roll tube. The second outer radius is chosen such that in a clamping state the paint roll tube is held by the hose being compressed in radial direction. 
    
    
     
       The invention will now be described by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of a first embodiment, 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective enlarged view of the first snap element and the first sleeve according to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective enlarged view of an end piece according to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the end piece according to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view according to section line A-A in  FIG. 4 , 
         FIG. 6  is a first perspective view of the end piece according to  FIG. 4 , 
         FIG. 7  is a second perspective view of the end piece according to  FIG. 4 , 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment, 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective enlarged view of a second snap element, 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective enlarged view of a second counter-snap element, 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the bracket holding the second snap element, 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective enlarged view according to  FIG. 11 , 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the second embodiment in an unlocked state, 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the second embodiment in a locked state, 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective exploded view of a third embodiment, 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective enlarged view of a third snap element and a second sleeve according to  FIG. 15 , 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective enlarged view of a third counter-snap element according to  FIG. 15 , 
         FIG. 18  is a sectional view through the paint roller according to the third embodiment, 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective exploded view of a fourth embodiment, 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective enlarged view of a fourth snap element and a third sleeve, 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective enlarged view of a fourth counter-snap element, 
         FIG. 22  is a further perspective enlarged view of the fourth counter-snap element according to  FIG. 21 , 
         FIG. 23  is a further perspective view of the fourth counter-snap element, 
         FIG. 24  is a further perspective view of the fourth counter-snap element, 
         FIG. 25  is a top view on the fourth counter-snap element, 
         FIG. 26  is a sectional view according to sectional line B-B in  FIG. 25 , 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective exploded view of a fifth embodiment, 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective enlarged view of a snap arrangement, 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a third end cap, 
         FIG. 30  is a sectional view through the paint roll of a paint roller according to the fifth embodiment, 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective exploded view of a sixth embodiment, 
         FIG. 32  is a sectional view of the sixth embodiment showing the clamping element in a first position, 
         FIG. 33  is a sectional view according to  FIG. 32  showing the clamping element in a second position and 
         FIG. 34  is a sectional side view of the sixth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 7  there is shown a first embodiment of the paint roller. The paint roller comprises a bracket  1  which may be provided at its one end E 1  with a conventional handle which may be made of plastic (not shown here). The other end E 2  is part of a straight end portion  2 . The bracket  1  is preferably made of a metal rod. 
     Reference numeral  3  designates a first paint roll tube which may be provided at its outer circumference with a material which is adapted to hold paint (here not shown). The first paint roll tube  3  can be connected with and disconnected from the bracket  1  by a first push-push mechanism which is now described in detail. 
     In a first end E 3  of the first paint roll tube  3  there is inserted a first end piece  4 . In a second end E 4  of the first paint roll tube  3  there is inserted a second end piece  5 . The first end piece  4  and the second end piece  5  are fixed at the first paint roll tube  3 , e.g. by frictional engagement, gluing, welding or the like. 
     On the end portion  2  of the bracket  1  there is provided a first stop  6 . The first stop  6  is made by a deformation of the end portion  2  resulting in two radial protrusions. 
     Reference numeral  7  designates a first snap element which is rotatably supported on the end portion  2 . The first snap element  7  has a central first through hole H 1  through which the end portion  2  can be conducted. The first snap element  7  comprises at its outer circumference two elastic snap-tongues  8  each having a radial snap protrusion  9 . Each snap protrusion  9  has an inclined edge  9   a . A slant of the edge  9   a  rises from a radial outer direction to a radial inner direction of the first snap element  7 . The elastic snap-tongue  8  is embodied such that the snap protrusion  9  can be flexed in a circumferential direction relative to the first snap element  7  as well as in a radial inner direction of the first snap element  7 . 
     Roughly opposite the snap protrusion  9  there is provided at the snap element  7  a slanted face  9   b  which extends in radial outward direction from a support face  9   c . A slant of the slanted face runs to an opening which is limited at its one side by the support face  9   c.    
     Reference numeral  10  designates an elastic tongue protruding radially inwardly into a first cylindrical section C 1  of the first snap element  7 . In the first cylindrical portion C 1  there is provided a window  11  which allows the insertion of a first sleeve  12 . The first sleeve  12  is provided with recesses  12   a  which correspond to the elastic tongue  10 . A second cylindrical section C 2  has an inner diameter which is smaller than an inner diameter of the first cylindrical section C 1 . The inner diameter of the second cylindrical section C 2  is a little bit larger than an outer diameter of the end portion  2  so that the first snap element  7  can be held rotatably on the end portion  2 . 
     The first snap element  7  further comprises a third cylindrical section C 3  an inner diameter of which is chosen such that a compression spring  13  can be held therein by frictional forces. The first cylindrical section C 1  and the third cylindrical section C 3  are separated by a first flange  14  against which a first spring end E 5  abuts. A second spring end E 6  abuts against a further flange (not shown here) being provided within the first end piece  4 . 
     At the third cylindrical section C 3  there are provided two first radial tongues  15 . At the second cylindrical section C 2  there are provided second radial tongues  16  which are axially in alignment with the first radial tongues  15 . 
     The first  4  and the second end pieces  5  are formed identically. The end pieces  4 ,  5  comprise a first counter-snap element  17 . The first counter-snap element  17  has guide grooves  18  for guiding therein the first radial tongues  15 . Further, there are provided slanted guide rails  19  for guiding the first radial tongues  15  into the guide grooves  18 . The first counter-snap element  17  further comprises snap sections  20  having a snap opening  22  where the radial snap protrusions  9  of the elastic snap-tongues  8  are engaged when the first snap element  7  is inserted into the first counter-snap element  17 . 
     At an inner end of the end pieces  4 ,  5  there are provided funnel-like openings  21  which facilitate the insertion of the other end E 2  of the bracket  1 . In order to avoid a penetration of paint into the first paint roll tube  3  a second through hole H 2  provided in the end pieces  4 ,  5  can be sealed with an end cap  23 . 
     Although it is not shown there may be provided at the end cap  23  a seal made e.g. of a thermoplastic rubber, silicon, a low density PE or the like. A similar seal may be provided at the inside of a first end flange  16   a  extending from the free end of the second cylindrical section C 2  of the snap element  7 . The proposed seals hinder paint to penetrate inside the first paint roll tube  3 . 
       FIGS. 4 to 6  show in detail an end piece  4 ,  5 . The end piece  4 ,  5  comprises the first counter-snap element  17  which has a roughly cylindrical form. At an outer end E 7  of the first counter-snap element  17  there is provided a second flange  24  an outer diameter of which is roughly the same like a further outer diameter of the first cylindrical paint roll tube  3 . Radial walls  25  extend from the first counter-snap element  17  so as to support the second flange  24 . A radial distance between two opposite radial walls  25  is chosen such that the end piece  4 ,  5  can be held by frictional forces within the first paint roll tube  3 . 
     At an inner end E 8  of the first counter-snap element  17  there is provided a third stop  26  against which the compression spring  13  abuts when the first snap element  7  is locked with the first counter-snap element  17 . The third stop  26  is embodied here in form of a funnel-like taper. 
     As can be in particular seen from  FIGS. 6 and 7  at an inner wall of the first counter-snap element  17  there are provided slanted guide rails  19  which lead to the guide groove  18 . 
     Two snap sections  20  are provided nearby the opening end E 7  of the first counter-snap element  17 . Snap sections  20  are arranged opposite to each other. Each snap section  20  comprises a further slanted guide rail  27  leading to the snap opening  22 . The further slanted guide rail  27  can be embodied as a slanted guide groove. 
     The function of the paint roller in accordance with the first embodiment is as follows: 
     The first snap element  7  abuts against the first stop  6 . A second stop is formed by the sleeve  12  which is inserted into a pocket formed within the first cylindrical section C 1  of the first snap element  7 . The first snap element  7  is held rotatably between the first stop  6  and the sleeve  12 . 
     The elastic tongue  10  cooperates with the recesses  12   a  of the sleeve  12  which is held fixedly on the end portion  2  so that the snap element  7  can be rotated only if a frictional force provided by the action of the elastic tongue  10  is overcome. In the shown embodiment the frictional force changes because of engagement and disengagement of the elastic tongue  10  with the recesses  12   a . The compression spring  13  is held with its first spring end E 5  within the third cylindrical section C 3  of the first snap element  7 . 
     In order to lock the bracket  1  supporting thereon rotatably the first snap element  7  the other end E 2  of the end section  2  is inserted into the first end piece  4  and then via the funnel-like opening  21  into the second end piece  5 . When inserting the first snap element  7  into the first counter-snap element  17  being provided at the first end piece  4  the first radial tongues  15  are guided along the slanted guide rail  19  into the guide grooves  18 . 
     When further inserting the first snap element  7  into the first counter-snap element  17  the elastic snap-tongues  8  are flexed in a first circumferential direction when sliding with their radial snap protrusions  9  on the further slanted guide rails  27  until they come into engagement with a snap opening  22  of the snap section  20 . 
     In the engaged state the compression spring  13  abuts with its first spring end E 5  against the flange  14  as well as against the third stop  26  provided within the counter-snap element  17 . By the compression spring  13  there is exerted a force urging the first snap element  7  in an axial direction away from the first counter-snap element  17  thereby holding the first snap element  7  in a locked position with respect to the first counter-snap element  17 . 
     In order disconnect the bracket  1  from the first paint roll tube  3  the first snap element  7  is pushed via the bracket  1  against the force of the compression spring  13  in direction of the first counter-snap element  17 . Then the radial protrusions  9  are flexed radially inwardly because inclined edges  9   a  of radial snap protrusions  9  slide on a lower edge of the snap opening  22 . At the same time each elastic snap tongue  8  slides on the slanted face  9   b  and is flexed in a second circumferential direction, which is opposite to the first circumferential direction, until it abuts at the support face  9   c . The slanted face  9   b  is formed such that when exerting an axial pressure on the elastic snap-tongues  8  the radial protrusions  9  will not move back to the further slanted guide rail  27 . Finally, the elastic snap-tongues  8  are disengaged from the snap opening  22  and are flexed back such that they abut against the inner wall of the counter-snap element  17 . The first snap element  7  is forced by the action of the compression spring  13  away from the first counter-snap element  17 . Nearby the outer end E 7  the radial snap protrusions  9  again enter the further slanted guide rail  27 . The first snap element  7  is disconnected and the end portion  2  of the bracket  1  can be drawn out of the first end piece  4 . 
     Once the first snap element  7  is locked with the counter-snap element  17  it cannot be rotated relative to the first counter-snap element  17 . I. e. when the first paint roll tube  3  is rotated at the same time the first snap element  7  is rotated. However, by the cooperation of the elastic tongue  10  with the sleeve  12  and the recesses  12   a  provided therein there is caused a frictional force which hinders the rotation of the first paint roll tube  3 . This makes it easier to equally provide the first paint roll tube  3  with paint. 
     In the description of the following embodiments there are used the same reference numerals for similar or identical parts which have already been described in connection with the first embodiment. 
       FIGS. 8 to 14  show a second embodiment of the invention. In the second embodiment a second push-push mechanism is similar to the first push-push mechanism described with respect to the first embodiment. A second snap element  28  has at its one end a second end flange  29  which is provided with a central breakthrough  30 . An inner diameter of the central breakthrough  30  is chosen to be slightly larger than an outer diameter of the end portion  2  of the bracket  1 . From an inner end of the second snap element  29  there are extending roughly in axial direction flexible bars or rods  31  which are bent slightly in a radial direction. A second counter-snap element  32  has bars  33  which extend in axial direction. Bars  33  are connected with an end plate  34  which comprises a further central breakthrough  35  through which a third end piece  36  can be inserted. 
     Similar to the first embodiment on the end portion  2  of the bracket there is provided a first stop  6 . The first stop  6  is made by a deformation of the end portion  2  resulting in two radial protrusions. Further, on the end portion  2  there is provided a fourth stop  37  which is produced identical with the first stop  6 . 
     The function of the paint roller in accordance with the second embodiment is as follows: 
     The function of the second push-push mechanism is more less identical with the function of the first push-push mechanism according to the first embodiment. 
     However, the second embodiment comprises some further functional features which are now described with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 13  the second snap element  28  is held rotatably between the first stop  6  and the fourth stop  37 . The inner diameter of the central breakthrough  30  is smaller than a distance of the opposite radial protrusions. 
     When inserting the second snap element  28  into the second counter-snap element  32  rods  31  enter into rod breakthroughs (not shown here in detail) being provided in the end plate  34 . A length of the rods  31  is chosen such that upon locking the second snap element  28  with the second counter-snap element  32  rods  31  are bent slightly outwardly in a radial direction. At the same time rods  31  are locked with the third end piece  36  by a further snap mechanism (not shown here in detail). Slightly outwardly bent rods  31  provide an elastic force when inserting the arrangement of the second snap element  28  being locked with the second counter-snap element  32  into a second paint roll tube  38 . An inner diameter of the second paint roll tube  38  is chosen slightly larger than an outer diameter of the end plate  34  and the third end piece  36 . 
       FIGS. 15 to 18  show a third embodiment of the invention. On the end portion  2  of the bracket  1  there is held rotatably a third snap element  39  between the first stop  6  which is again made by deformation of the end portion  2  resulting in two radial protrusions, and a second stop which is formed by a second sleeve  40  which is held by frictional forces on the end portion  2 . 
     A third counter-snap element  43  is formed similar to the first counter-snap element  17  described with respect to the first embodiment. It is inserted in a third paint roll tube  44 . It is held within the third paint roll tube  44  by frictional forces. The third counter-snap element  43  can also be fixed within the third paint roll tube  44  by gluing, welding or the like. The third counter-snap element  43  has—similar to the first counter-snap element two snap sections  20  being arranged opposite to each other. However, the third snap element  39  is provided here just with one elastic snap-tongue  8 . 
     A third push-push mechanism is similar to the first push-push mechanism described with respect to the first embodiment. Reference is made to the description of the push-push mechanism of the first embodiment. 
     If a stop is embodied in the form of radial protrusions there may be provided a washer between the radial protrusions and the snap element. The first stop may also be made by a sleeve made of plastic. 
       FIGS. 19 to 26  show a fourth embodiment of the invention. In the fourth embodiment a fourth push-push mechanism is different from the push-push mechanisms of the first to third embodiments. 
     A fourth snap element  45  is held rotatably between the first stop  6  and a third sleeve  46  on the straight end portion  2  of the bracket  1  which is provided at its end E 1  with a handle  47 . 
     The fourth snap element  45  is roughly formed cylindrically. It comprises at its distal end E 9  at least one radially extending snap protrusion  48 , preferably two radially extending snap protrusions  48 , which are arranged opposite to each other. Each of the snap protrusions  48  has the form of a diamond the acute angles of which are aligned in axial direction. 
     Reference numeral  49  designates a spring support element having a spring supporting section  50   a  as well as further snap protrusions  50   b . The spring support element  49  is inserted at the distal end E 9  into the fourth snap element  45 . It is held at the distal end E 9  rotatably by the further snap protrusions  50   b.    
     Reference numeral  51  designates a fourth counter-snap element. At an inner surface of the fourth counter-snap element  51  there are provided slanted guide rails  19  (see  FIG. 23 ) which lead to a cam slit  52 . The cam slit  52  has a entrance opening  53  and a first end section  54  opposite of which there is located a first slanted guide section  55 . In axial direction opposite of an end point of the first slanted guide section  55  there is provided a second slanted guide section  56  leading to a second end section  57 . In axial direction opposite to the second end section  57  there is provided a third slanted guide section  58  leading to an exit opening  59 . The first  54  and the second end-section  57  have the form of a “V”. 
     The fourth counter-snap element  51  is inserted into a further paint roll tube and fixed there. 
     The function of the further push-push mechanism is as follows: 
     The compression spring  13  is held rotatably relative to the third snap element  45  by the spring support element  49 . Because of that the fourth snap element  45  is always able to rotate with respect to the fourth counter-snap element  51 . 
     When the fourth snap element  45  enters into the fourth counter-snap element  51  snap protrusions  48  are guided along the slanted guide rails  19  until they enter into the opening  53  of the cam slit  52 . Upon further pushing the fourth snap element  45  against the force of the compression spring  13 , which abuts against the third stop  26  of the fourth counter-snap element  51 , snap protrusions  48  are guided into the first end section  54 . At the same time the fourth snap element  45  is rotated in a circumferential direction away from the entrance opening  53 . Once having arrived the first end section  54  it is not possible to further push the fourth snap element  45  in axial direction. Pressure is then released and snap protrusions  48  come into contact with the first slanted guide section  55 . They are guided along the first slanted guide section  55  to the end point of the first slanted guide section  55 , which has the form of a “V”, whereby the fourth snap element  45  is again rotated in circumferential direction relative to the fourth counter-snap element  51 . The further push-push mechanism is then locked. 
     Upon exerting again a pressure upon the fourth snap element  45  snap protrusions  48  are guided along the second slanted section  56  to the second end section  57 . Upon releasing pressure snap protrusions  48  come into contact with the third slanted section  58  whereby fourth snap element  45  is again rotated in circumferential direction so that the snap protrusions  48  come into axial alignment with the exit openings  59  and fourth snap element  45  can be retracted from the fourth counter-snap element  51 . 
       FIGS. 27 to 30  show a fifth embodiment of the invention. Here, the paint roll comprises a fifth push-push mechanism in which the snap element of the above described push-push mechanisms is embodied as “snap arrangement”. 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 27, 28 and 30  the snap arrangement comprises a first cam tube  60  which is held rotatably on the end portion  2  of the bracket  1  between the first stop  6  and a fourth sleeve  61  which is fixed on the end portion  2 , e.g. by frictional forces. As can be seen from  FIG. 30  the first stop  6  may comprise a stop sleeve  61   a  which covers radial protrusions being provided at the end portion  2 . 
     A second cam tube  62  is held rotatably at the first cam tube  60  by means of a third flange  63  extending from the outer circumference of the second cam tube  62  which is in engagement with a the circumferential groove  64  provided at the inner surface of the first cam tube  60 . The engagement between the third flange  63  and the circumferential groove  64  is such that it is possible for the second cam tube  62  to also move axially within a predetermined distance. 
     Reference numeral  65  designates a third end piece which is inserted and fixed at the first paint roll tube  3 . Reference numeral  13  again designates a compression spring, which abuts against the second cam tube  62  and—in a state where the snap arrangement is in a locked state with the paint roll tube  3 —against the third stop  26  which is provided at the third end piece  65 . 
       FIG. 28  shows in detail the snap arrangement. The first cam tube  60  has at its first end face a plurality of first cams  66  which are formed identically. Between each of the first cams  66  there is provided a first groove section  67 . Each first cam  66  comprises a first slanted face  68 . 
     The second cam tube  62  has at its second end face second cams  69  which comprise second slanted faces  70  which correspond to the first slanted faces  68 . Opposite to the second slanted faces  70  there are provided on the second cams  69  third slanted faces  71 . Between two second cams  69  there are provided second groove sections  72 . 
     In  FIG. 28  the snap arrangement comprising the first  60  and the second cam tube  62  is shown in an unlocked state where the second groove sections  72  are in alignment with first groove sections  67 . 
       FIG. 29  shows in detail the third end piece  65 . At an inner cylindrical surface  73  of the third end piece  65  there are provided axially running tongues  74 . Tongues  74  have at its opening end being directed to an opening of the third end piece  65  first slanted guide faces  75  and at its stop a second slanted guide face  76 . It has to be noted that the tongues  74  just extend along a predetermined distance at the inner surface  73 , said predetermined distance being smaller than the axial length of the cylindrical section forming the inner surface  73 . Although it cannot be seen from  FIG. 29  there are provided four tongues  74  at the inner surface  73 , each of the tongues  74  being displaced by 90° with respect to an adjacent tongue  74 . An outer diameter of the first  66  and the second cams  69  is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the inner surface  73 . 
     The function of the fifth push-push mechanism of the fifth embodiment is as follows: 
     When inserting the snap arrangement into the third end piece  65  the third slanted faces  71  of the second cams  69  come into contact with first slanted guide faces  75  of the tongues  74 . Thereby the second cam tube  62  is rotated so that the second groove sections  72  and thereafter the first groove sections  67  are guided into engagement with the tongues  74 , in particular by means of sliding along the first slanted faces  68  or further first slanted faces  68   a , which also provided at the first cams  66 . The second spring end E 6  comes into contact with the third stop  26 . Compression spring  13  urges the second cam tube  62  against the first cam tube  60  when moving along the tongues  74 . As soon as the second groove sections  72  are moved beyond the tongues  74  second cams  69  are rotated by the urging force of the compression spring  13  relative to first cams  66  along the second slanted faces  70 . Then the first groove sections  67  and the second groove sections  72  are no longer in alignment. 
     When releasing the pressure the second guide face  76  of the tongue  74  abuts against a stop face  77  of the second cam  69 . Then the snap arrangement is in a locked state. 
     Upon again exerting a pressure on the snap arrangement the second cam tube  62  is moved inwardly so that the second cams  69  are no longer in engagement with the second guide face  76 . Then the second cam tube  62  again rotates relatively to the first cam tube  60  along slanted faces  68  and  70 . When releasing the pressure the second slanted faces  70  come again into contact with the second guide faces  76  of the tongues  74 . This causes a further rotational movement of the second cam tube  62  until the first groove section  67  and the second groove section  72  come into alignment so that the snap arrangement can be retracted from the third end piece  65 . 
       FIGS. 31 to 34  show a sixth embodiment of the invention. A sixth push-push mechanism comprises a fifth snap element  78  being provided at its one end with a ring disk  79  which is made of an elastic material. The fifth snap element  78  which has a substantially tubular shape is provided at its other or free end with a piston like actuating element  80  having a conical form. The actuating element  80  may have a radial extending bead  81 . The actuating element  80  further comprises breakthroughs  82 . 
     Reference numeral  83  designates a fifth counter-snap element having a substantially tubular shape. As can in particular be seen from  FIG. 34  the fifth counter-snap element  83  has a further breakthrough  84  through which second elastic snap-tongues  85  which are extending radially from the fifth snap element  78  extend. Mounting tongues  86  extend from one end of the fifth counter-snap element  83 . Mounting tongues  86  extend—in an assembled stage—through breakthroughs  82  into the second end cap  87 . Second end cap  87  is held by mounting tongues  86  fixedly with respect to the fifth counter-snap element  83 . Reference numeral  88  designates a flexible hose which is fixed at the second end cap  87 . 
     In the assembled stage the fifth snap element  78  is rotatably held upon the end portion by the ring-disk  79  which is pressed beyond end portion  2 . The fifth counter-snap element  83  is held upon the fifth snap element  78  because of the engagement of the second elastic snap-tongues  85  with the second breakthroughs  84  and because of the fact that mounting tongues  86  extend through the further breakthroughs  82  being provided at the actuating element  80 . Therewith the fifth snap element  78  is held with respect to the fifth counter-snap element  83  in a rotatably fixed manner. As can be seen in particular from  FIGS. 32 and 33  there is provided between the second end cap  87  and the actuating element  80  a further compression spring  89  which urges the fifth snap element  78  in a direction away from the second end cap  87 . The second end cap  87  is fixedly connected with the fifth counter-snap element  83  by the mounting tongues  86 . The fifth snap element  78  can be moved axially against the force of the further compression spring  89  along an axial length of the further breakthrough  84 . The whole sixth push-push mechanism formed by the aforementioned parts is provided at the end portion  2  of the bracket  1 . —A fifth paint roll tube is designated with reference numeral  90 . 
     The function of the paint roller according to the sixth embodiment is as follows: 
     In order to fix the fifth paint roll tube  90  the sixth push-push mechanism being provided on the bracket  1  is in a first state which is shown in  FIG. 32 . In the first state the actuating element  80  is forced by the further compression spring  89  in a distal position with respect to the second end cap  87 . Then the sixth push-push mechanism is inserted into the fifth paint roll tube go until a fourth flange  91  extending from the fifth counter-snap element  83  abuts against the fifth paint roll tube  90 . Upon exerting a pressure in an axial direction of the end portion  2  towards the second end cap  87  the fifth snap element  78  is moved axially against the force of the further compression spring  89  in direction of the second end cap  87  until the second elastic snap-tongues  85  come into engagement with a stop position in the breakthroughs  84 . The sixth push-push mechanism by which the second elastic snap-tongues  85  are moved from the first into the second position and are releasable fixed in said positions is embodied similar to the first push-push mechanism. However, there are not provided guide grooves allowing a release of the fifth snap element  78  from the fifth counter-snap element  83 . 
     As can be seen from a comparison of  FIGS. 32 and 33  in a second position the actuating element  80  is in a position where the flexible hose  88  is urged in a radial direction thereby clamping the fifth paint roll  90 . Upon again exerting a pressure P in axial direction of the end portion  2  towards the second end cap  87  the second elastic snap-tongues  85  are released and the fifth snap element  78  is pushed by the action of the further compression spring  89  in a direction away from the second end cap  87 . An outer radius of the flexible hose  88  becomes smaller so that the fifth paint roll tube  90  can be disengaged from the bracket  1  supporting the sixth push-push mechanism. 
     Although the enclosed figures show a specific embodiments of push-push mechanisms which allow a connection and a disconnection of a bracket with a paint roll tube it has to be understood that the push-push mechanism can also be realized by other constructions. 
     Although it is not shown in the enclosed figures it may be possible that the counter-snap element and the paint roll tube may be formed in one single piece. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 
     
         
           1  bracket 
           2  end portion 
           3  first paint roll tube 
           4  first end piece 
           5  second end piece 
           6  first stop 
           7  first snap element 
           8  elastic snap-tongue 
           9  radial snap protrusion 
           9   a  inclined edge 
           9   b  slanted face 
           9   c  support face 
           10  elastic tongue 
           11  window 
           12  first sleeve 
           12   a  recess 
           13  compression spring 
           14  first flange 
           15  first radial tongue 
           16  second radial tongue 
           16   a  first end flange 
           17  first counter-snap element 
           18  guide groove 
           19  slanted guide rail 
           20  snap section 
           21  funnel-like opening 
           22  snap opening 
           23  end cap 
           24  second flange 
           25  radial wall 
           26  third stop 
           27  further slanted guide rail 
           28  second snap element 
           29  second end flange 
           30  central breakthrough 
           31  rod 
           32  second counter-snap element 
           33  bar 
           34  end plate 
           35  further central breakthrough 
           36  third end piece 
           37  fourth stop 
           38  second paint roll tube 
           39  third snap element 
           40  second sleeve 
           41  cam 
           42  further elastic tongue 
           43  third counter-snap element 
           44  third paint roll tube 
           45  fourth snap element 
           46  third sleeve 
           47  handle 
           48  snap protrusion 
           49  spring support element 
           50   a  spring support section 
           50   b  further snap protrusions 
           51  fourth counter-snap element 
           52  cam slit 
           53  entrance opening 
           54  first end section 
           55  first slanted guide section 
           56  second slanted guide section 
           57  second end section 
           58  third slanted guide section 
           59  exit opening 
           60  first cam tube 
           61  fourth sleeve 
           61   a  stop sleeve 
           62  second cam tube 
           63  third flange 
           64  circumferential groove 
           65  third end piece 
           66  first cam 
           67  first groove section 
           68  first slanted face 
           68   a  further first slanted face 
           69  second cam 
           70  second slanted face 
           71  third slanted face 
           72  second groove section 
           73  inner cylindrical surface 
           74  tongue 
           75  first guide face 
           76  second guide face 
           77  stop face 
           78  fifth snap element 
           79  ring disk 
           80  actuating element 
           81  bead 
           82  breakthrough 
           83  fifth counter-snap element 
           84  further breakthrough 
           85  second elastic snap-tongue 
           86  mounting tongue 
           87  second end cap 
           88  flexible hose 
           89  further spring 
           90  fifth paint roll tube 
           91  fourth flange 
         C 1  first cylindrical section 
         C 2  second cylindrical section 
         C 3  third cylindrical section 
         E 1  end 
         E 2  another end 
         E 3  first end 
         E 4  second end 
         E 5  first spring end 
         E 6  second spring end 
         E 7  outer end 
         E 8  inner end 
         E 9  distal end 
         H 1  first through hole 
         H 2  second through hole 
         P pressure